Academics

Majors
Minors

In addition to Patrick Henry College's distinctive Christian Classical Liberal Arts Core Curriculum, which consists of 63 credits plus foreign language proficiency, students have the opportunity to choose from the following academically excellent educational Majors:

I love the students. They can make connections that are outside their field of study. They're not thinking in a shoe box. Through the classical core, they are taught to incorporate ideas from other classes. Another thing I find so stimulating is each semester's Faith and Reason lecture. They're launching points for discussions, and it comes into the classroom. The students here are smart and articulate--they're well-rounded.

- Tracey McGrath, Ph.D., Director of Science Programs

We want our lives to have meaning and to matter, to know that there is a connection between what we do and what becomes of us. Without a framework our lives are a blizzard of disconnected facts and events. But a storyteller says, “Do you want to know what love is? Or courage or greed or compassion? Do you want to know where you came from and where you’re going? Do you want to know why evil stalks the earth? Do you want to know why life changes? Do you want to know what connects you to other people? Let me tell you a story.”

- Les Sillars, Ph.D., Professor of Journalism

The greatest gift God has given us is life, the privilege of participating in his Being as image bearers. The blessing of being at Patrick Henry College is the opportunity to consciously and purposefully participate in the Being of God through the communal study of his creation in all its aspects, significance, and vibrant importance.

- Cory Grewell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Literature

Teaching at PHC gives me the chance to help students cultivate God-given musical gifts, better understand the great works of music history and their context, and explore the connections between their faith and the arts, and to inspire students to create more works of art that reflect Christ in culture. PHC is a place in which these intersections of art, faith and life come to life amongst students and faculty in a unique way.

- Kristina Tanner, D.M.A., Adjunct Professor of Music

Preparing For College

Preparing for the college application process can be daunting. We want to reduce that load for you. Below you will find four helpful steps to prepare yourself for the college application process.

1. Start Early

Most students don’t start seriously looking at colleges until their senior year. This means that they are searching for colleges, applying for scholarships, and finishing high school coursework while trying to spend time with friends before graduation.

If you start your search during your sophomore or junior year, even if you don’t have a major in mind and are just browsing, it alleviates a lot of stress. So start early: it helps.

2. Visit Colleges on Your List

As much as possible, visit colleges that interest you. When you visit, be sure to ask the important questions: “Do you feel safe there?” “Can you call it home for four years?” “Is it a place where you will be able to grow, mature, and learn?” Visiting tells you far more than a website or brochure.

3. Don't Neglect High School

As important as researching colleges is, don’t forget: they will ask for your high school transcript as well. Study hard, pay attention in class, and finish strong. Your admissions counselor will thank you.

4. Apply Early in the Year

Some colleges require you to “lock in” to attend their school if you apply early, so watch for that (this is usually referred to as an “Early Decision” deadline). But if they allow you to apply early without locking you into attending, applying earlier usually gives you a better shot at scholarships. And if you are denied admission by your first choice, you have time to apply to other colleges. So apply early.

To see what PHC’s application process looks like, check out our “Applying to College” page next!

Financing College

We are committed to working with students to help make one of the nation's finest classical Christian liberal arts educations affordable. Whether you're interested in finding out more about merit-based scholarships or need-based scholarships, the Financial Aid Office can help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the application process. Bill Kellaris, the Director of Financial Aid, works with prospective and current students and their families to provide counsel concerning the financial aid process.

Visit Campus

The best way to get to know PHC is to see it for yourself! We invite you to visit our campus and see what it’s like to join a community that will challenge your mind, sharpen your faith, and clarify and develop your passions.

Personal Visit

The first option is a Personal Visit, where you can attend chapel and classes, eat in the dining commons, tour the campus, and speak at length with admissions and financial aid counselors.

Open House

The second option is our full-day Open House events, held several times a year, where prospective students can experience the added opportunity of breakout sessions with staff, students, and PHC’s president on student life, educational philosophy, and major programs. Students may also to stay overnight and experience dorm life first-hand.

Application Process

Applying to PHC will require time and energy (all good things in life do), with each piece showcasing your strengths as an applicant. So to help best present your application to the Review Committee, we will be looking for two short essays, two references, a reading list and activity list, and the standard requirements of test scores and transcripts.

Each piece will take only minutes to complete, and our counselors are standing by to help answer your questions as you go through the process. You can find more information on each piece of the application here, and feel free to check out our YouTube page (starting Summer 2016) for a video series walkthrough of the application!

Visit Campus

Personal Visit

The first option is a Personal Visit, where you can attend chapel and classes, eat in the dining commons, tour the campus, and speak at length with admissions and financial aid counselors.

Explore Our Majors and Minors

The Patrick Henry College
2023 Fact Book

Meet Our Esteemed Faculty