College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Message from the Dean

doctor frances ward johnson, dean of the a and t College of Arts, Humanities and Social SciencesIt is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University!

Our college plays a pivotal role in guiding students on a journey of self-discovery while helping them become critical thinkers, effective communicators, in-depth researchers and creative problem solvers. Our primary goal is to provide students with a global educational experience, preparing them to excel in an ever-changing and competitive international job market.

With more than 1,850 undergraduate majors in the areas of visual arts and design, English, history, political science, journalism and mass communication, criminal justicetheatermusic and liberal studies, our college is vast and varied with a focus on student achievement and success. To prepare culturally and socially responsible teachers and professionals, we also offer three graduate programs: a Master of Arts in history education, a Master of Arts in English education and a Master of Arts in English and African American Literature.

Reflective of our students’ and faculty’s collective strengths is the fact that N.C. A&T is ranked as one of the top eight campuses in America for undergraduate degrees awarded to African Americans in the visual and performing arts and for master’s degrees awarded to African Americans in English, literature and letters. In addition, our Journalism and Mass Communication Department is nationally recognized in several areas. Its National Association of Black Journalists student chapter has been named 2018 Student Chapter of the Year and its public relations program was recently ranked No. 8 in America, alongside similar departments from some of the nation’s well-known doctoral research universities.

At a time when technology offers unlimited possibilities, we must remember that every undergraduate program, irrespective of the college in which it is housed, prevails upon the core foundation of liberal arts, humanities and social sciences.

Indeed, all students at the university come through our college as they take courses in English, history and other required subjects.

Former first lady Michelle Obama stated: “The arts and humanities define who we are as a people. That is their power — to remind us of what we each have to offer and what we all have in common. To help us understand our history and imagine our future. To give us hope in the moments of struggle and to bring us together when nothing else will.”

It is an honor to serve as the founding dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University, my alma mater. As Aggies, we take considerable pride in our history and in the many successful graduates of our programs. On behalf of the faculty, staff, students and alumni of our programs, I am pleased to welcome you. I invite you to explore our website for additional information about our programs, curricula, requirements and course offerings.

Frances Ward-Johnson, Ph.D., APR
Dean and Professor
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
North Carolina A&T State University