College of Arts & Sciences

At Olivet, students learn about the exciting learning opportunities in the arts and sciences.

Overview

Scholarship and Mentorship Combine for a Complete Academic Experience

In a challenging academic environment, with encouragement to explore your personal interests, you’ll find a place to become the student and find the success you are meant to have.

The College of Arts and Sciences is possibly the most diverse college on campus — offering areas of study that range from language, theatre and art, to chemistry, math and political science.

Departments within the College of Arts & Sciences

Male student throwing a vase in ceramic studio

Department of Art & Digital Media

Psychology professor teaching to a group of students

Department of Behavioral Sciences

Communication Department

English professor conversing with three students

English Department

Department of History and Political Science

Department of Modern Languages

From the Dean

“We point students to the connections that exist between liberal arts courses.”

Students in the College of Arts & Sciences are encouraged to be teachable, and to remain teachableTo be lifelong learners – not just here on campus, but as they go out into the world to influence others.

Detail photo of a lamp outside of Birchard Gymnasium

Areas of Study

Explore Majors and Minors within our 6 Departments

With several areas of study and numerous degree and certificate options within each area, the College of Arts & Sciences offer the skills and opportunities to shape your future.

Art (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or minor in Art is ideal for students who wish to nurture and grow the artist within while preparing for a successful career.

Art Education (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Art Education is an Illinois state-approved program designed from theoretical and practical approaches to teaching visual art in K-12 schools.

Communication Studies

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or minor in Communications Studies helps students understand the process and appreciate the art and science of connecting in a meaningful way with one another.

Corporate Communication

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Corporate Communication focuses on the organizational strengths necessary in a business environment.

English

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or minor in English is a liberal arts degree designed to allow students to double major and develop a multiple array of career choices.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

The minor in English as a Second Language (ESL) is designed for students pursuing a degree in education, international missions, nonprofit management or another major area of study.

ESL Teaching

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement or Bilingual Endorsement is designed specifically for teachers who desire to work effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse students.

English Teaching

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in English Education is designed for students who want to hone their English skills and pass on their love for the English language.

Geography

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or minor in geography is the bridge between the physical and cultural worlds.

Graphic Design

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design opens the world of digital collage, photo painting, digital art, digital painting, graphic illustrations and vector drawing.

History

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or minor in History is for students who are interested in the origins of the world’s social, cultural, economic, religious and technological realities.

Legal Studies

Designed to foster the academic skills necessary for effective citizenship and careers in public life, the minor in Legal Studies educates students to appreciate the Anglo-American legal tradition.

Literature

Understanding that literature is connected to the world in which we live, students who have completed work for a minor in literature have deepened their liberal arts education and enriched their main studies.

Multimedia Communication

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Multimedia Communication is for students who wish to entertain or instruct others through media.

Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or minor in Political Science is for students who wish to be part of the ongoing discussion of political theory and philosophy from a Christian perspective—discussing our government above the partisan level, with faith in mind.

Psychology

Public Policy

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Policy is for students who want to prepare for a career in government, business or with a nonprofit organization.

Public Relations and Strategic Communication

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Relations and Strategic Communication is for students who want to become experts in the craft of modern-day public relations (PR) by mastering the strategy of communication plans as well as the expertise to execute those plans for all audiences.

Social Science Education

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in social science education is a program designed for students who want to pass their love of history, culture and politics onto the next generation.

Sociology

The Bachelor degree in sociology prepares students to understand the classical and historical foundations of sociology, including the major topics and methods that sociologists use.

Spanish

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or minor in Spanish is ideal for students who are looking to work and serve in our changing world.

Spanish Education

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Spanish Education is perfect for those who want to master the Spanish language and teach others to do the same.

Studio Art (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) program in the Department of Art and Digital Media allows students to create their own degree by working with an advisor to create a program of study that best fits their desires.

Theatre Production & Performance

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Theatre Production and Performance offers students an artistic outlet and the preparation they need for success in the theatrical world.

Writing

The writing major at Olivet has two distinct tracks: professional writing or creative writing.

Find Your Path at Olivet

Majors, minors, concentrations and areas of study can be overwhelming. Our innovative search feature allows you to choose general areas of interest, and see which ONU program you’d like to explore.

Find Your Interest

Upcoming Theatre Events

Olivet Nazarene University Theatre Proudly Presents

Over the next several months, our theatre will be presenting a variety of programs and shows for you to enjoy!

You can follow ONU Theatre on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all upcoming shows, photos, and auditions!

Scholarly Pursuits

The Honors Program Empowers Academically Gifted Students

Olivet’s honors program encourages and nurtures students to believe in their possibilities, preparing them to become the Christian scholars and servant leaders our world needs.

Learn More About the Honors Program

Female student on stage performing on set

Practical Experience

Clubs & Organizations Provide Numerous Ways to Get Involved

God’s world is to be explored and appreciated. As an Olivet student, you have many opportunities to work and serve in the local community and across the globe. In the process, you become a global citizen who appreciates all people and cultures.

Check out Clubs & Organizations

College of Arts & Sciences Faculty

Meet Dr. Kent Olney

Dr. Olney is the Dean of College of Arts & Sciences

An ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene, Dr. Kent Olney served as a pastor and professor at a state university in Oregon for several years. In 1995, he and his family joined the Olivet family.

Dr. Olney often speaks at churches and conferences, sharing his passion for strengthening families, helping young couples develop healthy relationships and applying biblical principles to marriage and family life.

Meet more College of Arts & Sciences Faculty

Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership

Deciding to earn a doctoral degree is a decision to transform your life through academic pursuits, vocational development and spiritual maturation. The faculty and staff at Olivet are committed to your personal and career development as you strive to earn your doctorate.

Learn More

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In the News

Updates and Features from the Olivet campus and beyond.

Faculty and Student news plus highlights from Alumni and Friends. View Olivet News

April 24, 2025

Life of the Mind | Olivet The Magazine

Historian Michael Roth argued that a liberal arts education “matters” because it helps us “think for ourselves, take responsibility for our beliefs and actions, and become better acquainted with our own desires, our own hopes.”