College of Arts and Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences

College of Arts & Sciences

Administration

Roger Schultz, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of History

Carey Roberts, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of History

Stephanie Blankenship, B.A., M.A., Ed.D.
Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Associate Professor of Spanish

Program Directors

A listing of program directors can be viewed on the Program Director webpage.

Research Intensive Courses

All research intensive courses are listed online on the Center for Research & Scholarship QEP Overview webpage.

Purpose

The purpose of the College of Arts & Sciences is to develop Christ-centered lifelong learners who think critically, live morally, and act skillfully to make contributions in their workplaces, communities, and around the world. They will be equipped with the essential knowledge, values, and skills in disciplines focused on philosophical, cultural, and scientific achievements. Graduates from the College of Arts & Sciences will be able to apply, communicate, and expand the knowledge they have gained as they seek to glorify God in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Departments of the College include English, Family & Consumer Sciences, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, and Interdisciplinary Studies. The College offers learning opportunities in American Sign Language, family and consumer sciences, event planning, fashion merchandising, child development, interior design, Chinese, English, Writing, French, Spanish, German, Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language, geography, history, humanities, linguistics, mathematics, military science, philosophy, physical science, physics, and social sciences.

Center for Creation Studies

The Center for Creation Studies is an interdisciplinary education and research institute committed to the study of the origin of the universe, the earth, life, and diversification of species. This study draws upon knowledge from religion, science, philosophy, and history.

The primary educational activity of the Center is the presentation of CRST 290 History of Life (3 c.h.), and CRST 390 Origins (3 c.h.). These courses provide introductory and in-depth investigations, respectively, into the current creation-evolution controversy by surveying evidences and arguments from a diversity of intellectual fields and from various viewpoints and perspectives.

Exhibits, currently located in the Center for Natural Sciences, teach concepts of the creation model, describe creationist research, and glorify the Creator of the heavens and the Earth.

Purpose

The purpose of the Center for Creation Studies is to promote the development of a consistent biblical view of origins in our students. The Center seeks to equip students to contend for their faith in the creation account in Genesis using science, reason, and the Scriptures. The minor in Creation Studies provides a flexible program with a broad training in various disciplines that relate to origins as well as the Bible. Students in both science or non-science majors will benefit from an in-depth study of creation and evolution.

Karen Kingsbury Center for Creative Writing

Liberty University has partnered with #1 New York Times bestselling author and Christian novelist Karen Kingsbury to create the Karen Kingsbury Center for Creative Writing and opened in 2017.

Courses in Kingsbury’s center provide useful insights into the publishing and professional writing industry. Aspiring writers can benefit from her writing and business tips to help propel them in the right direction towards career success.

Purpose

The English Department provides instruction in the theory and practice of writing and in the interpretation, analysis, and criticism of literature, in order to prepare students for careers and for graduate study in language arts, language arts education, and literature, all contributing to a lifelong appreciation for written texts and their contexts within a Christian worldview.

Developmental English

ENGL 100 Basic Composition (3 c.h.) is a developmental English course designed to help students improve their writing skills by studying correct usage of grammar and mechanics, organizing their thoughts for written assignments, and composing organized paragraphs and essays through the writing process. ENGL 100 Basic Composition (3 c.h.) is a review of writing concepts established at the secondary level, such as a study of the basic modes of writing, grammar/mechanics, organizing techniques, and correct usage, providing essential tools of writing to students who do not have prerequisite English skills for college-level English.

Honor Societies

Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society

Purpose

  1. To confer distinction for high achievement in the English language and in literature.
  2. To provide cultural stimulation and promote interest in literature and the English language in the community.
  3. To foster the discipline of English in all its aspects, including creative and critical writing.
  4. To promote good citizenship among its members.
  5. To exhibit high standards of academic excellence.
  6. To uphold the spiritual standards of the University.

Requirements

  1. Twelve hours of English;
  2. At least a B in every English course;
  3. GPA of 3.25.

Purpose

The purpose of the Family & Consumer Sciences Department is to prepare the student to acquire the values, knowledge, and skills necessary to be proactive to strengthen the function of the contemporary family from a biblical perspective, specifically in the areas of human development /family studies, interior design/housing, event planning, consumer economics/management, and clothing/textiles. The Department actively strives to help the student integrate the knowledge base to synergistically focus on the welfare of the family.

Internships

Internships (FACS 499 Family/Consumer Internship (1-6 c.h.)) are required for all FACS majors. Students must be of Senior status, FACS major and must have completed 21 hours of major course work.

Fashion Design And Merchandising Association

The purpose of the Fashion Design and Merchandising Association (FDMA) is to enhance the education and careers of Family and Consumer Science students by providing an introduction to the discipline of Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising as well as opportunities to cultivate professional attitudes and competencies. Furthermore, the Liberty University Fashion Design and Merchandising Association provides opportunities for service.

Family And Child Development Association

The Family & Child Development Association is a club sponsored by the Department of Family & Consumer Sciences that is designed for students enrolled in courses in Family & Child Development program. The purpose of the association is to enhance the education and careers of Family and Child Development students by providing opportunities to cultivate professional attitudes and competencies through guest speakers, activities, networking, and service opportunities.

Interior Design Association

The purpose of the Interior Design Association (IDA) is to offer interior design students professional opportunities and exposure within the interior design industry. The Interior Design Association also considers its responsibility to be a promoter and a resource of other interior design organizations such as National Kitchen and Bath, Interior Design Society, WithIT (Woman in the Furniture Industry) and many other professional organizations. Also, the student led organization promotes involvement in the profession throughout the University and community. The IDA offers students opportunities for leadership, friendship, professional experience, and exposure to the interior design industry which includes field trips to places such as the High Point Market in High Point, NC.

Omicron Gamma Phi Honor Society

FACS Honor Society: The Family and Consumer Sciences Department sponsors a FACS honor society that seeks to recognize excellence and Christian commitment among Family and Consumer Science students.

The purpose of the society is symbolized in its name, OMICRON GAMMA PHI. Omicron represents the first letter in the Greek word for family. Gamma is the first letter in the word for science. Phi is the first letter in the word for light. Omicron Gamma signifies that Family and Consumer Sciences is an applied science. The Phi signifies the Christian aspect of the Honor Society.

The purpose of the society is threefold. First, Omicron Gamma Phi encourages and recognizes excellence in scholastic achievement. Second, it seeks to maintain a Christian worldview through the integration of biblical principles with academic content. Third, the society encourages service by the membership.

Criteria for membership:
A student must have:

  1. 3.25 cumulative GPA;
  2. 45 hours completed; and
  3. A major in the FACS department.

Event And Wedding Planning Society

The purpose of the Event and Wedding Planning Society is to enhance the education and careers of students interested in the Event and Wedding Planning field by providing an introduction of careers and opportunities to cultivate professional attitudes and competencies. Furthermore, the Liberty University Event and Wedding Planning Society will provide opportunities for service.

Purpose

The Department of General Math and Science oversees Developmental Math, General Education Math, service courses in Math and related areas (Physics, Physical Sciences, etc.), and online courses in Math and related courses.

Purpose

The History Department is committed to teaching and training students toward a Christian worldview of history. Offering general education courses, major programs and graduate courses, the Department provides comprehensive instruction in history and historical methodology, encourages students to develop an integrated Christian worldview and an appreciation for America’s cultural distinctives, equips them for service, and prepares them for further education and careers.

Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society

Phi Alpha Theta is dedicated to recognizing and encouraging excellence in the study of history. Chapter activities provide members with opportunities for sharing and advancing their professional interests. Lectures and field trips are designed to awaken historical interest, and to promote interaction between students and faculty. An annual regional meeting builds rapport with chapters at neighboring institutions.

Criteria for membership: An undergraduate student must have completed at least twelve semester hours in history with a grade in all history courses averaging at least a 3.10 and must have a general average of at least a 3.00 in all classes.

Purpose

The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies equips students to join a globalized workforce, gain the abilities to speak across multiple disciplines, effectively communicate new ideas, and manage today’s changing work environments.

Purpose

The Department of Mathematics plans, develops and maintains quality bachelor degree programs that comply with regional accreditation standards. The Department of Mathematics also seeks to maintain efficient, cost effective strategies in the administration and delivery of its degree programs.

The Department of Mathematics offers a major and minor in mathematics. In addition, courses for general education credit are offered in physical science and physics, as well as mathematics. The purpose of the department is to provide:

  1. General education courses and support courses for all students, resident and non-resident;
  2. Education in both the theory and applications of the mathematical sciences for its majors;
  3. An appreciation of the importance of the role the mathematical sciences play in society; and
  4. Experience in the use of a Computer Algebra System (CAS) in a laboratory setting.

Mathematics Majors have career opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following:
 

  • Mathematician
  • Statistician
  • College Math Professor
  • Teacher
  • Actuary
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Economist
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Financial Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Astronomer

Kappa Mu Epsilon Honor Society

Kappa Mu Epsilon (KME) is a specialized honor society in Mathematics. Each chapter is encouraged to be a working organization throughout the academic year, functioning as an integral part of the mathematics department in the promotion of a number of worthwhile extra-curricular activities. The objective of KME since its inception has been the fulfillment of its motto which is to “develop an appreciation for the beauty of mathematics.” The purposes of KME are to further the interests of mathematics in those schools which place their primary emphasis on the undergraduate program and to recognize and honor outstanding scholastic achievement among undergraduate students in mathematics.

The criteria for membership are as follows:

  1. Must be or have been a faculty member or a regularly enrolled student at an institution where a Kappa Mu Epsilon chapter is installed;
  2. Must have completed at least three semesters (or five quarters) of the college course and rank in the upper 35% of his/her class;
  3. Must have completed at least three college courses in mathematics including at least one semester (or two quarters) of calculus and attained an average of “B” or better in all mathematics courses; and
  4. Must have completed at least one semester (one quarter) at the institution, or must have transferred from another institution, and have completed at least one mathematics course with a “B” or better at the institution prior to his/her induction into membership.

Election to membership shall be irrespective of membership in any other organization, and no person shall be excluded on the grounds of sex, race, creed, or color.

Purpose

With a vision for global engagement, the Department of Modern Languages provides Christian worldview instruction in the study of written, spoken, expressed language, translation and interpretive skills, endemic literature, and cultural studies related to modern languages. The Department emphasizes the theory and practice of the applied discipline of second language acquisition, as well as linguistic analysis, in order to prepare students for future careers, ministry opportunities, and graduate study in languages, language education, and the language arts.

Honor Societies

Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society

Purpose

  1. To recognize those who attain excellence in the study of the Spanish language and in the study of the literature and culture of the Spanish-speaking peoples.
  2. To honor those who have contributed to the furthering excellence in the study of the Spanish language and culture through honorary membership.
  3. To foster interest in Spanish language and culture among students of Liberty University and in the Lynchburg community.
  4. To encourage the involvement of both native and non-native Spanish speakers in community service and leadership.
  5. To promote student scholarship and encourage continued language study after graduation.

Requirements

  1. 3.00 overall GPA
  2. 3.25 GPA in Spanish coursework
  3. At least one class in upper division Spanish coursework (300+)

American Sign Language National Honor Society

Purpose

  1. To recognize those who pursue excellence in the study of the American Sign Language and in the study of Deaf history and culture.
  2. To honor those who have contributed to the furthering excellence in the study of the American Sign Language and Deaf culture through honorary membership.
  3. To foster interest in American Sign Language and Deaf culture among students of Liberty University and in the Lynchburg community.
  4. To encourage the involvement of both native and non-native ASL users in community service and leadership.
  5. To promote student scholarship and encourage continued language study after graduation.

Requirements

  1. Second Year or more of ASL Studies
  2. ASLI GPA – 3.5
  3. Overall GPA – 3.0
  4. Fill out Formal Invitation Letter by Due Date

According to the ASLHS Induction Ceremony instructions, only those who are juniors/ seniors are invited to participate in the Honor Society Induction Ceremony.

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