College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
A Letter From the Dean
WELCOME TO ACU’S COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES! Whether you’re interested in teaching, the performing arts, language, literature, history, politics, criminal justice, media, visual arts, journalism or the ways people communicate or interact with each other – there’s a program for you in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS). Our programs are deeply connected to ACU’s mission: to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. And when I think about our mission, I think about the three main ways you can approach different fields of study: studying God’s word, studying God’s creation, and studying how humans live in and adapt God’s creation. The first two areas are the domains of ACU’s Colleges of Biblical Studies and Science and Engineering. The last area makes up the different fields in our college, and that’s a lot of areas for one college to cover. This rich diversity means there’s never an end to the stories to tell, questions to ask or ideas to explore. Students regularly
partner with faculty in research projects that take them to conferences across the country. Others are involved in creative endeavors such as making films or being part of premiere performances of musicals or symphonic works. Still, others are partnering with non-profit organizations to craft messages that reach clients or donors. In CAHSS, your journey will be enriched by the captivating diversity of opportunities, nurturing both your intellect and your spirit. We eagerly await the discoveries you will make, the connections you will forge and the transformative impact you will have on the world. Welcome to our vibrant community of scholars, visionaries and changemakers!
Greg Straughn, PhD Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
PURSUING EXCELLENCE Our college is a hub of intellectual exploration, encompassing a diverse range of disciplines that search every facet of creativity, creation and ethical standard through rewarding acts of service. Education in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences prepares students for the specialized fields they look to serve in, by simply putting the tools in their hands.
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70 games broadcasted on ESPN+ from our ACUTV Studio.
ACU theatre alumni are successful in graduate school and professional employment, with names on Broadway and Hollywood marquees.
88% 88% of pre-law students gain admission to law school.
93% success rate securing employment in the field within three months.
100% of ACU’s education graduates were employed within three months of graduation.
WHAT TO STUDY Art and Design
Art* • All-Level Teaching • Graphic Design • Painting • Sculpture Art Therapy Graphic Design • Advertising • User Experience Interior Architecture and Design • Art and Design • Business
Interdisciplinary Degrees and Majors Liberal Studies
Journalism and Mass Communication
Advertising/Public Relations Journalism* Multimedia • Film • Media Ministry
Language and Literature English* Spanish*
Communication and Sociology
Music
History and Global Studies
Political Science and Criminal Justice
Communication • Communication Studies • Corporate and Nonprofit • Persuasion and Advocacy Sociology History* • Public History Global Studies
Instrumental Education Music* Vocal Education Vocal Performance
Criminal Justice Political Science • International Relations and Comparative Politics
School of Education
Early Childhood/ Elementary Middle School • Language Arts • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies Special Education with Early Childhood and Elementary
Theatre
Theatre* • Acting • Dance • Design/Technical • Directing • Musical Theatre • Theatre Ministry
Minors
Art Art History Art Therapy Criminal Justice Graphic Design Interior Design Political Science Public Service Theatre User Experience *Teacher Certification available
acu.edu/CAHSS
Scan for a complete list of majors, minors and pre-professional programs.
DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE
When Abriyah Skull began searching for a college, she was attracted to ACU’s teacher education program – not only because of the quality of the undergraduate program but because she planned to pursue her master’s degree. “I saw they had a good master’s program and knew I wanted to stay in this field,” she explains. While earning her bachelor’s degree and now throughout her graduate studies, she has been immersed in professional classroom settings, where she has learned both by observing and by teaching her own lessons. She’s also conducted research on diversity in classrooms and the challenges of retaining minority teachers. Her goal is to nurture a love for learning in the next generation, she said. “It brings me joy to teach and see kids gain knowledge right in front of my eyes.”
“This is a way for me to focus on the next generation. It’s trying to be the change I want to see – to point children in the right direction with a good foundation.” — ABRIYAH SKULL
ABRIYAH SKULL
M.Ed. student El Paso, Texas
Campus activities: Black Student Union, Sisters, Tri Kappa Gamma sorority
RYAN FEERER
Professor of Art and Design and Program Director, Graphic Design
BUILD A CREATIVE FUTURE
Ryan Feerer has put his creative touch on hundreds of projects, but his favorite so far is a series of U.S. postal stamps. The stamps celebrate the legacy of Western wear and feature iconic images of a boot, a pearl snap shirt, a belt buckle and a cowboy hat. His passion is to instill creative thinking into his students. They benefit from the wealth of professional experience he brings to his classroom, which has included designing logos, album covers and projects for brands like Fossil, Snapchat, Academy Sports+Outdoors, Target, Nickelodeon and PBS Kids. “We constantly have people reaching out to hire our graduates, because they are different; they have a special quality,” he says.
“We have a great relationship with lots of agencies and studios. Like Fossil, for instance, will call me and say ‘We need to hire some people.’ And there are a lot of ACU people working at Fossil now.” — RYAN FEERER
LIVE OUT YOUR CALLING
Brenda McAdoo spent 24 years on a mission to protect the American people from criminals here and terrorists abroad. As a special agent and crisis negotiator with the FBI, she investigated and brought justice to crimes against children, violent crime, organized crime and international kidnapping. So after retiring from the FBI, it’s no wonder she wasn’t looking for just any career. “I still wanted to do something that matters,” she said. She found her new mission at the place that originally inspired her to pursue her career in criminal justice – ACU. She now serves as director and associate professor for the online criminal justice program. “I’ve gone from using skills myself to using my experience to help the next generation of police, victim advocates and negotiators.”
“I really feel a lot of positive energy about what ACU is doing to prepare the next generation of law enforcement. I’m hoping to take all the things I’ve done with the FBI and apply that to helping ACU in its mission.” — BRENDA MCADOO
BRENDA MCADOO (’91)
Former FBI special agent
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Jack Pope Fellows Program At Abilene Christian University, there’s an extraordinary opportunity to prepare for leadership in public service through the Jack Pope Fellows Program. The program offers an academic minor in public service, generous scholarships and a close network of peers who share equal interest and commitment. Students selected to this highly competitive program grasp a richer understanding of public service by engaging in the classroom, in service-learning activities and with outstanding public servants who share their experiences. Fellows are challenged by the academic rigor of the courses and the diverse interests and academic excellence of their Pope Fellow colleagues. On the National Stage Experiential learning becomes very real, very fast when it’s happening on a stage in front of a live audience. That’s what makes the performing arts in the CAHSS so special: the chance to engage with others in the creation and practice of live music and drama. Students in the Department of Music regularly perform for audiences throughout Texas and the nation, presenting works from more than 2500 years of musical traditions. Additionally, seniors in their last semester of the B.F.A. in Theatre have the opportunity to participate in the Tepper Program in Manhattan where they live, work, study and perform in venues throughout
New York City. A collaborative program, the semester even culminates in a showcase performance attended by numerous Broadway agents looking to sign new talent. Study Abroad The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences places a high value on experiential learning for students in each academic pursuit. Every Study Abroad experience is tailored to the interest of the given department. Often, the English department will study the greatest minds in literature in the very spaces where they wrote their works in Oxford, England, and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, students in the Department of Art and Design travel to locations renowned for their artistic contributions and history such as Leipzig, Germany; New York City; or San Francisco for anywhere from one week to an entire semester. Film Fest Students studying multimedia, pursuing a film concentration, or simply those who are interested in the world of cinema are invited to participate in ACU’s annual Film Fest. This student-run festival invites talents and interests in every capacity found in the planning and creation of short films — from writing to cinematography, set design to acting. ACU’s extensive reach brings alumni and friends of the university to Film Fest routinely, offering the students involved a chance to connect with Hollywood directors and Netflix executives.
WHERE YOU’LL LEARN
ACUTV
Williams Performing Arts Center
The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences boasts exceptional facilities that cater to the diverse disciplines within it. Among these facilities is the ACUTV studio, available to any student looking to gain hands-on experience in the world of multimedia. Inside, the Orr TV Studio is equipped with top-of-the-line ESPN brand cameras and equipment and multiple staging areas; meanwhile, the Mankin Control Room ensures seamless coverage for ESPN Division I sporting events and school productions.
ACU’s music and theatre departments take pride in the 92,000-square-foot Williams Performing Arts Center. This center is home to two exceptional performance halls that provide an ideal setting for showcasing the talents of our students. With over 40 sound-treated practice rooms, aspiring musicians and vocalists have a dedicated space to refine their skills. Phillips Education Building The Phillips Education Building features spaces created to fit the teaching environment students will one day work in: classrooms designed to look and feel like primary and secondary school classrooms. Additionally, the Phillips Education Building is equipped with a Curriculum Materials Lab with course materials and textbooks where students gain hands-on experience creating lesson plans and school projects.
NEXT STEPS
SCHOLARSHIPS
ACU’s undergraduate application was designed specifically for motivated students like you. Take your next steps to ACU:
At ACU, we understand education is a significant investment for our students and their families. We’re committed to making the ACU experience as affordable as possible for everyone. All students admitted to ACU are considered for scholarships based on their application for admission. In addition to our merit-based awards, we offer several unique scholarships for specific interest areas such as service-learning and leadership and need-based aid for first-year students. You can view our scholarship offerings at acu.edu/scholarships.
Complete the application for admission* at acu.edu/apply** starting Aug. 1. Submit your application for free before Sept. 1.** After that date, there is a $50 nonrefundable application fee. Send your official high school and/or college transcript(s) to: Mail:
ACU Office of Admissions ACU Box 29000 Abilene, TX 79699 Email: info@admissions.acu.edu Electronic: Various sources through your high school counselor
Request your ACT, SAT or CLT scores be sent to ACU. If you do not intend to send your college placement scores, you can choose to apply test-optional. Test-optional students are not eligible for the Presidential Scholarship or Honors College. Should you be granted admission, you will be given access to confirm your admission, pay your $600 nonrefundable enrollment deposit and submit your housing preferences. The ACU enrollment deposit covers the cost of New Student Orientation, Wildcat Week and the First Year Experience. *Some programs may have additional application deadlines and admissions requirements. **Students who apply through ApplyTexas and/or CommonApp have a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
Scan for a complete list of available scholarships.
2023-24 Undergraduate Majors | Tracks and concentrations outlined beneath majors Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Art and Design Art* • All-Level Teaching • Graphic Design • Painting • Sculpture Art Therapy Graphic Design • Advertising • User Experience Interior Architecture and Design • Art and Design • Business Communication and Sociology Communication • Communication Studies • Corporate and Nonprofit • Persuasion and Advocacy Sociology History and Global Studies History* • Public History Global Studies Interdisciplinary Degrees and Majors Liberal Studies Journalism and Mass Communication Advertising/Public Relations Journalism* Multimedia • Film • Media Ministry Language and Literature English* Spanish* Music Instrumental Education Music* Vocal Education Vocal Performance Political Science and Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Political Science • International Relations and Comparative Politics School of Education Early Childhood/Elementary
Middle School • Language Arts • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies Special Education with Early Childhood and Elementary Theatre Theatre* • Acting • Dance • Design/Technical • Directing • Musical Theatre • Theatre Ministry Biblical Studies Bible, Missions and Ministry Bible and Ministry • Biblical Languages • Biblical Text • Christian Ministry • Missions Ministry and Vocation • Children and Family Ministry • Vocational Missions • Worship Ministry • Youth and Family Ministry Marriage and Family Studies Child and Family Services • Child Life Business Administration Accounting Accounting • Analytics and Reporting • General Accounting Dukes School of Finance Finance • Financial Analysis • Financial Management • Fintech and Analytics • Wealth Management Management Sciences Information Systems • Accounting Systems • Analytics • Application Development
Management • Analytics • Business Leadership • Entrepreneurship • Human Resource Management • Interdisciplinary • Operations Marketing • Analytics • Digital Marketing School of Information Technology and Computing Computer Science* • Computing Theory • Game Development • Software Engineering Digital Entertainment Technology • Game Development • Virtual Production Health and Behavioral Sciences Communication Sciences and Disorders Communication Sciences and Disorders Kinesiology and Nutrition Kinesiology • Generalist • Health Promotion • Sport and Recreation Management • Pre-Athletic Training • Pre-Occupational Therapy • Pre-Physical Therapy Nutrition • Didactic Program in Dietetics • Generalist Psychology Psychology School of Nursing Nursing School of Social Work Social Work Science and Engineering Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Agribusiness Animal Health Professions Cooperative Animal Science • Livestock Production • Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Health
Environmental Science • Environmental Sustainability • Wildlife and Natural Resource Management Biology Biology* • Cellular/Molecular Biology • General Biology • Health Professions • Organismal Biology • Pre-Veterinary Medicine • Wildlife Biology Health Professions – Biology Chemistry and Biochemistry Biochemistry • American Chemical Society • Biomedical Science • Pre-Vet Health Professions – Biochemisty Chemistry* Engineering and Physics Engineering • Civil Engineering • Electrical Engineering • General Engineering • Mechanical Engineering Physics* • Computational Physics • Engineering Physics • Engineering Science Technology • Medical Physics Mathematics Mathematics* • Actuarial Science • Applied Mathematics • Pure Mathematics *Teacher Certification available
Visit acu.edu/undergraduate for a complete list of majors, minors and pre-professional programs.
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