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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

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Communication

BA

Communication: Broadcast Production

BA

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Communication: Public Advocacy and Media Studies

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/BS

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Human Development & Family Science: Individual and Family Services

BA/BS

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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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Master's in Psychology

MS

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Master of Social Work

MSW

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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
A lion sculpture outside PNW's Nils K Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building

Purdue University Northwest students earn 2024 spring semester Dean’s List honors

The Purdue University Northwest (PNW) 2024 spring semester Dean’s List recognizes 1,636 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.

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Advocating for Women

Shreya Bhandari, Ph.D., LISW, professor of Social Work, is an educator, researcher and clinically licensed social work practitioner.

A lion statue on the PNW Hammond Campus

Purdue University Northwest to offer Master of Social Work degree

Purdue University Northwest will enroll students in its first Master of Social Work (MSW) cohort in fall 2025. Applications will be accepted through January 2025.

Important Dates

See All CHESS Events

Oct 07

Fall Break

PNW will observe Fall Break on Monday and Tuesday, October 7 and 8, 2024.

Oct 23

Fall 2024 Career Expo

A career fair for students and alumni of Purdue University Northwest that are seeking full time employment and internships across all industries and academic majors.

Oct 28

Spring 2025 Priority Registration Begins

Priority Registration for Spring 2025 begins October 28. Register promptly for the best selection of course days and times.

Oct 29

Calaveras, Catrinas y Celebración

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos at Calaveras, Catrinas, y Celebración!