“Welcome!” the sign seems to say as we approach the School of Social Science. This school plays a vital role within the University of Ghana. It stands as the largest school under the College of Humanities.
The School of Social Science is located behind the N-Block. It houses six departments. These departments include Economics and Geography. Resource Development and Political Science are also included. Further departments are Psychology, Social Work and Sociology.
These departments offer diverse programs. Students can select majors and minors. They can also choose combined majors. These choices fulfill graduation requirements.
The School’s mission aligns with the University’s. It aims to develop world-class human resources. It also seeks to build capabilities. These are meant to meet national development needs. They should also address global challenges. This is achieved through quality teaching and research. Knowledge dissemination also plays a key role.
The School strives to make its activities relevant. This applies to teaching, research, and outreach. These efforts focus on the development needs of Ghanaian society. They also extend to the world in general. The School offers attractive programs. These programs are innovative and demand-driven.
The Faculty comprises nine teaching departments. These are Archaeology and Economics. Also Geography and Resource Development and History. Then Information Studies and Political Science. Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology complete the list.
Other departments exist outside the Faculty’s direct control. However, the University of Ghana Statutes list them as part of the Faculty. They are Computer Science and Home Science. Mathematics and Statistics are also included. The School of Nursing used to be the tenth department. It became a separate school in July 2003. It now falls under the College of Health Science.
The Faculty approves academic programs. It handles appointments and promotions for academic staff. This applies to several institutes and centers. These include the Institute of Adult Education. There is also the Institute of African Studies. Also included are the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research. Also the Regional Institute for Population Studies. Also the School of Communication Studies. Further there is the Legon Centre for International Affairs. The Centre for Social Policy Studies. The Centre for Distance Education. Finally, the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy.
The Faculty boasts the largest student population. It has about 18,610 degree and non-degree students. Around 778 graduate students also attend. The School employs 204 full-time and part-time teaching faculty.
The School of Social Science plays a critical role in Ghana’s academic landscape. It contributes significantly to the University of Ghana. Its diverse programs and research initiatives address important societal needs. As we leave, consider the impact this institution has on shaping future leaders and contributing to global knowledge.