The Division of Social Sciences at UC Santa Barbara consists of twelve departments, and numerous thematic clusters, programs and centers, with a mandate for world-class research from a wide range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives. The Division’s mission has four guiding principles: 1) to generate new knowledge about society, both locally and globally, with an emphasis on issues of pressing contemporary importance; 2) to make this knowledge accessible to diverse publics, with practical contributions to social justice and the common good; 3) to provide undergraduates with first rate Social Science education, which consolidates their critical analytical skills, provides experience-based learning opportunities, and leaves them well-prepared for the job market; and 4) to train the next generation of Social Science scholars, to serve as researchers, professors, and purveyors of specialized knowledge in diverse settings.
A Message of Solidarity
The Social Science Dean’s office shares the nationwide outrage and anguish at this latest round of police violence resulting in Black death, and we stand firm with the widespread calls for justice. We are pleased that our Chancellor spoke swiftly to the entire campus, in repudiation of these killings. Our Department of Black Studies has issued its own call to conscience and action, and we pledge solidarity with them, registering their exhaustion, taking inspiration from their refusal to submit.
Welcome from the Dean
Charles R. Hale
SAGE Sara Miller McCune Dean of Social Sciences
Academics
Through our 12 departments and programs, the Division offers more than 6,500 undergraduate and 400 graduate students the opportunity to study and learn from nationally and internationally recognized faculty.
