Liberal arts education is at the heart of the University of Denver. Our faculty, staff and students come together in a shared quest for knowledge of the human condition.
Experience AHSS' finest artistic expression on and off campus—whether attending student or faculty music recitals and theatre productions, viewing students' work exhibited at local galleries or reading our poetry magazines.
Faculty and students in the humanities study some of the most profound and exciting thinkers and writers, past and present, to produce pioneering research in the study of language, literature and culture.
Blending theory with practice, our internationally recognized social scientist faculty share their ongoing research in human behavior and development with more than 1,000 social sciences students.
We boast 26,000 liberal arts alumni. Stay connected to old friends while making connections to forge new friendships by attending campus presentations, DU on the Road lectures and other special events.
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Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Cultivating the Life of the Mind
AHSS students work in an anthropology lab.
When you take classes in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS), you join DU's largest and most diverse academic unit, and gain the education and skills necessary to succeed at nearly any career in today's global, communication-based society.
AHSS is where all DU undergraduate students build the foundation of their higher education. All undergraduate students take liberal arts courses with us, and one-third of these students declare an AHSS major. Plus, the majority of our departments and schools offer graduate or PhD programs.
AHSS students share the goal of understanding how humans live in time and in space, as individuals and in groups. Our award-winning faculty members incorporate their national and international research and creative endeavors into the classroom to enhance your learning experience.
As an AHSS student, you will learn the theories and techniques of your field as well as the skills to:
Think critically
When alumna and Iran native Morehshin Allahyari (MA '09) learned of Americans' misconceptions about her homeland, she used her art degree to create better understanding of American and Irani cultures. Her project—which includes paintings, video, drawings, photographs, software, and street art and design—brings together American and Irani artists in a thoughtful dialogue.
Communicate effectively
Julie Godshaw (BA public policy and political science) successfully applied for the AHSS Dean's Award for Excellence, which helped fund her internship in Washington, D.C. in Colorado Congressman Ed Perlmutter's office. On a daily basis, she attended hearings and briefings—including one with the Secretary of the Treasury, Tim Geithner, and another with the chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke—talked with and wrote to constituents, researched global issues and worked with other officials on The Hill.
Gain knowledge to forge new ideas
Students and faculty hold events—such as Professor Carl Raschke's conference on Religion, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (co-hosted by the department of religious studies)—to discuss, document and raise awareness about global issues.
Adapt to different cultures and increase intercultural skills
DU alumnus and JPMorgan/Chase Securities Vice President Noel Edghill (BA political science and Spanish, '79) uses the skills he gained through his AHSS education daily in his work with the Latin American sector. "Studying political science and Spanish gave me the skills I needed to delve into Latin American culture, which has been integral to my work in that part of the world."
Contribute meaningfully
Professor (and alumnus) Conrad Kehn uses his degree to enrich music education across the country. When he's not teaching at the Lamont School of Music, you can find him in Vail, Colo., with the Young Composers program. He teaches kids to write stories and draw illustrations about people in a pretend village, transform their stories into classical music and perform their compositions for audiences.
