Social Science Associate in Art
The Social Sciences program at College of the Desert consists of eight disciplines: anthropology, geography, global studies, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology. The courses offered in these disciplines generally serve as surveys of each field and/or as general education and transfer requirements.
Social Sciences majors find jobs in social service agencies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, libraries, probation departments, and correctional institutes. Social Sciences majors also find jobs in business and industry in market research, survey research, public relations, management, advertising, human resources, sales, counseling, and as forensic anthropologists and archeologists. Careers that generally require graduate-level degrees include teacher, researcher, field anthropologist, historian, counselor, criminologist, urban planner, lawyer, political consultant, pollster, political campaign manager, philosopher, psychologist, psychiatrist, and human resources director. Even students who choose not to major in the Social Sciences find that coursework in the various disciplines prepares them to understand organizational and group dynamics, incorporate logic and reasoning in everyday life, understand research and statistical analysis, and connect personal problems to social issues through critical analysis.
College of the Desert’s Social Sciences program is designed to provide students with a general overview of various disciplines of the Social Sciences, help students meet general education requirements for transfer to four-year institutions, and provide them with supporting courses for majors in other programs. Even students who choose not to major in Social Sciences find that coursework in the field can improve their ability to think critically, problem solve, manage their lives, and understand the issues that engage our world, our country, and our community.
Within the Social Sciences program, students can earn an Associate of Arts degree in any of the eight disciplines and/or a Certificate of Achievement in Alcohol & Drug Studies. Students earning an associate degree within the Social Sciences program have a choice of pursuing positions as community support worker, gerontology aide, compensation/benefits worker, consumer survey advisor, delinquency counselor, insurance agent/broker, social welfare examiner, peace corps/VISTA worker, research assistant, claims representative, case aid worker, human resources assistant, public opinion surveyor, community service agency worker, or continuing their studies toward a bachelor’s or graduate degree.
College of the Desert offers associate degrees for transfer to the CSU in Social Science disciplines. These degrees are designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU major and baccalaureate degree. California Community College students who are awarded an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission with junior standing in the CSU system and given priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to their community college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or campuses.
Students who have been awarded an AA-T or AS-T are able to complete their remaining requirements for the 120-unit baccalaureate degree within 60 semester or 90 quarter units. To view the most current list of College of the Desert Associate Degrees for Transfer please go to Academic Programs.
COD has various transfer agreements with the California State Universities and University of California systems in the disciplines contained within the Social Sciences program. However, transfer requirements at four-year colleges and universities tend to vary from institution to institution; students should consult with a counselor for specific information regarding the transfer requirements of their preferred college or university. Current and prospective community college students are encouraged to meet with faculty advisors and a counselor to review their options for transfer and to develop an educational plan that best meets their goals and needs.
Semester 1
| Course Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 001 | PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS | 3 |
| ENG 001A | ENGLISH COMPOSITION | 4 |
| GE CSU E/ IGETC 6 | LIFELONG LEARNING/LANGUAGE | 3 |
| GE CSU C1/ IGETC 3A | ARTS | 3 |
| OPTIONAL | TRANSFERABLE ELECTIVE | 3 |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 003 | HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATION I | 3 |
| PS 001 | INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT | 3 |
| GE CSU B1/ IGETC 5A | PHYSICAL SCIENCE | 3 OR 4 |
| GE CSI A3/ IGETC 1B | CRITICAL THINKING | 3 |
| OPTIONAL | TRANSFERABLE ELECTIVE | 3 |
Semester 3
| Course Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 018 | US HISTORY FROM RECONSTRUCTION TO PRESENT | 3 |
| PS 002 | INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENTS | 3 |
| GE CSU B4/ IGETC 2 | MATHEMATICS | 3 OR 4 |
| GE CSU A1/ IGETC 1C | ORAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| OPTIONAL | TRANSFERABLE ELECTIVE | 3 |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL 006 | INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY | 3 |
| PSY 001 | GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY | 3 |
| GE CSU B2/ IGETC 5B | LIFE/BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE | 3 OR 4 |
| GE CSU F/ IGETC 7 | ETHNIC STUDIES | 3 |
| OPTIONAL | TRANSFERABLE ELECTIVE | 3 |
For all GE Areas and Electives it is best to meet with a counselor to discuss your options. The General Education patterns are linked below.
