Santa Barbara City College

Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Social and Behavioral Sciences Emphasis

By completing the Liberal Arts and Sciences—Emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate in Arts degree, students will be exposed to a wide range of coursework to achieve an understanding of human behavior and human interaction in the social and physical environment. Students will survey, analyze and interpret concepts, theories and methodologies to cultivate an understanding of human beings and the societies and cultures they create. Common majors within the Social and Behavioral Sciences Emphasis include, but are not limited to, Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Geography (Cultural), Global Studies, History, International Relations, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science and Sociology.

The Liberal Arts and Sciences degree is designed for students who wish to have a broad knowledge of arts and sciences, while building a foundation within an “area of emphasis.” This degree can be a good option for students who may need to explore possibilities before selecting a major prior to transferring to a university or for students who wish to earn a degree in a particular area of study that interests them.

Students planning to transfer to a four-year university are cautioned that this degree may not meet all of the requirements for transfer into a particular major. However, through careful educational planning with an SBCC academic counselor, this degree would offer a solid foundation in the transfer process.

Because admission and major preparation requirements vary at each transfer institution, students should select their General Education option and their coursework for the Associate Degree in consultation with an SBCC academic counselor to ensure appropriate academic planning.

SBCC offers a Transfer Agreement Guarantee (TAG). A TAG is a contractual agreement between the student, SBCC, and specific four-year colleges or universities. This includes six University of California ( *UC) institutions, six California State Institutions (CSU), seven California private institutions, nine out-of-state institutions, as well as Honors Transfer Agreements with ten institutions and 8 CSUs without campus impaction. Students must enroll in the TAG program and work with a TAG advisor.