Why Study Social and Behavioral Sciences?

Liberal Arts and Science comprises a variety of academic disciplines including language, composition and literature, art, philosophy, religious studies, education, communication, speech, performing arts, and the social and behavioral sciences. The degree tracks within the Social and Behavioral Sciences focus on political science, psychology and sociology, and the courses lay the foundation for more specialized and advanced areas in a baccalaureate program.


School of Arts, Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences


Degree Tracks & Course Sequence

Associate of Arts (AA): Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Political Science Track
  • Psychology Track
  • Sociology Track

Political Science – Political Science provides students with an understanding of political and government institutions and their processes. Students will explore the conduct of government and the creation of government policy, and study the structure and activities of political parties and the social, cultural, ethnic and historical factors that drive these activities.

Psychology – Psychology provides students with an understanding of human emotion and motivation, as well as the biological foundation of behavior and mental processes. Students will explore how science is used to study various mental disorders, their symptoms and treatment.

Sociology – Sociology provides students with an understanding of the development, structure, interaction and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings. Sociologists are involved in the scientific analysis of social institutions as a functioning whole and as they relate to society.

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Real World Ready

Listening to workforce needs

Graduates of Rockland Community College are provided with a clear path to meaningful careers that meet the needs of businesses and industry in the communities we serve. Our students are trained in specific skills that are needed by employers, and guided through a career path that leads directly to workforce opportunities. With affordable tuition, students who begin their college careers at RCC are ready to meet the demands of the real world.

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Student Success

At Rockland Community College, you are provided with a Student Success Team that will help you with your academic journey, career exploration, transfer planning, support service referrals, and more! Your Team includes your Dean, Program Director, Faculty Advisor, Student Success Advisor, Connection Center Counselor, Financial Aid Advisor, Peer Mentors, and if you’re involved in any of these special programs, your Athletics, Honors, TRiO, and Veterans Advisors. During your first semester, you will take an ‘Introduction to the School’ course that will outline the various College offices and departments that can help you on your path.

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Career Outlook

The goal of liberal arts and science courses is the development of judgement and understanding of past, present and future human relationships, in the social, cultural, and natural environment. Courses focus on analysis, problem solving, critical thinking, writing, and communication. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared for transfer to a four-year institution to further their education.

Job Roles

Lobbyist, Lawyer, Diplomat or Foreign Service Officer, Political Scientist, Career or Vocational Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Consumer Psychologist, Counselor, Business Analyst, Consumer Relations Specialist, and Market Analyst

Industries

Law, Psychology, Business, Education, and Social Work


Careers

Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists

$97,030 NYS Average
National Average $89,290 annually

Political Scientist

$123,350 NYS Average
National Average $124,100 annually

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors

$69,760 NYS Average
National Average $62,320 annually

Employment and wage data by occupation are based on the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, which collects information from approximately 51,000 businesses. labor.ny.gov

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Rockland Community College, State University of New York, offers a safe, supportive learning environment for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds. RCC has become the “first choice” for parents and students. Thanks to our affordable tuition, students can save $100,000 on a college education by starting at RCC and transferring to outstanding four-year colleges.