Welcome to the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA) at UC Merced!
SSHA is a dynamic community in the heart of California that is dedicated to understanding the complexities of the human experience. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive academic environment where the next generation of creators, explorers, and leaders can thrive.
SSHA is advancing the boundaries of knowledge through groundbreaking research. Our faculty are distinguished scholars who are leaders in their fields. Over 170 faculty members of SSHA are engaged in pursuing discoveries on topics that range from fundamental questions about the human mind to critical contemporary issues about how we live together in society. Their findings are not only featured in top academic journals and university presses; they are also influencing public policies and shaping societal debates. Through their creative and innovative works, our faculty are making significant contributions that help all of us better understand a rapidly changing world and our place in it.
SSHA is committed to providing students with a comprehensive liberal arts education that prepares them for the future. As the largest and most diverse school at UC Merced, we offer 22 majors and 19 minors that give students the flexibility to pursue their enduring passions while exploring new interests. All of our academic programs emphasize critical thinking, problem solving, and effective communication to provide students with a strong foundation for life-long learning. By offering personalized academic advising, hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities for applied research, we ensure that our students receive a world-class education that equips them for success in their chosen careers and life paths.
SSHA’s impact extends beyond campus. Our faculty, staff, students, and alumni actively engage in public service and community initiatives, addressing pressing social issues, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable practices. We play a vital role in driving positive change throughout the Central Valley, the state of California, and beyond. We invite you to join us in our mission to make a meaningful difference in the world around us.
Leonardo R. Arriola
SSHA Dean
Leonardo Arriola joined UC Merced in 2024 to become Dean of SSHA.
Leo is a political scientist whose research focuses on the challenges associated with representation and governance in multiethnic societies. He studies topics such as inter-ethnic political cooperation, women’s empowerment, and electoral competition in new democracies. His research has been published in journals such as the American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, and Journal of Politics, and his books have been published by Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press.
Prior to coming to UC Merced, Leo was Professor of Political Science at UC Berkeley. He also served as Senior Associate Dean of the Social Sciences Division, Regional Associate Dean for Research Administration, and Director of the Center for African Studies. At Berkeley, he received the Carol D. Soc Award for graduate student mentoring and the Beatriz Manz Award for scholarship, teaching, and service.
Leo earned a bachelor’s degree in history and international relations from Claremont McKenna College, a master’s degree from the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and a doctoral degree from Stanford University. As the first in his family to finish high school or to attend college, Leo is committed to ensuring that all SSHA students receive the academic support they need to successfully pursue their personal and professional goals.
