Departments
College of Arts & Sciences
Be Bold in the Pursuit of Your Passions
The College of Arts & Sciences is the largest college at NMSU, with more than 20 academic departments and two ROTC programs that prepare you for a variety of career opportunities. Whether you’re looking to launch your career with a bachelor’s or advance in your field with a graduate degree, you can find a program that fits your goals — one that’s enriching, empowering, and expertly taught.
Fine Arts
Art
With a state-of-the-art facility and a focus on New Mexico’s diverse border communities, the Department of Art gives students multiple platforms for artistic and critical engagement. Our classes are cross-disciplinary and collaborative, taught by internationally recognized artists, historians, and conservators.
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Creative Media
The Creative Media Institute nurtures student filmmakers through industry-standard education and research. Our collaborative, cross-disciplinary program equips you with 21st century skills in animation, digital filmmaking, and creative writing.
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Music
At the Department of Music, you’ll discover some of the finest bachelor’s and master’s programs in the Southwest for launching music careers. Learn from internationally recognized faculty and enjoy plenty of performance opportunities in a wide array of ensembles.
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Theatre
The Department of Theatre Arts prepares you for a performing arts career through transformative mentorship and an impressive 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Not only will you receive personalized training from teachers with backgrounds in Broadway, film, and television — you’ll gain access to one of the newest, most state-of-the-art theaters in the Southwest.
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English
The Department of English offers dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs, all of which are grounded in intellectual stimulation, community support, and professional growth. In addition to our award-winning faculty, we’re also proud of our national literary magazine, Puerto del Sol, which gives publication opportunities to both emerging and established authors.
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History
Interpret the past from many different perspectives in our undergraduate and graduate programs at the Department of History. Our innovative programs emphasize the use of primary sources, including letters, songs, literature, and more. Through detail-oriented research courses, you’ll gain marketable skills in communicating, problem solving, and crafting arguments.
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Language and Linguistics
Gain a complex, global perspective on the world at the Department of Languages and Linguistics. Explore majors and minors in Linguistics, Spanish, French, and German, with additional learning opportunities for Portuguese and Japanese.
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Philosophy
The Department of Philosophy offers transformational undergraduate programs that give you the opportunity to work closely with our experienced faculty. Apply classical texts to ancient, modern, and contemporary ethical questions, and develop deep connections with your professors and peers.
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Astronomy
Explore the greatest mysteries of the universe at the Department of Astronomy. Our programs offer life-changing experiences at the Apache Point Observatory, the Dunn Solar Telescope, and the NASA Planetary Data System Atmosphere Node. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, you’ll gain valuable research and critical thinking skills that set you up for success in a variety of careers.
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Biology
Advance your understanding of life and living systems with the Department of Biology at NMSU. Whether you're pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, you'll gain hands-on experience through coursework, lab work, and faculty-mentored research — work which can lead to publication. With a focus on discovery, education, and service, the department is a thriving hub for future scientists and changemakers.
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Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers ACS-certified and ASBMB-accredited undergraduate degrees, along with invigorating, research-focused graduate degrees. Whether you’re looking for a career in science, education, or health, you can find a specialization that fits your goals.
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Computer Science
Build the future with the Department of Computer Science. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to game design, software engineering, and bioinformatics, our curriculum blends theory and hands-on experience in cutting-edge labs like PIxL, PLEASE, and KLAP. Whether you're headed for industry, research, or academia, you’ll graduate with the skills to lead in a tech-driven world.
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Geology
Unearth world-class geology in the heart of the southern Rio Grande rift with NMSU’s Department of Geological Sciences. Through field trips and research projects, you’ll get hands-on experience that prepares you for careers in environmental geology, the energy sector, government, or further study at top research institutions.
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Mathematical Sciences
Discover the power of mathematical thinking at the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Whether you're pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside faculty in areas like algebra, mathematical biology, machine learning, and the mathematics of materials science. No matter your major, the department helps you build the quantitative and reasoning skills every modern career demands.
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Physics
Delve into the wonders of the universe with NMSU’s Department of Physics. Whether you choose our ABET-accredited B.S., master’s, Ph.D., or any other innovative program, you’ll explore the fundamental laws of nature while gaining hands-on research experience at world-class facilities in the U.S. and abroad.
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AFROTC
Launch your future as a leader in the U.S. Air Force or Space Force through AFROTC Detachment 505 at NMSU — one of the oldest and most storied detachments in the nation. As a cadet, you’ll develop critical leadership skills through Aerospace Studies classes, hands-on training, and service projects, all while working toward your commission as a Second Lieutenant. With a proud legacy that includes decorated commanders and distinguished alumni, Detachment 505 offers a supportive, challenging environment open to students of all majors
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Anthropology
Explore what it means to be human with the Department of Anthropology at NMSU. From ancient ancestors to modern-day challenges like climate change and public health, you’ll engage in hands-on research that spans cultures, time periods, and pressing global issues — all while developing the tools to make a real-world impact.
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Communication Studies
Master the art of connection at the Department of Communication Studies. Explore how communication shapes relationships, organizations, cultures, and media, and build the skills you need to thrive in today’s global and diverse workplace. Our undergraduate and graduate programs prepare you for a dynamic career in public relations, human resources, politics, or any other people-focused field.
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Criminal Justice
Prepare to lead in a rapidly evolving field with NMSU’s Department of Criminal Justice. Explore the forces that shape justice and society through an interdisciplinary curriculum with hands-on learning and faculty-led research. With a focus on issues affecting the U.S.-Mexico borderlands — and partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies — our undergraduate and graduate programs offer real-world experience that sets you up for success.
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Geography
Make a difference for people and the planet with NMSU’s Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. Here, you'll explore big-picture questions through hands-on research, innovative technology, and student-centered learning focused on sustainability and social impact. Join a collaborative, values-driven bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program where your education helps build a better future — locally and globally.
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Government
Explore the forces shaping our world with the Department of Government. From our accelerated master’s program to our new Ph.D. in Transborder and Global Human Dynamics, we offer undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare you for a life of impact. Between our expertly taught courses and additional opportunities like our Model United Nations, our programs equip you for careers in public service, international affairs, and beyond.
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Journalism and Media Studies
Step into the exciting world of media with the Department of Journalism and Media Studies. Founded in 1964, our department has a proud legacy of training media professionals, setting you up for success in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, and more. With hands-on learning, real-world internships, and expert faculty, our programs prepare you to shape the stories that shape our world.
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Military Science
Build leadership skills that last a lifetime with Army ROTC at NMSU. Through a mix of classroom instruction, physical training, and hands-on military skills like land navigation and rappelling, you’ll gain confidence, discipline, and leadership experience that set you apart — on campus and beyond.
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Psychology
Delve into the complexities of human thought and behavior with the Department of Psychology. Through any of our innovative bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, you'll gain a strong foundation in psychological science while engaging in hands-on research in areas like development, neuroscience, cognition, and social psychology.
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