Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences

Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences is the largest academic division within Tufts University, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences. Founded alongside the university in 1852, it is located primarily on the university's main campus in Medford and Somerville. The school is central to the university's identity, emphasizing interdisciplinary study, active citizenship, and a global perspective in its curriculum and research mission.

History

The school's origins are intertwined with the founding of Tufts College by Universalist donors, including Charles Tufts. Its early curriculum was modeled on the classical New England liberal arts college, with a strong emphasis on Greek, Latin, and philosophy. A significant early development was the establishment of the Jackson College for Women in 1910 as a coordinate institution, which fully merged with the liberal arts college in 1980. The school expanded its scope throughout the 20th century, notably with the growth of its graduate programs and the integration of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Key leadership figures, including former deans like Susan Ernst and the current dean, James M. Glaser, have shaped its modern emphasis on interdisciplinary and international education.

Academics

The school grants Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Arts (M.A.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. It operates on a semester system and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close mentorship. A hallmark of its undergraduate education is the Experimental College, which allows students to take innovative, often student-taught courses. The curriculum strongly encourages study abroad, facilitated by programs like Tufts in Talloires, and undergraduate research, supported by fellowships such as the Summer Scholars program. The school also houses several distinctive interdisciplinary programs, including Peace and Justice Studies and Environmental Studies.

Departments and programs

Academic offerings are organized into over thirty departments and programs spanning the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Core humanities departments include English, Philosophy, and Classical Studies. Social science divisions feature Political Science, Economics, and Sociology. In the sciences, prominent departments are Biology, Physics and Astronomy, and Chemistry. The school is also known for its interdisciplinary programs, such as the International Relations program, one of the oldest and largest in the nation, Cognitive and Brain Sciences, and Science, Technology, and Society. It administers several research centers, including the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy and the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life.

Notable faculty

Current and former faculty include numerous distinguished scholars and award winners. Notable members have included Sheldon Krimsky, a renowned bioethicist; Hugh S. Manon, a scholar of film and media theory; and Daniel W. Drezner, a prominent political scientist and commentator. The faculty includes recipients of major honors such as the Pulitzer Prize, with past members like John Holmes, and the MacArthur Fellowship, awarded to cognitive scientist Ray Jackendoff. Other eminent scholars include historian Leila J. Rupp and philosopher Nancy Bauer.

Notable alumni

Graduates have achieved prominence in diverse fields such as politics, literature, science, and business. In government and public service, notable alumni include former Governor of Massachusetts Bill Weld, former U.S. Representative Barney Frank, and Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Literary figures include Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith and novelist Tom Perrotta. In science and technology, alumni range from Google co-founder Sergey Brin to National Medal of Science recipient Joanna Fowler. The entertainment industry counts actors Hank Azaria and William Hurt among its alumni.

Facilities and resources

The school is primarily housed on the university's hilltop campus, with key facilities including Tisch Library, the main humanities and social sciences library, and the Science and Engineering Complex. Dedated arts spaces include the Aidekman Arts Center and the Cohen Auditorium. Students have access to specialized resources like the Tufts University Art Galleries and the Digital Design Studio. Research is supported by laboratories across the sciences and institutes such as the Center for Cognitive Studies. The school also manages several off-campus facilities, including the Tufts European Center in Talloires, France.