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.
Undergraduate
Graduate
Resources
Admissions
Take the next step to success: apply to a program in the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences today!
Student Resources
Experience the range of CHESS student organizations and internships that will help you succeed.
Faculty and Research
Our scholars and professionals will help you develop skills to excel in life, the community, and worldwide.
PNW’s College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS) offers a range of hands-on courses that will prepare you to thrive in life after college.
Small class sizes promote opportunities to connect with your fellow CHESS students and professors, helping you succeed throughout your college journey.
Our programs provide students with real-world expertise and collaborative opportunities that will better prepare you for a successful career.
With more than 65 majors, minors and certificates, ranging from broadcast communications to psychology, CHESS has the right program to match your interest!
As a CHESS student, you will work with outstanding teachers who are also engaged in research and scholarships in their fields.
We are building a friendly, supportive community where you and your peers can connect, share ideas, learn together and explore academic inquiries.
Get active in the campus community. There’s a campus life here – give it a try! It will make your experience here a lot better.
The knowledgeability and accessibility of professors in both majors allows for a hands-on and unique academic experience. My professors have been vital in networking in my fields.
The constant support around me with professors and my fellow campus ambassadors, push me to help me find out who I want to become and who I am as a person.
I chose Purdue Northwest because the community felt like home while also providing a very engaging and purposeful academic experience.
My major is something that opens door for me to work with children as well as parents to educate them about growth and development as well as open up doors for both parent and child.
News and Announcements
PNW’s academic quality reaffirmed through completed accreditation assurance review
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) earned approval of its 2025 Assurance Review submitted to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the institution’s regional accreditor, verifying the university’s commitment to serving students with high-quality resources and efforts supporting institution-wide improvement.
PNW alumni leading change in regional community leadership organizations
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) plays a pivotal role in supporting local communities throughout Northwest Indiana (NWI) by preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed to make impactful change as […]
Two PNW students named 2025 Purdue Military Family Research Institute Focus Forward Fellows
Two Purdue University Northwest (PNW) students who are veterans have earned the distinguished honor of serving as 2025 Focus Forward Fellows with Purdue West Lafayette’s Military Family Research Institute.
Important Dates
Jun 22
Deadline to Apply to Graduate for Summer 2025Speak with your academic advisor to make sure you are eligible to graduate and submit your application.
Jun 23
Psyched for Summer! CampGet Psyched for Summer by participating in hands-on experiences that explore how our brains function, how we develop as humans, and why we behave, think and feel the way we do.
Jun 23
Write On! Summer CampAt our Write On! Summer Camp, middle-school student writers will spend time getting words on the page each day. The goal is to engage in creativity and writing production.
Jun 27
First 6-week Classes EndClasses end that run the first six weeks of the Summer Session (May 19 to June 27).