University of Hawaii, College of Social Sciences

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About the College of Social Sciences

The University of Hawai‘ i at Manoa, College of Social Sciences (CSS) is one of the world's most distinguished centers of learning and research. Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the campus of the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, the College has approximately 2,596 students, 155 faculty members and staff.

The College of Social Sciences has 13 departments and programs: Anthropology, School of Communications, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Geography, Peace Institute, Political Science, Population Studies, Psychology, Public Administration, Social Sciences Research Institute, Sociology, Urban & Regional Planning, and Women's Studies. (This does not include the certificate programs.)

Overview

In the College of Social Sciences, education begins with a commitment to the liberal arts philosophy emphasizing the discovery and communication of knowledge, the development of critical thinking, the examination of values, active learning, and community outreach. The departments and programs in the College endeavor to foster a vibrant academic climate, to provide students an excellent education, and to support outstanding scholarship.

The Social Sciences are central to the American vision of education. They speak to the heart of human existence--shaping an understanding of behavior, society, culture and institutions. Our aim is to offer students an education that prepares them for personal enrichment, productive careers, enlightened citizenship, and lifelong learning. Our aim is to offer faculty an environment that facilitates the search for truth and better understanding, continuous professional development, and outreach to the community.

The College fulfills these goals by offering innovative curricula and teaching strategies to all students and to the largest number of majors on the Manoa campus. The College has introduced multidisciplinary learning communities which emphasize critical thinking, active learning and values assessment. While there is a rich diversity in the research that is conducted by the Social Sciences faculty, the College has emphasized multidisciplinary, socially-relevant work. Because of its close ties to important social issues, the College has provided a wealth of service to Hawaii and the Pacific/Asia area. The College has 13 departments and programs and offers a variety of degrees ranging from undergraduate to doctorate.