Welcome to the Division of Social Sciences at the UC Santa Barbara, home of innovative, interdisciplinary, community-engaged teaching and scholarship. Every one of the many pressing issues facing our society needs rigorous social science research, if we are to achieve the deeper understanding on which enduring and comprehensive solutions must be based. We bring research results to the attention of the civil society organizations, policymakers and the general population; we offer critical perspectives on social, political, and economic issues that confront contemporary society; and we work with communities to craft alternative visions of for bringing about social change toward sustainable social justice.
Our mission is to create conditions for our faculty members to excel, individually and collectively, in their teaching, professional activities, research and public engagement endeavors. Toward this end, the Dean’s office guides the recruitment, retention and evaluation of our outstanding faculty, and in addition, serves as a catalyst for special initiatives that heighten the efficacy and enhance the stature of our Division. These initiatives nearly always require infusions of support from a range of external sources, such as grants, contracts, and private gifts. The generosity and vision of our donors, many of whom are Social Science Alumni and Dean's Cabinet Members, play a crucial role in helping the Division achieve our highest aspirations for excellence.
I invite you to browse our website to learn more about our programs, departments and people.
Charles R. Hale
Sage Sara Miller McCune Dean of Social Sciences
SOSC Centers and Special Initiatives