SHS HUMSS Strand Guide: Programmes + College Pathway

SHS HUMSS Strand Guide: Programmes + College Pathway

HUMSS (Humanities + Social Sciences) strand prepares students for humanities, social science, communications, and law preparation programmes.

What HUMSS covers

• Philippine Politics + Governance
• Discipline + Ideas in Social Sciences
• Discipline + Ideas in Applied Social Sciences
• Creative Writing
• Reading + Writing Skills
• Various electives in History, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology

Strong English + reading + writing focus.

Programmes HUMSS strand opens (preferred)

Communication + Media

• BA Communication
• BA Communication Arts
• BA Journalism
• BA Mass Communication
• BA Broadcasting

Political Science + Government

• BA Political Science (popular Pre-Law pathway)
• BA International Relations
• BA Public Administration

Social Sciences

• BA Sociology
• BA Psychology
• BA Anthropology
• BA History

Pre-Law

• BA Political Science
• BA Philosophy
• BA Legal Management
• Various other BA programmes

Education

• BA / BSEd in HUMSS-related subjects (English, Filipino, Social Studies)

Liberal Arts

• BA English Literature
• BA Filipino
• BA Linguistics
• BA Philosophy
• BA Theology

Programmes HUMSS does NOT typically open

• BS Engineering programmes (require STEM)
• BS Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics — typically require STEM)
• BS Computer Science (often requires STEM)
• DOST-SEI scholarship (STEM-required)
• Pre-Med pathway (typically STEM-preferred)

For these, HUMSS students need:

• Bridging programmes
• Self-study Math + Science
• Apply to less-restrictive universities

CET prep advantages

HUMSS strand prepares well for:

• UPCAT Reading Comprehension + Language sections
• ACET (essay-heavy admission process)
• USTET English + RC sections
• Verbal-heavy CET sections generally

CET prep gaps

HUMSS strand needs extra prep for:

• Math sections (less consistent Math after Grade 10)
• Science sections (significant gap from STEM students)
• DOST-SEI (steep gap, often not realistic)

If you want any STEM-aligned programme, plan for substantial bridging.

When HUMSS is the right choice

• You're confident in reading, writing, communication
• You want Communications, Pol Sci, Pre-Law, Liberal Arts
• You have clear humanities/social science interest
• You're not interested in STEM-aligned careers
• Strong essay capabilities (helps with ACET especially)

When HUMSS might not fit

• You want Engineering, Pre-Med, CS (STEM strand better)
• You want Business + Accountancy (ABM strand better)
• You're unsure of college direction (GAS better)
• Your school's HUMSS programme is weak

Strategic prep for HUMSS students

CET portfolio

Take CETs that align with HUMSS strengths:

• UPCAT (broad acceptance + strong verbal sections)
• ACET (essay-friendly)
• USTET (verbal-friendly)
• DLSUCET (some programmes verbal-friendly)
• PUPCET (for affordable backup)

Consider skipping DOST-SEI (STEM-only).

Essay preparation

ACET especially weights essays. HUMSS background helps but specific essay practice matters.

See the ACET essay guide.

Math + Science maintenance

Even for non-STEM programmes, CETs include Math + Science sections. Maintain basic competency:

• Algebra fundamentals
• Basic geometry
• Reading comprehension on science passages

Don't dismiss STEM completely

Some HUMSS-friendly programmes (BS Psychology, BS Communication Tech Management) have STEM components. Stay open.

Career outcomes from HUMSS pathway

HUMSS-track college graduates often pursue:

• Media + journalism careers
• Government + public service
• Law (after BA + LLB or JD)
• Academia + research
• Communications + marketing
• NGO + civil society work
• Foreign service + diplomacy

Pre-Law pathway specifics

For students considering law:

1. SHS HUMSS or ABM
2. BA in Political Science, History, Philosophy, or Communication
3. Strong undergraduate GPA (target 1.5-1.75)
4. LSAT or law school entrance exam
5. JD or LLB (4 years)
6. Bar exam (1-2 years review)
7. Lawyer practice

Total: 11-13 years from SHS to lawyer.

Where Super Tutor fits

Super Tutor covers UPCAT, ACET, DLSUCET, USTET, PUPCET, FEUCAT prep — the major CETs accepting HUMSS strand.

What to read next

• SHS strand vs college course
• SHS GAS strand guide