The Career
Merriam-Webster defines social science as a discipline that “deals with the institutions and functioning of human society and with the interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of society.” Career options in this field are wide and varied. They include archeology, demography, anthropology, social psychology, economics, international trade, foreign service, sociology, political science, criminology and law. ECC students who complete their associate degree in social science are prepared to enter an undergraduate major leading to training in these areas.
Employment Opportunities
More specifically, social science positions include:
- Actuary
- Archeologist
- Bank Examiner
- Campaign Manager
- Cultural Anthropologist
- Cultural or Natural Resources Manager
- Demographic Analyst
- Financial Consultant, Analyst or Planner
- Foreign Service Officer
- Geographer
- Human Resources Professional
- Industrial Consultant
- International Research Specialist
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Local, State or National Politician
- Political Journalist, Researcher or Analyst
- Social Psychologist or Social Worker
- Social Science Educator
- Sociologist
- Statistician
Professional Traits
Those pursuing a career in this field should:
- Be objective, open-minded and sensitive to different cultures and social groups
- Demonstrate solid verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills
- Have intellectual creativity and curiosity
- Be efficient and thorough in their work
- Have strong analytical skills
The Program
Students at East Central College who express an interest in a social science profession have several course options and electives available. Assuming appropriate placement scores, it is a two-year transfer degree, with flexibility to customize the program to the student’s chosen career.
Social science consists of the 43-credit hour general education core plus the necessary electives in psychology, sociology, cultural ethics and anthropology. The academic program’s strong humanities emphasis readies ECC graduates to complete a bachelor’s degree in sociology, political science, geography, economics or other social science. In addition, the college provides various student activities, organizations and practicum experiences related to the discipline.
Admissions Requirements
Students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (please note: some coursework requires minimum placement results)
Transfer Options
Many of the credits, particularly the general education electives earned with this degree, are accepted as transfer credits by four-year colleges and universities. These decisions are made solely by the bachelor degree-granting institution, not ECC.
Students seeking to transfer should communicate often with their faculty advisors and the East Central College transfer advisor. They should also make early contact with the four-year institution of their choice regarding the transferability of ECC credits and coursework.
Accreditation
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
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