Social Sciences Pathway Associate in Arts

This versatile associate program is perfect for those with a curious mind who aren’t done exploring the world around them. With a well-rounded education base, you can find yourself taking career paths that include everything from accounting and advertising to tourism and town planning.

Related Programs

Getting Started: Fall Term

Aug. 19:  Application

Aug. 26:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates »

Why Seminole State?

  • Affordable tuition: Earn a state university education at about half the cost.
  • Small class sizes: With classes of 30 or less, you don’t have to learn in an auditorium.
  • Online degree option: The courses for our A.A. degree are offered in person and online, so you can study when and where you want. 
  • Seamless transition: With your A.A. degree, you can stay at Seminole State to continue your progress toward a bachelor’s degree in a high-demand field.
  • Guaranteed transfer: Earn your A.A. here, and take advantage of guaranteed admission to UCF or one of Florida’s other state universities for your bachelor’s.
  • More than 100 University Transfer Pathways: Take prerequisite courses for majors in various fields from accounting to theater.
Social Sciences Pathway
Type: Associate in Arts
Major Code: SOC-SS
CIP: 1192401010

Program Description

Available Course Course Not Offered Spring 2025
Expand All Collapse All
Any 2 introductory Social Science discipline courses.
General Anthropology Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
In this course, students will learn the foundations of Anthropology as the study of human variation in its biological, social, and cultural dimensions. Students will learn about anthropological concepts, principles, and methodologies to understand and explore past and present human behavior. They will apply the anthropological approach to analyze issues pertaining to past and contemporary cultures, and develop intellectual skills and habits to understand behavioral, social, and cultural issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
3
Credits
This course will explore the nature, characteristics and content of culture from an anthropological perspective by examining the economy, art, religion, politics, language and kinship patterns of individual human societies. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Credit for this course is also awarded to entering students with appropriate scores on the International Baccalaureate (IB) examination in Social Anthropology.
Politics, Society, and Islam
3
Credits
This course examines the political dimensions of Islam within a regional and global context. The course will analyze the foundation of Islamic thought in society, the nature of the relationship between religious and political establishments, the roots of instability and conflict in the Middle East, and the problems generated by the conceptualization of the West vs. the "rest."
Introduction to Comparative Politics
3
Credits
This course is a comparative survey of political structures, processes and institutions around the world, including western and non-western cultures, developed and underdeveloped countries, democratic and non-democratic governments, unitary and federal systems. Credit for this course is awarded to entering students with appropriate scores on the Advanced Placement (AP) examination in Government and Politics: Comparative.
Honors Introduction to Comparative Politics
3
Credits
This course is a comparative survey of political structures, processes and institutions around the world, including western and non-western cultures, developed and underdeveloped countries, democratic and non-democratic governments, unitary and federal systems. Credit for this course is awarded to entering students with appropriate scores on the Advanced Placement (AP) examination in Government and Politics: Comparative.
Selected Studies in Comparative Politics
1
Credits
This course is designed for those students studying specialized topics in the area of comparative politics.
Selected Studies in Comparative Politics
2
Credits
This course is designed for those students studying specialized topics in the area of comparative politics.
Selected Studies in Comparative Politics
3
Credits
This course is designed for those students studying specialized topics in the area of comparative politics.
Principles of Economics (MACRO) Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
In this course, students will learn the foundations of macroeconomics as the branch of economics concerned with how decision-making, in an environment of scarcity, maps onto the aggregate economy. Students will examine theories and evidence related to the following core set of topics: national income determination, money, monetary and fiscal policy, macroeconomic conditions, international trade and the balance of payments, and economic growth and development. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.
Honors Principles of Economics (MACRO) Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
In this course, students will learn the foundations of macroeconomics as the branch of economics concerned with how decision-making, in an environment of scarcity, maps onto the aggregate economy. Students will examine theories and evidence related to the following core set of topics: national income determination, money, monetary and fiscal policy, macroeconomic conditions, international trade and the balance of payments, and economic growth and development. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.
Principles of Economics (MICRO)
3
Credits
This course deals primarily with economic problems. Emphasis is given to markets, production functions, economic role of government, agricultural problems, labor-management relations, imperfect competition, interest and capital, economic security, international trade and finance and economic development. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Honors Principles of Economics (MICRO)
3
Credits
This course deals primarily with economic problems. Emphasis is given to markets, production functions, economic role of government, agricultural problems, labor-management relations, imperfect competition, interest and capital, economic security, international trade and finance and economic development. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Selected Studies in Economics
3
Credits
In this course, topics of current interest are presented in group instruction. This course may be taken four times for credit. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Introduction to Physical Geography
3
Credits
This course is a systematic study of the physical elements of the Earth, including their interrelationships and importance to man and his activities. Basic explanations of physical features of the Earth, their form and origin, principles of weather, world climactic patterns, world vegetation patterns and the study of soil properties and classification into the great soil groups of the world are covered. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
International Relations
3
Credits
This course is an introduction to major issues and theories of world politics. Topics include state and non-state actors, the nature of power, causes of war and peace, terrorism, international organizations, finance and trade, economic development, globalization, human rights and environmental concerns. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Honors International Relations
3
Credits
This course is an introduction to major issues and theories of world politics. Topics include state and non-state actors, the nature of power, causes of war and peace, terrorism, international organizations, finance and trade, economic development, globalization, human rights and environmental concerns. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Selected Studies in International Relations
1
Credits
This course is designed for those students studying specialized topics in the area of international politics.
Selected Studies in International Relations
2
Credits
This course is designed for those students studying specialized topics in the area of international politics.
Selected Studies in International Relations
3
Credits
This course is designed for those students studying specialized topics in the area of international politics.
Travel/Study in International Relations
3
Credits
A travel/study course combining preparation on campus, foreign travel and study abroad in the discipline of international relations. Variable content depending on the program in which the student enrolls and the specific topics to be covered. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Students must be 18 years of age on or before departure.
U.S. Federal Government Gen Ed Core Civic Lit
3
Credits
In this course, students will investigate how the national government is structured and how the American constitutional republic operates. It covers the philosophical and historical foundations of the American government, including but not limited to the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and all its amendments, and the Federalist Papers. The course examines the branches of government and the governments laws, policies, and programs. It also examines the ways in which citizens participate in their government and ways their government responds to citizens. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students and partially satisfies the Florida state civic literacy requirement per Florida Statues Section 1007.25 for all students.
Honors U.S. Federal Government Gen Ed Core Civic Lit
3
Credits
In this course, students will investigate how the national government is structured and how the American constitutional republic operates. It covers the philosophical and historical foundations of the American government, including but not limited to the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and all its amendments, and the Federalist Papers. The course examines the branches of government and the government’s laws, policies, and programs. It also examines the ways in which citizens participate in their government and ways their government responds to citizens. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students and partially satisfies the Florida state civic literacy requirement per Florida Statues Section 1007.25 for all students.
State and Local Government
3
Credits
In this course, functions of state, county and city governments are studied. Emphasis is placed upon constitutions, political parties, politics, legislatures, courts, chief executives and interrelationships between federal and state governments and metropolitan problems. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Cooperative Education Internship in Government
3
Credits
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn cooperative education credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
General Psychology Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
In this course, students will gain an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. topics may be drawn from historical and current perspectives in psychology. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Some sections of PSY 2012 have service-learning components. Please refer to class notes in schedule of classes for details. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.
General Psychology Honors Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
In this course, students will gain an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. topics may be drawn from historical and current perspectives in psychology. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Some sections of PSY 2012 have service-learning components. Please refer to class notes in schedule of classes for details. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for degree seeking students.
The Evolution of Modern Psychology
3
Credits
This course will examine influential experiments conducted in psychology over the last 100 years. These landmark studies have influenced and, at times, changed psychological principles and ethical standards. Major studies are in the areas of biopsychology, learning, memory, development, emotion, motivation, personality, psychopathology, therapies and social psychology. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Cooperative Education Internship in Psychology
3
Credits
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn cooperative education credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
Introduction to Sociology
3
Credits
This course is an introductory survey of sociology covering its scope, methods and general principles. Topics emphasized include group behavior, race relations, population, social institutions, social change and social stratification. The purpose of the course is to assist the student in acquiring an understanding of society. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Honors Introduction to Sociology
3
Credits
This course is an introductory survey of sociology covering its scope, methods and general principles. Topics emphasized include group behavior, race relations, population, social institutions, social change and social stratification. The purpose of the course is to assist the student in acquiring an understanding of society. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Note: This course contains Honors level material. Acceptance into the Honors Program or Permission from the Honors Director required.
Social Problems
3
Credits
This course is an in-depth analysis into the scope and causes of major problem areas from the perspective of both the individual and the community. Consideration will be given to various possible remedial approaches to each problem area. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Honors Introduction to Social Research
3
Credits
This course is applied sociology that will pursue a unique, original research project each semester. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of social scientific research through experimental investigation. Utilizing the research project as a point of focus, this course includes training in all aspects of empirical research, including literature review, methodology, data collection, data coding, data analysis and presentation of results. Previous coursework in sociology or psychology is recommended. Honors level content. Permission required from Honors director.
Race and Ethnic Relations
3
Credits
This course is designed to study the changing culture of our nation. Issues of race, ethnicity, gender, class, nationality and globalism will be explored. This course is also designed to provide information and strategies for living and working in a pluralistic, multi-cultural society. Values and ethics of diversity and commonality will be emphasized. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Introduction to Conflict Studies
3
Credits
This course will explore the dynamics of conflict from a variety of frames. Students will be provided with valuable insight about conflict that will help lead to an understanding regarding the conflicts they are likely to face in life, at school or work, in society as well as those they observe in national headlines. An introduction to the dispute resolution practices of mediation, facilitation and negotiation will be conducted. The examination of how one's gender and cultural perspective may influence the approach and outcome of the conflict will be discussed. Current trends and issues within the field of conflict management and resolution will be reviewed. The course will engage students in the theory and application of addressing conflict management and resolution on an individual, interpersonal and international perspective. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Human Sexuality
3
Credits
This course is designed to present students with an interdisciplinary study of the sexual functioning of humans. Course information is drawn liberally from the disciplines of sociology, psychology and biology, providing students with an integrated introduction to the study of human sexual behavior. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Marriage and the Family
3
Credits
This course is a historical and comparative study of courtship, mate selection, engagement, marriage, husband-wife relationships and child-rearing in the United States. Emphasis is placed upon the changing contemporary family with respect to social and economic status, sex, sources of marital conflict and social values. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Sociology of Deviance
3
Credits
This course will examine normative deviance through the sociological lens. It will focus on the social context, behaviors and societal reactions associated with deviance. Criminal and noncriminal forms of deviance will be investigated using a variety of theoretical perspectives. In approaching deviance sociologically, this course will highlight the social constructions of deviance and the influence of social control and stigmatization as reactions to deviant behavior. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030.
Total Credits: 60

Gen Ed Core   Denotes that a class is a State of Florida General Education Core Course.

Beginning in the 2022-23 academic year and thereafter, students entering associate in arts, associate in science or associate in applied science, or baccalaureate degree programs must complete at least one (1) course from each of the general education subject areas listed in this section prior to the awarding of their degree. Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the General Education Core Courses .

Civic Lit   Denotes that a class counts toward the course Civic Literacy Requirement.

The State of Florida requires that all students graduating from Seminole State College of Florida and other institutions in the Florida College System (FCS), as well as from any State University System (SUS) institution, fulfill a Civic Literacy Competency requirement prior to submitting an Intent to Graduate form in the term they plan to graduate. Requirements vary based on admit term and program. Please refer to this catalog’s Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the Civic Literacy Proficiency Requirement.

Foreign Language Proficiency

Per Florida Statute 1007.25, "Beginning with students initially entering a Florida College System institution or state university in 2014-2015 and thereafter, coursework for an associate in arts degree shall include demonstration of competency in a foreign language." Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on Foreign Language Proficiency.

Your tuition shouldn’t go against your intuition.

Your pursuit of higher education is admirable. So why struggle with high tuition in the process? Here we make life’s next steps affordable. Whether you’re seeking a university transfer (A.A.) degree, a four-year bachelor’s, an Associate in Science degree or even earning a college credit certificate, you’ll find reasonable tuition and great value. And to us, that’s scholarly.

In fact, a full-time college education at Seminole State is more than $10,000 less each year than most state universities.

Go For Less.


Tuition and Fee Comparison*

 Seminole StateUFFSUUCF
Tuition and Fees$3,131$6,380$5,666 $5,954 
Room and Board-0-$12,120
$13,474 $12,542 
Books and Supplies$1,000$1,260$1,200$1,200
Total$4,131$19,760$20,340$19,696

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on the current academic year for in-state students living on campus. Dorm fees, meal plans and book expenses are estimates based on cost of attendance information provided by the State University System of Florida. Lab fees and other fees that may be assessed at the time of registration may be viewed in the College fee schedule. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.