FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Excellence in Education & Research
To be a leading centre of excellence in the arts and social sciences in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, producing ethical, knowledgeable graduates who advance governance, security, social justice, and international engagement.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Somali International University prepares graduates with the knowledge, analytical skills, and ethical grounding to serve effectively in public administration, international relations, security and criminal justice, and social work — contributing to good governance, social justice, and Somalia's continued development.
Core Values
The principles that guide teaching, research and service in the FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Integrity
Upholding honesty and ethical conduct across governance, security, and social-service practice.
Credibility
Delivering reliable, high-quality education trusted by students and employers alike.
Innovation
Applying creative, evidence-based thinking to Somalia's social and governance challenges.
Transparency
Conducting academic and administrative work openly and fairly.
Excellence
Pursuing the highest standards in teaching, research, and professional preparation.
Professionalism
Preparing graduates to serve competently and ethically in public life.
Our Goals
The strategic priorities that direct the FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES's work in the years ahead.
Goal 01
To prepare graduates with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for effective service in governance, international affairs, security and justice, and social work.
Goal 02
To advance research and evidence-based practice that addresses Somalia's governance, security, and social-development challenges.
Goal 03
To instil ethical leadership, accountability, and a commitment to public service in every graduate.
Goal 04
To strengthen engagement between the Faculty and government institutions, civil-society organisations, and international partners.
Goal 05
To expand access to high-quality, internationally competitive education in the arts and social sciences within Somalia.
Goal 06
To contribute to Somalia's institutional rebuilding, social cohesion, and national development.
Zakaria Yusuf Jama'
Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences takes pride in offering distinguished academic programmes that respond directly to Somalia's most pressing institutional and social needs: capable public administrators, informed diplomats and international-affairs professionals, security and criminal-justice practitioners, social workers, and legal professionals equipped to serve the country's most vulnerable communities. Our Faculty team consists of dedicated academics and practitioners who work diligently to deliver rigorous education grounded in the realities of governance, security, justice, and social service in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
Our academic programmes — the Bachelor of Public Administration, Bachelor of Politics and International Relations, Bachelor of Security Studies and Criminology, Bachelor of Social Work, and Bachelor of Laws — combine strong theoretical foundations with practical, field-based training, preparing graduates who understand both the principles of their disciplines and the specific challenges facing Somali institutions and communities.
We work diligently to provide a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically, engage with real governance and social challenges, and participate in research, fieldwork, and community outreach. We also seek to collaborate with government institutions, civil-society organisations, and international partners to provide practical training and employment opportunities for our graduates.
As a Faculty, we look forward to working closely with our students, partners, and communities to contribute to Somalia's continued recovery, good governance, and social development.
Zakaria Yusuf Jama'
Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Somali International University

Bachelor of Social Work
Department of Social Work
Prepares competent, compassionate, and ethically grounded social workers to provide evidence-based services to individuals, families, groups, organisations, and communities while advancing social justice and human rights.
- 191 credit hours · 63 courses
- Four supervised field placements

Bachelor of Politics and International Relations
Department of Politics and International Relations
Prepares graduates with a rigorous understanding of political theory, diplomacy, and international affairs, combined with the research, analytical, and communication skills required to serve in government, international organisations, and civil society.
- 188 credit hours · 62 courses
- Diplomacy, security & international law

Bachelor of Public Administration
Department of Public Administration
Develops knowledgeable, ethical, and effective leaders for governance and public service, with a comprehensive foundation in public management, public policy analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning.
- 191 credit hours · 62 courses
- Full-Time, Part-Time & Virtual study

Bachelor of Security Studies and Criminology
Department of Security Studies and Criminology
Equips graduates with a comprehensive understanding of criminology, criminal justice systems, and security studies, combined with practical skills in crime prevention, investigation, intelligence analysis, and risk management.
- 194 credit hours · 64 courses
- Forensic labs & field internship
