About the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
A College of Schools
At the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS), we believe that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, it’s about transforming passion and creativity into a lifetime of discovery and opportunity. With our array of programs across seven distinct schools—Ness School of Management and Economics, School of American and Global Studies, School of Communication and Journalism, School of Design, School of English and Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Performing Arts and School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies—we offer students rich experiences designed to ignite curiosity and inspire innovation.
A Place for Every Voice: Including Yours
Our dedicated faculty members are committed to getting to know you, supporting your unique interests and guiding you toward achieving your goals. We embrace the many voices, backgrounds and ideas that make up our college community, which enriches your educational experience and prepares you to navigate and shape an increasingly complex world. No matter your interests or aspirations, you’ll find a place here to call your own.
Mission
The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences serves the public good by weaving the cultural, artistic and intellectual fabric of the university experience so that it transforms passion and creativity into a lifetime of discovery and opportunity.
Vision
The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences adapts to a changing world by investing in innovative teaching and experiential learning, interdisciplinary research, scholarship and creative activity and community partnerships that advance the public good. While retaining its commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching, the college will align its culture and structures with those of an R1 research intensive institution that supports the full breadth of research, scholarship and creative activity.
Values
The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences believes that the liberal arts provide the foundation for life-long learning, personal and professional development and a higher quality of life. Our core principles and values reflect this commitment:
- Opportunity – The college exists to create opportunity for students, faculty and staff to grow both personally and professionally. We particularly embrace the need to create opportunities for currently underserved students, including working adults, transfer students, underrepresented students and first-generation students.
- Community – The college works to foster a sense of community among our students, faculty and staff through clubs and organizations, student-faculty research, musical and theatrical ensembles and other forms of experiential learning. We also partner with the diverse communities of South Dakota to address the social, economic and cultural challenges facing us today.
- Citizenship – The college believes that the liberal arts provide a strong foundation for a lifetime of engaged and informed citizenship. We seek to provide students, faculty, staff and community members with opportunities to explore complex and challenging ideas, engage in reasoned debate and pursue robust discussions with civility and compassion.
- Creativity – The college believes that human creativity is an engine of innovation for individuals and for society. Our faculty and students create new knowledge through social scientific and humanistic research and scholarship, through artistic endeavors in the fine and performing arts and through applied research in professional fields.
Welcome to the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. As the College's name suggests, our students and faculty explore, investigate and celebrate the breadth of the human experience. Through public service, creative writing, music, business, graphic design and so many other areas of study, our faculty explore with you what makes your life and learning special, and how your unique experiences will enrich our communities. This is the gift of the College's mission: we celebrate each individual as we strengthen the civic life of South Dakota and our nation. We look forward to sharing your journey of discovery.
