The Suomi College of Arts & Sciences prepares students for a variety of career paths that require extensive skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and communication. These skills are essential in business, education, research, public relations, and media careers, as well as in graduate degree programs. Finlandia offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education, and Human Services, and Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice and General Studies. A one-year English-as-a-Second Language program is also offered at Finlandia.

Liberal Studies B.A.
The Liberal Studies B.A. program is designed for students who have many interests and want maximum flexibility in course selection. Instead of majoring in one particular field, Liberal Studies students select concentrations from two or three different academic disciplines. Students who have earned an abundance of college credits but have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree are also good candidates for the Liberal Studies program.

Concentrations: English Language and Literature; History and Political Science; Psychology and Sociology; Religion and Philosophy; Christian Vocation; International Studies; Finnish Studies; Science; Environmental Policy; Environmental Science; Economics and Business; Visual Communications; Corporate Communications; Student-proposed

Liberal Studies B.A.: English
The English major acquaints students with the varied and important contributions the study of English makes to society. English majors explore literature from various cultures, practice creative writing, and engage in critical examination of film. Further, selected classes help the student apply English skills to journalism, Web page design, and theatre production. The English major prepares students to work in positions that range from a traditional focus on writing, editing, grant production, and the arts, to positions in education, business, government, and social services. The English major is also excellent preparation for graduate school.

Concentrations: Sociology; Psychology; History; History and Geography; History and Political Science; International Studies; Environmental Policy; Corporate Communications

Liberal Studies B.A.: Social Sciences
The Social Sciences major provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of human society and promotes awareness of human experience, societies, and cultures. The Social Sciences degree lays a foundation for understanding and evaluating the critical issues facing contemporary society from a diversity of perspectives. Students select one or two major areas of concentration from the disciplines of sociology, history, geography, political science, psychology, international studies, corporate communications, and environmental policy.

Concentrations: Sociology; Psychology; History; History and Geography; History and Political Science; International Studies; Environmental Policy; Corporate Communications

Liberal Studies B.A.: ACE – An Interdisciplinary Honors Program in Arts, Culture and the Environment
Arts, Culture and the Environment (ACE) is an interdisciplinary honors program in liberal studies. ACE students will study history, literature, science, religion, and the arts to gain a greater understanding of humanity and our relationship with the natural world. ACE students learn to interpret literature, conduct scientific experiments, analyze data, engage in public debate, and defend complex arguments. They may also study abroad, create art, coordinate a community event, or lead an environmental restoration project. It takes a unique and dedicated student to excel in multiple academic fields; thus, the Suomi College of Arts and Sciences has designated ACE as an honors program. To earn honors credit, ACE students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above and complete honors-level work in a minimum of three classes approved by the ACE advisor.

Back to Top

Elementary Education B.A.
Individuals who choose to be teachers are making a commitment to guide future generations through crucial developmental stages of their lives. The teaching profession can best measure its rewards by the enlightened smile on a child’s face and in knowing that each piece of knowledge that is passed along will be integrated into that young person’s life.

When Finlandia students graduate from the Elementary Education program they will have gained not only the academic knowledge needed to be a teacher, but also a great deal of classroom experience and mentoring that will be invaluable when they step into their own classroom for that first day of school.

The purpose of the Elementary Education Department is to prepare Leaders of Vision in a learning community dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service. Students are certified to teach in a self-contained classroom for grades K-5 and in non-self contained classrooms in their minors for grades 6 through 8, upon successful completion of the Michigan Teacher Test for Certification. Graduates who obtain their State of Michigan teaching certificate will find that the state has reciprocity for teachers with forty other states.

The Elementary Education Program offers three major strengths:

• The immersion field experience in the junior year
• The student/faculty ratio
• Collaborations with the Copper Country Intermediate School District and local elementary and middle school administrators.

The immersion field experience is unique to our program. Students have four major field experiences in the public schools, are required to select four different grade levels and four different school districts during their participation in the professional education courses of the program. During the sophomore year, students partake in a weekly three-hour field experience for one semester. While taking their methodology courses during their junior year, students are placed in classrooms for a whole day once a week to teach and assist the classroom teacher. During their senior year, the student teaching placement can be fifteen weeks in one placement, or, can be divided into a seven and an eight-week placement at two different levels.

The student/faculty ratio in the Elementary Education program is approximately ten to one during the completion of the methodology courses. This environment provides more individualized attention and the opportunity to include a variety of innovative projects, activities, and experiences in class.

Collaboration with the Copper Country Intermediate School District allows our students to participate in professional development workshops along with the public school teachers. Additionally, we also have adjunct teachers and professionals who are employed by the public schools and the Copper Country Intermediate School District who teach methodology courses for Finlandia as adjunct faculty. This opens the doors of communication and reduces the knowledge gap between the public schools and Finlandia University. The Department Chair of Education who participates in the monthly Principal’s Roundtable further enhances communication.

Enrollment in the upper level courses of the Education Program, known as Admission into Teacher Education, requires completion of the general education courses, a passing score on all three sections of the Michigan Basic Skills Test, and a minimum of a 2.7 cumulative grade point average at Finlandia University. In addition, EDU 101 (Foundations of Education) and EDU 201 (Educational Psychology) must be completed with a “B-” or better. Admission into Teacher Education usually happens after the sophomore year.

Finlandia University received preliminary approval in 2001 from the state and regional accrediting organizations. While we continue to pursue probationary approval, Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan has agreed to act as our mentoring institution and will recommend our graduates for state certification. Final approval is the last step in the accreditation process for new developing programs. All qualifying graduates will be certified to teach, once they pass the state certification exam.

Finlandia’s Department of Education curriculum has been developed to be in compliance with all of the standards and requirements established by the Michigan State Department of Education and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Successful completion of the curriculum qualifies the student for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.

Michigan Teacher Test for Elementary Education
*Based on information received from the National Education Testing Service, the scores are based on first-time test takers.

*These students took the test again in spring 2005, and both passed. 

The Finlandia University Conceptual Framework: Program Outcomes for Leaders of Vision provides an overview of our expectations for graduating seniors and emphasizes the areas of basic knowledge, dispositions, and skills they should possess as a result of fulfilling the elementary education program requirements. It is divided into three categories.

• Discovering the Learner’s Potential

• Developing the Learner’s Knowledge and Skills
• Dedicating the Learner for Lifelong Learning and Service

The Finlandia University Conceptual Framework Model for the Department of Education encompasses the three major components of the mission statement that contributes to a learning community and the experiences it is committed to offer. The attributes of academic excellence, service, and spiritual growth are identified in terms of outcomes of each professional educator’s experience at Finlandia University with the ultimate goal of becoming a Leader of Vision for the 21st Century. The founding fathers of Finlandia University believed that it was important for each student to attain a certain knowledge base and skill set, and in 2005 that sentiment remains as acornerstone for a Finlandia Elementary Education experience.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Laurene Ziegler, Department Chair of Education, at 906-487-7351 or by e-mail laurene.ziegler@finlandia.edu.

Back to Top

Human Services B.A.
The Human Services Department will educate students to identify problems, to work with people in all stages of human development who are experiencing life crises, and to intervene and solve problems. Students learn to create and maintain relationships with others, to develop means of prevention for individuals and groups, and to network with agencies for the provision of services in a rural environment.

In pursuit of their desire to ‘make a difference,’ Finlandia University Rural Human Services (RHS) students, through theory and practice, become better informed, and more compassionate and self-aware individuals. “Students enhance self worth, discover and hone effective communications styles, study the rules people live by, and begin to develop contacts to provide future clients with a link to society,” said Mary Tormala, Director of the RHS Program.

Established in 1999, the RHS Program bachelor of arts curriculum combines theoretical learning with pragmatic training through the completion of a core of liberal arts classes, extensive degree-specific coursework, and 350 hours of on-site practicum and internship work. A wide variety and number of community-based social services institutions provide practical, on-site opportunities for student learning.

“Students truly devote themselves to their work,” said Mary Tormala. “Over their 4 years in the RHS program, I can see the development and growth of student self-awareness and empathy. There’s nothing else like it.”

Chris Armbruster
Chris Armbruster earned an associate degree in business administration from Finlandia University in 2000. At that time, she had just started working in the clerical unit of the State of Michigan Family Independence Agency (FIA). “As time went on, I wanted to go back to school,” said Chris, “and I could see how the four-year degree in Rural Human Services would help me advance within the FIA.” Chris completed her RHS bachelor of arts degree in 2003.

Finlandia was Chris’s first college experience. “I liked the one-on-one with instructors and the smaller classes,” said Chris. “The smaller campus makes it easier to get around. When I was working on my bachelor’s degree I was able to run up to campus at lunchtime to take a class; it was really convenient.”

Chris is much more confident since attending Finlandia. “I feel like I can do anything now. I’ve made some major life changes in the last few years and I’m doing a lot of things I’ve never done before. Having the education, advancing in my career, made me realize that if I don’t like something in my life, I can change it.”

“I’ve become a better person, inside and out,” says Chris. “I would definitely encourage anybody to go back to school. You grow in every area. You’re able to communicate better; you’re able to face new challenges knowing that ‘I can do this.’”

A ‘non-traditional’ student, Chris was in her 30s while attending Finlandia. “It definitely made me appreciate the opportunity to be there. I had the desire to make it work. And as a mother, I wanted to set a good example for my kids,” she said.

Chris has been working for the State of Michigan for more than 5 years. In that short span of time, she has advanced from a clerical position to an eligibility specialist to a caseworker. Chris now provides protective services for the Children’s Services unit at FIA. “There’s never a boring day. Every day is different,” said Chris.

Chris completed her practicum and internship degree requirements with her employer. “My first practicum was through the Hancock FIA Adult Services office. I also did some practicum work with FIA Volunteer Services. My internship placement as an Eligibility Specialist eventually became a permanent position. It worked out really well. I was able to work full time and go to school, too.”

Chris knows of three additional Finlandia Rural Human Services graduates working for the FIA. “I think that we’re gaining the respect that we deserve. The changes that have been made from Suomi College to Finlandia University, expanding the programs and offering the bachelor’s degrees, have made a world of difference,” says Chris.

“You have to get a degree in order to get a job that can sustain you,” said Chris. “Especially if you have a family. I feel so lucky the way everything has happened for me. State jobs are the best paying jobs in this area. If you want to find meaningful work and make a decent living to support yourself and family,” Chris repeated, “You have to have an education.”

Jacki Sever
Jacki Sever graduated from Finlandia’s Rural Human Services Program in 2002. Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Jacki relocated to the Copper Country in 1999. She has been working at Dial Help, a local crisis center, for 4 years.

Finlandia was Jacki’s first college experience. She was relieved and inspired by the personal support RHS Program faculty provided in her early days at the university, and throughout her 4 years of study. “The faculty really made me feel welcome and part of the student body. This was my first opportunity to take college classes and, at age 40, I was nervous about it.”

“I especially enjoyed the literature and sociology classes I took as part of my degree requirements,” said Jacki. “The liberal arts classes gave added depth to my understanding and experience of humanity. It also introduced me to a lot of great books. The entire program developed my critical thinking skills and my capacity to empathize with others.”

Not only did Jacki’s senior year RHS internship at Dial Help allow her to apply what she had learned in the classroom, it led to a full time job! Dial Help hired Jacki several months prior to her graduation. “I love my work at Dial Help. We’re all very committed to helping others.”

At Dial Help, Jacki conducts classes with area youth for Project S.T.A.R.R. (Students Talking About Responsible Relationship). These youth empowerment groups give teens an opportunity to work with their peers to develop healthy life skills. “The classes help teens understand and talk about some important life issues,” said Jacki. She also works with several area families helping them connect with community resources they can use to improve their lives. “It’s challenging work, but the opportunity to make even a small difference in people’s lives is personally fulfilling,” she said.

Lee Luoto and Kristy Halgren
“The Rural Human Services program is meeting the needs and dreams of individual students,” says Lee Luoto, Director and Counselor for the Upward Bound Program at Finlandia University. Over the past three years, Lee has supervised the internships of three RHS students. “The program does a great job preparing graduates for work in all areas of social services, or for continued studies in a master’s level program,” she said.

Upward Bound provides academic services and personal support to many area high school students. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, its goal is to increase the rates at which participants enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

“Each student is different and looking for different experiences,’ says Lee. “Finlandia’s Rural Human Services Program does an excellent job tailoring learning opportunities to meet individual student goals.” Two years ago, Lee supervised a RHS intern interested in social policy and planning. Today that graduate, Jason Rice, is teaching English in Korea. Last year, intern Casey Arrowood was interested in the administrative aspects of social services. Casey is now completing a master’s degree in High School Counseling at Northern Michigan University.

This semester, Lee is supervising the internship of graduating RHS senior Kristy Halgren. Kristy wants to learn as much as she can about providing direct service to clients. Her internship duties have included assisting with Upward Bound Study Labs at area high schools. “Through my internship with Upward Bound, I have discovered that I really enjoy working with high school-age students,” said Kristy. “It’s good experience.”

“Lee Luoto has been a good educational and career mentor for me,” said Kristy. “She has shared many stories and helpful insights about social services work.” Kristy has enjoyed the small class sizes at Finlandia and the one-on-one time with professors. “The RHS professors are so awesome!” said Kristy. “They are compassionate and always willing to help students.”

Kristy Halgren will graduate this spring. She is planning to earn a master’s degree in social work. Lee Luoto is an alumna of Suomi College. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Northern Michigan University, and a master’s of social work from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Back to Top

Back to Top

General Studies A.G.S.
The associate degree in General Studies is designed for students who want to complete a two-year college degree without concentrating in a particular area. The program offers flexibility to the person seeking to obtain a better job or qualify for certain entry-level positions. The associate degree in General Studies is also intended for international students who require training in English as a Second Language in preparation for bachelor degree studies.

English as a Second Language Program (ESL)
Finlandia’s ESL program is for students whose first language is not English. Emphasis is placed on “real life” English learning through interactions with people on campus and in the local community. The typical ESL program lasts one year, with students taking three core ESL classes plus one regular university course each semester. However, with approval from the student’s academic advisor, the program of study may be adjusted to meet a student’s individual language needs. Coursework in reading, writing, speaking, and grammar is integrated with computer work, one-on-one tutoring, conversational partners, small group activities, and cultural experiences. The goal of Finlandia’s ESL program is not only to teach English, but to help international students gain the tools and understanding necessary to succeed at a North American university. A GPA of 2.0 is required to qualify for graduation from the ESL program. Finlandia University provides continued language support and development to international students as they work toward a baccalaureate degree at Finlandia.

Back to Top

Criminal Justice A.A.S.
Finlandia University’s Criminal Justice Program has been preparing students for law enforcement and related careers since the 1960s. Finlandia C.J. graduates will find many career opportunities available to them, including municipal, state and federal law enforcement, corrections, social work, parole or probation officer, and private security.

The curriculum includes class and laboratory instruction. Courses cover the fundamentals of the criminal justice system, methods of investigation, police operations, and the use of evidence in courtrooms as well as the history and function of private security. Hands-on learning is applied whenever possible, and students will have the opportunity to add a field experience to their coursework.

The individual student is very important to the CJ department. Each student is counseled to pursue the degree that best suits his or her career goals. The Criminal Justice program at Finlandia University offers several degree options. Students wishing to earn a two-year Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree are required to earn 27 general education and 34 professional development credits. Four-year degree courses of study can be pursued with either a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, with a criminal justice concentration or a Rural Human Services Bachelor of Arts Degree, with a criminal justice concentration . Those who have earned their AAS degree and wish to expand to a four-year degree can do so through the 2+2 Business or Rural Human Services course sequence.

Department Chair, Dolores Kilpela, brings ten years of police experience to Finlandia’s Criminal Justice Department. Other faculty members include Phillip Kukkonen, 97th District Court Judge and Fraser Strome, Houghton County Assistant Prosecutor. Captain Myles McCormack, who graduated from Finlandia’s Criminal Justice Program in 1979, illustrates the possibilities for success in local law enforcement.