We Think Deep Thoughts About Big Questions to Solve Real Problems
At Webster University, we believe in free and rigorous intellectual inquiry that comes alive in our classrooms. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is a community grounded in critical thought. We challenge you to think not about what to think, but how to think. We're a radically inclusive, respectful environment grounded in critical and humane thought.
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Build Your Framework for Global Change
Step into a world where big ideas meet real-world action. Within Webster University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, you'll join a vibrant community dedicated to exploring a wide range of disciplines. Our five academic departments — English; Global Languages, Cultures and Societies; History, Politics and International Relations; Law, Crime and Social Justice; and Philosophy — in addition to the Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies, give you the tools to understand a complex world and the skills to change it for the better.
Our programs are designed to help you become a thoughtful, compassionate and ethical leader. With small classes and a focus on hands-on learning, you'll develop critical thinking, communication and creative problem-solving skills, all while engaging with a curriculum that emphasizes a blend of global understanding and real-world experience.
“My time at Webster has grown me to be a better student ... and just a lot of confidence in my abilities.”
BA in International Human Rights, ’25
Engaging Faculty
At the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, our professors are dedicated scholars and mentors who challenge you to see the world differently. They believe in fostering a collaborative environment where you can work alongside experts, asking the questions that lead to new discoveries. Through hands-on projects and interdisciplinary insight, our faculty empower you to develop the critical thinking skills and compassion needed to become an ethical leader and enact positive change in your community and the world.

Our Impact in Action

Ready to put your critical thinking to work? Our unique centers and programs provide powerful opportunities to make a difference. The WILLOW Project, for example, gives students the chance to work with an organization that provides legal aid to people who have been without a voice in the justice system. At Le Centre Francophone, you can help organize cultural events.
Experience the CHSS Difference
More Than a Team: Finding Your Voice and Your Family
At Webster, the spirit of intellectual inquiry extends far beyond the classroom. The Forensics and Debate team is a community where students hone their skills in free inquiry and debate, translating their passion into success. Discover how they've found their voice, their confidence and even a second family.
Transcript
[Subtle music plays]
[Footage of students gathered outside the University Center with Webster University signs in background]
Text on screen: College of Humanities and Social Sciences Forensics and Debate
Student Andrew M.: Being a part of this team here at Webster University has made me really thrive to be better. It's not only just here competing, but I've become part of a family here that I genuinely don't think I could have anything that's like this experience otherwise.
[Photo of team members having fun at an event]
Student Emma T.: This team means so much to me. It's like a family. It's helped me find a place at Webster. We're learning how to be better speakers and also be better people.
[Photos of team members meeting and attending a conference]
Student Madi T.: These experiences are helping me in both my everyday life and how I can see them helping me in the future, by building my voice as a person. Speech and debate has something that was always interesting to me, because law is something I want to do at some point in my life. I'm actually looking at law schools, and I know that debate would give me really good practice for that in the future.
[Photo of Madi holding up an award she won at a competition]
[Photos of team members getting ready for a competition and attending a conference]
Student Jonathan A.: Forensics and debate absolutely improves on your public speaking skills. It improves on your personal confidence, not just with speaking itself, but also in other areas of your life. As a sports communications major, the forensics and debate team really allows me to work on my craft and it directly helps me with my major. I get to be more prepared for communication, both with the writing and the speaking side of things.
[Photo of Jonathan holding up four awards he won at a competition]
[Photos of team members heading to a conference and a video of team members meeting in the team room]
Student Emma T.: All of that forensics growth has translated right into my personal growth as well. I feel like I have the skills to be interviewed. I know what to say in interviews for my future job. I am very comfortable speaking in front of a group of people because of forensics. So even like in the smallest ways, forensics can really help me with my future.
[Photos of Madi and team members dressed up at a conference]
Student Madi T.: I am usually a very shy person when I first meet people, and it takes me a little bit to get used to them and to be able to open up. But this experience of constantly going to new places, constantly meeting new people, having to share my thoughts in very succinct ways, I know will be helpful in my professional life by continuing to build those skills.
[Photo of Andrew speaking at a debate event]
Student Andrew M.: I have tried events that I would have never been imagined myself trying. Never could I have imagined telling my 17 year-old self, hey, you're going to be a, you're going to be a debater who will go on to be first place in tournaments. And I thank the coaches and the team for that a lot. I don't think I'd be where I am here as a person today without this team that I'm a part of.
[Photo of Andrew and Jonathan holding a first place trophy]
Text on screen: Webster University logo, webster.edu
[screen fade to black]

Student and Faculty Research in Action

At the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, intellectual inquiry drives students and faculty to make a real-world impact. Our unique centers and labs provide hands-on opportunities to apply what you learn in the classroom to today's challenges.
- Global Lab Kitchen: Apply your language and cultural skills in a hands-on way.
- Global Policy Horizons Research Lab: As part of this student-faculty collaboration, you can conduct original research and present at major conferences.
- Human Rights Journal: Students in our Institute for Human Rights can get published in Righting Wrongs: A Journal of Human Rights, giving them a voice in a global conversation.
- Poet Laureates: Our English and creative writing programs have a strong legacy, as exemplified by the alumni who have been named poet laureates.
Recent CHSS Highlights

Alumni Spotlight: Tamara Biggs
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Alumni Spotlight: Mathias and Emma Jackson
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Legacy Family: The Jensens | Webster University
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Meet the Jensens, a proud Webster University legacy family. Scott and Gina Jensen, both alums, have taught and worked...

College of Humanities and Social Sciences in the Headlines

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In the News - July 2 to August 4, 2025
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