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About SSHA

Campus at night

Mission

The mission of the School of Social Science, Humanities, and Arts at UC Merced is to explore and explain the past and present human condition as expressed through arts, culture, institutions, behaviors, and ideas. Our intellectually diverse community of scholars and teachers are united by a commitment to rigorous scholarship and excellence in teaching. We develop analytical, critical, and creative thinkers, conscientious and active global citizens, and lifelong learners and leaders.

Vision

SSHA will be an intellectual leader within and beyond the University of California through innovation based in core multidisciplinary strengths and interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving to meet challenges, address changing needs and facilitate social responsibility and understanding of society.

Opportunities for SSHA Students

As a student at the first new American research university of the 21st century, you will be exposed to a unique learning environment with relatively small classrooms and a highly interdisciplinary atmosphere.

Our new university provides the opportunity for direct interaction with SSHA faculty members — an experience typically found only in private colleges, but at a public school price.

In SSHA, you will be able to:

  • Study diverse realities and complex social issues;
  • Research social institutions and cultural systems and the effects they have on societies;
  • Understand the world by examining its past and exploring its future;
  • Use the latest technology to investigate human thought, behavior and interactions; and
  • Appreciate diverse cultures by learning about and taking part in their creative expressions

You'll develop highly transferable skills, such as:

  • Decision-making: Through an understanding of history, politics, economics and society, learn to make sound, informed decisions.
  • Communication: Learn to communicate ideas effectively in oral and written form.
  • Self and society: Examine the world’s cultures through study of its languages, experiences and expressions.
  • Scientific literacy: Apply the technology and quantitative tools utilized in the world’s leading industries and learn how to communicate scientific knowledge to broad audiences.
  • Leadership and teamwork: Through involvement with individuals across disciplines, learn the skills necessary to function as part of a team and work cooperatively with a wide variety of people.

There are also numerous opportunities for undergraduate research experience with faculty members who are studying topics at the cutting edge of their fields.

 

Last Updated: January 2022

Questions: Please contact Christine Howe.