UNC Students and their professor measure water levels of a local river with a yard stick and measuring tape whilst all standing int the ankle deep water.
illustration of yellow rolling hills

College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Rooted in the human experience, our programs provide a solid foundation for leadership and life.

Make a Life, Not Just a Living

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at UNC is one of the most diverse colleges at UNC. It offers a wide range of programs, from Africana Studies to World Languages & Cultures. While our 17 majors and 25 minors span the human experience, they share many common threads. No matter what you study with us, you’ll learn to think critically, communicate effectively and solve complex problems. 

The Humanities and Social Sciences Might Be for You If….

  • You want to make a difference and be a catalyst for change
  • You enjoy learning about society, behavior and identity
  • You want to be prepared for a variety of careers and leadership roles
  • You want to learn from our past while shaping our future
  • You enjoy writing and thinking critically about the world around you
  • You want to learn a new language or explore topics on a global scale
  • You want to create a more sustainable future
  • You want to analyze data and solve complex, real-world problems
  • You want to explore topics you didn’t learn about in high school

 

Why Study Humanities & Social Sciences?

The humanities and the social sciences are cornerstones of a liberal arts education — and they also cultivate valuable, in-demand skills.

Foundation For Life

Get an education that allows you to adapt your coursework to your evolving interests. As you find out what your passions are, you'll build flexible and creative skills that can help you in any job or future studies.

Small Class Sizes & Engaged professors

With a student-to-faculty ratio of14:1, you will have the opportunity to build lasting connections with your professors and peers. Our faculty are dedicated to providing you with a personalized education experience.

Global Campus

From local internships to studying in other countries, our students get real-life experience that helps them get ready for life after UNC. We work with over 300 schools around the world, including many in Europe and Asia, to give students chances to learn in different places.

Explore Our Programs

With a foundation in the human experience, our programs can help you discover new ways of understanding yourself and the world around you through a broad range of programs in various fields.

Students walking in Candeleria Hall

Two students walking up the stairs in Candeleria Hall, the life and times of Dr. Martin mural on the walls

About the College

A closer look at who we are and what we do.

HSS Student groups, Student Life, and Writing Services

Whether you’re looking to join a student-run group, attend the international film screening series, or improve your writing with the help of our Writing Center, we offer opportunities to better your college experience both academically and socially. 

A group of students outside McKee Hall

Advising Center

Located in Candelaria Hall 0295, your Academic Advisors are here to provide holistic and collaborative support throughout your time at UNC. Their expertise is how to successfully fulfill graduation requirements and navigate campus as you earn your degree. 

Student walking in front of Candelaria hall

Student Success

The HSS College is proud to offer amazing resources and services to our students. 

Klawz, the bear mascot at a Unc game

Story of Candelaria Hall

Dr. Candelaria was the first Hispanic professor at Colorado Teacher’s College (now called UNC). He started the foreign language program in 1948. Learn about the interesting history of the Candelaria Mural, which is in the north stairwell of Candelaria Hall on the UNC campus.

Candelaria Mural in Candelaria Hall, University of Northern Colorado

Learning in Action

Zvi Gutierrez sitting at a desk with a green screen behind her

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Zvi Gutierrez ’24 Launches Journalism Career

JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY

“I want to stop the spread of misinformation, so giving people actual accurate sources is something I’m passionate about.” That was Zvi’s mission as a student journalist at UNC, and it’s also informing her role as producer-in-residence at 9News in Denver.

David Barillas Chon

FACULTY EXPERTISE

David Barillas Chon Joins UNC

UNDERSTANDING CULTURES

“The population of Central American migrants continues to grow in Colorado and other states. Teaching Introduction to Central American Studies is essential for those majoring or minoring in Chicana/o and Latinx Studies and those interested in working with Latinx communities.” -- Barillas Chon

Wavy, glistening green lights in a dark sky above a Norwegian city.

ALUMNI REFLECTION

Generous Alumni Share Their Passion of Humanities with UNC

SCHOOL PRIDE

When Lindsey ('10,'14) and Casey ('10) Goodman stepped onto the University of Northern Colorado's campus in Greeley in 2006, they both felt an immediate connection to the school. Lindsey, hailing from Palisade, Colorado, knew she wanted to teach, and Casey, also from Colorado, wanted to study political science.

Humanities and Social Science News

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