Humanities + Social Justice + Paid Internship
Humanities + Social Justice + Paid Internship
Transform Yourself - Build Community - Develop Skills for Your Future - Do Change-Making Work Now.
For incoming first-time, full-time students. Open to most majors, designed for those interested in the humanities. The Humanities Brigade combines general education courses in the humanities with social justice work, community-based learning, professional training and a paid summer internship!
All in a supportive cohort model: 20 students and engaged faculty.
*Not for Honors program students or transfer students.
Apply Today!
Applications for the 2027-2028 cohort will be open winter of 2026-27.
Overview of the Humanities Brigade (THB)
The Humanities Brigade is a dynamic year-long opportunity for 20 first year students at SSU who have an interest in the humanities and social justice and who want to build skills for personal and professional success. It combines humanities coursework, collaboration with local non-profits and cultural institutions, professional training, and a paid summer internship while exploring social justice concerns.
In addition to courses in their major, accepted THB students take select humanities courses together during their first year at SSU and work with dedicated faculty and community leaders, building personal and professional networks, and completing a paid internship in summer 2027. By the end of the cohort year, students will have built competence and confidence in how to apply the skills and knowledge of the humanities to enact change in the "real world.”
Funded by a $480,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation.
Who is the Humanities Brigade for? Who can apply?
Open to most majors*, designed for those interested in the humanities.
THB is for incoming, first-time, full-time students with an interest in the humanities and social justice, and who are not in the SSU Honors Program. Exploratory students and those still deciding among majors are welcome! Preference given to those who have declared or are exploring majors or minors in the humanities and outside of STEM, business or professional programs.
* Note: not open to transfer students, students in the Honors Program, or Nursing majors.
Benefits of joining the Humanities Brigade
- Earn 16.5 credits towards graduation
- Complete 5 general education quest requirements
- Build humanities skills and knowledge
- Field trips and transportation costs covered
- Earn $3,500 stipend for completing a summer internship that puts your humanities training to work
- All course books/material costs covered
- Intellectual community and supportive faculty
- Coursework towards humanities majors/minors
- Partial completion of the SSU public engagement seal, the SSU diversity, social justice, power dynamics seal, and the civic engagement minor.
What are the humanities?
The humanities give us practical and powerful tools to navigate life, work, and community, seek justice and build a shared future. Studying the humanities means studying those things that make us uniquely human, connect us across time and place to one another and help us understand the rich diversity and possibility of the world we share.
Humanities majors and minors at Salem State include American Studies, Art History, Media/Communications, English, Ethnic Studies, History, Philosophy, World Languages, Religious Studies, Latinx Studies, African American Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies and more.
More Details
What is included and required?
- 4 Humanities-Based General Education Courses
- 1 Civic Humanities course
- 1.5 credit Humanities Workshop course.
- (16.5 credits total)
All credits count towards graduation requirements.
Humanities courses will be linked by a shared social justice concern.
Note: Credits earned in THB courses can be used to fulfill requirements in those humanities majors/ minors if students choose to major or minor in these areas.
Fall 2026 Courses
IDS 232: American Identities (fulfills HP and DPDS Gen Ed QUEST requirements)
PHL 101: Introduction to Philosophy (fulfills PGR Gen Ed QUEST requirements)
IDS 289: Civic Humanities
Spring 2027 Courses
ART100A: Introduction to World Art (fulfills CEA Gen Ed QUEST requirements)
MCO 304: Mass Media and Society (fulfills CS and DPDS Gen Ed Quest requirements)
Humanities Workshop: community-based learning and skill building (1.5 credit)
Humanities Brigade Schedule
Late August 2026: 2-day mini-retreat with all program students and faculty (on site at Salem State 9 am–5 pm each day.)
Fall and Spring 2026-2027: Courses run at regular times during the semester
Summer 2027: Internships will be completed late May through June/July.
Sign statement agreeing to attend two-day mini-retreat in late August and completing all requirements of The Humanities Brigade.
How Do I Apply?
Requires basic information about you and a brief (200 or so word) statement about why you are a good fit for this program.
Selection Process
Review of application by Program Director and program faculty.
Selection based on student interest in the humanities and commitment to all aspects the program while ensuring that the cohort reflects the diversity of SSU’s incoming class.
Applications for the 2027-2028 cohort will be open winter of 26/27.
For More Information
Contact Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello, PhD Program Director, The Humanities Brigade HumanitiesBrigade@salemstate.edu
Follow us on Instagram @humanitiesbrigade
Funded by a generous grant from the Mellon Foundation
The Humanities Brigade in Action
The Humanities Brigade during their 2-day August intensive, exploring the murals of El Punto Urban Art Museum, a social justice public art program by the Northshore Community Development Coalition (CDC). Northshore CDC is one of THB’s community partners.
The Humanities Brigade during their 2-day August intensive, visiting the Northshore CDC and viewing the installation Casa de Abuela.
THB at their student-curated exhibit, displayed in the Inclusion, Equity, Diversity, Awareness (IDEA) Den in the Berry Library. The exhibit was centered on the history and present struggle over American ideals and racial justice.
Humanities Brigade News
Student Testimonials
“The Humanities Brigade is a great opportunity to explore different majors, build confidence, and connect with supportive professors and students.”
“If a high school student asked me if they should join the Humanities Brigade I would say 1000% percent sign up. It will really give you a new light and way of thinking about the world.”
“Overall, it helps prepare you for college and gives you confidence to share your ideas.”
“These classes give you a voice, help you understand the world around you, and prepare you to stand up for yourself and others in college and beyond.”
“The Humanities Brigade is a life changer… from the very beginning you will love it and understand why it is so important.”
Humanities Brigade News
Contact Us
Humanities Brigade
For more program pictures and events, follow: @humanitiesbrigade on Instagram.
352 Lafayette St.
Salem, MA 01970