Vision 2030 Strategic Plan Overview
Following more than a year of consultation, the Social Science Dean’s Office has identified a series of priorities that will guide us over the next five to seven years. On campus, we will engage our diverse student populations, both undergraduate and graduate. We will continue to ensure opportunities for them to develop analytical skills, preparing them to be honest and ethical members of society — while also preparing them for the twenty-first century workplace. We will continue supporting real innovation through social science research. More than ever before, we will seek to share our findings with the public, so that they can be studied and then adapted by leaders from all sectors, as well as by communities who will be able to better advocate for themselves. We will make sure that the voice of Berkeley Social Sciences is at once heard — and put to good use.
Read article about the Strategic Plan here.
Pillar I: Innovative and Impactful Research
Berkeley’s faculty and students tackle humanity’s most urgent challenges — from democratic governance and economic inequality, to climate change and the social consequences of artificial intelligence. The Division will strengthen research infrastructure, expand divisional endowments, streamline support for grants, and amplify visibility through the launch of the Berkeley Social Review, a new publication that translates faculty expertise into public discourse on democracy, inequality and AI.
Pillar II: Transformative education for the next generation
A social science education at Berkeley equips students with the intellectual tools and ethical grounding to lead purposeful, impactful lives. The plan prioritizes reducing barriers to student success, expanding the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program (SSCRIP), supporting innovative and interdisciplinary teaching, and reimagining graduate education to prepare students for academic and non-academic careers.
Pillar III: Building Community
The Division recognizes that strong communities on campus and beyond are essential to research and learning. The plan invests in nurturing belonging and collaboration among faculty, staff and students, while deepening ties with alumni, policymakers and local and global communities. Initiatives such as the Global Democracy Commons and the Black Studies Collaboratory exemplify the Division’s commitment to engaged scholarship and social impact.