Social Science, Public Service & Community Engagement
Key Terms
- Cultural Awareness
- Empathy
- Education
- Equity
- Behavior
This pathway is perfect for someone interested in understanding patterns of individual and group behavior, ways in which we develop and learn, and how we impact and are impacted by society, culture, institutions and the environment. Explorers of this pathway will gain a greater appreciation of how similarities and differences among people – through the concepts of culture and history, experience and beliefs, privilege and marginalization – shape the world. This pathway will help you better understand the connections between human behavior, diversity, power, and institutions in order to pursue careers that focus on people and community.
Explore Focus Areas
Focus areas are specific areas of emphasis within a pathway, which allow students to explore coursework and develop useful skills for their desired careers.
Anthropology
Anthropology courses delve into primate evolution and human adaptation and variation, how archaeology reveals lifeways of the past, the role of language in shaping communication, identity, and culture, and cross-cultural similarities and differences in cultural beliefs, practices, and meaning-making.
Program Options
- Anthropology
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Business Administration – Transfer
Managers put their employees in the best possible position to succeed, while reviewing costs and future resourcing needs. Top-level management focus more on strategic direction and opportunities.
Program Options
- Associate in Business, AB-DTA/MRP
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice program at Bellevue College is an interdisciplinary social science approach involving the study of crime and societal responses to it. The program of study offered through the Criminal Justice program provides students with knowledge of the components of criminal justice system along with stages within the criminal justice process.
Program Options
- Criminal Justice, AAS-T
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Cultural & Ethnic Studies
Take classes that are focused on cultural identity, empowerment of marginalized groups, learning why differences make a difference, and developing a greater political and social awareness of injustice and inequity.
Program Options
- Cultural & Ethnic Studies
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Economics
Economics is not just about money. Put simply, economics is about who produces what, who gets what, and what they do with it. By studying economics, you will better understand how you can help create the solutions that improve your own economic conditions and quality of life, as well as the economic conditions and quality of life created by the economy and for society as a whole.
Program Options
- Economics
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Education
If you are in search for a meaningful career guiding the educational development of young children, you’ve found the right place! Bellevue Colleges’ Early Learning Teacher Education Program focuses on positive learning and developmental experiences for infants, toddlers, preschool and primary age children.
Program Options
- Associate in Math Education, AME-DTA/MRP
- Associate Degree - Transfer
- Early Childhood Education, AAS
- Associate Degree
- Early Childhood Education, AAS-T
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Gender Studies
This field explores how sex, gender, and sexuality profoundly shape our lives. Gender Studies is a nontraditional field in that it blurs disciplinary boundaries and emphasizes deep learning through interdisciplinary study.
Program Options
- Gender Studies
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Geography
To study geography is to appreciate a sense of place and is achieved by understanding both the physical and human characteristics of the landscape that contribute to that reality. Geographer’s develop a very diverse skill set that has multiple career possibilities that require a genuine understanding of the complex interplay of economic, political, social and environmental forces in today’s world.
Program Options
- Geography
- Associate Degree - Transfer
History
History is the study of the development and changes experienced by societies and cultures over time. It examines the causes and consequences of those developments, focusing on specific eras, geographic areas, nations/cultures, and ideas, politics, and technology. A history class is the perfect place to start learning about how developments of the past have shaped the world we live in today.
Program Options
- History
- Associate Degree - Transfer
International Studies
International Studies is an interdisciplinary department which offers students the background for understanding current international realities and world affairs. Our offerings combine the type of courses offered in the University of Washington’s International Studies Program along with courses in geography and international business.
Program Options
- International Studies
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Political Science
Do you see yourself in a profession that serves the public interest? Are you confused about our political system but passionate about issues of social justice? Whether you’re already a political news junkie, or someone who’s shy about talking politics, a degree in Political Science prepares students for a variety of fulfilling career paths!
Program Options
- Political Science
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Through empirical research and experimentation, the field of Psychology will help you better understand yourself and the social world around you.
Program Options
- Psychology
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Sociology
Sociology is interested in social landscapes – our neighborhoods, our schools, our families, our media, our nation. These landscapes profoundly impact how we see ourselves in the world and how the world sees us. Sociology also explores the way in which we interact with one another, construct social meaning, and understand our sense of self. It’s an analysis of our group memberships and a journey through our day-to-day activities.
Program Options
- Sociology
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Sustainability
The sustainability pathway prepares students to face some of the greatest challenges in human history: social injustice as it intersects with environmental change. Students gain knowledge and research skills while practicing critical thinking, communication, and creative problem solving. Any career students go into in the 21st Century is likely to value knowledge of sustainability.
Program Options
- Sustainability
- Associate Degree - Transfer
Academic Advising Contact
Teresa Descher
Academic Advisor
General Contact
Social Science Division Contact