The Social Sciences program at College of the Desert consists
of the seven disciplines of anthropology, geography, history, philosophy,
political science, psychology, and sociology plus a certificate program in
Alcohol Drug Studies. The courses offered in each discipline serve both as
general surveys of each field and as general education and transfer requirements.
Social Sciences majors find jobs in social service
agencies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, educational
institutions, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, libraries, probation
departments, and correctional institutes. Social Sciences majors also find jobs
in business and industry in market research, survey research, public relations,
management, advertising, human resources, sales, counseling, and as forensic anthropologists
and archeologists. Careers that generally require graduate-level degrees
include teacher, researcher, field anthropologist, historian, counselor, criminologist,
urban planner, lawyer, political consultant, pollster, political campaign
manager, philosopher, psychologist, psychiatrist, and human resources director.
Even students who choose not to major in the social sciences find that
coursework in the various disciplines prepares them to understand
organizational and group dynamics, incorporate logic and reasoning in everyday life,
understand research and statistical analysis, and connect personal problems to
social issues through critical analysis.
College of the Desert’s Social Sciences program courses are
designed to provide students with a general overview of various disciplines of
the social sciences, help students meet general education requirements for
transfer to four-year institutions, and provide them with supporting courses
for majors in other programs. Within the social sciences program, students can
earn an Associate of Arts degree in any of the seven disciplines and/or a
Certificate of Achievement in Alcohol & Drug Studies. Students earning an
associate’s degree within the social sciences program have a choice of pursuing
positions as community support worker, gerontology aide, compensation/benefits worker,
consumer survey advisor, delinquency counselor, insurance agent/broker, social
welfare examiner, peace corps/VISTA worker, research assistant, claims representative,
case aid worker, human resources assistant, public opinion surveyor, community
service agency worker, or continuing their studies toward a bachelor’s or
graduate degree. COD has transfer agreements with the California State
Universities and University of California systems in the disciplines contained
within the social sciences program. However, transfer requirements at four-year
colleges and universities tend to vary from institution to institution; students
should consult with a counselor for specific information regarding the transfer
requirements of their preferred college or university.
Advisors:
Linda Emerson - Psychology
lemerson@collegeofthedesert.edu 760-776-7267
Ellen Hardy - Anthropology, Geography
ehardy@collegeofthedesert.edu 760-776-7449
Chris Jones Cage - Psychology
cjonescage@collegeofthedesert.edu 760-568-3264
Charles Doug Kroll - History, Political Science
dkroll@collegeofthedesert.edu 760-776-7365
Victor Rios - Sociology
vrios@collegeofthedesert.edu 760-776-7436
Michael Smith - Philosophy, Social Science
msmith@collegeofthedesert.edu 760-776-7404
Nicole Tortoris - Sociology
ntortoris@collegeofthedesert.edu
760-776-7349