As the University of Northern Colorado's College of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) gears up for the fall 2024 semester, Dean Jim Doerner's top priority is focused on students’ career readiness.  

“Oftentimes people don't see the humanities and the social sciences necessarily as a pathway to a direct job. But having a liberal arts degree provides students with the competencies needed in the workplace such as critical thinking, leadership, and complex and systemic analysis, which are skills that employers are looking for in their employees,” said Doerner.  

By enhancing its certificate programs and integrating real-world experience into the curriculum, Doerner said the college is in a better position to prepare students for the workforce.  

"We’re focused on developing competencies that not only enrich students' degrees but also enhance their readiness for various careers," Doerner said. 

Welcoming New Faculty  

One of the most notable updates is the arrival of six new faculty members who bring extensive experience and expertise to their respective fields.  

UNC’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice will welcome three of the new faculty members. Among them is Tenure Track Professor Lisa Nichols, a former FBI agent with two decades of law enforcement experience and firsthand knowledge of the criminal justice system. Also joining the department are Benjamin Forthun, and Lisa Tafoya.  

UNC’s English department is gaining expertise in literature and creative and technical writing with the addition of faculty members Jordan Smith, Ph.D., and Joli Gentis.  

Assistant Professor Soyeong An, Ph.D. is joining the department of Philosophy. An’s research focuses on the philosophy of science and metaphysics. She is interested in the metaphysical aspects of the various central concepts of scientific knowledge such as causation and scientific realism. 

Also, Political Science Professor Richard Bownas is returning from a sabbatical that included a Fulbright project in Nepal. His research focused on Nepal's political systems, a topic he will bring back to the classroom, enhancing the global perspective within the department. 

New Undergraduate, Graduate and Certificate Programs 

 Related content: Board of Trustees Aproves New Certificate Programs

 

HSS is also introducing new and updated programming this fall at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to align with career readiness and professional development. These new offerings include: 

• English Bachelor of Arts: The new Literature, Culture and Creativity concentration is an update to the previous English Liberal Arts Concentration degree. The new program is ideal for professions that stress the use of language and critical thinking, especially those involving writing. 
• English Education Master of Arts: This graduate degree is a renewed version of the previous Masters of Arts in Teaching in English Education with a deeper focus on language.  
• History Graduate Certificate: This program is tailored for individuals aiming to earn the qualifications necessary to teach college-level history courses at colleges and universities or as dual or concurrent enrollment instructors in high schools.
• Spanish for the Professions Certificate: This certificate allows students to gain proficiency in Spanish with a focus on specialized fields such as medicine and criminal justice, enhancing their ability to serve in diverse professional settings. 
• Equity and Inclusivity Certificate: This new certificate program offered from the Sociology department addresses the growing demand for expertise in equity and inclusivity within various professional contexts. 
    

Doerner emphasized that these certificates are intended to be "stackable career credentials," designed to complement and enhance students' degrees by providing practical, work-based skills. 

The college’s efforts reflect a broader trend in higher education, where liberal arts programs are increasingly incorporating career-oriented skills and certifications to meet the evolving demands of the job market. 

International and Global Perspectives 

The college continues to emphasize the importance of international experience and perspectives. This semester, HSS is hosting Adnane Labbaci, Ph.D., a Fulbright scholar from Morocco. Labbaci will be conducting comparative research on climate change in Morocco and Colorado and will engage with students through in- class presentations and seminars. His presence is an example of the university's commitment to offering students a global viewpoint on relevant and current issues.