The College of Arts and Sciences is unique in offering students a broad-based, liberal arts education transmitting a core of knowledge and cultural values. The college provides the service courses required by all university academic degree programs and specialized courses that may lead to employment or post baccalaureate studies. The college is committed to providing a humanistic and analytical education through a student-focused educational environment. Its faculty excel in teaching, scholarship and service. The curriculum and its orientation are responsive to the cultural diversity of the students and to the entire South Texas region. In this way, the college helps to expand the academic, social and cultural horizons and expectations of the people it serves. Through teaching, scholarship and service, the college provides students with a core of cultural knowledge and understanding necessary to function as global citizens and with the life skills and judgment essential to contribute fully to society. The college provides oral and written communication skills required for all disciplines and helps students attain general professional competency in the area of their major. Fulfilling its mission, the college fosters lifelong learning.