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.
Making a measurable economic impact
Graduate student Saeed Miganeh, who’s studying Data, Economics, and Design of Policy at MIT, wants to answer important questions about designing effective programs for poverty mitigation and economic growth in African countries.
“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.
China’s Potential to Blockade Taiwan using Missile Attacks on Ports
Prof. Eugene Gholz from the University of Notre Dame will speak at the MIT Security Studies Program’s Wednesday Seminar. His talk will focus on the possibility that the People’s Republic of China might use military force to try to reunify with Taiwan.
From Ideas to Impact: A Conversation with Michael Sheldrick, Co-founder, Global Citizen
Global Citizen co-founder and author Michael Sheldrick will sit for a panel on poverty mitigation strategies with social and computer science professor Erhardt Graeff, MIT CIS research scientist Mihaela Papa, and researcher and MIT DUSP doctoral student Wonyoung So.
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.
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.
Translating MIT research into real-world results
MIT’s innovation and entrepreneurship system helps launch water, food, and ag startups with social and economic benefits.