School of Arts & Sciences

Immerse yourself in the sciences, humanities and fine arts, in an environment that prizes creativity and discovery.

The School of Arts and Sciences at SUNY Potsdam exposes students to a variety of fields within the fine arts, sciences, humanities and social sciences. The School’s strong foundation in the liberal arts prizes creativity and inquiry, offering a full palette of study in 18 departments offering majors, minors and interdisciplinary programs that encourage hands-on learning opportunities for every student.

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Academic Departments

“Haitian first, Cuban in the mix, African forever”

A deep sense of justice drives SUNY Potsdam alumna Nyasha Saint Arromand-Wells ’16 to shed light on inequities through her true crimes podcasting, and her striving for excellence has led to a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force.

Hands-On Discovery

From exploring the Adirondacks to hands-on research in geoarchaeology, SUNY Potsdam student Makenzie Kuntz ’26 is embracing every moment of her college journey. Discover how she’s combining her passion for geology with unique learning experiences on campus.

Layers of Support

Sifting through history and shaping her future—Emmalee Clements ’25 is making her mark in the world of archaeology. With the support of the Gilchrist Award, she was able to offset the costs of field school last summer, and is building on those experiences in the labs on campus as she prepares for an exciting career.

From Potsdam to Pulitzer

Stephan Savoia ’75, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, first caught the photojournalism bug at SUNY Potsdam in 1974. From capturing historic moments like the aftermath of 9/11 to numerous presidential campaigns, his career has spanned decades as he shaped history through his lens. Now retired, Savoia reflects on his extraordinary journey and will return to his alma mater this summer to share his stories and showcase his remarkable work.

Old Fossils. New Spaces.

Dr. Page Quinton is bringing paleontology to life in the brand-new Environmental Science Lab, where students are getting hands-on experience learning how fossils are formed, studying mass extinction events, and examining evolutionary patterns based on the fossil record.

Learning to Fly

From mentoring young hawks to shaping the next generation of musicians, Sasha Truax’s journey blends hands-on experience with a deep commitment to both her studies and her community. Check out her story and see how the SUNY Potsdam senior is flying toward a bright future.

‘Best Job I’ve Ever Had’

Kate Favaro ’13 is turning her personal experiences with grief into a career dedicated to supporting others who are dealing with loss. Discover how her journey from a sociology student at SUNY Potsdam to a Grief Services Coordinator is helping normalize the grieving process and make a real difference in her community.

Future in Focus

Ever since he was in middle school, Lucas Scalcione '25 knew that he wanted to pursue a career in medicine, specifically ophthalmology. Now he has completed the rigorous MCAT exam, is wrapping up his degree in biology at SUNY Potsdam, and will be entering medical school next fall.

From Hobby to Hollywood

When Brett Bull ’17 arrived at SUNY Potsdam as a psychology major, he never expected that his side music projects would lead to a career in the music industry. After working in the studio with a music producer during his final years at SUNY Potsdam, his music has continued to gain traction. After joining the Crucial Music Corporation—which focuses on placing music from independent artists in blockbuster films and television shows—his song “Hit the Strip” has been chosen for the Hollywood film, “Anora!”.

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