School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Deepen Your Knowledge. Prepare for What's Next.
We offer a rich educational experience that equips you to think critically, solve difficult problems and communicate effectively. Our well-rounded degree programs help you examine the world and society from different vantage points, deepening your understanding of the human experience while preparing you for professional success.
A True Liberal Arts Experience
At the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, we embrace scholarship and experiential learning, and believe in educating the whole person. By the time you're ready to leave, we hope you'll feel prepared to lead, adapt and thrive wherever you plan to go.
Find the Support You Need
Affordability
Who doesn't want help paying for school? Explore various opportunities available to our students, include more than 200 department-specific scholarships.
Student Support
We've collected some of the most helpful resources for students all in one place. See what's available to you as a student at the UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Research Opportunities
We encourage our students to take an active role in research - whether self-driven or working alongside our amazing faculty. Explore research resources and potentials areas where you can contribute.
Careers and Internships
Our students work at and intern with world-renowned museums, local news outlets and radio stations, professional sports teams and other top companies around the region. Explore internship opportunities available to you.
What Our Students are Saying
One of my professors told me to dream big because I had the potential to be an amazing writer. I love how personal UMKC feels. We’re in a big city, but it has the vibe of a small school.
Danielle Slauter
English and Creative Writing
During high school, I visited 10 colleges, both in-state and out-of-state. I was looking for a college with small class sizes and world-class professors. I wanted to have a full-circle experience in education, culture, diversity and internship opportunities.
Klassie Alcine
Political Science and Criminal Justice and Criminology
One thing I admire the most about UMKC is that there are such diverse groups of students. It’s awesome that every single day you have the chance of meeting someone from a different country than where you're from, and you’re able to interact with different cultures around campus.
Samadia Saquee
Psychology and Sociology major with cultural anthropology emphasis
Learn English at the Applied Language Institute
The Applied Language Institute (ALI) is a center within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. It offers a variety of programs featuring comprehensive English as second language (ESL) instruction for academic, personal and professional purposes. If you're looking to improve your English-speaking skills, explore their programs today.
SHSS News and Events
UMKC Hosts Painted Worlds Symposium on Mesoamerican Art
30 Jan 2026 | The event, Feb. 6-7, is co-organized with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, in association with its featured exhibition, Painted Worlds Read full story UMKC Hosts Painted Worlds Symposium on Mesoamerican Art
From Kansas City to Shanghai: UMKC Student’s Global Experiences Shape Her Future
27 Jan 2026 | KC Scholar Da’Mya Thomas is overcoming imposter syndrome and finding her voice through art Read full story From Kansas City to Shanghai: UMKC Student’s Global Experiences Shape Her Future
From UMKC to YWCA: Tiffany S.W. Hamilton’s Journey of Leadership and Perseverance
20 Jan 2026 | Tiffany S.W. Hamilton (BLA ’03, M.A. ’09) is this year’s Defying the Odds Alumni Award winner Read full story From UMKC to YWCA: Tiffany S.W. Hamilton’s Journey of Leadership and Perseverance