The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) at Rensselaer focuses on the study of how technology functions in relation to people and society. HASS is composed of five departments--Arts; Cognitive Science; Economics; Language, Literature, and Communication (LL&C); and Science and Technology Studies (STS). We pride ourselves on a balanced set of academic options where enrollment in majors and minors in Economics, Psychology, Communications, Electronic Arts, Philosophy, and Psychology are complemented by enrollments in our innovative interdisciplinary programs like Electronic Media, Arts and Communication (EMAC); Design, Innovation, and Society/PDI; Electronic Arts; Economics; and Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences.  Choose a link below to visit our departments and degree programs.

News and Events

"Battleground: Science and Technology" Offers Public Scholorship on Range of Current Issues

Sal Restivo of STS co-edits a two volume text with articles on over 100 key issues at the intersection of society and technology.

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Study Suggests Human Visual System Could Make Powerful Computer

Cognitive Science's Mark Changizi makes waves in world of perception

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Progams in Design and Innovation Grad Eban Bayer Wins $700,000

Dutch Postcode Lottery's PICNIC Green Challenge, an international competition to identify the most innovative product or service to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle, awards Bayer 1st Prize.

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Economics Department Head Created Model that Predicted Downturn

Arturo Estrella's model forecasted the current economic slowdown at least one year before it became apparent to most observers.

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