Where have we been? Where are we going? How do we make sense of where we are right now?

Exploring Ourselves and the World Around Us

Founded on centuries of classical and Christian scholarship, Belhaven University’s Division of Humanities builds bridges that link our past to our future.

Our humanities majors and minors cover the breadth of human learning and how we apply that knowledge.

A Questing Freedom

At Belhaven, you find the intellectual freedom, open heart, and Christian foundation to probe the meaning and complexity of our universal experience.

So go ahead, ask the big questions. These inquiries become our shared quests. Together, we sharpen our critical skills (iron on iron) and shape answers that lead to even bigger and better quests.

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Key Areas of Study

Studying the humanities is central to all our degree program

13:1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Small class sizes mean close-knit learning communities

100s Careers

Build your strengths for teaching, research, ministry, and more

Edward Bishop

"I have enjoyed Belhaven very much. It has been an easy integration process for me and everyone is extremely friendly."

Edward Bishop

Jonathan Eastman

"My degree from Belhaven gave me the proper foundations in literature, composition and critical thinking from which I am pursuing my personal goals."

Jonathan Eastman

"Because of my degree from Belhaven University I am more passionate about justice and more knowledgeable about our country's laws and political history. I was also accepted into a graduate program for Higher Education Administration, where I am learning how to help future students have the same incredible college experience that I had at Belhaven."

Erin Fielding

"I had planned to go to another school, but then I visited Belhaven. I fell in love with the beautiful campus, caring people, and the idea of learning from a Christian college. Because of my degree, I will be more prepared to face the challenges ahead of me. As I attempt to make a positive contribution to the world, I can look back on the many lessons I have learned and apply them daily."

Anna Rumbarger

"The Interdisciplinary Studies program here at Belhaven has enabled me to craft my own major with the guidance of excellent advisors. This has has allowed me to gain the skills I needed from multiple fields to be an equipped, multifaceted person in my future career."

Joshua Lopez

"I chose to attend Belhaven because I felt it would give me the opportunity to excel academically and spiritually. And now because of my degree in history at Belhaven, I will be able to work with teenagers and try to help develop them into successful adults."

Bobby Thigpen

"Belhaven is preparing me to attend law school, but there are so many other options for Political Science majors. I have learned numerous things, not only academically, but about my relationship to God. I will leave Belhaven better equipped to promote the Kingdom of Christ in all areas of my life."

Chad McPhearson

"I chose to attend Belhaven because I wanted a Christ-centered education from faculty that would challenge me in my academics and my walk with God. Because of my degree, I feel confident that I can enter the competitive work force with a quality education to find a job that I enjoy and that Christ calls me to."

Olivia Friend

Desire Tackett

"Being a member of the track team has been my favorite thing about Belhaven. We laugh and cry, but family sticks together through it all!"

Desire Tackett

Lily Nalker

"My experience at Belhaven has changed who I am as a student, artist, and Believer because the faculty and staff help me in my walk of faith."  

Lily Nalker

"I chose to come to Belhaven because the professors are willing to work one-on-one with their students and can do so in the smaller classroom environment. I am now looking forward to being able to teach English on the high school level, and after graduate school, on the collegiate level."

Deborah Houglum

Edward Bishop

"I have enjoyed Belhaven very much. It has been an easy integration process for me and everyone is extremely friendly."

Edward Bishop

Livi Holland

"I’ve loved getting to learn under a wide range of both professors and guest artists. This department has prepared me extensively in modern and ballet technique, while still allowing me flexibility to pursue classes like jazz or non-traditional partnering. I feel prepared for a career post-graduation because having such a strong dance program at a university sets me up to not only pursue performing and teaching, but also my Master’s in Counseling."

Livi Holland

Natalie Goggans

"One of my favorite things about the Dance Department at Belhaven is that it is a place where you can work hard and see considerable and long-lasting growth. I think this is especially important for establishing yourself as an artist in the dance world, and Belhaven is a great place to build these skills. This department taught me strength and determination, and that all it takes is drive and passion to reach your goals."

Natalie Goggans

Larry Burns

"One of the great things about Belhaven University is not only the affordability, but the ability to go back to school around your work schedule."

Larry Burns

"I chose to come to Belhaven to obtain a Christian experience as well as a higher standard of education for a psychology degree."

Mary Ann Simmons

Stacy Nott

"I chose to come to Belhaven because of the wonderful atmosphere, caring professors, beautiful campus and great financial aid. When I came for my campus visit, I felt so welcomed and wanted and that feeling of welcome has remained throughout all of my years here, whether I am participating in classroom discussion, reading poetry under the magnificent oak trees, or drinking tea with friends in the residence hall."

Stacy Nott

Laura Huddleston

"Belhaven is a small, close-knit college community where each professor gives individual attention and concern to every student."

Laura Huddleston

"I can think and analyze critically, which is crucial to everyday life. I also plan on getting my doctorate so that I may teach."

Bethany Cavanaugh

"I came to Belhaven because of the Christian values they promote. The professors help you in every way that they can- academically, spiritually, and socially. When I think about Belhaven, it feels like a big family. Having received an English degree from Belhaven, I will be qualified to teach what I have learned to others."

Missy Samsel

Celebrate Culture and Community During Global Focus Week

Global Focus Week: January 20-25, 2025. Throughout the week, students enjoy international cuisine, explore global perspectives with guest speakers, and participate in unique events like dance classes, a global ministry fair, a virtual trek around the world and more! This is a great opportunity for our students to experience the world right here on campus.

Students: View Schedule on BlazeNet

Double major graduate

The Belhaven Advantage

Fuel your academic passions and expand your career options. Belhaven offers our freshmen a unique deal: double major, and we’ll pay the tuition if you need a fifth year in school. Double major in two arts programs, pair a business degree with a STEM major … the possibilities are endless!

More: Year 5 Free

seth perry

Quote from faculty member

"A solid grounding in the Humanities disciplines imparts to our students the knowledge-base to understand the human condition and thus our world. It provides the appraisal, judgment, and critical thinking skills to engage with others. As such, a degree in the humanities not only bestows a substantial foundation in itself, but also the flexibility to pursue careers in virtually any field."

Meet our Chair: Dr. Seth Parry

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Why Trust Belhaven With Your Future?

Our quality is recognized by SACSCOC, which grants our institutional accreditation and authority to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral-level degrees. Plus, we’re consistently recognized by organizations like U.S. News & World Report for our academic excellence, commitment to community service, expert faculty, and overall value.

Importance of Accreditation

Colleges of Distinction logo College of Distinction - Christian College of Distinction - Business College of Distinction - Education College of Distinction - Nursing

Contact Us

Dean of Humanities and Ministry Services — Dr. Seth Parry

Phone: 601-968-5982

Preston 309
1500 Peachtree Street
Jackson, MS 39202

sparry@belhaven.edu

crepe mertle blooms in front of fitzhugh hall

Verse of the Year

For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 100:5