The mission of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences is to enable students to explore areas of knowledge and to reflect critically and creatively on aesthetic forms and on intellectual and cultural practices. Graduates can conduct research, substantiate arguments, and communicate in the broadest possible socio-historical, literary, and scientific contexts. The school's primary goal is for its students to make continuing contributions as critical thinkers and creative professionals. SLAS plays two major roles at Pratt. First, we offer two degree programs for students whose interests impel them to pursue their education as thinkers and writers in a community oriented toward art and design: The B.A. in Critical and Visual Studies and the Writing Program.

Studies in the liberal arts complement a chosen discipline and impart critical thinking skills that bolster confidence as one transitions to the working world.

The School also provides a well-rounded education for students in the professional programs, offering a curriculum in Humanities and Media Studies, Mathematics and Science, Social Science and Cultural Studies. With both depth and breadth unequaled by other colleges of art and design, SLAS offers courses in astronomy, botany, chemistry, communications, cultural history, creative writing, cultural studies, ecology, English, foreign languages, gender studies, humanities, mathematics, music, performance, philosophy, physics, psychology, science, and social science. Most of these areas of study offer courses that make explicit connections with students' areas of professional interest. A student can take a psychology course on perception and creativity, a chemistry course on the science of conservation, a course on the artist in fiction and film, to name only three examples.

SLAS includes the Writing and Tutorial Center, which offers assistance in writing and specific academic subjects to students at all levels. We also offer the Certificate of English Proficiency Program and the Intensive English Program, which support international students in gaining and perfecting the English language skills they need to pursue their education and to interact as vital members of the Pratt community.

Undergraduate Liberal Arts Requirements

Professional Curricula

At least 25 percent of the credit requirements for all baccalaureate degrees is the ultimate responsibility of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The specific requirements are:

1. A minimum of six credits in English: English 101 (3 credits) and English 103 (3 credits). Students must pass English 101 and 103 with a grade of C or better. English 101, which must be taken in the student's first semester at the Institute, is a prerequisite for all liberal arts courses.
2. A minimum of six credits in cultural history. Students must complete the CH 300, CH 400 sequence.
3. A minimum of six credits in the social sciences or philosophy.
4. A minimum of six credits in science and/or mathematics.