![People of different ages holding hands, walking in circle at NJ Center for Indigenous Justice Welcome ceremony](/sites/default/files/styles/400x192/public/2026-08/100825_38233_CHSS-Hero.jpg?h=f1cdd050&itok=92CW1io0) # College of Humanities and Social Sciences Empower your future with a versatile liberal arts education from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). You’ll explore people, cultures, ideas, and systems and gain the tools to understand the world and help shape its future. Our programs prepare you to think critically, act with purpose and adapt to a rapidly changing world. Experience the world of opportunities that a liberal arts education at CHSS can unlock for you. ## A College Built for You We’ve recently realigned our programs to create more opportunities for innovation, collaboration and exploration of the subjects that interest you. Programs are now grouped into four Schools within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and each has its own focus that allows you to chart your own customized path. ![student wearing headphones with video editing software open on screen](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-07/022026_15458_CHSS-Spanish-Translation-Lab-Vizcaino_MP-crop.jpg?h=a2797fe3&itok=wI2JyXlA) ### School of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences The School of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences combines our Psychology and Linguistics departments to promote interdisciplinary research and education that examine how people think, feel, learn, interact, and use language. ![Five people are seated in a modern lounge area, around a small white table. Each person sits in an orange chair and is engaged with laptops, notebooks, or paper folders.](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-02/101018_3017_PhD-IO-Psych-hero.jpg?h=1116cd87&itok=npv8qs-C) ### School of Social Sciences The School of Social Sciences brings together Anthropology, History, Justice Studies, Political Science and Law, and Sociology to prepare you to become thoughtful, ethical, and an engaged citizen-leader. ![Two people talking at a language fair with presentation board labeled "where in the world is your language"](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-07/021826_003911_CHSS-International-Mother-Language-Day_MP.jpg?h=a3b458bf&itok=HhtG7adQ) ### School for the Humanities The School for the Humanities joins together English, Global Cultural Studies, Classics, Humanities and Philosophy to prepare you to think critically, engage diverse perspectives with empathy, and lead with thoughtful judgment in whatever profession you choose. ![Group of Montclair students on field trip to Morgan Library](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-07/042926_33122_CHSS-American-Archive-Class-at-Morgan-Lib-NYC_MP.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=SBsEw6Xd) ### School for Interdisciplinary Studies The School for Interdisciplinary Studies combines programs from across the institution to help you develop critical thinking, communication, research, collaboration and ethical decision-making skills - leaving you ready to take on the world’s complex challenges in your chosen field. ## Our Programs With more than 20 majors, nearly 50 minors and internship and research experiences that extend beyond the classroom, we can help you shape your own path and prepare for a meaningful career. Whether you’re interested in studying **Psychology, Justice Studies, Sociology,** or are still undecided, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers the widest range of academic programs for you to explore. From **Anthropology** to **Urban Studies**, you can choose from dozens of majors and minors as well as many areas of graduate study and professional certificate programs to find the best fit for you. [All CHSS Programs](/academics/program-finder?school%5B593%5D=593) - [Psychology](/academics/programs/ba-psychology) - BA - [Applied Linguistics](/academics/programs/ma-applied-linguistics) - MA - [Sustainable Urban Communities](/academics/programs/ba-sustainable-urban-communities) - BA - [Jurisprudence, Law and Society](/academics/programs/ba-jurisprudence-law-and-society) - BA ## Why Study Liberal Arts? - Learn about the social, political, artistic and intellectual development of worldwide cultures - Gain the skills and knowledge to prepare you for success in work or graduate study - Develop timeless skills like strong communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and cultural understanding that **employers in all fields seek** and society needs - Professional and graduate programs seek students who can write well, who are skilled in problem-solving and who are comfortable in a diverse environment ### Student Services Navigating major requirements and program offerings shouldn’t be confusing. From choosing classes to planning your future career, we’ve got your back. Our academic advisors help you stay on track, explore your options, and build a plan that fits your goals. When it’s time to think about life after college, CHSS’s Career Development team steps in to help you stand out – showing you how to explore careers, gain experience, and take charge of your future with confidence. ### Departments and Programs A CHSS education can take you in a lot of exciting directions – whether that’s a future career or grad school. Our departments offer majors, minors and graduate certificate programs designed to fit your interests and goals. Beyond the main departments, there are also specialized programs that work alongside them, giving you even more options to explore what you’re passionate about and where you want to go next. ### Centers and Institutes CHSS sponsors a variety of affiliated programs through centers and institutes that support students in their studies and career preparation, or advance academics beyond campus. ## News and Announcements - ![At a backyard archaeological dig, a woman digs a hole in the ground while a man uses a soil screener and others work in the background.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-10/092526_29414_CHSS%20Archeology%20Anthropology_MP_small.jpg?h=0493bd68&itok=OkmwAh6g) Front Page News [ Anthropology Students Unearth African American History at Montclair’s Howe House](/news-media/news-stories/anthropology-students-unearth-african-american-history-montclairs-howe-house) October 20, 2026 - ![Edward Gonzalez stands with his arms crossed in front of famous ballplayers of the Negro Leagues.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-09/092526_30388_Students%20at%20Muth%20Museum_MP%20%281%29.jpg?h=60a32f43&itok=kO6a7uG6) Front Page News [ Montclair Students Keep Negro Leagues History Alive at Hinchliffe Stadium](/news-media/news-stories/montclair-students-keep-negro-leagues-history-alive-hinchliffe-stadium) October 1, 2026 - ![Irish Maliborski takes a selfie high above Gillette Stadium/ Boston Stadium during the World Cup.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-09/55490612536_93f1210036_h_0.jpg?h=34bbd072&itok=l3RbpWfp) Student Outcomes [ How One Class Turned a Soccer Mom Into a World Cup Photographer](/news-media/news-stories/how-one-class-turned-soccer-mom-world-cup-photographer) September 2, 2026 [More News and Stories](/news-media/news-stories?school%5B593%5D=593) ## Have Questions? We’re Here to Help! College of Humanities and Social Sciences CHSS combines a traditional liberal arts education with focused preparation in a wide range of disciplines. We help students build the foundation for a lifetime of learning and successful careers. - - Telephone [973-655-4228](tel:973-655-4228) - Address Dickson Hall 401