Aloha from the College of Social Sciences

The goal of the College of Social Sciences is to provide our students with an excellent educational experience, our faculty with an exciting academic setting, and our community with expertise to examine public issues.

Teaching is an important part of the College. Our courses expose students to a wide range of perspectives, enhance their spirit and skills of inquiry, and encourage their continual pursuit of truth. Our aim is to prepare students for fulfilling lives, productive careers, responsible citizenship and lifelong learning.

Research is another important function of the College. Research not only adds to the reservoir of social science knowledge but also enhances the intellectual climate of our campus. Students benefit from the interaction with our faculty who conduct significant basic research and innovative applied investigation. With its multicultural population and unique geographical setting, Hawai‘i serves as a natural laboratory for social science research.

Application is a third important component of the College's mission. Students are afforded opportunities to stretch their minds beyond the boundaries of the classroom through experiences such as service learning, and the faculty are given opportunities to put their knowledge and expertise into practice to address consequential civic matters.

Please contact us at cssdean@hawaii.edu if you have any questions.

Aloha,
Denise Konan
Dean of the College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Sciences at a Glance

Provides an educational experience that nurtures students' intellectual and practical skills, their breathe of knowledge, and their personal and social responsibility
Represents a student body that reflects a wide ethnic and cultural diversity
Offers disciplines ranging from basic science and social action
Supports a faculty with national and international reputations
Reaches out to our local and Pacific/Asian communities

We invite you to learn more about our departments and programs, our courses and degree paths, and the important work of our faculty (publications, research, awards).