College of Arts & Sciences


Message from the Dean

Dr. Natalie Hewitt, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

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The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is home to undergraduate general education classes which support all the Associate of Arts degree programs and all the Bachelor’s degree programs of the university. In addition, CAS also hosts Bachelor of Arts degree major studies programs in English Literature, Liberal Arts, and Social Science.

General education coursework is designed, first, to provide students with a breadth of knowledge in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. Second, general education coursework is designed to develop students’ writing and speaking skills, analytical and evaluative thinking skills, and leadership skills. Third, in conjunction with a solid foundation of Biblical Studies coursework, dedicated Christian faculty guide students in exploring connections, bridges and tensions, between Christian faith and learning in the various academic disciplines. 

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree In English Literature possess subject matter competency to enter single subject teaching credential programs. They are well prepared for graduate school in English but may also use their Bachelor’s degree as a platform to pursue careers in writing or publishing, or other avenues of graduate education, such as law school. Finally, the analytical skills, evaluative skills, and writing skills acquired through this degree program are transferable to any number of occupations and careers that require critical thinkers and strong communicators.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts have prepared for various careers by combining a strong liberal arts foundation with an extensive and coherent concentration of coursework in a particular field. Concentration coursework may be drawn from the five colleges of Hope International University or from approved academic departments of California State University, Fullerton, just adjacent to the HIU Fullerton Campus. The cooperative relationship between HIU and CSUF, which facilitates the use of appropriate CSUF classes in an HIU degree, has been in place since 1988. 

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science will have pursued one of four pathways toward their chosen career goal. Pathway one, the major in Social Science with a Concentration in Human Services, is designed to prepare students for occupations in the helping professions and for entry into MSW (Masters in Social Work) graduate programs. Pathway two, the major in Social Science with a Customized Concentration, is a broad, flexible platform of social science coursework by which graduates prepare for the next steps toward chosen careers in teaching, government, law, criminal justice, or the helping professions. Pathway three, the major in Social Science with a Concentration in History, prepares students for graduate studies in history and for other graduate studies and career options for which a Bachelor’s degree in history provides appropriate preparation. Pathway four, the major in Social Science with a Concentration in Political Science, provides students with preparation for graduate studies in Political Science and Law and the range of careers available from those educational platforms.

The faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences is deeply invested in providing Hope International University students with the highest quality learning experiences (whether in general education or in the student’s major studies program) in which students are also challenged to meaningfully connect Christian faith and learning. Our greatest satisfaction is when our graduates take away valuable skills and experiences that have prepared them well for career, for lifelong learning and living, and for a lifetime of service to the Lord Jesus and his church.

Dr. Natalie Hewitt

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

Associate of Arts

At Hope, the Associate of Arts degree is comprised of designated coursework at the lower division (freshman and sophomore) level, which can be completed in two years of full-time enrollment.

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Associate of Arts - Customized Concentration

The Associate of Arts degree requires 60 units of designated coursework, mostly at the lower division (freshman, sophomore) level, which can typically be completed in two years of full time enrollment.

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Social Science - Human Services Concentration

At Hope, the Social Science major with a concentration in Human Services prepares students for careers in one of six primary areas: child and family, addiction, health, corrections, gerontology, and mental health.

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Social Science - Customized Concentration

The Social Science Major prepares students for graduate study and for various careers that build from the foundation of interdisciplinary study of human behavior grounded in the scientific method.

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Social Science - History Concentration

The Social Science Major prepares students for graduate study and for various careers that build from the foundation of interdisciplinary study of human behavior grounded in the scientific method.

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Social Science - Political Science Concentration

The Social Science Major prepares students for graduate study and for various careers that build from the foundation of interdisciplinary study of human behavior grounded in the scientific method.

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English Literature

The English Literature major is a multi-faceted major that leads to many career choices and provides a strong foundational base of knowledge.

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Liberal Arts - Customized Concentration

This major studies program provides broad exploration of multiple areas of knowledge and academic disciplines in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

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Liberal Arts with CSUF Contract Program - Contract Program in Communication

The Communication major provides a myriad of academic programs to choose from. The program is offered in conjunction with California State University, Fullerton, which is located right across the street from Hope.

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Criminal Justice

HIU students pursuing the Criminal Justice major will learn about human behavior and its causes as well as crime, crime prevention, law enforcement, public safety, and corrections.

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Liberal Arts with CSUF Contract Program - Contract Program Pre-Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy major prepares students for entry into graduate programs in physical therapy. The program is offered in conjunction with California State University, Fullerton, which is located right across the street from Hope.

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Kinesiology

Kinesiology majors study the structural, functional, and psychological foundations of human movement. Students learn to assess, design, and implement strategies to advance health and human performance.

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