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uc merced welcomes our new students

The School of Social Science, Humanities, and Arts (SSHA) at UC Merced empowers students with the knowledge to become leaders, creators and innovators who will shape the future of California and the world.

Find Your Degree

Our departments offer 16 majors and 20 minors that prepare students for academic and professional success.

Top 5 UC Merced's Top 10 Enrolled Majors

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Voices of Success

It’s SSHAwesome how supportive SSHA faculty are, and I love learning through their interdisciplinary approach while being part of a friendly, engaged community.


Victoria Mendez

Public Health at UC Merced feels personal- what I learn connects to the Central Valley, and I love helping others find the resources they need to thrive.


Emily Lo

As a history major, I’ve gained versatile skills I can use beyond the classroom. At a smaller campus like UC Merced, it’s easier to access research, jobs, and meaningful ways to help others.


Max Turkovich

SSHA majors have a clear edge- it's easy to build real connections with professors and tap into research and job opportunities early on.


Anton Viray

At SSHA, I get to explore beyond my major, connect with professors, and have meaningful conversations that make learning personal.


Melanie Farias-Ramirez

I feel that the topics that are taught are expansive, and I like that I am able to take classes in different areas of study and they still count towards my major. You can get one on one time with professors and get to know them, and class sizes are smaller so there is more opportunity to get to know your professors.


Melanie Farias-Ramirez

I feel that the topics that are taught are expansive, and I like that I am able to take classes in different areas of study and they still count towards my major. You can get one on one time with professors and get to know them, and class sizes are smaller so there is more opportunity to get to know your professors.


Melanie Farias-Ramirez

Our Impact in Action

Photo depicts construction materials at a building site.
June 17, 2025

Mass deportation of California's undocumented residents would open a $275 billion hole in the state's economy, cripple industries ranging from agriculture to hospitality, disrupt countless small...

UC Merced CAPE Legislative Fellows Sacramento interns Rep. Adam Gray
June 5, 2025

Mariel Garcia accepted a welcoming handshake from the chief of staff for state Sen. Tim Grayson. A large photograph of rolling hills at sunset near Walnut Creek, a city in Grayson’s district,...

UC Merced commencement graduates
May 19, 2025

With cheers, hugs and leis, more than 1,500 UC Merced graduates received a celebratory sendoff to their bright futures as a prominent keynote speaker told them to make the most of the here and now....

UC Merced alumna Temnee Wright
May 13, 2025

Temnee Wright (’08) has realized a successful career as legal counsel at several Silicon Valley companies. Her interest in law was forged at UC Merced, where she made the most out of being a student...

Celebrating Achievements

Thirteen recipients for the Outstanding Graduating Student Award pose for a group photo.
May 20, 2025

Thirteen UC Merced students were honored by the School of Social Science, Humanities and Arts for outstanding undergraduate careers. At a reception May 15 at Vista Ranch, Dean Leo Arriola said the...

As a legal counsel, Temnee Wright ('08) has shaped the development of several Silicon Valley startups. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science at UC Merced.
May 13, 2025

Temnee Wright (’08) has realized a successful career as legal counsel at several Silicon Valley companies. Her interest in law was forged at UC Merced, where she made the most out of being a...

UC Merced Professors Susan Amussen, left, and ShiPu Wang are studying as distingushed fellows at The Huntington, a prestigious research site that includes stunning botanical gardens. (Courtesy of The Huntington)
March 12, 2025

The Huntington Library in San Marino is one of the world’s greatest sources for independent research in the humanities, with documents and artifacts that span 11 centuries. Scholars...

Professor Estee Beck
March 6, 2025

Professor Estee Beck, director of UC Merced’s Merritt Writing Program, has been named to the Academic Advisory Board of the University of California’s National Center for...

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