The human experience is a tale that is constantly unfolding. A social science degree develops the research, analytical, and communications skills necessary to pursue a wide range of careers.
Why Study Social Science?
Conduct research. Analyze data. Build arguments. Solve problems. Learn these skills, and more, in Columbia-Greene’s social science program. The liberal arts-focused curriculum exposes students to history, math, and classes in the humanities, as well as a wide variety of other subjects offered as electives. While other social science programs at Columbia-Greene offer concentrations in history, psychology, or sociology, the Social Science A.A. degree is ideal for students who are still exploring their options—and provides a pathway for earning a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university.
The Social Science (A.A.) degree at Columbia-Greene provides students with a foundation in the liberal arts and prepares students for transfer into a bachelor’s degree program. Students who complete this program will gain an understanding of the human experience; will come to appreciate the many ways in which history, culture, and society shape individuals’ thinking and behavior; and will gain valuable skills in problem solving, analytical thinking, and research. The flexibility offered by the Social Science (A.A.) degree program is appropriate for students who are undecided on a career pathway or who wish to explore several facets of the human experience. Students can complete courses such as Theories of Personality, Lifespan Development, Sociology of Gender, Social Problems, Criminology, Juvenile Delinquency, Conflict Resolution, Contemporary Global Issues, Comparative Politics, Revisiting American Civil Rights, Women in U.S. History and many more. Students do not have to focus on one area of study. Rather, students can take courses in multiple disciplines and complete a program based upon their interests.
Program Format
Curriculum Code: 0212 I Liberal Arts Credits: 45 I Program Credits: 16
This flexible program only requires three courses. The rest are electives in disciplines such as math, the humanities, and history.
This program prepares students for transfer into a bachelor’s degree program. Students can complete concentrations in psychology, history, or sociology which should give them advance standing upon transfer to a bachelor’s program in these areas.
Columbia-Greene partnerships provide seamless transfer to four-year institutions including the University at Albany, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Plattsburgh, Marist College, Bard College, and Syracuse University.
| Course Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EN 101 | Composition | 3 |
| EN 102 | Composition and Literature | 3 |
| HI ELE | History Electives | 6 |
| HU ELE | Humanities Electives | 6 |
| MA ELE | Mathematics Elective | 3 |
| SC ELE | Lab Science Elective | 3 |
| SL ELE | Social Science Electives | 21 |
| Liberal Arts Credits: | 45 | |
| CE 101 | College Experience | 1 |
| GN ELE | General Electives | 15 |
| Program Credits: | 16 | |
| Minimum Credits: | 61 |
Careers and Outcomes
Graduates find jobs in the social sciences and many other careers that require the skills this degree delivers.
Due to the program’s broad focus in areas such as psychology, sociology, history, and political science, Social Science (A.A.) degree holders are in demand across many different industries.
Career Opportunities
Graduates may go on to excel in professional areas related to the social services, legal professions, business and industry, and political/governmental agencies. A few specific position examples include:
- Teacher
- Professor
- Anthropologist
- Human relations manager
Further Educational Opportunities
This program prepares students for transfer into a bachelor’s degree program. Students can complete concentrations in psychology, history, or sociology which should give them advance standing upon transfer to a bachelor’s program in these areas.
Columbia-Greene partnerships provide seamless transfer to four-year institutions including the University at Albany, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Plattsburgh, The College of St. Rose, Marist College, Bard College, and Syracuse University.