Welcome to the School of Humanities & Social Sciences
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) invites you to a world of new discoveries through the study of the many dimensions of the human condition. The offerings and opportunities that await students empower our graduates to change lives and build futures that have impact and improve the quality of life in their local communities and beyond. As an HSS student, you can pursue undergraduate majors leading to the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degrees in Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, English, Fine Arts, History, Humanities, Music, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. HSS also offers online degree completion programs in two areas: Communication Studies and Technical/Professional Writing, as well as an online Graduate Certificate in Composition Studies.
No matter what your major, you will find many ways to explore the human condition and the world around you. HSS students explore the canyons of Utah, experience Shakespearean plays in Stratford, Ontario, and take study tours to Costa Rica, France, Italy,Spain and others. Additional opportunities for cultural enrichment include the Whitewater Art Competition, the World Languages Film Series, and the Hispanic Heritage Festival. Students also can participate in a variety of student organizations, including the Criminal Justice Club, the History/Political Science Club, the Humanities Club, the Psychology Club, and the Writers’ Club
HSS offers many ways to connect classroom content to the real world, and the School’s service learning activities have been recognized several times by inclusion on the President’s Honor Roll for Community Service. Through service learning, students have an impact on Richmond and the surrounding communities. A few examples include political science students developing an Innovation Center in Fayette County, Philosophy students creating and staffing the Baxter Neighborhood Center, Spanish-language students serving the Latino community through the Amigos program, and English students leading reading and discussion sessions with children at the Boys and Girls Club. Internships provide additional opportunities for students to gain real-life experiences in their areas of study. HSS students intern in such places as the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, the Henry County Youth Center, the Palladium Item newspaper offices, and WCTV, our local access television station.
As an HSS student, you will study with and be mentored by award-winning faculty.
The recognition they have received includes:
- 10 Indiana University Trustees Teaching Awards
- 9 Helen Lees Awards for Excellence in Teaching
- 6 Indiana University Distinguished Teaching Awards
- 3 Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural and Diversity Enhancement Awards
- 5 Horizon Awards for Excellence in Teaching
- 2 Indiana University Adjunct Teaching Awards
- 2 Fulbright Scholarships
- 1 Brian Hiltunen Scholarship of Engagement Faculty Research Award
- 1 John W. Ryan Award for Distinguished Service
- 1 W. George Pinnell Award for Distinguished Service
- 1 Thomas Ehrlich Award for Service Learning
- 1 Indiana University East Award for Excellence in Research
- 1 Chancellor’s Faculty Service Award
- 9 HSS faculty have been inducted into FACET, the Faculty Colloquium on Excellence in Teaching
We look forward to welcoming you to our school. If you have any questions about our degrees and programs, feel free to contact me or to stop by my office in Tom Raper Hall 238. I look forward to talking with you!
Dean and Professor of History
Tom Raper Hall 238
Telephone: 765-973-5219
Fax: 765-973-8590
