Inaugurated in 1957, the College of Arts is the oldest college at King Saud University. The primary role of the college is to promote the study of the humanities and to cultivate the intellectual and spiritual qualities of the human being. In addition, the College of Arts has special goals stemming from its unique Saudi character. First, it plays an important role in the revival of Islamic culture, the preservation of Islamic history and traditions, and the enhancement of Arabic language within the context of a modern and developing society. Moreover, the college offers scientific studies that systematically research various aspects of the Saudi society. It also aims at supplying the country with well qualified graduates who will assume various managerial, social and planning responsibilities.

       By 1961, females were permitted to enroll in the College of Arts as external students. It was envisioned that the educated Saudi females would play an important role in the teaching profession while keeping pace with the development of the Kingdom and fulfilling her traditional duties within the setting of the family.  Since 1976, courses in the College of Arts have been offered to female students through the Center for Studies for females.

     The College of Arts is composed of the following departments:

           1.   Department of Arabic (BA, MA, PhD)

           2.   Department of English (BA, MA, PhD)

           3.   Department of History (BA, MA, PhD)

           4.   Department of Geography (BA, MA, PhD)

           5.   Department of Sociology and Social Work (BA, MA, PhD)

           6.   Department of Mass Communication (BA, MA)

           7.   Department of Library and Information Sciences (BA)