College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
Welcome to the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences (CHASS)
At CHASS, we remember where we come from. As the original college of Detroit Mercy — founded in 1877 — we carry forward generations of thinkers, changemakers, artists and advocates who shaped our University and city. That legacy inspires everything we do.
We welcome you into something bold. We’re proud to be the only university with Detroit in our name — because we live, learn and lead in a city that drives innovation, resilience and creativity. Here, your voice matters. Your questions matter. Your dreams matter.
And most of all, we want you to belong. CHASS is a home for every student ready to explore the world and themselves through the humanities, arts and social sciences. Our classrooms are communities. Our faculty are dedicated mentors. Our programs are launching pads. No matter your background, we see your potential — and we’re here to help you realize it.
Let’s build something unforgettable together.
CHASS News and Events
Teaching (and doing) reflection, faculty panel and workshop set for Feb. 6
CHASS will hold a faculty panel and workshop about the role reflection can play in our classrooms on Friday, Feb. 6, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
WGS Undergraduate Writing Competition now open for submissions
All current undergraduate students at Detroit Mercy are encouraged to submit original work for the WGS 2025–26 Undergraduate Writing Competition exploring issues of gender, sexuality and/or feminist thought, with the submission deadline March 23.
As part of Black History Month, Detroit Mercy welcomes student and Black Student Union historian Cayden Brown for Legal Rights in Police Encounters, an award‑winning presentation focused on empowering young people—especially youth of color—with practical knowledge of their rights during police interactions. The lecture takes place Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the Health Professions Facility, Room 124.
UDM ranks #36 in U.S.
#27 Social Mobility
#22 Nationally Best Value Schools
Connect with Our Students. Find Your Place.
Meet the CHASS Student Ambassadors — our passionate team of student leaders and peer mentors who help you connect, explore and thrive at Detroit Mercy.
Our Ambassadors make CHASS a welcoming and vibrant community where everyone belongs.
What We Do:
- Discover Detroit Series hosts lead off-campus adventures that connect students with the city’s arts, culture and community.
- Peer mentors for first-year students help you navigate classes, campus life and your first year of college.
- On-campus event hosts, campus tour leaders and storytellers bring energy and connection to every CHASS event.
- CHASS TikTok Creators share authentic stories and student life moments in real time.
- Community builders celebrate creativity, connection and community spirit.
@udmchass
⬆️ See CHASS through our students’ eyes!
Advising with Intention. Mentorship for Life.
Our faculty and advisors aren’t just here to help you register for classes — they’re dedicated mentors who walk beside you from your first semester to graduation and beyond.
- Individualized academic advising, tailored to your goals
- One-on-one mentorship with expert faculty
- Career and graduate school coaching
- Lifelong alumni connections
25+ Majors and Minors
Undergraduate programs that shape futures.
Established in 1877
Detroit Mercy’s original college.
20+ Pathways to Grad School
From Cybersecurity to Counseling to Clinical Psychology.