School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Dean

Aneesh A. Khushman, MD

Professor Emeritus

Jeffrey S. Black, PhD
Robert E. Wenger, PhD
W. Barry Yoder, PhD

Professor

Steele Brand, PhD
James Dolezal, PhD
Ruth H. Kuchinsky-Smith, PhD
Brian P. Luther, PhD
Bryan N. Maier, PsyD
Matthew M. McAlack, PhD
Todd J. Williams, PhD

Associate Professor

Victoria Aquilone, PhD
Bryan N. Maier, PsyD
Matthew A. Reese, PsyD
Matthew S. Stemler, BFA

Assistant Professor

Cayla Besler, MA
Charlotte L. Gleason, MLS
Christopher Lloyd, MS
Kate B. Mehmel, MA
Michael K. Zimmerman, Jr., MA

Part-time Faculty

Kate Bulat, MEd
Helen Gelinas, MA
Brian G. Toews, PhD

Adjunct Faculty

Bradley Bastedo, JD
Stephen A. Bell, PhD
Nicole M. Blank, BFA
Ellen Booth, EdD
Michael E. Breece, EdD
Anna Cain, MS
F. David Clifford, MD
Isaiah B. Cramer, MA
Janelle Curtis Beaman, MA
Amy Dunlap, MA
David Dwyer, MS
Sarah R. Ensslen, MS
Ella Evans, MFA
Peter Feeney, MS
Andrea N. Fiori, MEd
Jesse A. Fleming, MA
Juan Garzon, MA
William Hampton, MA
Joel Kamm, MS
Allison M. Kieselowsky, MEd
J. Scott Leary, BSW
Jung Min Lee, MFA
Sean Maguire, JD
Elizabeth Mason, MEd
James C Meyer, EdD
Lisa Meyers, MSEd
Paul Neal, MA
Anne M. Njeru, PhD
Hannah A. Porcella, MA
Ericka Potts, MA
Caitlin Salomon, MA
Greg Schaller, MA
Steven R. Schlenker, EdD
Andrea Stange, MA
John N. Stange IV, MS
Rebecca J. Tunstall, MEd
Rebecca R. Wright, MS
Brea Zellner, BA

The School

The School of Liberal Arts and Sciences provides a broad base of knowledge for life and service. It introduces undergraduate students to a variety of disciplines that, when integrated with scriptural teaching, promote intellectual development and increase effectiveness in students’ chosen fields. The Liberal Arts and Sciences curriculum exposes students to human life, their cultural heritage, and the physical environment. It fosters critical thinking, effective communication skills, and intelligent application of ideas to life.

The Programs

Criminal Justice (AA)

An Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for future careers in a variety of law-related support positions or for pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. This program addresses the processes of law enforcement, the legal system, and the penal/correctional system. It pointedly addresses issues of diversity, ethics, and biblical anthropology as they relate to the complexities of criminal justice.

Interdisciplinary Studies (AA)

An Associate of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies prepares students through a foundation of general education and Bible courses in addition to a wide range of student-chosen courses tailored to prepare for the work force or for pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in a chosen field. Students choose across multiple disciplines in order to create a program that supports their interests and passions.

Psychology (AA)

An Associate of Arts degree in psychology prepares students for future careers in a variety of psychology-related or social service support positions or for pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.

Biology (BA)

A BA degree in biology is an essential step toward a variety of professional degrees dedicated to the study and application of biology. This program examines life sciences with a biblical foundation. This degree best serves students who are looking to pursue an MSEd degree in order to teach high school sciences or students who wish to pursue graduate school for careers in scientific research. Courses provide students with hands-on lab experiences and a comprehensive view of the world through an integrated approach.

Biology (BS)

A BS degree in biology prepares students for careers in scientific research, entry-level positions in science fields, and graduate school in the sciences. An in-depth study of this life science is an essential first step toward a variety of professional degrees dedicated to the study and application of biology. By observing the natural world through a rigorous curriculum, students will master the critical thinking and researching skills needed to navigate the world’s complexities. Students who wish to enter the medical field should consider the BS degree.

Community Arts (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts degree in community arts prepares students to use their artistic skills for the growth and good of those around them. Art integration has become a crucial part of both the private and public sectors, and students with a community arts degree will be prepared to meet those needs. This program allows the student to pursue university level studies in the field of community arts while also learning how to integrate and apply a biblical worldview to their field. Courses provide students with study in foundational art and design courses, art history, psychology, social studies, and professional preparation. In addition, this course of study requires students to deepen their studies in various studio and art practice courses.

Criminal Justice (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for future careers in a variety of law-related positions. This program allows the student to pursue university level studies in the field of criminal justice. This program addresses the processes of law enforcement, the legal system, and the penal/correctional system, and allows the student to select courses from related fields to deepen their studies in a particular area of interest. It also pointedly addresses issues of diversity, ethics, and biblical anthropology as they relate to the complexities of criminal justice.

Digital Media and Communication (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Media and Communication challenges students to consider the theoretical foundations for communication in a digital age and apply ethical practices based on a biblical foundation. The program also provides students with the skills and knowledge to interface with a variety of audiences in various platforms, including internships. Their classroom experiences prepare them for a wide range of careers that require adept written and verbal communication as well as the skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital media. This degree offers four emphases: mass media, visual design, sports media, and marketing.

English (BA)

A degree in English prepares students for graduate work in writing, literature, and a variety of related fields. The Bachelor of Arts degree in English is designed to ground students in the foundational skills and concepts of language and literature, such as historical developments within American and British literature, genre studies, and literary criticism. Students may then choose from a variety of more specific foci - creative writing or a particular historical timeframe. The capstone project allows the students to contribute to contemporary developments within the field.

General Fine Arts (BFA)

A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree allows the serious studio art student to pursue in-depth university level studies. Courses provide students with study in studio art and design, art history, and professional preparation, while also learning how to integrate and apply a biblical worldview to their field. This program requires deeper and broader studies in studio art and art history than the Studio Art (BA) program, preparing students for entry into a Master of Fine Arts program.

Graphic Design (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design prepares students for a wide array of professional work, both for employers and as an independent contractor. This degree allows students to pursue university level studies in the field of graphic design while also learning how to integrate and apply a biblical worldview to their field. Courses provide students with study in foundational art and design courses, art history, and professional preparation. In addition, this course of study requires students to deepen their studies in various studio and art practice courses.

History (BA)

A degree in history prepares students for graduate work in history and a variety of related fields. The Bachelor of Arts degree in History equips students to better understand and appreciate past cultures and what their values, experiences, and artifacts teach about contemporary culture. Following a broad study of world and United States history, students choose from a variety of electives to tailor the program to their own interests in a geographical region or historic era. American history and European history options are available. The capstone project allows students to contribute to developments within the field.

Interdisciplinary Studies (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies prepares students through a wide range of student-chosen courses tailored to prepare for the work force or for pursuit of a graduate degree in a chosen field. Students choose across multiple disciplines in order to create a program that supports their interests and passions.

Liberal Arts (BA)

A degree in liberal arts prepares students for a broad spectrum of career paths and for graduate studies in a variety of fields. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts is an interdisciplinary program designed for students who wish to engage in the “great conversation” associated with the liberal arts within the context of a biblical worldview. Students may craft a curriculum focused on a specific discipline or construct one that samples advanced course offerings from a number of academic disciplines. Performing arts, pre-law, fine arts, interdisciplinary philosophy, contemporary apologetics, applied mathematics, pure mathematics, politics, biology, Arabic language, Spanish language, and social science options are available.

Mathematics (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics prepares students for future opportunities in financial and analytical careers as well as graduate studies. This program allows students to pursue university level studies in the field of mathematics while also learning how to integrate a biblical worldview and serve Christ within their field. Higher level mathematics courses in calculus, linear and abstract algebra, and real analysis are included in the program.

Mathematics (BS)

This program provides a balanced background in mathematics, giving students a well-rounded understanding of all mathematics fields. Students have the opportunity to delve deeper into their chosen field of mathematics, giving them the flexibility to study what they are most interested in mastering. Cairn’s undergraduate mathematics program prepares students for graduate-level education. To accomplish this, the Mathematics (BS) program provides courses in linear algebra, abstract algebra, and real analysis. Upon completion, students will be equipped to enter graduate programs in mathematics or other scientific programs for research or application.

Politics (BA)

Cairn’s Politics program emphasizes a truly biblically integrated study of political science, theory, and practice, answering the clear need in today’s world for biblically-minded men and women of character to serve in the arena of politics and government. The Bachelor of Arts degree program grounds the students’ critical thinking in an in-depth study of the nature of human beings, humankind’s place within God’s Creation, and the political history and theoretical frameworks of human societies in the United States and around the world.

Pre-Art Therapy (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Pre-Art Therapy allows the student to pursue university level studies in the field of art therapy in preparation for further study at the graduate level. Students develop their artistic, diagnostic, and interpersonal skills while also learning how to integrate and apply a biblical worldview to their field. Courses provide students with study in foundational art and design courses, art history, psychology, social studies, and professional preparation.

Pre-Med - Biology (BS)

This degree prepares students for careers in scientific research, entry-level positions in science fields, and graduate school in the sciences. An in-depth study of this life science is an essential first step toward a variety of professional degrees dedicated to the study and application of biology. By observing the natural world through a rigorous curriculum, students will master the critical thinking and researching skills needed to navigate the world’s complexities. Students who wish to enter the medical field should consider this program.

Pre-Physical Therapy - Exercise Science (BS)

Psychology (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology prepares students for professional graduate studies in psychology and social service support positions in clinical and institutional settings. Students choose from a variety of electives to tailor the program to their own professional interests. A counseling option is available.

Studio Art (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art provides students with future opportunities to practice their developed skills professionally in the studio. Students learn how to work in the artistic marketplace while also learning how to integrate and apply a biblical worldview to their field. Courses in this program provide students with study in foundational art and design, art history, and professional preparation, and requires them to deepen their studies in various studio and art practice courses.

Dual-Level Education Programs

The School offers four dual-level programs in which a student simultaneously earns a BA degree and an MS in Education degree. These programs, in English, history, mathematics, and studio art allow students to pursue education while developing strong skills and practices in their subject area. In addition to the two degrees, these programs also lead to teacher certification in the subject area. Students may apply to a dual-level program after completing 60 credits, 30 of which must have been taken in residence.

Minors

The School of Liberal Arts and Sciences also offers minors in Biology, Chemistry, Communications, Criminal Justice, English, Graphic Design, History, Literature, Mathematics, Performing Arts, Philosophy, Politics, Pre-Law, Psychology, Spanish Language, and Visual Arts. These minors may be added to bachelor’s degree programs from any of the University’s schools.

Related Program Information

English placement for entering students is determined by evaluation of scores on SAT and ACT tests. Students with high scores are permitted to replace ENG 101 - English Composition with ENG 321 - Advanced Composition. Students with low scores are tested further to determine whether they should take ENG 021 - Introduction to College Reading and Writing. Students who have no scores will be evaluated by a writing assessment. Students for whom English is not the primary spoken language must demonstrate their ability to communicate in English. In addition to the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) prior to acceptance, these students may be asked to submit a current sample of their writing.

Additional Information

Schools & Departments

Academic Opportunities