The human studies major is a multi-disciplinary major that focuses on the study of the individual in social context. The objectives of the human studies major are to enable students to understand the psychological, social, and cultural forces that affect the lives of individuals, and to encourage integration of this knowledge through interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary study.

The major consists of three components. First, there is a required core of six courses which introduces students to the disciplines of psychology, anthropology/sociology, and philosophy, and to the methods of study employed by these disciplines. The capstone experience in this component can consist of either the senior seminar course or the St. Mary's Project, either of which provides the opportunity for students to explore a topic of interest in greater depth.

In addition to the required core courses, majors select at least one course from a group of upper-level offerings emphasizing the nature of developmental processes. Finally, each student chooses a set of upper-level courses from one of two concentrations: social relations or childhood and society.