Social Sciences Associate Degree
Associate of Arts
Program Description
Social sciences examine how individuals behave, how society works, and the relationship between the two. This program provides a foundation of coursework upon which a student may build a four-year degree in various majors within the social sciences. Students earning the degree have a competitive advantage for entry-level career opportunities with social and human service agencies.
Students spend significant time studying human behavior and the social environment in addition to expanding their world view with courses in psychology, sociology, human development, world religions, and human diversity. Select courses within the program are aligned with the Council on Social Work Education’s Social Work Competencies.
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What You'll Learn
Social Sciences
In interactive class sessions, students may be involved in learning experiences that include:
Review of case studies depicting societal influence on a person’s needs based on stage of development; cultural, ethnic, racial, or religious backgrounds; socio-economic status, or level of education.
Examine substance abuse from a compassionate perspective to include the causes of addiction, and ways for social scientists to encourage rehabilitation.
Attaining industry-recognized credentials in Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse, HIPAA Privacy, National Alliance on Mental Illness Basics, Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals.
Participating in a field experience with a specific criminal justice system agency within the student’s community.*
*Based on a student’s selected specialization within the degree program.
Career Outlook in Social Sciences
This degree prepares students for entry level positions in the social services field that include social services assistant, community outreach worker, case management aide, or other human services roles.
There are 2,250 projected annual job openings in Pennsylvania for Social and Human Service Assistants. (O*Net OnLine)
There are 820 projected annual job openings in Pennsylvania for Social and Community Service Managers. (O*Net OnLine)
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This program is for people driven by the desire to help others, serve the community for the greater good, and maintain safety. Major coursework involves studying corrections, criminology, policing, investigations, criminal procedure, criminal law, and Criminal Justice ethics for students to be able to describe the structures within and functions of the American Criminal Justice systems.
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Social Sciences FAQs
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Growing up in rural Potter County, Pennsylvania meant if I wanted good educational and employment opportunities, I would have to move. When NPRC started offering classes less than 30 minutes from my home (almost an hour closer than the next closest college), my future was no longer dependent on living in a more urban area. I received a quality education without spending the tens of thousands of dollars on room and board a traditional school would have required. And now, I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the team making this story possible for so many other people in rural Pennsylvania. NPRC’s mission is a necessary one, helping serve a part of the population that has lacked affordable and quality higher education for decades. This school helped me avoid debt, find my path in life, and now, I have a job I love and opportunities I never expected.
- Brian, NPRC Graduate
While attending NPRC, I am enrolled in 16 credits and working toward a degree in business administration. This switch is already positively benefitting me as a student. I have been keeping up with classes and shifting out of bad habits that may hinder my success. As someone who is diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD, it sometimes gets hard to effectively communicate. However, NPRC continues to provide opportunities to not only challenge myself, but to help me grow as a student, and more importantly, as a person. NPRC was my second chance. My second chance to help me build myself better, and I feel like my future is already better than what it was before NPRC.
-Noah, Business Administration Student
My time at Northern Pennsylvania Regional College has been a great experience even through the COVID-19 pandemic. Never did I imagine doing a year of college in my own home and still be able to be on the Dean’s List and be extremely proud. I am 39 years of age, and it has taken me this long to attempt college. I have to say that starting college at this age was hard. However, everyone at NPRC has made it easy for me to understand what it means to be studious. You can feel the care that is given to you through the staff at NPRC. The instructors are always willing to help and they will always answer the questions that we have. This college is a great way to get started on your new path through life. There are so many options to pick from if you are undecided.
-Claudia, NPRC Graduate
I started with NPRC right after graduating high school in 2018. I was not sure what I wanted to do career-wise, but the criminal justice field had always piqued my interest. Before finishing my two-year degree with NPRC, I decided to transfer to a four-year university to further my education in both sociology and criminal justice. Without the affordability of NPRC and their knowledgeable staff, I would never have dreamed of being where I am today. I will be graduating from RIT in August of 2022 having majored in Sociology and Criminal Justice, as well as having minored in Criminal Justice. I am excited to start a career in the federal Criminal Justice system or within admissions/counseling in higher education. I plan to put myself through law school while working full time after graduating from RIT.
-Ally, Former NPRC Student
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