A.A. in Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities

Learn to foster change while building your career and community in the arts, environmental science, education, law, human services, or the nonprofit sector.

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John Dee Bright College | On-Campus

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What You'll Learn

Immerse yourself in an innovative educational experience. Drake University’s Bright College redesigns higher education from the ground up to maximize accessibility and invite unique points of view, creating a dynamic, supportive, and hands-on learning environment.

In our Associate of Arts program in Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities, you’ll dive into project-based, collaborative learning. Grounded in Drake’s core liberal arts education, this approach focuses on context and application through engaging, interdisciplinary seminars that integrate multiple perspectives, mentorship, and real-world relevance. And you’ll do it all with a close-knit cohort of fellow students who will inspire you to pursue your passions.

The Arts, Sciences, and Humanities program positions you to lead, encourage change, and influence community organizations, nonprofits, and centers of civic and cultural life. Along with acquiring workplace-ready skills, you fulfill Drake’s general education requirements—a pathway that takes you right to any of our bachelor’s degree programs.

About the A.A. in Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities

Full tuition coverage is provided for Iowa residents who are Pell Grant eligible.
Affordability is a top priority. We work hard with all students to provide adequate resources to fund their education.
Admission to bachelor’s-level studies at Drake is guaranteed after successful program completion.
Students sharpen their skills in communication, team-building, critical thinking, creativity, and media literacy, preparing to contribute valuable insights in any professional setting.
We support you from all angles, with faculty advisors and mentors guiding your journey as a Bulldog.
72.9% of Bright College students have entered a four-year degree program after graduation, including at Drake or another institution.
Apply easily, with a simple, test-free admission process.

Program Facts

On campus
Full time
Cohort-based
63 credit hours for the A.A.
Complete in 21 months (including one summer session)

A.A. in Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities

Benefit from a curriculum anchored by dynamic, discussion-based seminars that feature active learning and a practical, career-oriented focus. Study is full-time and uses a block schedule: You’ll begin in the summer of year one and finish in the spring of year two.

Transfer Pathways at Drake

Students who successfully complete the A.A. at Bright College are guaranteed admission to Drake. Take advantage of generous financial aid as you pursue your next milestone. Dozens of programs can be completed in as little as two additional years. Popular transfer pathways include Environmental Science and Sustainability, Education, History, English, Law, Politics, and Society, Psychology, and Computer Science/AI.

Kevin Lam, Ph.D.

Professor, Urban & Diversity Education; Director of Social Justice in Urban Education Concentration

Debra DeLaet

David E. Maxwell Distinguished Professor of International Affairs; Professor, Political Science

Two students in Drake's A.A. in Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities program learn from a faculty member about their J-Term options

J-Terms

Change up the pace with a month-long course in January of each year. These shorter, intensive experiences let you focus on specific topics that connect your major with practical, career-relevant skills.

A student enrolled in Drake's A.A. in Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities program presents their practicum project to their classmates

Interdisciplinary Seminars and Practicum

Instead of lots of classes in narrow areas, you’ll take wide-reaching seminars that cross multiple disciplines and link concepts to real-world applications along with short, intensive professional skills courses.

Two students in graduation caps pose in front of the sign for Drake University's Bright College

Professional Education

Graduate with the skills most highly sought by employers in all fields. You’ll prepare through applied, team-based courses and extensive professional exposure, including direct engagement with client organizations in your final semester.

A group of students in Drake's A.A. in Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities program collaborate on an assignment in a common area

Learning Communities

A cohort model means you’ll move through your classes with the same set of peers. As you progress from one semester to the next, you’ll find an energized community that roots for your success in and out of the classroom.

A handshake between a hand with a blue shirt cuff and another hand with a bracelet

Internships

Apply for optional internships in the spring of your second year, where you can hone your individual skills in hands-on learning environments in a wide range of professional organizations in the Des Moines metro area.

Students from Drake's A.A. in Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities program show off the mural they created on campus

Student Organizations

This is your community. Join any of Drake’s more than 150 student organizations and find opportunities to connect, try new things, grow professionally, and take on leadership roles.

Careers & Skills

Your studies at Bright College equip you with foundational, transferable skills that enhance numerous career paths. Your ability to think holistically and critically while strategizing in a team-based environment sets you up to develop actionable solutions for any community organization or workplace.

While some Bright College students enter the workforce after completing their associate degree, many choose to continue at Drake to explore their passions and unlock advanced opportunities, including preparation for Law school or graduate school.

Employers

Des Moines International Airport
Broadlawns Medical Center
Neighborhood Law Group
Watercress Financial
Zion Integrated Behavioral Health Services
Iowa Veterinary Services
Iowa Urban Media

Skills

Collaborative problem-solving
Critical thinking
Digital literacy
Effective communication
Intercultural understanding
Team building

A student enrolled in Drake's A.A. in Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities program stands in front of a classroom building

Salary & Growth Outlook

Average salary for all education occupations in 2024. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

We are looking for creative, driven learners who want the opportunity to do college differently—those eager for the challenges of teamwork, innovation, and creative problem solving in a uniquely supportive environment focused on 21st-century, real-world learning.

Applications open in September of the year preceding fall enrollment. Applicants will submit:

High-school transcripts
Two brief personal statements in response to provided prompts
Names and contact information for up to two references

After submission and our initial review, some applicants may be invited to a brief interview before the admission decision is finalized. Admitted students applying for financial aid will be required to file their FAFSA® by June 1st.

Apply Now

"Bright has given me so much flexibility."

Darcy Lentz, JB’23

Environmental Sustainability and Resilience, BA

Use ecologic, economic, and social principles to create policies, communities, and other systems that can address sustainability issues and withstand rapid change.

Law, Politics and Society, BA

Build a better understanding of how law influences our lives in one of the nation’s only undergraduate legal studies majors.

Psychology, BA or BS

Understand the science of behavior through classroom study and participation in research seminars, independent projects, and internships.

Take the Next Step

Ready to blaze a new trail? Reach out to learn more about Bright College’s distinctive approach or start your application below.

Contact

Grace Wenzel (she, her, hers)
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission and Bright College Recruitment
Office of Admission
P 515-271-2091
E grace.wenzel@drake.edu

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A group of students depart from Drake University's Bright College