The Social Sciences Division is committed to understanding humanity, solving social problems and promoting flourishing. Informed by theory, evidence, practice and Christian perspectives, social science teaching and research makes a difference in the well-being of individuals, communities and systems.

As the largest academic division on campus, we are home to over a dozen programs on Hope’s campus: seven departments, three interdisciplinary programs and an academic outreach program that serves the larger Holland community.

Our programs offer engaging courses and experiential learning, with outstanding faculty and staff, and excellent preparation for graduate school or work after college.

Our full-time faculty are exceptional classroom teachers, academic advisors and award-winners in their own right who emphasize both learning for its own sake and practical application. Our faculty incorporate a global perspective and bring their disciplines into conversation with the historic Christian faith. In addition to our full-time staff, we have part-time instructors, coaches and staff members who work diligently on behalf of students and serve the broader mission of Hope College.

American Ethnic Studies

Declare a minor in American Ethnic Studies and enhance your understanding of American racial and ethnic diversity.

Communication

Our nationally recognized curriculum integrates theory and practice in interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, and media communication.

Economics & Business

We provide a rigorous focus on the foundations of economics and business as well as hands-on opportunities to apply your education.

Education

Gain the performance skills, knowledge and dispositions needed to teach effectively and to make and implement professional decisions that prepare P–12 students for the world.

Global Studies

This program is designed for students who plan to pursue a profession in which an international focus will be especially valuable. It will prepare you for a life of service and success in a global society.

Kinesiology

We use the study and practice of human activity to transform the mind, body and spirit for lives of leadership, character and service.

Peace & Justice

Participate in a program that prepares students to assume their roles as global citizens and leaders by developing knowledge and strategies for promoting a more peaceful and just world.

Phelps Scholars

Join a program that combines community living, academic engagement and social activities in order to prepare students to be leaders in an increasingly global society and explore together the issues of diversity that shape our world.

Political Science

We help our students better understand the institutions that shape and implement public policy — in our society and in an increasingly complex and independent world.

Psychology

Develop knowledge, intellectual skills and personal character through the study of psychology and through relationships based on an appreciation of the whole person — body, mind and spirit.

Sociology & Social Work

Sociology studies to understand how human beings relate to each other, while social work emphasizes changing and improving lives so that people can reach their full potential.

oTHER SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAMs

CASA

PATH

Step Up

Upward Bound

 

Walk-In Office Hours

Monday: 2–4 p.m.
Tuesday: Noon–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 2–4 p.m.
Thursday: Noon–4 p.m.
Friday: Noon–4 p.m.

Hope CollegeOffice of the Dean of Social Sciences

Van Zoeren Hall41 Graves PlaceRoom 291Holland, MI 49423

workP. 616.395.7903

Hope by the Numbers

  • 151Faculty/Student Collaborative Research Projects

    In 2016, we had 151 faculty/student projects and 236 student researchers.

  • 130Faculty publications

    Faculty members from departments across the Social Sciences Division published 130 works in 2016.

  • 90%Students who would select Hope again

    90% of students surveyed would choose Hope College again as their first college of choice.

  • 4792016 social sciences graduates

    In 2016, 479 students graduated with degrees in a social sciences department or program (out of 805 total college-wide).