A multidisciplinary liberal arts department, History, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences (HPSS) offers a wide variety of courses on the nature of human life – past and present – in its psychological, social, political, intellectual, philosophical and cultural contexts and manifestations. Courses, in American studies, anthropology, Black studies, history, Indigenous studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, religious studies, sociology, and women’s and gender studies, are designed to help students broaden their knowledge of the world, while developing stronger critical thinking, reading and writing skills.

HPSS also offers a growing curriculum of science courses available as Liberal Arts electives. Developed for art and design students interested in biology, ecology, cognitive science, mathematics, physics, geology and the natural world in general, each course emphasizes science literacy and encourages connections to studio work where possible. Students who wish to focus their Liberal Arts study in History, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences may opt to complete a concentration.