Social & Behavioral Studies
Social & Behavioral Studies
Social and Behavioral Studies is a collection of academic disciplines dedicated to the scholarly study of the human experience. As a comprehensive and multidisciplinary area of study, Social and Behavioral Studies will afford the student an opportunity to explore and examine the nature and multitude of interactive relationships amongst and between individuals and between the individual and their social environment; ranging from the development of the individual, to the nuances of interpersonal interaction, to the dynamic structures of national and global communities. Ultimately, the student of Social and Behavioral Studies will gain a heightened awareness of the nature of their individuality, attain a greater understanding and appreciation of the complexities and diversity of the world in which they live and, become better equipped to succeed in an increasingly diverse and complex society.
Career paths typically chosen by undergraduate students emphasizing Social and Behavioral Studies include: Law Enforcement, Law, Human Relations, Human Resources, Social Work, Professional Childcare and Public Service Agencies, Teaching across the educational and academic spectrum, Consultation in the public and private sectors, Governmental Advisors, Speechwriting, and both domestic and international business professions.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this area of emphasis, the successful student should be able to:
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding that the development, maintenance, and adaptation of the individual self and the personality is a product of the interaction between the individual and their social environment.
- Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge of the social and cultural environments at the local, regional and global levels.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the many facets and intricacies of social interaction from the intrapersonal, to the interpersonal to the societal levels.
- Demonstrate an ability to apply the theories and principles of human development, human interaction, cultural diversity, and global awareness to their everyday lives.
The student must complete 18 units of study across a minimum of three disciplines listed below with a grade of “C” or better or a “P” if the course is taken on a “pass-no pass” basis.
Not all courses listed in the Area of Emphasis degree are offered at all three colleges; please check your college catalog to see if a course you are interested in is offered at your college.
Included Disciplines and Courses
Administration of Justice (ADJ): 1, 1H, 2, 3, 3H, 4, 5, 8, 9, 9H, 13, 14, 20, 21,
22, 25
American Sign Language (ASL): 22
Anthropology (ANT): 1, 1H, 2, 2H, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
Communication Studies (COM): 1, 1H, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 9H, 12, 13
Early Childhood Education (EAR): 19, 20, 25, 28, 33, 40 42, 43, 47
Economics (ECO): 4, 5, 6, 7, 7H, 8, 8H, 9, 9H, 10
Ethnic Studies (ETS): 27
Geography (GEG): 2, 3, 4, 6
Guidance (GUI): 47, 48
History (HIS): 1, 2, 2H, 6, 6H, 7, 7H, 35
Human Services (HMS): 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19
Library Science (LIB): 1
Political Science (POL): 1, 1H, 2, 2H, 3, 4, 4H, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14
Psychology (PSY): 1, 1H, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 33, 35, 35H, 48, 50
Sociology (SOC): 1, 1H, 2, 3, 10, 10H, 12, 15, 20, 25, 48
Associate of Arts Degree
The Associate of Arts Degree in Social and Behavioral Studies will be awarded upon
completion of the degree requirements, including general education and other graduation
requirements as described in the college catalog.