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
Poet Joanne Godley to launch award-winning collection at reading, March 25
Broadside Lotus Press and the University of Detroit Mercy Press will hold a special virtual reading and conversation with award-winning poet Joanne Godley on March 25, where she will launch her collection 'How the Black Panthers Fell from the Sky.'
Triptych virtual author series features poets Ilya Kaminsky & Katie Farris on March 19
Detroit Mercy's English Department will host poets Ilya Kaminsky & Katie Farris in the third of three Triptych virtual author series on Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Author Alfred Babo to speak on academic impact of being a professor in exile
Join CHASS on March 26 for a conversation with Alfred Babo, Fairfield University professor and exiled scholar, who will discuss the challenges faced by exiled academics and intellectuals and introduce his new book.
UDM ranks #36 in U.S.
#27 Social Mobility
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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.