World-class
research
Our distinguished faculty do field-defining work and develop the values, vision, and ethical compass of tomorrow’s leaders. They produce operas alongside research that makes the world a better place.
Without human understanding, there is no understanding. The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences is home to scholars and artists who are doing transformative work in fields that are vital to addressing the world’s most important challenges.
MIT launches new Music Technology and Computation Graduate Program
The program will invite students to investigate new vistas at the intersection of music, computing, and technology.
“The dance between autonomy and affinity creates morality”
Philosophy doctoral student Abe Mathew is both studying philosophy and questioning some of its deeply-held ideas.
Learn more about the research of our exceptional faculty.
Collaborating to advance LEADing-edge digital financial infrastructure
Project led by MIT economist Rob Townsend aims to help low- and middle-income countries assess and utilize new technologies to improve central banks’ functions.
How social structure influences the way people share money
A new study shows that belonging to age-based groups, common in some global regions, influences finances and health.
SHASS offers an wide array of events through our departments, programs, and centers. We’ve featured some upcoming events below. See our events calendar for opportunities to drink tea with luminaries from SHASS fields, hear groundbreaking ideas at a symposium, or attend a film screening.
MIT CIS: Former Ukraine defense minister Oleksii Reznikov
Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine’s former defense minister, led Ukraine’s defense establishment in the lead up to Russia’s full-scale invasion and during the first year and a half of the war. Mr. Reznikov will discuss the successes and challenges of Ukraine’s defense effort, the role of technology and uncrewed systems, and the evolution of the battlefield in the Russo-Ukrainian war.
MITHAS presents a Carnatic Vocal concert by Amritha Murali
MITHAS presents a Carnatic Vocal concert by Amritha Murali with RK Shriramkumar (Violin), K Arun Prakash (Mridangam), and Chandrasekara Sharma (Ghatam).
SHASS community spotlight
The SHASS community is made of inspiring students, staff, and faculty. Meet these individuals who have big impacts in the corridors of MIT and beyond.
Latest news from SHASS
Our work has broad impact at MIT and across the globe. Read the latest about new ideas coming out of SHASS.
MIT economists Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson share Nobel Prize
Along with James Robinson, the professors are honored for work on the relationship between economic growth and political institutions.
Mixing joy and resolve, event celebrates women in science and addresses persistent inequalities
The Kuggie Vallee Distinguished Lectures and Workshops presented inspiring examples of success, even as the event evoked frank discussions of the barriers that still hinder many women in science.
On technology in schools, think evolution, not revolution
Associate Professor Justin Reich’s work shows high-tech tools infuse into education one step at a time, as schools keep adapting and changing.