Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Oakland, USA
Associate of Arts
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
USD 13,410
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Associate in Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences at Merritt College offers a broad view of human behavior, culture and society, covering social sciences like psychology, sociology and anthropology. It builds critical thinking and self-understanding for students undecided about a major or seeking promotion. Complete 18 units from at least two disciplines, general education and electives to total 60 units; earn a minimum C in major courses and consult a counselor for transfer planning.
Career Outcomes: This pathway supports transfer to bachelor's programs. Career opportunities include entry-level roles in social services, community agencies, nonprofits and education support work.
The Associate in Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences degree program provides students with a broad perspective on human behavior. It is designed to stimulate appreciation for, and understanding of, values, ideas, and artifacts of culture and society. Critical thinking skills and self-understanding through these courses provide a framework for lifelong study in a variety of disciplines. Successful completion of the curriculum in Social and Behavioral Sciences offers students a breadth of knowledge that could be focused on single discipline degrees as well as applied to an interdisciplinary degree. The degree is intended for those who are considering transfer but have not decided on a major or for those who are required to complete a degree for a job promotion. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor to develop their own program of study.
For the Associate in Arts Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences, students must complete 18 units from at least two discipline areas listed below, the General Education pattern, and any needed electives for a total of 60 units. Students must receive a minimum grade of “C” or better in all courses for their major in order to qualify for the degree. As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan which addresses all transfer requirements.
Program Requirements
Major Core Courses
Select 18 units from the following:
- Introduction to Administration of Justice 3
- The Prison Industrial Complex: African American Incarceration 3
- Racism in the United States 3
- African-American History: Africa to 1865 3
- African-American History: 1865-1945 3
- Environmental Racism and Justice 3
- Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
- American Indian History and Culture 3
- Asians and Asian-Americans Through Films 3
- Asian-American Psychology 3
- Asian-American History to 1945 3
- Asian-American History from 1945 to the Present 3
- Intercultural Communication 3
- Gender and Communication 3
- Ethnic Perceptions in the Mass Media 3
- Principles of Economics (Macro-Economics) 3
- Principles of Economics (Micro-Economics) 3
- Introduction to Sustainable Environmental Systems 3
- Cultural Geography 3
- History of the United States to 1877 3
- History of the United States Since 1865 3
- Exploring Health Issues 3
- United States Relations with Mexico and Latin America 3
- Government and Politics in the United States 3
- Comparative Government 3
- American Politics and Minority Groups 3
- Introduction to General Psychology 3
- Psychology and Life: Basic Principles 3
- Human Sexuality 3
- Introduction to Sociology 3
- Social Problems 3
Major Requirements 18
Total Units 60
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Integrate foundational thinking from various disciplines within Social Sciences.
- Apply knowledge about people and human behavior.
- Analyze society and community issues from multiple and integrated perspectives.
This curriculum is intended to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions with the benefit of introductory course work in the social sciences.