The departments and centers of the Social Sciences Division study diverse and complex questions about societies and human behavior, including how human communities develop, how they are organized, and how they shape and are shaped by individuals. Social sciences faculty engage in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary teaching and collaborative research to address significant social problems in local, national, and global contexts. In 2014 the UW Social Sciences were ranked as the sixth best in the world by the National Taiwan University Ranking based on academic performance. The division hosts many centers that accelerate teaching and research, but three cross-division research centers provide crucial research support services and methodology instruction to faculty and students across the University of Washington.

Interested in Studying the Social Sciences?

Andrea Woody UW Divisional Dean of the Social Sciences

Andrea Woody, Divisional Dean of Social Sciences

Divisional Contact
Meta Godsell
206-616-2128
godsell@uw.edu

Social Sciences News

Leo Freedman sitting on a bench on campus, with a microphone in his hand.

Capturing the Sounds of Campus

With "University of Washington Soundscape," ethnomusicology and international studies major Leo Freedman has created an audio experience of the UW campus. 

Two high school basketball players on the court

A Netflix Film, Then a UW Degree

Before earning his UW degree in American Indian studies, Devin Sampson-Craig took a break to act in a Netflix film about basketball players on the Navajo Nation reservation.

Neogothic campus buildings with blooming cherry trees in front and blue sky above.

Meet Our 2025 Graduate Medalists

Meet the four graduating students selected by the College of Arts & Sciences as 2025 Graduate Medalists for their accomplishments.