Faculty of Social Sciences

With 10,000 students, 260 full-time professors, and wide array of programs and research centres, we play a key role at the heart of the University of Ottawa.

Faculty Of Social Sciences' Greatest Needs

Financially support the priorities of the Faculty of Social Sciences

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Students on bridge in front of of FSS building

Connecting with our world today, to build a better tomorrow.

The Faculty of Social Sciences is home to almost a quarter of all uOttawa students. We teach, engage and conduct research in the areas of Criminology, Economics, Feminist and Gender Studies, International Development and Global Studies, Political Studies, Psychology, Public and International Affairs, Social Work, and Sociological and Anthropological Studies.

We have 9 centres and research institutes who's multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches are furthering how we look at governance, citizenship and minorities, educational and community services, the environment, and feminist education and research.

Dean

“Together, we can encourage students and faculty to achieve their potential— to be ambitious for themselves and for society.”

Victoria Barham

— Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences

Overview of Faculty Priorities

The social sciences play a critical role in developing the citizens and research our world needs to thrive. Together we are re-IMAGINING the Faculty of Social Sciences and we are doing this in four key areas.

We will inspire and nurture the next generation of changemakers

We are elevating and prioritizing the student experience by ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive and by supporting students in developing the projects that are meaningful to them, in and out of the classroom.

Student in a video chat with his colleagues

Connecting our research to the community – locally and globally

We are creating a research collegium that brings together researchers and community members to elevate the social relevance of our research and increase the impact our work can have directly on our communities.

Internationalization – Connecting our Campus to the World

We are increasing our global reach by supporting our students in engaging with the world through international opportunities such as field courses and internships. We are also welcoming the world to FSS by inviting visiting professors and supporting international students in attending uOttawa.

A Black female student and an Asian female student at a roundtable discussion

Building Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are enhancing our abilities to be more equitable, diverse, and inclusive by focusing on creating indigenous initiatives that encourage us to connect, educate and cocreate to build stronger communities and a sense of belonging for all.