Humanities and Social Sciences
The humanities and the social sciences are cornerstones of a liberal arts education, and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a broad range of disciplines that give students a fuller understanding of the past, present and future roles of both the individual and society in shaping human experience.
Scholars in the humanities study many aspects of human existence and consider how systems of thought and knowledge have developed over time and how they continue to influence our decisions today. Humanistic inquiry asks how events in the past affect the present and how understanding the past can help us shape the future. The social sciences view the world around us as a laboratory for observation, experimentation and the advancement of new ideas and practices. Social scientists strive to understand the human capacity for adapting to changing environments and circumstances.
Contact Us
Candelaria Hall 0215
Students: If you have any questions, please reach out to the Student Success Resource Center (SSRC). They can be contacted at HSS.StudentSuccess@lilysw.com.
Phone: 970-351-3140
For All Other Inquiries: Please reach out to the Deans office. They can be contacted at hss@lilysw.com.
Phone: 970-351-2707
Office Hours
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Preparation for Leadership
No matter where you go, no matter what you study, students that graduate from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences are equipped with the skills to solve complex problems and lead in their chosen field.
A Global Campus
From local internships to studying abroad, our students gain hands-on experiences that prepare them for life after UNC. We partner with more than 300 schools around the world for international education experiences, including many in Europe and Asia.
Small Class Sizes & Engaged Professors
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, you will have the opportunity to build lasting connections with your professors and peers. Our faculty are dedicated to providing you with a personalized educational experience.
Why study humanities and social sciences?
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Make a Difference
Liberal arts students are more likely to be civically engaged and tackle today's biggest social and technological challenges.
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Prepare for Success
Liberal arts students can communicate effectively, think critically, solve complex problems, and thrive in diverse settings, leading to long-term professional success and higher earning potential.
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Live a Fulfilling Life
Liberal arts students consistently report high satisfaction in their work and personal lives, and are prepared for a life of learning and growth.
We don't mean to brag, but we have some awesome professors here...
Check out what's happening in our College!
HSS Hosts NYT-Featured "Superheroes of Sudan"
On Monday, Nov. 18, the Department of Geography, GIS and Sustainability will be welcoming Sami al-Gada and Hassan Tibwa, the "Superheroes of Sudan", to campus for a public talk and Q&A session. These two students from Sudan were featured in the New York Times for their bravery and selflessness, rescuing over 60 people in the city of Khartoum as war broke out in the streets.
The event will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Campus Commons Performance Hall. Food and beverageswill be served starting at 5:45 p.m., with the Q&A to follow. Learn more on the UNC event page!
HSS Faculty Attend White House Summit
Recently, Chelsie Romulo, Ph.D., of the Geography, GIS, and Sustainability department and Harmony Newman, Ph.D., chair of Gender Studies, were invited to the 2024 White House Summit on STEMM Equity and Excellence: Propelling Progress and Prosperity by 2050. The White House Office of Science and Technology and Policy and the STEMM Opportunity Alliance co-hosted the event to bring together leaders across multiple industries to discuss ways to increase diversity, equity and access to careers in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine).
Dr. Duncan Recognized as 2024 College Scholar
For her efforts towards cultivating accepting, healthy learning spaces for her students, her role as a committed activist for half a dozen groups across Colorado, her research towards the conditions surrounding immigration and mental health, and much more, Anthropology pforessor Whitney Duncan, Ph.D., has been recognized as the College of Humanities and Social Science's 2024 College Scholar.
The Importance of Teaching Underrepresented Cultures
David Barillas Chón, Ph.D. and assistant professor in the Department of Chicana/o and Latinx Studies, was recently featured in an article on UNC's main news page. The piece focused on Dr. Barillas Chón's past, his history in education, and priorities and philosophies for instructing students here at UNC.
Dr. Lee Recognized at ORSP Award Ceremony
Jieun Lee, Ph.D, of the Department of Geography, GIS, and Sustainability, was recently recognized as the recipient of the 2024 Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) Mid-Career Investigator Award. This award recognizes a post-tenured faculty member who has demonstrated continued success in sponsored programs.
Why UNC?
Graduating senior Langston Mayo, majoring in Philosophy and Communication Studies, discusses why he chose UNC.
