Senior High · Philippines
HUMSS — from strand to the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities cluster
HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences) was the strand for students stronger in reading and writing than in equations — future teachers, lawyers, journalists, psychologists and social workers. Under the Strengthened SHS Curriculum, the closest match is the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities cluster in the Academic track.
Where it can lead
- Education degrees (later: the Licensure Examination for Teachers)
- Communication, journalism and political science
- Psychology and social work
- Pre-law programs
Entrance tests to plan for
UPCAT tests Language Proficiency and Reading Comprehension in English and Filipino — areas HUMSS students often like — but it also has Science and Mathematics subtests, so don't skip them.
The SHS curriculum has changed
From School Year 2026–2027, students entering Grade 11 follow DepEd's Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum: two tracks — Academic and Technical-Professional (TechPro) — with elective clusters in place of the old STEM, ABM, HUMSS and GAS strands. Students already in Grade 12 finish under the strand system. Schools only offer the tracks and electives they have teachers for, so check with yours.
Source: DepEd Memorandum No. 012, s. 2026.
The exams that come next
Prepare for your entrance tests
Super Tutor doesn't teach your SHS subjects — it helps with what comes next. Each college entrance test is its own course (UPCAT, ACET, DLSU's DCAT, USTET, PUPCET and more) with chapter reviewers, practice quizzes and an AI tutor; UPCAT also has full mock exams. Start free with a 5-day trial, no card.
Questions
What can the HUMSS Strand and the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities Cluster lead to in college?
Education degrees (later: the Licensure Examination for Teachers); Communication, journalism and political science; Psychology and social work; Pre-law programs.
Which entrance tests should I plan for?
UPCAT tests Language Proficiency and Reading Comprehension in English and Filipino — areas HUMSS students often like — but it also has Science and Mathematics subtests, so don't skip them. Tests to look at: UPCAT, ACET, USTET.
Are SHS strands still offered?
From School Year 2026–2027, students entering Grade 11 follow DepEd's Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum: two tracks — Academic and Technical-Professional (TechPro) — with elective clusters in place of the old STEM, ABM, HUMSS and GAS strands. Students already in Grade 12 finish under the strand system. Schools only offer the tracks and electives they have teachers for, so check with yours. (DepEd Memorandum No. 012, s. 2026)
Does Super Tutor have SHS or strand courses?
No. Super Tutor reviews for college entrance, civil service and PRC board exams — not SHS subjects.
Start free, then pick a plan
Start free — 5-day trial, no card.
- Plans from ₱249/month with auto-pay, cancel anytime (or ₱299 to pay once).
- ₱1,999 for a full year, pay once.
- One exam per plan. Pay with GCash or card.
More for senior high students
More resources matched to your exam track