College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Combining a traditional liberal arts education with diverse hands-on research experiences, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences prepares students to be thoughtful and creative leaders who go on to thrive in professional careers and prestigious graduate programs.

Distinctions

Latino student giving presentation

Led by Chicana and Chicano studies faculty, students in the Latinx Lab for Storytelling and Social Justice learn to create transformative knowledge through narrative storytelling.

A DC Scholar standing in front of Jefferson Memorial

Through the Cal State DC Scholars program, students have the opportunity to study and intern in our nation’s capital. Many program alumni have turned their experiences into thriving careers in Washington, D.C.

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The Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation is a cross-campus and community-minded initiative that aims to advance the support and inclusion of Black people, culture, arts and history.

Why Choose the College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Our students graduate with an in-depth understanding of their chosen field and the core skills that are most attractive to prospective employers. They also are prepared for success in graduate school, law school and beyond.

With 19 departments, we provide a myriad of opportunities for students to get involved in high-impact programs, collaborative research projects with faculty and professional internships.

Social Justice Centered Curriculum

Our faculty integrate classroom instruction with community-based experiences, preparing students to be thoughtful leaders who advance social justice and enact change in their communities.

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Faculty-Student Collaboration

Students have opportunities to conduct and publish research alongside faculty experts who study a diverse range of topics, from true crime and popular culture to linguistics and oral histories.

Future Teacher Preparation

Our programs prepare educators to earn teaching credentials in English, language arts, foreign languages, history and social sciences.

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Hands-on Professional Experience

Whether you’re interested in competing with our award-winning Moot Court team, developing leadership skills on the HSS Inter-Club Council or publishing your work in an academic journal, we provide opportunities for you to gain hands-on experience that will bolster your portfolio.

academic Departments

For more information about our academic programs: Contact Us

Titans in Their Fields

Our students and alums carry the Titan spirit - they strive to help others and uplift communities.

This requires passion, compassion and dedication. Meet some of our alums and learn how CSUF prepared them for their calling.

Psychology Student Recounts Experiences of Afghan Refugees

For her outstanding research studying the experiences and trauma of Afghans who settled in America, Aryan Afshar was selected for the 2023 Giles T. Brown Thesis Excellence Award.

Internship in Washington Is ‘A Dream Come True’ for Panetta Scholar

As a Panetta Congressional Intern, Sama Nafea gained hands-on experience working in the nation’s capital and landed a job as a staff assistant in U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal’s (D-Calif.) district offices.

History Alumna Helps Bring Soldiers Home

Historian Nicole Rhoton works with the U.S. Department of Defense to recover military personnel listed as prisoners of war or missing in action from past conflicts.

Student Geographer Studies Sugar Pines in Yosemite National Park

Working alongside a faculty mentor, Daniel Swenson investigated the impact that wildfires have on the growth of the world’s largest pine.

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Our Faculty

Our world-class educators and researchers are leaders in their fields.

They are committed to engaging students in research opportunities and fieldwork to help them achieve their career goals. They believe in students’ potential and support their success through mentorship and collaboration.

Meet some of our faculty members.

Faculty Member Examines LGBTQ Women of Color as the Face of Punk

Marlén Ríos-Hernández researches how queer Black, Chicanx and Latinx women and femmes shaped Southern California punk in the ’70s and ’80s.

Black Beauty Expert Featured in Docuseries Streaming on Netflix

Kristin Denise Rowe, assistant professor of American studies, is featured in “The Black Beauty Effect.” The docuseries about Black beauty culture is streaming on Netflix.

Psychology Researcher Studies AI’s Impact on Diversity in STEM

Yuko Okado investigates how artificial intelligence can help guide and mentor college students from underrepresented communities.

Two people conversing at Center for Oral and Public History

CENTERS

With eight centers of excellence dedicated to public service and targeted research, CSUF’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers unique opportunities for student engagement in the community and collaborative faculty-student research.

Our Centers

Be a Part of the Solution

Your partnership with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences supports high-impact learning experiences, faculty research, and student-led research that impacts our local communities.

Your investment will support a new generation of community leaders, educators and innovators who are passionate about advancing society and strengthening communities by becoming leaders in their fields.

Give to Humanities and Social Sciences

Partner With Us

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