Faculty of Social Sciences, Ho Chi Minh City Open University has a rich history of development rooted in its precursor units:

  • Faculty of Southeast Asian Studies was founded in 1991.
  • Faculty of Sociology and Social Work originated in May 1992 under the initial name of Faculty of Women Studies, which was renamed Faculty of Sociology in 2003, and subsequently Faculty of Sociology and Social Work in March 2010.
  • In June 2011, these two units were merged to form Faculty of Sociology – Social Work – Southeast Asian Studies.
  • To further promote a multidisciplinary development orientation, Faculty launched the Psychology program in 2023.
  • Up to the present, officially effective from March 1, 2026, the unit has been renamed Faculty of Social Sciences.

1. Academic Staff

The Faculty’s teaching staff have received rigorous training from prestigious domestic and international universities in the USA, France, Germany, the UK, Belgium, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, bringing diverse pedagogical methods to the classroom. In addition, faculty members actively participate in various practical activities through community development projects, psychological counseling, and social research, while maintaining sound cooperative relationships with the Consulates of Southeast Asian countries in Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Organizational Structure

Caption: Ms. Lam Thi Anh Quyen, M.A. – Vice Dean (foreground), and Ms. Nguyen Thai Linh – Academic Assistant (background), working at the Faculty Office (Ho Hao Hon campus).

Faculty of Social Sciences comprises academic programs, office divisions, and affiliated centers.

Academic Programs:

  • Sociology Program
  • Social Work Program
  • Southeast Asian Studies Program
  • Psychology Program

Office Divisions:

  • Academic Affairs Division
  • Student Affairs Division

Affiliated Centers:

  • Psychological Counseling Center

3. Academic Programs & Forms of Education

Faculty of Social Sciences currently officially offers 04 major undergraduate programs: Sociology, Social Work, Southeast Asian Studies, and Psychology. To accommodate the diverse learning needs of students in the digital era, our Faculty delivers training across 03 flexible forms: regular (formal) education, online education, and distance education.

Our curricula are continuously updated to harmonize solid theoretical foundations with practical skills, supported by extensive collaborative networks with social organizations, enterprises, and diplomatic missions. Furthermore, our experienced faculty members — trained at prestigious institutions worldwide — are dedicated to guiding students, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing creativity throughout their academic journey.

Academic Information Links

4. Research & Scholarly Activities

Research and scholarly activities among faculty members and students at the Faculty of Social Sciences are vigorously promoted through regular academic seminars and dedicated programs designed to foster undergraduate research. These academic platforms provide a professional environment for faculty to advance cutting-edge knowledge while empowering students to engage in empirical research, develop critical thinking skills, and apply modern methodologies (such as digital sociology and advanced analytical tools) to address real-world social issues.

5. International Cooperation

International cooperation is a key strategic priority for the Faculty of Social Sciences, aimed at expanding our global network and enhancing the quality of education and research. The Faculty maintains strong academic partnerships with prestigious international universities, research institutes, as well as foreign consulates and organizations in Ho Chi Minh City. Through academic exchange programs, international conferences, and collaborative development projects, both faculty members and students are empowered to access global knowledge, engage in cultural exchange, and strengthen their international integration capabilities.

6. Student Life & Extracurricular Activities

Student life at the Faculty of Social Sciences is vibrant and diverse, featuring a wide range of academic, cultural, and artistic clubs that foster comprehensive personal development:

  • The Indonesian Language and Culture Club and The Thai Culture Club: Dynamic spaces for international cultural exchange, language learning, and exploring neighboring nations.
  • Triple S Crew (Modern Dance Club): An energetic playground for students to express their passion for dance and showcase their individuality.
  • The Equality Catalyst Club (EC) and Signs of Love (SOL) Sign Language Club: Humanistic communities dedicated to promoting social responsibility, inclusivity, and progressive social values.
  • The Culture Club (CC): A hub connecting generations of students who share a deep appreciation for traditional and national cultural values.

At the heart of our student community are the vibrant initiatives spearheaded by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the Student Association of the Faculty of Social Sciences. These bodies consistently organize impactful volunteer campaigns, academic seminars, alumni networking events, and meaningful programs dedicated to enriching the student experience across the Faculty.

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7. Community Engagement – Our Core Strength

Community engagement and service are core strengths of the Faculty of Social Sciences, where we consistently prioritize creating opportunities for both faculty members and students to apply and share their professional knowledge with society. Leveraging our multidisciplinary expertise, the Faculty regularly carries out impactful community initiatives, such as hosting specialized seminars on school psychology, collaborating with local authorities to conduct empirical social surveys, designing cultural spaces and children’s playgrounds, and reaching out to nursing homes, shelters, and social protection centers to support and enrich the well-being of vulnerable groups within the community.

8. Alumni & Career Opportunities

Our alumni are making meaningful contributions across diverse sectors, including governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), social enterprises, educational institutions, psychological counseling centers, and diplomatic missions. The Faculty maintains a robust alumni network and strong industry partnerships, providing students with valuable mentorship, internships, and career pathways in an evolving job market.

9. Contact & Admissions