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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.

See All CHESS Programs

Undergraduate

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Behavioral Sciences

BA/BS

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Communication

BA

Communication: Broadcast Production

BA

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Communication: Public Advocacy and Media Studies

BA

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Communication: Strategic Communication

BA

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Criminal Justice

BA/BS

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Elementary Education: Early Childhood Special Education

BA

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Elementary Education: Special Needs

BA

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English: English Literature

BA

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English: English Teaching

BA

English: Writing

BA

Foreign Language: Spanish

BA

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History

BA

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History: Social Studies Teaching

BA

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Human Development and Family Science: Early Childhood

BA/BS

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Human Development & Family Science: Individual and Family Services

BA/BS

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Liberal Studies

BLS

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Philosophy

BA

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Political Science

BA

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Psychology

BS

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Social Work

BA

Sociology

BA

Graduate

Couple and Family Therapy

MS

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Communication, MA

MA

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Education: Mental Health Counseling

MSEd

Education: School Counseling

MSEd

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History, MA

MA

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Doctor of Psychology

PsyD

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Master's in Psychology

MS

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Master of Social Work

MSW

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Transition to Teach Program

License

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Expressive Arts Counseling

Post-Master’s Certificate

Resources

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Smart Moves

Admissions

Take the next step to success: apply to a program in the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences today!

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Explore CHESS

Student Resources

Experience the range of CHESS student organizations and internships that will help you succeed.

Erin Okamoto Protsman

Our People

Faculty and Research

Our scholars and professionals will help you develop skills to excel in life, the community, and worldwide.

CHESS Students using video equipment
CHESS Statistics Students
Sonja Pierson
Ken Bronowski - Music Editing
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All the faculty members I’ve worked with truly are working for you. They want you to be able to do what you want to do.

David Bolton, Communication, ‘24

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It’s nice to be in a more intimate, smaller setting. It makes me feel like I’m actually a student, not a number.

Mya Bell, Human Development and Family Science, ‘24

Sonja Pierson

PNW has created networking opportunities and professional relationships that I am grateful for, with mentors that are wonderful role models.

Sonja Pierson, Master of Science in Education, Mental Health Counseling, ’21

Courtney Blackwell is pictured.

My professors did a great job of providing a balanced education. There were courses not just in English content, but also in education, pedagogy and a lot of field experience before you start student teaching.

Courtney Blackwell, ’21, English

News and Announcements

See All News Updates
A lion sculpture outside PNW's Nils K Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building

Purdue University Northwest students earn 2024 spring semester Dean’s List honors

The Purdue University Northwest (PNW) 2024 spring semester Dean’s List recognizes 1,636 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.

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Advocating for Women

Shreya Bhandari, Ph.D., LISW, professor of Social Work, is an educator, researcher and clinically licensed social work practitioner.

A lion statue on the PNW Hammond Campus

Purdue University Northwest to offer Master of Social Work degree

Purdue University Northwest will enroll students in its first Master of Social Work (MSW) cohort in fall 2025. Applications will be accepted through January 2025.

Important Dates

See All CHESS Events

Jul 01

Deadline to Submit Summer 2024 Residency Application

Residency Applications for Summer 2024 are due by 4:30 pm on Monday, July 1. For more information, visit the Residency web page.

Jul 04

Campus Closed: Independence Holiday

In observance of Independence Day, both Hammond and Westville campuses will be closed and there will be no classes. Classes resume on Friday, July 5.

Jul 05

Second 4 Week Module Ends

The second 4 week module of summer classes ends Friday, July 5.

Jul 08

Third 4 Week Module Begins

The third 4 week module of summer classes begins Monday, July 8.