Associate in Arts, Liberal Arts and Sciences

Program Description:

 This concentration will prepare students for transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in any one of a number of Social Science and related disciplines such as History, American Studies, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Public Policy, and Education. The program is interdisciplinary in nature and examines social, economic, cultural, environmental and political issues from both a current and historical perspective. Students will take at least one course in each major Social Science field and have the flexibility to take additional electives in one or more areas of interest. The program is designed both for those who have chosen a particular major in the Social Sciences and for those who are just exploring before transfer.

Career and Transfer Outlook:

The Social Science Concentration is a well-rounded education program that provides students with great flexibility in their educational and career choice’s.  Most students in the Social Science Concentration will continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree program in History, American Studies, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Public Policy, or Education. This program qualifies for MassTransfer, which guarantees credit transfer to Massachusetts state colleges and the University of Massachusetts. The program is particularly well aligned with Social Science programs at UMass Lowell. Eventual career paths and employment positions can be found in business, government (federal, state and local), education, law, public service and with organizations and international institutions involved with for-profit activities as well as civic and humanitarian operations and causes.

Helpful Hints:

• Many bachelor’s degree programs require a world language sequence. These can be done either before or after transfer.
• B.A. programs at UMass Lowell require a four semester language sequence in any one world language. Since not all world languages offered at MCC are also offered at UMass Lowell, students that start a language sequence at MCC should plan ahead for how they will complete the sequence.
• B.L.A. programs at UMass Lowell do not require a language sequence.

Program Outcomes:

In addition to the learning outcomes of the Liberal Arts and Sciences A.A. degree, students will:

• Develop an awareness of and engagement with contemporary and historical issues and events in the social sciences beyond the scope and interests of their own region or country;
• Acquire a broad knowledge of history, economics, government, culture, and governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions;
• Demonstrate a disposition and capacity to think critically about social, cultural, environmental and political issues and trends from multiple perspectives within a historical and global context;
• Effectively articulate creative solutions for complex problems that face human society and civilization;
• Demonstrate the ability to engage in research and investigation in Social Science fields to a degree that will allow them to pursue their higher education and career goals;
• Apply Social Science values and perspectives to socially and civically responsible engagement with the college and wider community;
• Develop personally and professionally through the use of knowledge and skills gained in program coursework.