Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

Join our community of political scientists, historians, and geographers with the flexibility to find your niche and develop the skills needed to create a strong and vibrant career path that impacts the world.

The humanities and social sciences department students are creative, imaginative and practical. They embrace broad topics as well as applied skills. They explore culture, history, geography, law and government. Unique resources like crisis simulations and mock trials prepare them for post-graduation roles and responsibilities. Students in this program can significantly impact the lives of others.

Launch Valk Center Experience

Degree options in Humanities and Social Sciences

Choose from programs like Criminology, Emergency and Disaster Management, Political Science and more!

Need help deciding which program to choose? No worries! We’re here to help you discover your passion.

View Programs of Study

Take your next steps

Are you ready to apply, schedule a visit or want to know more about Northwest?

It's FAFSA Time!

Most Bearcats receive some form of scholarship or need-based aid after filing the FAFSA, making their educational goals more attainable. The 2025-26 FAFSA is officially open – apply today!

Check out our FAFSA guide

Five

program areas

trips per year for extracurricular studies

3 Day

domestic disaster relief field training exercise

Expanded scholarship model with tiers up to $6,000 with merit scholarships. Once applied and admitted, eligible students are automatically awarded a merit-based scholarship based on their academic information.

Estimate your scholarships

Get in-state rates with the Bearcat Advantage. Receive an $8,392 scholarship with a 2.75 GPA or above.

See out-of-state qualifications

One easy process for multiple scholarships with the Standard Scholarship App.

Standard scholarship app

Student Spotlight

“I read the biography for Olive DeLuce and I just thought it was so cool to see someone be the founder of a department. I loved the drive and the perseverance that she had. Founding an entire department is not easy, especially in the time that she did, which was 1915, and teaching through the Great Depression, the two world wars. That takes a lot of passion, not just as an educator but as a woman at that time. ”

Mary Do
Kansas City, Mo. // Marine Biology major, Public History & Museum Studies minor

Missouri Hope

An intensive  three-day domestic disaster relief field training exercise is required for students studying majors or minors in emergency disaster management. Each year, this exercise takes place at the Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area.

More about Missouri Hope

Northwest Mock Trial Team

Northwest students may also join the Northwest Mock Trial Team. Members compete in regional and national competitions sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association. Mock Trial gives students the opportunity to learn about the judicial process while honing communication skills.

GeoClub

GeoClub offers academic and social opportunities for students studying Earth science, geology and geography. This club sponsors various activities such as: 

Field trips to geologically and geographically important areas in the United States as well as trips to the Kansas City Gem and Mineral Show
Setting up educational displays at the Kansas City Gem and Mineral Show, B.D. Owens Library and Garrett-Strong Science Building

Check out the departments other student organizations, too:

See all student organizations

History Club

The History Club furthers student engagement with history and historic preservation and fosters a deeper engagement with the past. Participants take field trips to historical sites and engage in community service activities.

Check out the departments other student organizations, too:

See all student organizations