Academic Catalog
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
The faculty and staff of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences are committed to educating, equipping and empowering today's learners. Our goal is to enrich lives by identifying and developing potential, preparing professionals for service, and promoting lifelong learning. Our courses and concentrations focus on understanding the human experience, improving the human condition, and developing critical skills applicable to a wide range of professions and careers.
Our school includes the disciplines of Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology. Each discipline offers engaging and enriching learning experiences across a broad range of courses. Many of those courses integrate into and support the pathways offered by other schools at the college.
Those choosing an Associate in Arts degree with a concentration in one of the pathways offered in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences are preparing for transfer to four-year institutions with majors in one of the social sciences and for vocations positively impacting lives locally, nationally and globally through professional practice, research, education, advocacy and policy development. Having a concentration in one of the social and behavioral sciences provides the foundational knowledge, skills and competencies that eventually lead to careers including:
- Anthropology – archeologist, museum curator, ethnographer, language specialist, urban planner, product developer, investigator, park ranger
- Geography – resource manager, policy developer, emergency manager, international aid worker, human rights advocate, regional planner
- Sociology – sociologist, intelligence analyst, law enforcement officer
- Political Science American Government – attorney, judge, nonprofit director, lobbyist, campaign manager, political analyst, consultant
- Political Science International Relations – ambassador, intelligence specialist, immigration specialist, foreign service worker, international attorney, United Nations worker
- Applied Psychology – clinical or counseling psychologist, counselor, mental health worker, market researcher, mediator, business consultant
- Biological Psychology – neuroscientist, health psychologist, psychiatric technician, psychosocial therapist, rehabilitation counselor, researcher
- Forensic Psychology – forensic psychologist, criminal investigator, profiler, expert witness, court consultant
All courses are offered on campus. Many are also offered in asynchronous online (O); some are also offered in virtual (synchronous online) (V), or hybrid modes (H).
Anthopology
Anthropologists assess, interpret and manage cultural resources. They investigate culture and study human evolution, variation and adaptation, along with developments of past human societies. Those choosing an Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Anthropology begin by questioning and learning what it means to be human. They also build foundational knowledge in research, statistics, as well as cultural and biological aspects of human behavior. Anthropology students develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving and communication. The coursework prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in upper level anthropology courses, future graduate studies, and a variety of rewarding and impactful careers in private and public arenas and in international settings.
Concentration: Anthropology (61 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Arts
A. Required Distribution (28 credit hours)
1. Communications (9 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 9.0 |
2. Humanities/Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences (12 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ART 101 OR MUS 105 OR THE 101 |
Art History and Appreciation OR Music Appreciation OR Introduction to Theatre |
3.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
HIS 104 OR HIS 201 |
World History I OR American History Discovery to 1877 |
3.0 |
PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 12.0 |
3. Analytical Reasoning/Science (6-7 credit hours) | CREDIT HOURS | |
---|---|---|
MAT 120 | Probability and Statistics | 3.0 |
BIO 205/BIO 206 | Ecology /Ecology Lab | 4.0 |
Subtotal | 7.0 | |
Total General Education Credits: | 28.0 |
B. Courses for Concentration (15 credit hours)
credit hours | ||
---|---|---|
ANT 101 | General Anthropology | 3.0 |
ANT 202 | Cultural Anthropology | 3.0 |
ANT 203 | Physical Anthropology and Archeology | 3.0 |
LNG 101 | Introduction to Language | 3.0 |
GEO 102 | World Geography | 3.0 |
Total Humanities Credits: | 15.0 |
C. Additional Requirements or Electives (18 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
COL 105 | Freshman Seminar | 3.0 |
PHI 101 OR MAT 110 |
Introduction to Philosophy OR College Algebra |
3.0 |
PSC 201 | American Government | 3.0 |
PSY 203 OR MAT 130 |
Human Growth and Development OR Elementary Calculus |
3.0 |
ECO 201 | Economic Concepts | 3.0 |
REL 101 OR REL 103 |
Introduction to Religion OR Comparative Religion |
3.0 |
Total College-Wide Elective Credits: | 18.0 | |
Total Program Credit Hours: | 61.0 |
Applied Psychology
Making a positive difference in people’s lives involves applying knowledge of human needs and abilities to help others solve problems and live healthy, productive and fulfilling lives. Those choosing an Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Applied Psychology develop the knowledge and skills necessary for taking a scientific approach to understanding human behavior and mental processes and to fostering healthy human development. They learn to identify, analyze and synthesize information needed to communicate and work cooperatively with others from a diverse range of perspectives, attitudes and skills. The coursework prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in upper level psychology courses, future graduate studies, and a variety of rewarding and impactful careers in mental health, education, healthcare, human services, business and industry and government settings.
Concentration: Applied Psychology (61 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Arts
A. Required Distribution (28 credit hours)
1. Communications (9 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 9.0 |
2. Humanities/Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences (12 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MUS 105 OR THE 101 |
Music Appreciation OR Introduction to Theatre |
3.0 |
PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
HIS 202 | American History: 1877 to Present | 3.0 |
PHI 115 | Contemporary Moral Ethics | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 12.0 |
3. Analytical Reasoning/Science (7 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MAT 110 | College Algebra | 3.0 |
BIO 101 | Biological Sciences I | 4.0 |
Subtotal | 7.0 | |
Total General Education Credits: | 28.0 |
B. Courses for Concentration (15 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
PSY 203 | Human Growth and Development | 3.0 |
PSY 212 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.0 |
PSY 218 | Behavioral Modification | 3.0 |
PSY 220 | Psychology of Personality | 3.0 |
PSY 225 | Social Psychology | 3.0 |
Total Humanities Credits: | 15.0 |
C. Additional Requirements or Electives (18 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
COL 105 | Freshman Seminar | 3.0 |
MAT 120 | Probability and Statistics | 3.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
HIS 102 | Western Civilization Post 1689 | 3.0 |
REL 101 | Introduction to Religion | 3.0 |
ANT 202 | Cultural Anthropology | 3..0 |
Total College-Wide Elective Credits: | 18.0 | |
Total Program Credit Hours: | 61.0 |
Biological Psychology
The rapidly expanding fields of neuroscience, health psychology, psychoneuroimmunology, medicine and human factors research offer a range of opportunities for those having a strong foundation in biological psychology. Students choosing an Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Biological Psychology learn to apply knowledge of the biological basis of thoughts, feelings and behavior to understanding and addressing physical, psychological and social problems. They identify, analyze and synthesize information needed to improve human health and well-being and to develop technologies enhancing human behavior and capacity. The coursework prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in upper level biological psychology courses, future graduate studies, and a variety of rewarding and impactful careers requiring a scientific approach to understanding and solving physical, psychological and social problems.
Concentration: Biological Psychology (60 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Arts
A. Required Distribution (28 credit hours)
1. Communications (9 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 9.0 |
2. Humanities/Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences (12 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MUS 105 OR ART 101 |
Music Appreciation OR Art History and Appreciation |
3.0 |
PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
HIS 202 | American History: 1877 to Present | 3.0 |
PHI 115 | Contemporary Moral Ethics | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 12.0 |
3. analytical Reasoning/Science (7 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MAT 110 | College Algebra | 3.0 |
BIO 101 | Biological Sciences I | 4.0 |
Subtotal | 7.0 | |
Total General Education Credits: | 28.0 |
B. Courses for Concentration (17 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
BIO 102 | Biological Sciences II | 4.0 |
BIO 210 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.0 |
PSY 203 | Human Growth and Development | 3.0 |
PSY 212 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.0 |
PSY 218 | Behavioral Modification | 3.0 |
Total Humanities Credits: | 17.0 |
C. Additional Requirements or Electives (15 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
COL 105 | Freshman Seminar | 3.0 |
MAT 130 | College Algebra | 3.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
HIS 102 | Western Civilization Post 1689 | 3.0 |
MAT 120 | Probability and Statistics | 3.0 |
Total College-Wide Elective Credits: | 15.0 | |
Total Program Credit Hours: | 60.0 |
Forensic Psychology
Ensuring public safety requires cross-disciplinary knowledge and a variety of skills applicable to careers in enforcement and investigations, as well as in judicial and correctional systems. Forensic psychologists have the training needed to assess, treat and advance research across all the systems involved in public safety. Those choosing an Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Forensic Psychology experience coursework bringing together the biological, psychological and criminal justice principles needed to understand human behavior and motivation in the context of the legal system. They develop the knowledge and skills needed to apply psychological science to forensic evaluations, providing expertise and guidance in judicial systems and public safety organizations. The coursework prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in upper level forensic psychology courses, future graduate studies, and a variety of critical careers in the public safety sector, judicial and correctional systems, psychiatric facilities, private practice and the military.
Concentration: Forensic Psychology (61 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Arts
A. Required Distribution (28 credit hours)
1. Communications (9 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 9.0 |
2. Humanities/Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences (12 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MUS 105 OR ART 101 |
Music Appreciation OR Art History and Appreciation |
3.0 |
PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
HIS 102 | Western Civilization Post 1689 | 3.0 |
PHI 115 | Contemporary Moral Ethics | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 12.0 |
3. Analytical Reasoning/Science (7 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MAT 120 | Probability and Statistics | 3.0 |
BIO 101 | Biological Science I | 4.0 |
Subtotal | 7.0 | |
Total General Education Credits: | 28.0 |
B. Courses for Concentration (15 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
PSC 201 | American Government | 3.0 |
PSY 203 | Human Growth and Development | 3.0 |
PSY 212 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.0 |
PSY 225 | Social Psychology | 3.0 |
SOC 205 | Social Problems | 3.0 |
Total Humanities Credits: | 15.0 |
C. Additional Requirements or Electives (18 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
COL 105 | Freshman Seminar | 3.0 |
REL 102 | Introduction to Biblical Study | 3.0 |
CRJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3.0 |
CRJ 115 | Criminal Law I | 3.0 |
CRJ 125 | Criminology | 3.0 |
CRJ 220 | The Judicial Process | 3.0 |
Total College-Wide Elective Credits: | 18.0 | |
Total Program Credit Hours: | 61.0 |
Geography
Geographers think globally. They research, decipher and interpret natural and human-built landscapes. Students choosing an Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Geography learn about Earth’s physical environment and the diversity of human societies spread across our planet. They will expand their global knowledge, visit environmentally and culturally significant places, develop map interpretation skills and learn map-making techniques. The coursework prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in upper level geography courses, future graduate studies, and a variety of rewarding and impactful careers in fields as diverse as: natural and cultural resource management, disaster and emergency management, policy making, international aid and human rights, and urban and regional planning, as well as regional and multinational business.
Concentration: Geography (60 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Arts
A. Required Distribution (28 credit hours)
1. Communications (9 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 9.0 |
2. Humanities/Fine Arts/Social and Behavorial Sciences (12 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ART 101 OR MUS 105 OR THE 101 |
Art History and Appreciation OR Music Appreciation OR Introduction to Theatre |
3.0 |
ANT 202 | Cultural Anthropology | 3.0 |
HIS 201 | American History Discover to 1877 | 3.0 |
ENG 209 OR ENG 208 OR ENG 210 OR ENG 211 OR ENG 212 |
World Literature II OR World Literature I OR Asian Literature OR African Literature OR Latin American Literature |
3.0 |
Subtotal: | 12.0 |
3. ANALYTICAL REASONING/SCIENCE (7 CREDIT HOURS)
3. Analytical Reasoning/Science (7 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MAT 120 | Probability and Statistics | 3.0 |
BIO 205 OR BIO 206 |
Ecology OR Ecology Lab |
4.0 |
Subtotal | 7.0 | |
Total General Education Credits: | 28.0 |
B. Courses for Concentration (16 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
GEO 101 | Introduction to Geography | 3.0 |
GEO 102 | World Geography | 3.0 |
GEO 205 | Physical Geography | 4.0 |
HIS 105 OR HIS 104 |
World History II OR World History I |
3.0 |
PSC 220 | Introduction to International Relations | 3.0 |
Total Humanities Credits: | 16.0 |
C. Additional Requirements or Electives (16 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
COL 105 | Freshman Seminar | 3.0 |
PHI 105 OR MAT 110 |
Introduction to Logic OR College Algebra |
3.0 |
ANT 203 OR MAT 130 |
Cultural Anthropology OR Elementary Calculus |
3.0 |
SPA 101 OR SPA 102 |
Elementary Spanish I OR Elementary Spanish II |
4.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
BIO 101 OR AST 101 |
Biological Science I OR Solar System Astronomy (if needed) |
(4.0) |
Total Additional Requirements or Elective Credits: | 16.0 | |
Total Program Credit Hours: | 60.0 |
Political Science American Government
Areas like worker rights, civil rights, poverty, national security, immigration, economic development, and environmental challenges are just some of the targets of study and practice in American Government. The Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Political Science American Government provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding American government. The coursework prepares students so that they arrive at their transfer destinations with the skills and knowledge to succeed in upper level Political Science courses, future graduate studies, and a variety of rewarding careers with a national and global reach and impact.
Concentration: American Government (61 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Arts
A. Required Distribution (28 credit hours)
1. Communications (9 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 9.0 |
2. Humanities/Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences (12 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MUS 105 OR ART 101 OR THE 101 |
Music Appreciation OR Art History and Appreciation OR Introduction to Theatre |
3.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
HIS 102 | Western Civilization Post 1689 | 3.0 |
HIS 202 | American History: 1877 to Present | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 12.0 |
3. Analytical Reasoning/Science (7 credit Hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MAT 120 | Probability and Statistics | 3.0 |
BIO 101 | Biological Science I | 4.0 |
Subtotal | 7.0 | |
Total General Education Credits: | 28.0 |
B. Courses for Concentration (16 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
PSC 201 | American Government | 3.0 |
PSC 205 | Politics and Government | 3.0 |
PSC 215 | State and Local Government | 3.0 |
PSC 225 | Campaigns and Elections | 3.0 |
SPA 101 OR ECO 210 |
Elementary Spanish I OR Macroeconomics |
3.0-4.0 |
Total Humanities Credits: | 15.0-16.0 |
C. College-Wide Electives (17 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
COL 105 | Freshman Seminar | 3.0 |
PHI 105 | Introduction to Logic | 3.0 |
GEO 205 | Physical Geography | 4.0 |
SPA 102 OR HIS 201 |
Elementary Spanish II OR American History Discovery to 1877 |
4.0 (3.0) |
SPA 122 OR ENG 203 |
Basic Proficiency in Spanish OR Survey of American Literature |
3.0 |
PSY 201 | General Psychology (if needed) | 3.0 |
Total College-Wide Elective Credits: | 16.0-17.0 | |
Total Program Credit Hours: | 61.0-62.0 |
Political Science International Relations
Globalization, human rights, poverty, security, economic development, and environmental challenges are some of the targets of study and practice in international relations. The Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Political Science International Relations provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding International Relations. The coursework prepares students so that they arrive at their transfer destinations with the skills and knowledge to succeed in upper level political science courses, future graduate studies, and a variety of rewarding careers having a global reach and broad impact.
Concentration: International Relations (61 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Arts
A. Required Distribution (28-29 credit hours)
1. Communications (9 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 9.0 |
2. Humanities/Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences (13 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MUS 105 OR ART 101 OR THE 101 |
Music Appreciation OR Art History and Appreciation OR Introduction to Theatre |
3.0 |
HIS 102 | Western Civilization Post 1689 | 3.0 |
HIS 202 | American History: 1877 to Present | 3.0 |
SPA 101 OR ECO 210 |
Elementary Spanish I OR Macroeconomics |
3.0-4.0 |
Subtotal | 12.0-13.0 |
3. Analytical Reasoning/Science (7 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MAT 120 | Probability and Statistics | 3.0 |
BIO 101 | Biological Science I | 4.0 |
Subtotal | 7.0 | |
Total General Education Credits: | 28.0-29.0 |
B. Courses for Concentration (15 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
PSC 201 | American Government | 3.0 |
PSC 205 | Politics and Government | 3.0 |
PSC 206 | Politics of the Middle East | 3.0 |
PSC 220 | Introduction to International Relations | 3.0 |
GEO 102 | World Geography | 3.0 |
Total Humanities Credits: | 15.0 |
C. Additional Requirements or Electives (17 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
COL 105 | Freshman Seminar | 3.0 |
PHI 105 | Introduction to Logic | 3.0 |
GEO 205 | Physical Geography | 4.0 |
SPA 102 OR ENG 209 |
Elementary Spanish II OR World Literature II |
3.0-4.0 |
SPA 122 OR HIS 108 |
Basic Proficiency in Spanish OR Introduction to East Asian Civilization |
3.0 |
ANT 202 | Cultural Anthropology (if needed) | 3.0 |
Total Additional Requirements or Elective Credits: | 17.0-19.0 | |
Total Program Credit Hours: | 61.0-62.0 |
Sociology
Social health and well-being requires an understanding of how groups, organizations, networks, institutions and cultures organize and influence us. Sociologists study the construction and maintenance of societies to address social phenomena and social problems, including poverty, racism, sexism, crime, terrorism and war. Those choosing an Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Sociology develop a sophisticated understanding of the complex social world we live in, as well as the kind of analytical and problem-solving skills needed to address today’s pressing social issues and problems. The coursework prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in upper level sociology courses, future graduate studies, and a variety of rewarding and impactful careers across diverse fields including social services, law enforcement, education, government, business and journalism.
Concentration: Sociology (62 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Arts
A. Required Distribution (28 credit hours)
1. Communications (9 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3.0 |
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3.0 |
SPC 205 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 9.0 |
2. Humanities/Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences (12 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
ART 101 OR MUS 105 OR THE 101 |
Art History and Appreciation OR Music Appreciation OR Introduction to Theatre |
3.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
HIS 201 | American History Discovery to 1877 | 3.0 |
HIS 102 | Western Civilization Post 1689 | 3.0 |
Subtotal | 12.0 |
3. Analytical Reasoning/Science (7 credit hours) | Credit Hours | |
---|---|---|
MAT 120 | Probability and Statistics | 3.0 |
BIO 205/BIO 206 | Ecology/Ecology Lab | 4.0 |
Subtotal | 7.0 | |
Total General Education Credits: | 28.0 |
B. Courses for Concentration (15 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
ANT 202 | Cultural Anthropology | 3.0 |
PSC 205 | Politics and Government | 3.0 |
SOC 205 | Social Problems | 3.0 |
SOC 210 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3.0 |
SOC 220 | Sociology of the Family | 3.0 |
Total Humanities Credits: | 15.0 |
C. Additional Requirements or Electives (19 credit hours)
Credit Hours | ||
---|---|---|
COL 105 | Freshman Seminar | 3.0 |
PHI 105 | Introduction to Logic | 3.0 |
GEO 205 | Physical Geography | 4.0 |
HIS 109 OR HIS 113 OR HIS 131 |
Introduction to Latin American History and Civilization OR Native American History OR African-American History 1877 to Present |
3.0 |
PSY 201 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
REL 101 | Introduction to Religion | 3.0 |
Total College-Wide Elective Credits: | 19.0 | |
Total Program Credit Hours: | 62.0 |