College of Arts and Sciences

J. Matthew Melton, Dean

Excellent faculty members and outstanding academic programs characterize the College of Arts and Sciences which encompasses the most diverse spectrum of academic departments of all the university’s colleges. The College of Arts and Sciences houses five departments: Behavioral and Social Sciences, Communication Arts, History, Political Science and Humanities, Language and Literature and Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Most of the general education core taken by every student who attends Lee is taught in this college. More than 90 of the university’s faculty and over 2200 of the student body work and study in the more than 70 degree programs offered. Arts and Sciences also cooperates closely with the Helen DeVos College of Education to deliver more than a dozen teacher-education programs. The college also includes graduate programs in Counseling, in which Master of Science degrees may be earned in Holistic Child Development, Marriage and Family Therapy/Studies or School Counseling. The general education, graduate and major program courses are taught by highly qualified faculty members committed to student learning and to imparting a liberal arts education from a strong Christian worldview.

Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Jeffrey Sargent, Chairperson

Department of Communication Arts

Joel Kailing, Chairperson

Department of History, Political Science, and Humanities

Randy Wood, Chairperson

Department of Language and Literature

Jean Eledge, Chairperson

Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Paul DeLaLuz, Chairperson
Blayne Carroll, Assistant Chairperson

Interdisciplinary Studies

The Interdisciplinary Studies major allows the student to develop an individualized plan of study. The intent of this program is to allow the student to experience a more comprehensive approach in academic pursuits than is provided in the traditional single major and to synthesize material from a variety of disciplines.

This program of study may prepare students for liberal arts graduate programs, and although it is not intended as prevocational, it will prepare students for entry level positions in professional areas requiring broad knowledge and skills in writing and critical thinking.

Students interested in this major must consult with a designated advisor to design a major program of study that meets the requirements listed below. Students are not limited to the areas indicated in the pre-approved list; however, if one of these areas is chosen, the student must select courses as indicated below. The completed program proposal will be submitted to the Deans Council for approval.

Special Minors

Asian Studies Minor

A minor in Asian Studies enhances the education of students in business, science and the liberal arts, especially those students working on a major in business. Not only does this minor teach students more about histories, cultures, languages, and societies throughout the Asian region that continue to grow in influence and significance, but it prepares students to work and live in various Asian countries. The minor itself requires an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Asia, providing a broad understanding of the complexity of the region while respecting the uniqueness of each country and its culture.

* It is highly recommended that students holding a minor in Asian Studies engage in a study abroad experience in an Asian country either as a member of one of the Lee University sponsored trips or by an individually arranged trip.

Latin American Studies Minor

A minor in Latin American Studies enhances the education of students in business, science, and the liberal arts. Not only does this minor teach students more about history, culture, language and society throughout a very important region of the world, Latin America, it will prepare students to work and live in the countries of a region that continues to increase in importance. The minor itself requires an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Latin America, providing a broad understanding of the complexity of the region.