Social and Behavioral Sciences
Associate in Arts School of Arts and Social Sciences · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
School of Arts and Social Sciences
The degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences offers a focus on the interrelationships between individuals, families, groups, communities, societies, cultures, historical time periods and political institutions. This degree prepares students to understand people and their actions and is useful for a variety of careers that involve relating to people such as those in public service, education, law enforcement, government, and general business.
Students are strongly encouraged to consult with a counselor for specific information regarding their career planning.
The Associate of Arts degree with an area of emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences is available for students who meet the graduation requirements and complete the following required courses, with a minimum grade of a “C” in each course in the degree and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Select 12 units from Category 1 and 6 units from Category 2 below. Courses listed below may be counted as general education requirements as well as area of emphasis requirements.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
A. Evaluate various aspects of human nature and behavior in order to understand the impact on social behavior and relationships.
B. Develop a broader understanding of diverse cultures and historical perspectives to better understand human behavior in contemporary society.
C. Appraise individual motivation and behaviors within various social constructs, including cultural, economic, political, psychological, and sociological.
Program Requirements:
Program Core: (18 Units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1: Select 12 units | ||
| ANTH-02 | Sociocultural Anthropology | 3 |
| CRIM-02 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRIM-04 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| ECON-C2001 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON-C2002 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| GEOG-02 | World Geography | 3 |
| HIST-04A | History of Civilization Part I | 3 |
| HIST-04B | History of Civilization Part II | 3 |
| HIST-22 | History of African Americans | 3 |
| HIST-23 | Chicana/O American History and Culture | 3 |
| POLS-C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| POLS-02 | An Introduction to World Political Systems | 3 |
| PSYC-C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| orPSYC-C1000H | Introduction to Psychology Honors | 3 |
| PSYC-01B | Psychological Research Methods | 3 |
| SOCI-C1000 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Category 2: Select 6 units | ||
| AGAB-05 | Agricultural Economics | 3 |
| AGRI-10 | Agriculture, Environment, and Society | 3 |
| ANTH-10 | Southeast Asian Culture: Hmong | 3 |
| CLDV-01 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CLDV-02 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
| CLDV-09 | Human Development | 3 |
| orPSYC-09 | Human Development | 3 |
| COMM-30 | Introduction to Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| CRIM-01 | Criminology | 3 |
| HIST-09A | China: Introduction to East Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HIST-09B | Japan: Introduction to East Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HIST-C1001 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| orHIST-C1001H | United States History to 1877 - Honors | 3 |
| HIST-C1002 | United States History since 1865 | 3 |
| orHIST-C1002 | United States History since 1865 - Honors | 3 |
| HIST-29 | History of California | 3 |
| HUM-15 | Comparative Cultures | 3 |
| PSYC-15 | Biological Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC-22 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| PSYC-23 | Personal and Social Adjustment | 3 |
| PSYC-25 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC-36 | Developmental Psychology: Adolescence | 3 |
| SOCI-02 | Contemporary Social Problems | 3 |
| SOCI-03 | Marriage and the Family | 3 |
| Total | 18 | |
Completion of MCCD-GE Breadth: (24 units)
Elective (as needed to reach 60 units) Units: (18 Units)
Total Degree Units: (60 Units)