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 six departments: Behavioral and Social Sciences, Communication Arts, History, Political Science and Humanities, Language and Literature, Mathematical Sciences, and Natural Sciences. 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 50 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 and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. 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

Donna Summerlin, Chairperson

Department of Mathematical Sciences

Blayne Carroll, Chairperson

Department of Natural Sciences

Paul DeLaLuz, Chairperson
Robert West, Assistant Chairperson

Special Major

Liberal Studies

The Liberal 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 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.

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.