College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Richard Sévère, Ph.D., Dean

Purdue University Northwest’s College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences (CHESS) offers more than 30 degree programs that cultivate a deep understanding of culture and society. Our programs prepare students for careers and a fulfilling life marked by creativity, community engagement, and ethical leadership. As a CHESS student, you will work alongside outstanding educators who are actively engaged in research and scholarship within their fields.

Through our innovative and experiential curriculum, we challenge, inspire, and motivate students to think critically and creatively, develop strong analytical skills, and understand multiple perspectives. Our students graduate as informed, responsible, and global citizens equipped to address the challenges facing Northwest Indiana and society.

Home to academic research centers like the Institute for Social and Policy Research and the Center for Global Studies, CHESS provides unique educational opportunities beyond the classroom. Our study abroad programs allow students to immerse themselves in other cultures, broadening their global perspectives and experiences. Additionally, CHESS houses the Center for Justice and Post-Exoneration Assistance (CJPA), which works to identify and correct miscarriages of justice while supporting those wrongfully convicted.

CHESS has recently launched a new Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program designed to train scholars and practitioners in clinical assessment, diagnosis, and intervention services through a state-of-the-art curriculum combining mental health issues, technological advances, and clinical best practices. We also have undergraduate and graduate programs in Social Work and graduate programs in Couple and Family Counseling and Counselor Education.

Explore the opportunities within CHESS and take the next step in your academic journey. Apply today and be part of a community that shapes the future.

Accreditations

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 3501001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510 Alexandria, VA 22314, phone (703) 535-5990, fax (703) 739-6209. http://www.cacrep.org/
Council for Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP), 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077. http://caepnet.org/
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy 112 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 phone: (703) 838-9808 fax: (703) 838-9805. http://coamfte.org/
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), 333 John Carlyle Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 phone:(703) 683-8099. http://cswe.org

Licensure Requirements

For Doctor of Psychology

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program at Purdue University Northwest fulfills the educational requirements for a licensure as a clinical psychologist as required by the State of Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IC 25-33). Clinical psychology license requirements differ from state-to-state; thus students should contact their desired state’s licensing board for additional information regarding licensure requirements.

For Couple and Family Therapy

The Couple & Family Therapy graduate program at Purdue University Northwest fulfills the educational requirements for license as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate level as required by the State of Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IC 25-23.6-2), and as an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as required by the State of Illinois, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (225 ILCS 55/1). Marriage & Family Therapy license requirements differ from state-to-state, students should contact their home state’s licensing board for additional information regarding licensure requirements.

For Social Work

The Social Work program at Purdue University Northwest fulfills the educational requirements for a license as a bachelor’s degree social worker as required by the State of Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IC 25-23.6-5-1.5). Social Work license requirements differ from state to state; non-Indiana-resident students should contact their home state’s licensing board for additional information regarding licensure requirements.

For Clinical Mental Health Program

The Counselor Education graduate program at Purdue University Northwest fulfills the educational requirements for a license as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Associate level as required by the State of Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IC 25-23.6-8.5). Mental Health Counselor licenses vary from state-to-state, students should contact their home state’s licensing board for additional information regarding license requirements.

For Teacher Education License

The undergraduate teacher education programs (and Transition to Teach graduate program) at Purdue University Northwest fulfill the educational requirements for a Licensed Educator in Indiana as required by the State of Indiana Department of Education (IC 20-28.5-15). Educator licenses vary from state to state, so students should contact their home state’s licensing board for additional information regarding license requirements.

School Counseling Program

The Counselor Education graduate program at Purdue University Northwest fulfills the educational requirements for a license as a School Counselor as required by the State of Indiana Department of Education (IC 20-19.2-8). School Counselor licenses vary from state to state, so students should contact their home state’s licensing board for additional information regarding license requirements.