- <a href="/live/image/gid/317/width/650/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image92495"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/317/width/500/height/240/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/317/width/500/height/240/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/317/width/500/height/240/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/317/width/800/height/383/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/317/width/800/height/383/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/317/width/800/height/383/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/317/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/317/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/317/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/317/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/92495_CAS-0220-Faculty_Student_Interaction-4650.rev.1679088712.jpg" alt="Students and faculty sitting together, talking." width="1440" height="690" data-max-w="2663" data-max-h="1778"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Studying the liberal arts means that all of your classes will be grounded in critical thinking, written and verbal communication, teamwork, and problem solving.</div>
Academic Programs
Our liberal arts education gives you the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes and explore connections across disciplines. Our academics are challenging and rigorous, but you will be supported every step of the way by your advisors, your professors, and your peers. And for those of you who are ready to think about your education long term, we offer pathways to and partnerships with our Graduate School of Education and Counseling and School of Law.
Majors and Minors at Lewis & Clark
Your Lewis & Clark education will provide you with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of subjects, and to dig deep into those you find most intriguing. Lots of interests? Double major, or add a minor or two. Your education in and out of the classroom will prepare you to see connections others miss and to creatively solve complex problems, skills that are valuable in all professions.
You will take approximately 32 courses during your time here, and you’ll have choices when it comes to every single one. Your classes will be split roughly into thirds: general education, major requirements, and electives.
Art (Studio) | Major Minor |
Art History | Major Minor |
Dance | Minor |
Music | Major Minor |
Theatre | Major (concentrations in performance, design/tech, literature/history, and dance) Minor |
English | Major |
History | Major Minor |
Philosophy | Major |
Religious Studies | Major Minor |
World Languages and Literatures | Major |
Chinese | Minor |
Classics | Major Minor |
French Studies | Major Minor |
German Studies | Major Minor |
Hispanic Studies | Major Minor |
Japanese | Minor |
Latin American and Latino Studies | Minor |
Russian | Minor |
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Major |
Biology | Major |
Chemistry | Major Minor |
Computer Science | Major Minor Optional concentration in cybersecurity |
Computer Science and Mathematics | Major |
Mathematics | Major Minor |
Physics | Major Minor |
Economics | Major Minor |
International Affairs | Major |
Political Science | Major Minor |
Psychology | Major |
Rhetoric and Media Studies | Major Minor |
Sociology and Anthropology | Major |
Asian Studies | Major Minor |
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Major |
Classics | Major Minor |
Data Science | Minor |
Earth System Science | Minor |
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation | Minor |
Environmental Studies | Major Minor |
Ethnic Studies | Minor |
Gender Studies | Minor |
Health Studies | Minor |
Latin American and Latino Studies | Minor |
Middle East and North African Studies | Minor |
Neuroscience | Minor |
Political Economy | Minor |
The Liberal Arts Advantage
Studying the liberal arts means that all of your classes will be grounded in critical thinking, written and verbal communication, teamwork, and problem solving. You’ll draw on these skills throughout your life, no matter where you work or what you do. Our academics are also closely connected with our location in Portland. The Connect-Portland (PDX) designation is given to courses highlighting the experiential, experimental, and inquiry-based learning that is derived from our location. Lewis & Clark is the perfect place to get an education that will prepare you to take on the world.
Looking for graduate school programs →
Looking for law school programs →
Graduate-Level Research
Interested in conducting graduate-level research or getting published in a peer-reviewed journal? Our faculty are ready to partner up with you.
College Internships
Looking for a paid internship while earning class credit? We have opportunities through our entrepreneurship minor, our Office of Sustainability, and our Career Center.
Accelerated Degree Programs
Want even more of the Lewis & Clark experience? Through our 4-5-6 Commitment, we offer a five-year bachelor’s degree + master’s in teaching degree (MAT) with our graduate school and a six-year bachelor’s degree + law degree (JD) with our law school.
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> Any student from abroad can be sure to find a support system here that will enrich and help them create their college experience.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/9535-emma-franco">Emma Franco BA ’20</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> The professors in the computer science and mathematics department display true passion for their respective fields of study and have provided invaluable mentorship that has helped me tremendously in discovering opportunities that are right for me.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18356-sebastian-deprez">Sebastian DePrez BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Upland, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> Computer science and mathematics is a difficult and competitive field, but it is one that can be used for creating positive change if applied in the right ways.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18323-farjad-madataly">Farjad Madataly BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Antananarivo, Madagascar</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I enjoy understanding how the world works from the basics of cell biology to bigger environmental patterns. I aim to be more informed when I go out into the world and explore with intention and awareness.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18326-gen-coutant">Gen Coutant BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Queensbury, New York</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I have loved the art history classes I have taken so far. Many of the classes focus on a specific location or time period, which allows you to really dive deep into the culture or period discussed.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18359-cadyn-schenk-turner">Cadyn Schenk-Turner BA ’26</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Charlotte, North Carolina</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I appreciate the way digital media has broadened my understanding of art and creativity. Learning about the ineffable nature of art and its connection to AI has enriched my perspective and deepened my passion for artistic expression.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20611-miranda-caba-solano">Miranda Caba Solano BA ’27</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Caguas, Puerto Rico</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> My biochemistry and molecular biology major allows me to take a deep dive into the smallest facets of the natural world and understand how they interact with each other to create what we observe in our everyday lives. </p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18343-brynn-doty">Brynn Doty BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Seattle, Washington</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I’m amazed by the breadth of science within our department, and the opportunities for students to find what aspect of biology interests them the most. It’s evident that our faculty cares deeply about each one of us, and that we have their unending support through that discovery.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18342-liv-nicks-turnley">Liv Nicks-Turnley BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta"> Longmont, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> So far, my favorite class has been Contemporary International Fiction with Professor Rishona Zimring. It was the perfect blend of reading for pleasure while also honing in on my critical-thinking and argumentative writing skills.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16679-emily-larabee">Emily Larabee BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Anchorage, Alaska</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> International Political Economy with Dr. Elizabeth Bennett has been my favorite class. It is the most comprehensive study of the formation of contemporary global economy available at Lewis & Clark, and Dr. Bennett is an expert at accessibly presenting subject material and leading class discussions.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17791-loren-pawelski">Loren Pawelski BA ’24</a><br/></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> The labs give me an opportunity to really wrap my head around what I’m studying. Watching chemical reactions happen in front of you really solidifies the real-life applications of what we’re learning in class.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18341-bella-root">Bella Root BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Santa Fe, New Mexico</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> I really enjoyed the variety of classes within the psychology department because it gave me the opportunity to test out different aspects of the field. All the professors in the department are wonderful as well.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18344-alex-wally">Alex Wally BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Seattle, Washington</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> Given my interest in cell/molecular-scale biology, the biochemistry and molecular biology major feels like a match made in heaven. I love that there are lots of lab courses in the major, allowing my education to be more than theoretical.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18340-avi-strok">Avi Strok BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Los Angeles, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> Sociology and anthropology is all about examining the world around us and thinking about why things are the way that they are. This ranges from looking at things like music and art to deep political decisions.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18360-jeremy-kregar">Jeremy Kregar BA ’24</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Westminster, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_329"><p> BCMB is a major that involves many experiments, which I love. It allows me to release my imagination to set up a hypothesis and use my knowledge and effort to solve any difficulties I face.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18350-polly-ren">Polly Ren BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Shanghai, China</span></p></blockquote>
Study Abroad With Lewis & Clark
Lewis & Clark study-abroad programs are immersive experiences in unexpected places, often with one of your own faculty members as your leader. Our programs are either a semester or full year long, giving you time to live new experiences and perspectives rather than simply to observe them. No matter your major—even the sciences—you will be encouraged to study overseas.
Academics FAQ
Yes! You will take approximately 32 courses during your time here, and you’ll have choices when it comes to every single one. Your classes will be split roughly into thirds: general education, major requirements, and electives. You have a lot of flexibility in choosing general education and elective courses outside of your chosen major.
Art (Studio)
Art History
Asian Studies
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Classics
Computer Science
Computer Science and Mathematics
Economics
English
Environmental Studies
French Studies
German Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
International Affairs
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Sociology and Anthropology
Theatre
Student-Designed Major
World Languages and Literatures
Art and Art History
Asian Studies
Chemistry
Chinese
Classics
Computer Science
Dance
Data Science
Earth System Science
Economics
English
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation
Environmental Studies
Ethnic Studies
French Studies
Gender Studies
German Studies
Health Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
Japanese
Latin American and Latino Studies
Mathematics
Middle East and North African Studies
Music
Neuroscience
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Russian
Theatre
The liberal arts education you’ll receive from Lewis & Clark College is an ideal background for any professional career. You’ll learn to be an innovative thinker, creative problem solver, and thoughtful leader—traits that are invaluable in our knowledge-based economy.
If you already have a career in mind, we also provide preparation in several professional fields so you can get started on your path. While not majors, these preprofessional offerings allow you to focus in your area of interest as you develop a wide range of skills through all of your courses. Faculty are available to advise students interested in these fields:
- Engineering (3-2 with partner schools)
- Law (3-1 BA/MSL and 3-3 BA/JD with L&C Law School)
- Health Professions
- Education (4-1 BA/MAT with L&C Graduate School)
- Business and Management (4-2 BA/MBA with partner schools)
All of our majors are excellent preparation for whatever path you take after graduation. The best part of a liberal arts education is the interconnectedness of courses between seemingly disparate subjects. Some of our most popular majors are biology, environmental studies, psychology, and sociology and anthropology.
Earn Your Degree With Lewis & Clark
- 4-5-6
Lewis & Clark’s 4-5-6 Commitment can help you make the most of your future.
- 29+33
Lewis & Clark offers 29 majors and 33 minors.
- 12:1
Lewis & Clark College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.
- 1 of 7
L&C is one of seven Oregon schools to make the national Colleges of Distinction list in 2023–24.
- Free
Free peer tutoring is available for over 100 courses across 25+ subjects.
Featured News
History in Action at the Southern Border
Lewis & Clark history students are putting their research skills to work for asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Bruce Suttmeier
Office Hours: Mondays-Fridays 8:30 a.m.-noon, 1-5 p.m.
Albany Quadrangle, 201