Explore the Social Sciences

Understanding People

Welcome to the Division of Social Sciences at Hope College – the place to go to better understand how and why people behave the way they do – alone, in school, at work, in the family, in political structures and in the global community. The Social Science Division is home to seven academic departments (Communication; Economics, Management & Accounting; Education; Kinesiology; Political Science; Psychology; and Sociology and Social Work). These departments house 12 academic majors, each of which is concerned with better understanding people. The Social Science Division is also home to two special programs: PATH and the Center for Faithful Leadership.

An education in the social sciences is delivered by caring, world-renown faculty (faculty accomplishments) in outstanding facilities with an emphasis on learning by doing – all with a global perspective. The largest academic division of the college, Hope’s approach to understanding people is informed and made distinctive because it is rooted in the historic Christian faith – a faith in which students are encouraged to develop as whole persons – mind, body, and spirit.

For more information, contact the office of the Dean For Social Sciences:

Scott VanderStoep
Dean for Social Sciences
Professor of Psychology
616-395-7903
vanderstoep@hope.edu

VanderStoep Vitae

Cheryl Schairer
Assistant to the Dean for Social Sciences
Director of Teacher Certification
616-395-7903
schairer@hope.edu