Social Science

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Social Science courses focus on the study of human behavior as it relates to individual development and group interaction. Students enrolled in these courses will improve their understanding of the major ideas and events that have shaped American society and other social systems. The curriculum is designed to help students develop their analytical, research, communication, and critical thinking skills so they may enter the workforce as successful professionals.

Corrections & Criminal Justice

Students interested in Corrections and Criminal Justice careers have many options, depending on their level of education. Corrections Officer and emergency telecommunications dispatcher are two careers for those with certificates. A two‐year degree can lead to a position as an entry‐level patrol officer in city, county and state police agencies, as well as positions with federal government including border patrol, homeland security, and forestry service. Other jobs include detective, conservation officer, canine officer, and tactical team member. Positions in forensic science typically require a degree in a physical or biological science.

Potential careers in criminal justice or corrections include:

• Correctional officers and jailers
• Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
• Emergency management directors
• Police patrol officers
• Loss prevention managers

Education

Students preparing to be teachers need a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences as well as preparation in educational theories and hands-on experiences through active fieldwork. The goal of the education program at WSCC is to train you to think critically, value service and advocate for all children. WSCC students following the programs outlined below are particularly well prepared to transfer to education programs at public universities.

Potential careers in education include:

• Teacher assistants
• Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school
• Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education
• Educational administrators, elementary and secondary school

Early Childhood Education

Over the last decade an increased awareness about the importance of early childhood education has led to the distinctive instruction of young children. As a student of early childhood education you will learn how to teach young children and advocate for them and their families while developing a professional portfolio and student teaching.

Potential careers in early childhood education include:

• Preschool teachers, except education
• Childcare workers
• Child, family, and school social workers

History

A degree in history can lead to many career opportunities, including positions in education, public and private museums or archives, publishing and editing, historic preservation, cultural resource management, library science, journalism, business, federal, state and local government, the law, Foreign Service, politics, the intelligence community, non‐profits, and consulting. The bottom line is that a student who earns a degree in history has the ability to research and write effectively and holds the critical thinking skills desired by all employers today.

Potential careers in history include:

• Historians
• Archivists
• Curators
• Archaeologists

Psychology

Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate majors because it stresses skills that employers want: research, critical thinking, communication, and working with diverse populations. With a bachelor’s degree, graduates can obtain jobs as health educators, program directors, market researchers, public relations specialists, correctional specialists, teacher’s aides, and social services managers. Students who want to work in clinical or counseling fields are advised to aim beyond the bachelor’s.

Potential careers in psychology include:

• Social and human service assistants
• Marriage and family therapists
• Counseling psychologists
• Mental health counselors

Sociology

Sociology is the study of family dynamics, criminal justice, population and environmental issues, gender, social change and social class. Studying sociology develops analytical and investigative skills, provides students with a keen appreciation for diversity, trains students in the use of multi‐media, and enhances the ability to adapt to an ever-changing world. It prepares students for wide‐reaching and varied careers in industries such as business, international relations, community and social service, education, government, law enforcement, and heath care.

Potential careers in sociology include:

• Social science research assistants
• Sociologists
• Anthropologists

Programs

• Social Science, AA

• Corrections Certificate
• Corrections, AAAS
• Criminal Justice Certificate
• Criminal Justice, AAAS
• Early Childhood Education Certificate
• Early Childhood Education, AAAS
• Emergency Telecommunicator Certificate
• Paraprofessional, AAAS

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