Why study social science?
Have you wondered if it was possible to make a difference in your community? Or about how our social institutions came to be, and what purpose they serve? Do you ever want to know more about the world around you? Courses in the social sciences can prepare you to work in many different fields. They can also help you to answer some of these big questions. The world as we know it didn't just happen—people made it this way. By taking classes in the social sciences, you can learn how things happened and why they happened. You may even get an idea about how to make it all work better. When you explore the social sciences, you explore the whole world.
As a student, you will develop a thorough understanding of human beings in relation to their environments. You will also learn how to extend human and social services for the benefit of others. We offer a wide variety of associate's degrees and transfer programs, in both traditional and modern studies. Our certificate programs provide practical training and rich experiences.
Social sciences and human services represent a broad range of academic disciplines. You may study:
Anthropology: the study of what makes us human.
Criminal Justice: preparation to enter careers in municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. As well as in the private security field.
Early Childhood Education: Students will complete specific requirements and a minimum of 60 semester credits to earn their associate's degree. Along with their DCFS Head Teacher qualification and Illinois Gateways ECE Level 4 credential.
Economics: focuses on the behavior of the consumer, supply and demand, and consumer choice.
Education: prepares graduates to transfer to earn a bachelor's degree. Specializing in early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, or special education.
Geography: learn to use analytical processes to help understand some of the key issues of our world. Such as population growth, climate, and energy use.
History: classes use a wide variety of methods to uncover the stories of the past. Through developing skills in investigative techniques, creative problem solving, and data analysis.
Political Science: helps us learn how power is used and allocated in the world.
Psychology: uses the scientific method to study thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Including the relationship between mind and body.
Social Work: prepares graduates for transfer to advanced degrees. Social workers help people in every stage of life to access services to improve their quality of life. While advocating and aiding the most marginalized sectors of society.
Sociology: studies social issues at both the individual and societal levels. Including race relations, deviant behavior, crime, poverty and wealth, and prejudice. Other topics include discrimination, marriage and family, and social movements.
Topics in social sciences and human services fields are varied. They do share in common the goal of understanding people and creating institutions. These areas are for those who want to understand themselves or their community.