Aquinas College

Why Study Art?

The Art department's mission is to train artists, art historians, and visual arts administrators, as well as to provide service courses for non-art majors. Through our courses, we aspire to build an appreciation for the rich interchange of images and ideas that can happen between art and other academic disciplines. Our graduates in art have been encouraged to consider their future professional role in the context of both the contemporary world and the historical world. Besides a reverence for art history, they have been taught appropriate skills of mind, hand, and eye. They have been helped to find the next steps in their life journey, and have been challenged to be the best they can be in their chosen specialty.... [-]

Aquinas College offers the only Bachelors of Science in Translation and Interpretation in the state of Michigan. The program is designed for students who are seeking the professional focus and interdisciplinary breadth that the B.S. degree offers with the inclusion of a minor or double major to develop the skills needed to use world language translation and interpretation in a professional setting. It introduces the basics of translation and interpretation theory as applied to the actual practice of translation and interpretation.

The program comprises core translation and interpretation courses and offers concentrations in French, German, and Spanish to ensure competence in a world language. Graduates may enter graduate programs in translation or interpretation or go on to work for a variety of settings such as government, business, medical, legal, schools or industry, for translation agencies or as freelance translators.... [-]

Why Study Chemistry?

The mission of the chemistry department at Aquinas College is to provide students with knowledge of chemistry befitting their goals: for the general education students that they become literate in basic chemistry; and for the science major students that they possess the knowledge and skills necessary for them to succeed in their post-baccalaureate careers.

The American Chemical Society guidelines for professional training are the basis for the chemistry curriculum. Courses in general, inorganic, organic, analytical and physical chemistry form the framework of the program. In addition, courses in biochemistry, environmental chemistry, and advanced topics are offered regularly.... [-]

Why Study Art?

The Art department's mission is to train artists, art historians, and visual arts administrators, as well as to provide service courses for non-art majors. Through our courses, we aspire to build an appreciation for the rich interchange of images and ideas that can happen between art and other academic disciplines. Our graduates in art have been encouraged to consider their future professional role in the context of both the contemporary world and the historical world. Besides a reverence for art history, they have been taught appropriate skills of mind, hand, and eye. They have been helped to find the next steps in their life journey, and have been challenged to be the best they can be in their chosen specialty.... [-]

Why Study Art?

The Art department's mission is to train artists, art historians, and visual arts administrators, as well as to provide service courses for non-art majors. Through our courses, we aspire to build an appreciation for the rich interchange of images and ideas that can happen between art and other academic disciplines. Our graduates in art have been encouraged to consider their future professional role in the context of both the contemporary world and the historical world. Besides a reverence for art history, they have been taught appropriate skills of mind, hand, and eye. They have been helped to find the next steps in their life journey, and have been challenged to be the best they can be in their chosen specialty.... [-]

How We’re Different Aquinas biology graduates enjoy acceptance rates of nearly 100% into physician assistant, physical therapy and dental programs Aquinas biology graduates have a medical school acceptance rate approximately 20% above the national average. Since 2000, nearly one-third of Aquinas biology graduates have gone on to earn doctoral degrees in biology or health-related fields (human medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, etc.). An additional 14% of Aquinas biology graduates have gone on to earn a masters degree in similar fields (physician assistant, public health, health administration, etc.) since 2000. For five years running, Aquinas College biology graduates have scored above the 90th percentile on the Major Field Test, a standardized test of biology knowledge administered by more than 300 colleges & universities across the U.S. Up to two qualified Aquinas students per year can be admitted to Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine through an Early Assurance Partnership between the two institutions. Qualified Aquinas biology majors can receive elective biology credits for laboratory research conducted at theVan Andel Institute. At least two faculty members from the Aquinas College Biology Department participate in the Mohler-Thompson Summer Scholars program each summer, offering stipends for qualified biology majors who engage in independent research. Each course and lab taken by an Aquinas biology major is taught by a full-time faculty member who has earned a Ph.D. in her/his field of expertise. Alumni of the biology program have earned graduate or professional degrees at prestigious universities like Brown, Cornell, Michigan, Northwestern, Notre Dame... [-]

Why Study Business?

The Department of Business Administration at Aquinas College is committed to the development of broadly educated, globally oriented, ethical professionals, whose high standards of professional competence enable them to actively contribute to their profession, community and society. Competent professionals in the business and not-for-profit communities must be able to think critically, communicate clearly, research effectively, employ quantitative reasoning, use current technology, and work cooperatively with others. Our programs encompass both theoretical and application components. The curriculum draws upon and is enhanced by the liberal arts focus of the college.... [-]

Why Study Business?

The Department of Business Administration at Aquinas College is committed to the development of broadly educated, globally oriented, ethical professionals, whose high standards of professional competence enable them to actively contribute to their profession, community and society. Competent professionals in the business and not-for-profit communities must be able to think critically, communicate clearly, research effectively, employ quantitative reasoning, use current technology, and work cooperatively with others. Our programs encompass both theoretical and application components. The curriculum draws upon and is enhanced by the liberal arts focus of the college.... [-]

Why Study Physics?

The Physics/Pre-Engineering department presently offers a major in chemical physics and a minor in physics designed for those interested in secondary education.

Aquinas College is a small, friendly institution dedicated to teaching its students in a setting designed to help individuals develop their talent and potential. Physics/Pre-Engineering students begin their AQ education by taking a series of courses in mathematics, engineering, the physical sciences, and the humanities.

How We're Different

Perhaps the greatest demand for teachers at the secondary level is in the area of physics.

Chemical physics is an interdisciplinary major which combines chemistry’s study of the composition of matter with physics’ study of the properties of matter and energy. Courses are drawn from the departments of chemistry, physics, and mathematics.... [-]

Why Study Chemistry?

The mission of the chemistry department at Aquinas College is to provide students with knowledge of chemistry befitting their goals: for the general education students that they become literate in basic chemistry; and for the science major students that they possess the knowledge and skills necessary for them to succeed in their post-baccalaureate careers.

The American Chemical Society guidelines for professional training are the basis for the chemistry curriculum. Courses in general, inorganic, organic, analytical and physical chemistry form the framework of the program. In addition, courses in biochemistry, environmental chemistry, and advanced topics are offered regularly.... [-]

Why Study Communication?

Although everyone is born with the means to communicate, communication ability, like any talent, must be developed. The communication curriculum at Aquinas was designed with that in mind.

Classes demand thoughtful inquiry, critical thinking, problem-solving skills and active participation. Communication is one of the fastest growing disciplines at Aquinas.

How We're Different Effective communication skills are what employers seek, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Communication majors learn those skills in classes and internships. Aquinas communication graduates hold leadership positions in healthcare, law, the arts, education, and the non-profit sector. Four distinct communication major tracks are offered and tailored to career objectives, including a Business Administration and Communication Dual Major. All majors design and conduct senior research projects in preparation for top-tier graduate programs and highly skilled careers. Communication students can become State-Court Approved Conflict Mediators while completing courses for the major and minor. Communication faculty members serve on numerous Grand Rapids boards, including the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids Restorative Justice Initiative, and the Spectrum Health Institutional Review Board. Our faculty members advise high profile individuals, including state and national titleholders for the Miss America and Ms. Wheelchair America Programs. Communication is one of three Aquinas majors that can be completed at night. Faculty members have expertise requested by community partners, facilitating improvement in communication skills at healthcare, non-profit, for-profit, and education organizations. Other majors - Nursing, Sustainable Business, Language Arts, Sport Management, and Journalism - require communication... [-]

Why Study Community Leadership?

Aquinas is one of only a select few colleges to offer an interdisciplinary major designed to provide you with perspective on community leadership and social justice, to develop your organizational and analytical problem-solving skills, and to deepen your sense of civic responsibility through service opportunities in local agencies and organizations. A signature program at Aquinas College, Community Leadership was created by local leaders to prepare you to be engaged with and in your community to work for the public good. Focusing on local issues with local leaders will inspire you to think critically and globally, as well as prepare you for social justice-oriented careers in public and nonprofit organizations. As a graduate of the Aquinas College Community Leadership program, you will have the practical experience of how social justice informs effective community service and leadership.... [-]

Why Study Computer Information Systems?

Aquinas offers both Computer Information Systems (C.I.S.) and Management Information Systems (M.I.S.) majors. Each major includes a strong technical base, including programming, operating system, database, and networking foundational knowledge.

The C.I.S. major strengthens each of these skill sets with advanced courses, while the M.I.S. degree combines business skills such as accounting and marketing with the technical skills needed for business application of information systems and technology.

Recent changes to the department have aligned the major requirements with ever-changing industry needs including web design and web services, open-source applications, and a practicum in application design and programming.... [-]

Starting in fall 2017, Aquinas College will offer a major and minor in Data Analytics, a fast-growing field that prepares students to process and present data in an increasingly data-driven world.

Graduates with this major or minor will be able to use mathematical and statistical techniques, combined with programming and software applications to spot trends and other behavior, then present the analysis for wider understanding. This is an interdisciplinary field that combines statistics, mathematics, computer programming, information technology, and business administration.

Advances in technology, such as smartphones, social networking, and e-commerce, in the past five years have been accompanied by an explosion of data. Some experts estimate that over 90% of the world’s data has been created during this period.... [-]

Why Study Economics?

The mission of the Economics Program is to foster critical, reflective, informed, and empowered participants and citizens, who understand cause and effect in the realm of economics. Through a range of courses and activities, the Economics Program offers crucial academic exposure to the study of economics and real-world examples. The department also offers students non-classroom opportunities to participate in economic projects and experiences.

The Economics Major and Minor are among the fastest growing on campus. Since 2013 the number of Majors and Minors has increased from 1 to over 40! The Economics program at AQ features courses which are heavy in quantitative analysis, helping students meet the demands of the 21st-century job market. A degree in Economics has one of the highest starting salaries for new job entrants among all business degrees. An Economics degree can prepare you for work in private and public sectors, as well as provide a great foundation for those looking to continue their education at the graduate level. How We're Different Economics is a hot commodity–the economics program at Aquinas has seen the number of economics majors skyrocket by 1,800% from 2013 to 2015. Learn how economics provides answers to sustainability problems in an environmental economics course. It’s all about measurement! Take econometrics to acquire the quantitative skills applicable to real-world analysis. Consciously Catholic and Dominican: faculty lead the way in integrating economic analysis with the ethical insights of Catholic Social Teaching. Have fun debating the brilliant ideas and ghastly... [-]

Western Michigan University and Aquinas College are partners in an innovative engineering program that melds a liberal arts education rooted in the Catholic and Dominican tradition with the resources and expertise of a major public research university. Degrees are available in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering and in civil engineering (pending), and both are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

General education and prerequisite courses are taught by Aquinas faculty. Engineering courses are taught by W.M.U. faculty. Students graduate with both an associate of arts degree from Aquinas and a bachelor of science degree in engineering from W.M.U.... [-]

Why Study English?

The English major at Aquinas prepares you for your career and for life through the study of literature and language. In our English Literature major, you will meet some of the greatest writers in the world and keep pace with current trends in such fields as women’s studies, minority literatures, world literature in English, and film studies. Our English Major with a Writing Emphasis will develop written skills, vital in any field your future may hold. Our writing and journalism minors offer you opportunities to express yourself and bring your writing skills to professional levels, no matter your major.

How We're Different Alumni include published writers Zarah Moeggenberg (poet), Scott Southard (fiction), and Kate Dernecoeur (nonfiction), and academics Jennifer Marquart (teaches English in the People’s Republic of China), James Bromley, Ph.D. (Miami University of Ohio) and Rickie-Ann Legleitner, Ph.D. (Director of the Writing Center at Black Hills University). Courses include Harry Potter, jazz, utopias and dystopias, motherhood, gothic literature, and novels by Jane Austen. Our full-time professors publish in Contemporary Literature, Graffiti Rag, Sulphur River Literary Review, Fourth Genre, River Teeth, Leading Edge, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Education, Language Arts Journal of Michigan, The Explicator, The Journal of General Education, and other journals. Each year, the Contemporary Writers Series brings celebrated writers conduct workshops on campus, including Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney; author of The English Patient Michael Ondaatje; recipient of the National Book Award Jaimy Gordon; and popular performance poet Sarah Kay. English alumni... [-]

Why Study English?

The English major at Aquinas prepares you for your career and for life through the study of literature and language. In our English Literature major, you will meet some of the greatest writers in the world and keep pace with current trends in such fields as women’s studies, minority literatures, world literature in English, and film studies. Our English Major with a Writing Emphasis will develop written skills, vital in any field your future may hold. Our writing and journalism minors offer you opportunities to express yourself and bring your writing skills to professional levels, no matter your major.

How We're Different Alumni include published writers Zarah Moeggenberg (poet), Scott Southard (fiction), and Kate Dernecoeur (nonfiction), and academics Jennifer Marquart (teaches English in the People’s Republic of China), James Bromley, Ph.D. (Miami University of Ohio) and Rickie-Ann Legleitner, Ph.D. (Director of the Writing Center at Black Hills University). Courses include Harry Potter, jazz, utopias and dystopias, motherhood, gothic literature, and novels by Jane Austen. Our full-time professors publish in Contemporary Literature, Graffiti Rag, Sulphur River Literary Review, Fourth Genre, River Teeth, Leading Edge, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Education, Language Arts Journal of Michigan, The Explicator, The Journal of General Education, and other journals. Each year, the Contemporary Writers Series brings celebrated writers conduct workshops on campus, including Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney; author of The English Patient Michael Ondaatje; recipient of the National Book Award Jaimy Gordon; and popular performance poet Sarah Kay. English alumni... [-]

How We're Different Aquinas is one of only two liberal arts colleges in Michigan to offer a geography major. Faculty have expertise in the triad of geography: physical geography, human geography, and geographic techniques. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through faculty-directed research projects(e.g, Mohler-Thompson Summer Program) and internships in the local community (e.g, City of Grand Rapids, Grand Valley Metro Council, Michigan Department of Transportation, and others). Aquinas geography graduates are employed in a wide variety of jobs including: urban planner, dam inspector, property tax assessor, environmental educator, GIS director, and college professor. A strong, broad curriculum in geography prepares students well to continue on to graduate school. Since 2006, 100% of graduates applying to geography graduate programs have been awarded assistantships or fellowships. In the past 10 years, geography majors have gone on to study at graduate schools across the U.S. and the world including: Syracuse University, University of Oregon, University of Georgia, Rutgers University, Cal Poly, University of Wyoming, Swansea University(Wales), University of Texas at Austin, and numerous regional institutions. Graduate David Baylis ’06 was a Fulbright-Hays Fellow in Turkey for 2014. Both cartography (map making) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) are full semester classes, giving students a strong background in geographic techniques. We use the same GIS software as local, state, and federal agencies, so that students have the skills for entry-level employment in the field of GIS. Most geography programs are found in large universities where faculty work mostly with graduate students,... [-]

Bienvenue dans le programme de Français d’Aquinas College !

Studying French at Aquinas College will not only help you achieve your language learning goals, it will also permit you to access a variety of vibrant and varied cultures, as well as a richness of literature and history. Additionally, French would certainly be a plus in your professional life. French is spoken by over 300 million people in over 50 countries on every continent making it with English the world’s only truly global languages. In our country, 1.8 million Americans speak French at home.

In addition to language classes, French at Aquinas College will enrich your knowledge and understanding of French and Francophone cultures. You will be encouraged to reach out to native speakers thanks to our semester-long study abroad program in France (Angers). Our program will also give you the opportunity to get prepared for the professional world through Translation and French for the profession classes. Furthermore, Aquinas College is an official exam center for the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris.... [-]

How We're Different Aquinas is one of only two liberal arts colleges in Michigan to offer a geography major. Faculty have expertise in the triad of geography: physical geography, human geography, and geographic techniques. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through faculty-directed research projects(e.g, Mohler-Thompson Summer Program) and internships in the local community (e.g, City of Grand Rapids, Grand Valley Metro Council, Michigan Department of Transportation, and others). Aquinas geography graduates are employed in a wide variety of jobs including: urban planner, dam inspector, property tax assessor, environmental educator, GIS director, and college professor. A strong, broad curriculum in geography prepares students well to continue on to graduate school. Since 2006, 100% of graduates applying to geography graduate programs have been awarded assistantships or fellowships. In the past 10 years, geography majors have gone on to study at graduate schools across the U.S. and the world including: Syracuse University, University of Oregon, University of Georgia, Rutgers University, Cal Poly, University of Wyoming, Swansea University(Wales), University of Texas at Austin, and numerous regional institutions. Graduate David Baylis ’06 was a Fulbright-Hays Fellow in Turkey for 2014. Both cartography (map making) and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) are full semester classes, giving students a strong background in geographic techniques. We use the same GIS software as local, state, and federal agencies, so that students have the skills for entry-level employment in the field of GIS. Most geography programs are found in large universities where faculty work mostly with graduate students,... [-]

Aquinas College is offering a new concentration in the Geography major of Geospatial Technologies. This new concentration will be serving students who have a strong interest in current technologies.

With this concentration in Geospatial Technologies Aquinas will offer students a strong pathway into the S.T.E.M. careers of computer cartography, geographic information systems, and remote sensing. Also, the addition of a new lower level course (Geospatial Analysis) will provide students the opportunity to explore a number of topics within geospatial analysis early in their time at Aquinas. No other college or university in the region offers such a course.

The Geospatial Technologies Concentration includes a unique set of courses designed to provide students with an education that includes technical skills demanded by industry and government agencies at the local, state, and national levels. Job opportunities include positions as cartographers, GIS technicians, or geospatial analysts, all of which are projected to continue to expand in growth over this next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2015 data for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists reveal that job growth prospects are at 29% nationwide and 18% locally in Michigan.... [-]

Why Study German?

Did you know that:

German is spoken by more than 124 million people worldwide? German has traditionally been at the core of liberal arts environments such as Aquinas College because of the interdisciplinary connections between literature, history, the arts, and philosophy, as well as the social and natural sciences? German is the most commonly used language on the Internet after English? German is an official language at many international conferences? Almost two out of every ten books published in the world are published in German? People of German descent constitute one of the largest heritage groups in the U.S. with many intact German-speaking communities? More than 1,100 companies from German-speaking countries have U.S. subsidiaries? More than 700 American companies do business in Germany and have created 800,000 related jobs? Despite its reputation as a difficult language, the proximity of German and English as Germanic languages makes German in many regards easier for English speakers German at Aquinas offers you many opportunities to study the various facets of a German Studies curriculum while enjoying German-related activities on and off-campus: Enjoy a German class at the beginning, intermediate or advanced level in a communicative, learner-centered, highly interactive and fun(!) environment (German Culture & Civilization, Studies of German Culture and Society through Film, Contemporary Short Stories, 19th Century Literature: Fairy Tales, etc.) How We're Different ... [-]

Why Study History?

Our full-time history professors are all published authors actively pursuing research agendas and book projects. This is because excellence in teaching is their priority. In the words of the Assoc. of American Colleges and Universities, "Teacher-scholars are committed to high-quality undergraduate education, pursue an active program of research and scholarship, and are presumed to enliven and enrich their teaching and the student experience by incorporating insights from their own research into their instructional activities, student advising, and related work" (Kuh, et al., "Why Teacher-Scholars Matter," Liberal Education, Fall 2007).

How We're Different Our full-time history professors are published authors actively pursuing research agendas and book projects. Recent history alumni have pursued work in graduate schools, the foreign-service, public history (museums, state historic parks, archives), politics, law, business, and teaching at the college, secondary, and elementary levels. Our alumni include published writers like Michael Deeb, the author of The Drieborg Chronicles, a Civil War trilogy. Our students present at conferences including Phi Alpha Theta and The Great Lakes History Conference. Our very active History Club hosts social and educational events, including movie nights, guided museum tours, and trips to Chicago. Studying history contributes to the resilience and adaptability needed to flourish in a rapidly changing economy. A degree in history from Aquinas ensures that graduates have attained a level of reading comprehension, facility in written and oral communication, research skills, and analytical thinking to succeed in any career paths. These transferable skills enable our graduates to find satisfying... [-]

Major Requirements

At least 23 credits of the Integrated Science major must be taken at Aquinas College. This major is only available to students seeking elementary certification.

Required: BY123, BY150, BY160, BY161, BY162; CY111 or CY155; CY112 or CY156; PC201 or PC213; PC202 or PC214; GY101,GY129; EL100 Courses BY123 Environmental Biology (3) NL BY150 Human Biology (4) NL BY160 Principles of Biology (4) NL BY161 Botany (3) BY162 Zoology (3) CY111 General Chemistry (4) NL CY155 General, Organic, and Biochemistry I (3) CY112 General Chemistry (4) CY156 General, Organic, and Biochemistry II (3) PC201 General Physics: Mechanics, Sound, Heat (4) NL PC213 General Physics with Calculus: Mechanics, Sound, Heat (4) PC202 General Physics: Electricity, Magnetism, Light, Nuclear Physics (4) PC214 General Physics with Calculus: Electricity, Magnetism, Light, Nuclear Physics (4) GY101 Earth Environments (4) NL GY129 Physical Geography of Michigan (3) NN EL100 Introduction to Environmental Studies (3) NN ... [-]

Why Study Business?

The Department of Business Administration at Aquinas College is committed to the development of broadly educated, globally oriented, ethical professionals, whose high standards of professional competence enable them to actively contribute to their profession, community and society. Competent professionals in the business and not-for-profit communities must be able to think critically, communicate clearly, research effectively, employ quantitative reasoning, use current technology, and work cooperatively with others. Our programs encompass both theoretical and application components. The curriculum draws upon and is enhanced by the liberal arts focus of the college.... [-]

Major Requirements

Thirty-three (33) semester hours with no more than 12 hours taken in one department. PS332 or 333 or 334 or 335, PS387, PS388, ES212, ES342, and HY162 are required. Minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 (C) required in core courses. A working knowledge of at least one modern language, in addition to English, is also required. The remaining 15 credits of elective courses work to complete the major may be taken from the departmental entries below. Additional course may be approved for electives by the Program Coordinator.

Business and Economics Courses:

BS315 Culture and International Trade (3) ES185 Rich Nations, Poor Nations: The Economies of the World (3) BE ES211 Microeconomic Principles (3) BE ES313 International Business (3) BE ES435 Development Economics (3) ES492 History of Economic Thought (3) ... [-]

Why Study Kinesiology?

Love sport, fitness or helping people heal? Kinesiology has you covered. Kinesiology is the study of body movement, and it is home to everything associated with moving bodies. With four majors and six minors, you can gain the skills and education needed to combine your love of sport, fitness and helping people with healthcare, athletic training, teaching, coaching and personal training or business to land the job of your dreams. We are one of the few programs in the state where Athletic Training majors can also compete in intercollegiate athletics - giving our students a competitive edge. Our Business Administration/Sport Management majors can work with faculty to custom tailor their education to match their career goals by adding minors and concentrations. Our exercise science students get hands-on experience with faculty and our large network of successful alumni who work in the fitness industry. Physical Education Teaching majors benefit from small classes with state of the art sport and fitness facilities, giving them the best opportunity for success. No matter your specific major, our Kinesiology department will prepare you for a successful, rewarding and fulfilling career.... [-]

Major Requirements

At least 18 credits of the Language Arts major must be taken at Aquinas College.

Required: EH115, EH/EN382, EH/EN388, EN441, EN455, EN463, EH205, EH/EN400, EN/EN460, CN205, CN206, CN300 (CN101 is a prerequisite).

PLEASE NOTE: Requirements for the Language Arts major and minor are currently under State review.

Courses EH115 Understanding and Appreciating Literature (3) AC EN/EH382 Teaching Children’s Literature (3) EN/EH388 Teaching Young Adult Literature (3) EN441 Advanced Literacy Assessment and Intervention (3) EN455 Adolescent Literacy (3) EN463 Reading Internship (3) EH205 Advanced Composition (3) WI CN205 Public Speaking (3) CN206 Interpersonal Communication (3) CN300 Listening (3) ... [-]

Why Study Computer Information Systems?

Aquinas offers both Computer Information Systems (C.I.S.) and Management Information Systems (M.I.S.) majors. Each major includes a strong technical base, including programming, operating system, database, and networking foundational knowledge.

The C.I.S. major strengthens each of these skill sets with advanced courses, while the M.I.S. degree combines business skills such as accounting and marketing with the technical skills needed for business application of information systems and technology.

Recent changes to the department have aligned the major requirements with ever-changing industry needs including web design and web services, open-source applications, and a practicum in application design and programming.... [-]

Why Study Music?

The mission of the Music Department in support of the mission of Aquinas College is to provide both to the music major and general education students: first, a deeper understanding and experience of music from the abundant diversity of cultures present today and through the ages; and, second, the verbal and technical skills to communicate that knowledge of music.

How We're Different $70,000 in music department scholarships have been awarded for 2015-2016. Starting in October, applications are being accepted for next year. Students intern with area arts organizations and businesses including opera companies, touring Christian bands, schools of music, symphonies, international touring performers, travel agencies specializing in touring groups, and more. We host performances of exciting new works each semester by our student ensembles, faculty members, graduates and guest artists, in collaboration with rising star composers. We offer two professional degrees - Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Music in Liturgical Music - as well as a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Performance or Jazz, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Dual Major in Business and Music. Faculty performances and presentations have taken place at scholarly conferences, festivals, and conventions, and in concert halls, cathedrals, outdoor venues, clubs, and universities across the U.S. and Europe, in Guinea West Africa, Japan, and South America. Graduates are leaders in music education, music ministry, performance, jazz studies, and music business. Liturgical music students prepare for their careers through partnering with young-alumni mentors, apprenticeships, and credited... [-]

Why Study Philosophy?

Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. It is distinguished from other manners of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational argument.

How We're Different Students engage perennial philosophical questions within small upper-level classes. Our students win summer research grants to explore pressing ethical issues. Students shape their philosophical education through individualized courses and directed studies. The Aquinas Philosophy Club extends philosophical conversations outside the classroom. Our students hone their arguments through public events, such as the newly inaugurated Disputatio, a debate series in the Dominican tradition, which offers an opportunity for students, exceptional scholars, and community members to discuss challenging moral issues in a serious yet collegial manner. Courses are offered in applied ethics, the history of philosophical thought, and the core philosophical areas, including: metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and logic. Students can pair their studies with other content areas including humanities and the sciences. Work with faculty who win teaching awards, are awarded national fellowships, and possess active research agendas. Our students move towards further study, such as philosophy graduate programs, medical school and law school. Our faculty seek, as Aquinas himself did, to enliven and encourage thought within students. Major Requirements: ... [-]

Why Study Sociology?

The Sociology Department has a community-based learning curriculum that brings sociological ideas alive to students by expanding the boundaries of the classroom and exposing students to experiences and opportunities in the community as part of their course work.

How We're Different Monsignor Bukowski, the first Aquinas sociologist, taught labor relations, was active in civil rights, and led Appalachia service-learning trips. Sociology graduates make a difference in non-profit, criminal justice, social work, business, law, and college teaching careers. Professors have diverse specializations including gender, social work, organizations, community, inequalities, sustainable urban development, social psychology, subcultures, ethnography, and culture. Sociology Professor Dr. Susan Haworth-Hoeppner received the 2014 Midwest Sociological Society’s Jane Addams Outstanding Service Award. Sociology students receive community-based learning with Grand Rapids agencies seeking solutions to social problems. The course Indigenous Peoples of the Great Lakes is taught by Ron Yob, Chief of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. We partner with Grand Rapids Public Schools on Girls Empowering Together (G.E.T.), an after-school leadership program. Aquinas is one of only six Michigan private colleges with an Alpha Kappa Delta chapter, a sociology honor society. Students plan career paths in Sociology Preparatory Course, and meet alumni who use sociology in their work. Students learn critical thinking skills needed to understand, analyze, and act in a complex world - in sociology, dissent in the classroom is welcomed. Major Requirements ... [-]

Why Study Spanish?

Studying Spanish at Aquinas College will not only help you achieve your language learning goals, it will also permit you to access a variety of vibrant and varied cultures, as well as a richness of literature and history. Additionally, Spanish would certainly be a plus in your professional life. After English, Spanish is the most widely spoken language in the United States and, of course, the most widely spoken language on our continent.

In addition to language classes, Spanish at Aquinas College will enrich your knowledge and understanding of Spanish and Latin American cultures through programs such as the Latin American Film Festival. You will be encouraged to reach out to native speakers both here (Grand Rapids boasts a large and varied Hispanic community), and abroad. At Aquinas College we have study abroad programs in both Spain and Costa Rica.... [-]

Why Study Sustainable Business?

Sustainable Business practices restore environmental quality, promote stable and healthy communities, and increase long-term profitability. The Aquinas Sustainable Business Degree program fosters ecological and social intelligence in all business decisions and is the first undergraduate program of its kind in Michigan and the United States.

How We're Different Offering the first undergraduate sustainable business degree in the United States, the program has more than a decade of experience in sustainable business education. Graduates make outstanding professional contributions in a variety of business, non-profit and government organizations — many of which lead their industry in sustainability. Faculty combine business experience and strong academic credentials. International Perspectives in Sustainable Business, with its field component in Costa Rica, offers students a first-hand opportunity to explore sustainable business in other countries. Curriculum connects world-changing thinking with traditional business skills and understanding of the natural world. Students receive practical sustainable business experience through specialized student internship opportunities. The Steelcase and Wege Foundations and other donors provided more than $1.8 million to launch the program. The Sustainable Business Innovations Lab, one of the required courses, trains students in design-thinking and innovation skills while solving real-world challenges. Strong business and philanthropic support for the program continue to offer designated scholarships for traditional and continuing education students. Students engage with campus and West Michigan sustainability efforts — making a difference close to home. Sustainable Business Major ... [-]

New to Aquinas' Fine Arts Program this spring is a new major, Theatre for Social Change. This makes Aquinas one of only a few colleges in the region to offer this unique major.

The Theatre for Social Change curriculum is intended to help graduates discover and bridge empathy gaps that exist within communities. Theatre members become activists of sorts as they work with a community to find lively and dynamic ways to help the disenfranchised tell their stories.

Productions may include little-understood or divisive topics, such as mental health issues, gender differences, addiction or sexual assault. Theatre thus becomes the platform for the personalized telling of stories among specific demographics that rarely have their perspectives defined in mainstream theatre.... [-]

Why Study Theatre?

Whether you're ready to take the stage or build it, you'll find your place in theatre at Aquinas. With a leading-edge facility and the addition of a new theatre department director, our program is setting a new standard of excellence.

In 2003, the $7-million Aquinas College Performing Arts Center (in collaboration with Aquinas College, Community Circle Theatre and Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools) had its Grand Opening Season. It's a cooperative effect that brings extraordinary theatre to our community and our students.

How We're Different Aquinas is the only four-year private school in the Grand Rapids area that offers a theatre major. The program is part of a unique collaboration with Circle Theatre and the League of Catholic High Schools, the only one of its kind in the nation, allowing for a variety of performance, teaching, and technical training opportunities. The department produces four to five fully-mounted shows a year, with a focus on contemporary plays, musicals, and adaptations. The department offers three different 21-credit concentrations (performance, technical, and general) in addition to a 27-credit core. Aquinas offers up to four talent scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfers, based on audition (for performers) or portfolio (for designers, stage managers, and directors). Students have had internships at all of the major theatres in the Grand Rapids as well as at The Purple Rose in Chelsea and in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. Students leave with more acting and design credits than majors from other colleges... [-]

How We're Different Each full-time professor has a mandatum from the Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids or the Archbishop of Detroit. Graduates readily find employment in parishes in the Dioceses of Grand Rapids, Lansing and the Arch-Diocese of Detroit. Many graduates go on to graduate studies in theology at schools like Notre Dame, Boston College, Marquette, Catholic University of America and Villanova. A six-course Certificate in Theological Studies enables students to apply for diocesan master catechist status. Each full-time professor teaches courses in the Catholic Studies program. One theology professor has twice been a Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine and another gives dozens of theological talks at local Catholic gatherings. In cooperation with the Diocese of Grand Rapids, the department is developing a youth ministry major and minor. For any semester, students may request to study biblical languages, Greek or Hebrew. Students have the opportunity to engage in a directed study of St. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologiae. Every other year a theology professor offers a course on The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. Major Requirements ... [-]

Why Study Art?

The Art department's mission is to train artists, art historians, and visual arts administrators, as well as to provide service courses for non-art majors. Through our courses, we aspire to build an appreciation for the rich interchange of images and ideas that can happen between art and other academic disciplines. Our graduates in art have been encouraged to consider their future professional role in the context of both the contemporary world and the historical world. Besides a reverence for art history, they have been taught appropriate skills of mind, hand, and eye. They have been helped to find the next steps in their life journey, and have been challenged to be the best they can be in their chosen specialty.... [-]

Why Study Music?

The mission of the Music Department in support of the mission of Aquinas College is to provide both to the music major and general education students: first, a deeper understanding and experience of music from the abundant diversity of cultures present today and through the ages; and, second, the verbal and technical skills to communicate that knowledge of music.

How We're Different $70,000 in music department scholarships have been awarded for 2015-2016. Starting in October, applications are being accepted for next year. Students intern with area arts organizations and businesses including opera companies, touring Christian bands, schools of music, symphonies, international touring performers, travel agencies specializing in touring groups, and more. We host performances of exciting new works each semester by our student ensembles, faculty members, graduates and guest artists, in collaboration with rising star composers. We offer two professional degrees - Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Music in Liturgical Music - as well as a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Performance or Jazz, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Dual Major in Business and Music. Faculty performances and presentations have taken place at scholarly conferences, festivals, and conventions, and in concert halls, cathedrals, outdoor venues, clubs, and universities across the U.S. and Europe, in Guinea West Africa, Japan, and South America. Graduates are leaders in music education, music ministry, performance, jazz studies, and music business. Liturgical music students prepare for their careers through partnering with young-alumni mentors, apprenticeships, and credited... [-]

Why Study Theatre?

Whether you're ready to take the stage or build it, you'll find your place in theatre at Aquinas. With a leading-edge facility and the addition of a new theatre department director, our program is setting a new standard of excellence.

In 2003, the $7-million Aquinas College Performing Arts Center (in collaboration with Aquinas College, Community Circle Theatre and Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools) had its Grand Opening Season. It's a cooperative effect that brings extraordinary theatre to our community and our students.

How We're Different Aquinas is the only four-year private school in the Grand Rapids area that offers a theatre major. The program is part of a unique collaboration with Circle Theatre and the League of Catholic High Schools, the only one of its kind in the nation, allowing for a variety of performance, teaching, and technical training opportunities. The department produces four to five fully-mounted shows a year, with a focus on contemporary plays, musicals, and adaptations. The department offers three different 21-credit concentrations (performance, technical, and general) in addition to a 27-credit core. Aquinas offers up to four talent scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfers, based on audition (for performers) or portfolio (for designers, stage managers, and directors). Students have had internships at all of the major theatres in the Grand Rapids as well as at The Purple Rose in Chelsea and in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. Students leave with more acting and design credits than majors from other colleges... [-]