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College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

Explore the big questions with our wide-ranging programs.

Academic Programs

Our rigorous programs bring real-world experience to the classroom, building the knowledge you need to succeed.

See All CHESS Programs

Undergraduate

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Behavioral Sciences

BA/BS

Communication: Broadcast Production

BA

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Communication: Public Advocacy and Change

BA

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Communication: Strategic Communication

BA

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Criminal Justice

BA/BS

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Elementary Education: Early Childhood Special Education

BA

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Elementary Education: Special Needs

BA

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English: English Literature

BA

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English: English Teaching

BA

English: Writing

BA

Foreign Language: Spanish

BA

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History

BA

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History: Social Studies Teaching

BA

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Human Development and Family Science: Early Childhood

BA

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Human Development & Family Science: Individual and Family Services

BA

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Liberal Studies

BLS

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Philosophy

BA

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Political Science

BA

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Psychology

BS

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Social Work

BA

Sociology

BA

Graduate

Couple and Family Therapy

MS

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Communication, MA

MA

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Education: Mental Health Counseling

MSEd

Education: School Counseling

MSEd

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History, MA

MA

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Doctor of Psychology

PsyD

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Psychology (MS)

MS

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Transition to Teach Program

License

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Expressive Arts Counseling

Post-Master’s Certificate

Resources

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Smart Moves

Admissions

Take the next step to success: apply to a program in the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences today!

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Explore CHESS

Student Resources

Experience the range of CHESS student organizations and internships that will help you succeed.

Erin Okamoto Protsman

Our People

Faculty and Research

Our scholars and professionals will help you develop skills to excel in life, the community, and worldwide.

CHESS Students using video equipment
CHESS Statistics Students
Sonja Pierson
Ken Bronowski - Music Editing
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All the faculty members I’ve worked with truly are working for you. They want you to be able to do what you want to do.

David Bolton, Communication, ‘24

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It’s nice to be in a more intimate, smaller setting. It makes me feel like I’m actually a student, not a number.

Mya Bell, Human Development and Family Science, ‘24

Sonja Pierson

PNW has created networking opportunities and professional relationships that I am grateful for, with mentors that are wonderful role models.

Sonja Pierson, Master of Science in Education, Mental Health Counseling, ’21

Courtney Blackwell is pictured.

My professors did a great job of providing a balanced education. There were courses not just in English content, but also in education, pedagogy and a lot of field experience before you start student teaching.

Courtney Blackwell, ’21, English

News and Announcements

See All News Updates
Participants in the poster session at Days of Discovery 2024

First Annual Days of Discovery Student Choice Award Results

Congratulations to the winners of the First Annual Days of Discovery Student Choice Awards!

Law and Order: Meet 2024 PNW Graduate Teja Brown

A love for television crime shows led Teja Brown, ’24, to earn a bachelor of arts degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology from the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Purdue University Northwest. 

A PNW lion statue wearing a mortarboard

Purdue University Northwest to Honor 834 Candidates at Spring Commencement

Purdue University Northwest will host commencement exercises on Saturday, May 4. A total of 834 candidates have completed plans of study in PNW’s academic colleges.

Important Dates

See All CHESS Events

Apr 27

Spring 2024 Classes End

Spring 2024 Classes end Saturday, April 27. Final exams are next week!

Apr 27

PNW Theatre Company: Moon Over Buffalo!

Join the PNW Theatre Company for their spring production of Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo,” directed by Eric Shea.

Apr 27

PNW Theatre Company: Moon Over Buffalo!

Join the PNW Theatre Company for their spring production of Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo,” directed by Eric Shea.

Apr 28

PNW Theatre Company: Moon Over Buffalo!

Join the PNW Theatre Company for their spring production of Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo,” directed by Eric Shea.