College of Social Sciences
The precursor of the College of Social Sciences was the School of Law, which was founded in 1963 when Fu Jen was re-established in Taiwan. At the time, the School of Law included three programs: law, economics, and business management. The Department of Sociology was established in 1969 and divided into two modules (sociology and social work) in 1977. The Department of Social Work was founded in 1981. We expanded into the realm of graduate studies by creating the Master’s Program of Economics (1992) and the Master’s Program in Sociology (1998).
In 2003, several programs left the School of Law and organized to form the College of Social Sciences. The College today includes the following departments: economics, sociology, social work, religious studies, and psychology. We also offer the Master's Program of Non-Profit Organization Management and Bachelor’s Program in Catholic Studies.
The College has also established the International Center for the Promotion of Partner Based Learning, Indigenous Social Development Workshop, and Career and Vocational Helping System Center, which are valuable resources for both students and instructors. The College of Social Sciences currently has over 2,800 students and 58 full-time faculty members.
Programs
Economics
The Department of Economics values theory and practice equally. We established the EYON International Currency Lab in 2006, which familiarizes students with the operations of the financial market and offers them hands-on practice through simulated currency exchange. Students participate in an annual contest to enhance the effectiveness of learning-by-doing.
Sociology
Social knowledge and social skills give students the confidence to engage in social practice. An innovative curriculum and rigorous training means students will be effective social actors upon graduation.
Social Work
The Department of Social Work bolsters students’ professional knowledge and skills while stressing the importance of multicultural learning and service to disadvantaged groups. We arrange field-based internships at nonprofit organizations, which help nurture students’ social conscience and the development of a client-first attitude, while simultaneously affording opportunities to put knowledge into social practice.
Religious Studies
The Department of Religious Studies strongly believes in the value of a diversified approach to learning. This includes religious visitations, internships, field research, and other exercises to cultivate religious literacy. Our curriculum explores the traditions of different religions in-depth, integrates theory with methodology, and ensures that knowledge is applied and practiced. Students lay a foundation in comparative religious studies and engage in religious dialogue. Our goal is to train religious experts who are open to dialogue and well-versed in the practice and study of religion.
Psychology
The Department of Psychology guides students to develop knowledge, skills, and approaches to understand and take an interest in their fellow human beings. We create an educational atmosphere that fosters free inquiry and in which students take personal responsibility, pursue autodidactic learning, and care for one another. We combine theory and practice and emphasize the value of social engagement and social practice.
Bachelor's Program in Catholic Studies
The Bachelor's Program in Catholic Studies welcomes vocational high school graduates and students from a Christian background (i.e. they have received baptism). The curriculum covers Biblical studies, philosophy, religious doctrine, ethics, history, etiquette, spiritual formation, religious music, the Gospel, and other cultural knowledge.
Master Program in Non-Profit Organization Management
The Master Program in Non-Profit Organization Management trains administrators and managers for non-profit organizations. The curriculum is interdisciplinary in nature, covering the social sciences, management theory, law, and public administration, while guiding students to embrace their role as committed social actors.
Career Paths
Students may pursue an advanced degree or take the public service examinations upon graduation. Graduates from the Departments of Economics, Social Work, Religious Studies, and Psychology may also take professional certification examinations. For many years, a number of graduates have entered non-profit, non-governmental, and religious organizations to further their personal and professional development.
A background in the social sciences provides students with wide-ranging skills and perspectives, including insight into social needs, innovative ideas, and the ability to solve social issues. For these reasons, many of our alumni are able to forge a unique path by creating start-ups.