§ 21-17-102 — Objects; departments

(a) The objects of the university are to provide an
efficient means of imparting to men and women, without regard to
color, on equal terms, a liberal education, together with a
thorough knowledge of the various branches connected with the
scientific, industrial and professional pursuits. To this end
it shall embrace colleges or departments of letters, of science
and of the arts together with such professional or other
departments as in course of time may be connected therewith.
The department of letters shall embrace a liberal course of
instruction in language, literature and philosophy, together
with such courses or parts of courses in the college or
department of science as are deemed necessary.
(b) The college, or department of science, shall embrace
courses of instruction in the mathematical, physical and natural
sciences, together with such courses in language, literature and
philosophy as shall constitute a liberal education. The college
or department of the arts shall embrace courses of instruction
in the practical and fine arts and especially in the
applications of science to the arts of mining and metallurgy,
mechanics, engineering, architecture, agriculture and commerce,
together with instruction in military tactics, and in such
branches in the department of letters, as are necessary to a
proper fitness of students for their chosen pursuits, and as
soon as the income of the university will allow, in such order
as the wants of the public shall seem to require, the courses in
the sciences and their practical applications shall be expanded
into full and distinct schools or departments.