At Missouri Western State University, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) is primarily concerned with knowledge as a liberating force in the lives of all people. Within the college's disciplines, knowledge is investigated as the endeavor to understand the nature of humankind and the universe, and as the means for developing an individual's potential to the fullest. The college provides opportunities for growth to all interested students, and acts as a catalyst in the cultural life of the community. In all its activities, the college strives for academic excellence.

The college is concerned with the application of knowledge to specific pursuits and to the development of competencies in its students. There are eleven departments offering degrees in twenty-five different disciplines, plus a Bachelor's of Interdisciplinary Studies. The LAS college strives for cooperation between and enlightenment among the departments/disciplines.