Social Sciences & Education Pathway

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If you are interested in why people do what they do or Elementary/Early Education and Child Development, you can choose this pathway; it offers methods of study to understand human origins, motivations, and to describe human behavior. This pathway offers degrees and certificates in the science of understanding people – Anthropology, Psychology, Political and Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, Chemical Dependency – but also degrees and certificates leading to work in Elementary and Preschool Education. An expert from this pathway can help you to choose which degree or certificate will best lead to your ultimate goal.

The social sciences are a collection of academic disciplines that use many methods to investigate human behavior and culture.  These methods share a commitment to explanations derived from observable, measurable, and verifiable phenomena.  Claims of knowledge require such empirical evidence to be considered valid.

The social sciences generally are committed to employing knowledge for the improvement of the human condition.  In the context of American democracy, social scientists typically share a commitment to influencing public discussions and policies regarding individual liberty, social responsibility, and what constitutes a more just society.

As with all pathways, you may move to a different pathway at any time. If you so choose, an advisor can help you.

*YVC offers Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. Following is a list of the degrees offered by YVC: Associate in Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA), Associate in Business - Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Ready Pathway (AB-DTA/MRP), Associate in Nursing - Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Ready Pathway (ADN-DTA/MRP), Associate in Science - Transfer Track 1 (AS-T T1), and Associate in Science - Transfer Track 2 (AS-T T2). All public and most private universities in Washington State have agreed to accept transfer  students who have earned these degrees, with junior standing upon admission. Admission to a specific major is not guaranteed, but completing a transfer degree with an area of interest can better prepare a student for admission to a major program of study. Ask your YVC advisor about how to plan your Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree around one area of emphasis.

Programs

• Early Childhood Education (I-BEST Opportunities)

Return to: Explore Degree & Certificate Pathways