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Do human interactions fascinate you? Is social justice central to your core values? Do you have a goal of obtaining a bachelor's or master’s degree? Learn more about our education, social sciences, or behavioral sciences programs under the Social Sciences and Education Cluster.

You don’t have to sit in large lecture halls with hundreds of other students. At STCC, you’ll get to know your instructors in classes with no more than 32 students while developing a foundational understanding of yourself and our society. Most students in these programs take advantage of a practicum, internship, or civic learning experience to get one step ahead toward the career of their dreams.

Find Job Opportunities

Students who pursue a course of study in the Social Sciences and Education Cluster of programs find employment opportunities in:

  • Behavioral Health
  • Community Organizations and Advocacy
  • Counseling
  • Cultural Studies
  • Education
  • Family Childcare or Preschool Settings
  • Human Services
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Legal Studies
  • Local and State Government
  • Museums and Cultural Centers
  • Research and Data Analysis
  • Sociology
  • Many, many more!

Transfer to a Four-year College or University

You don’t have to stress over burdensome student loans. A bachelor’s or master’s degree could be your next step! STCC offers transfer options and the MassTransfer program, which allows students to easily transfer to Westfield State University, Worcester State University, or UMass with junior-level status at a substantial cost savings. Be sure to check out all of the supports we offer on our Transfer Services page!

Social Sciences and Education Cluster Programs

Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Alcohol and Drug Counseling- Are you interested in joining one of the fastest-growing fields in the country? Do you want to be on the fast track to enter and advance in a necessary and rewarding career? According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 23% from 2020 to 2030. Our Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certificate:

  • Prepares you for continued study in the Human Services/Social Work program at STCC
  • Provides the educational hours for a student to apply as a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor II in the state of Massachusetts

Applied Psychology

Applied Psychology- Do you want to have the foundation of a traditional psychology program along with the employable skills of a healthcare professional? In the Applied Psychology degree program, gain proficiency in:

  • Ethics, principles of abnormal psychology, theories of personality, and cognitive psychology
  • Healthcare communication and record keeping
  • Pharmacology, medical terminology, human biology

Early Childhood Education Certificate

Early Childhood Education Certificate- Are you looking to meet the educational requirements of the Department of Early Education and Care to qualify as a Lead Teacher? Would you like to earn the Child Development Associate credential? You can accomplish both by completing the Early Childhood Education Certificate of Completion program! Plus, all the credits you earn can be applied to the Associate in Science degree in Early Childhood Education!

Early Childhood Education Transfer

Early Childhood Education Transfer - More than ever in today’s society we need people who will make a positive difference in the lives of our young children. Are you ready for the unique challenges and unparalleled rewards offered by an Early Childhood Education career?

Elementary Education

Elementary Education- Are you ready to join a dynamic, ever-changing, and highly valued profession? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of many both now and well into the future? The need for teachers is greater than ever - consider becoming one! The Teacher Education program:

  • Serves as a springboard for people who dream of becoming Elementary teachers.
  • Provides a strong, affordable foundation from which to grow.
  • Prepares students for many career paths today – teacher, administrator, teacher coach, tutor, consultant, textbook and educational product expert, counselor, coaches and club directors, and more.

Many students go on to complete their degrees and licensure. Do you have what it takes to make a difference in others' lives? Then join us and be one of the special ones who make a difference.

Human Services/Social Work

Human Services/Social Work- Ever wonder what a Social Worker really does? Does it make you feel good to help others and advocate for the betterment of society? Are you ready to work in the mental health field assisting various communities such as the elderly, children, adults, or individuals struggling with substance abuse? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then a career in Human Services/Social Work may be for you! In this program, the student will:

  • Complete a 120-hour field practicum or a capstone project
  • Take the courses necessary to complete the MassTransfer A2B Pathway in Social Work
  • Work with faculty that are licensed practitioners in courses such as Counseling Techniques, Group Work, and Addiction and Substance Abuse

Secondary Education

Secondary Education- Are you ready to join a dynamic, ever-changing, and highly valued profession? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of many both now and well into the future? The need for teachers is greater than ever - consider becoming one! The Teacher Education program:

  • Serves as a springboard for people who dream of becoming middle school and high school teachers.
  • Provides a strong, affordable foundation from which to grow.
  • Prepares students for many career paths today – teacher, administrator, teacher coach, tutor, consultant, textbook and educational product expert, counselor, coaches and club directors, and more.

Many students go on to complete their degrees and licensure. Do you have what it takes to make a difference in others' lives? Then join us and be one of the special ones who make a difference.

Social Science Transfer

Social Science Transfer is just that - social. In a rapidly evolving society, the interactions between people and groups are constantly changing. This is the ideal program if you want to study people and how we interact with one another and also need the flexibility to determine which fields you’re most interested in.

  • History teaches about the past so that we can best consider how to live today and in the future
  • Sociology provides theoretical frameworks to which we can apply what we have learned

The Social Science Transfer major allows students to complete MassTransfer A2B Pathways in History and Sociology, all in one singular program. Themes throughout this program include the balance of power in relationships, race, culture, and ethnicity, economic control of resources, and the role of the government and citizenry.

Urban Studies

Urban Studies is about problem-solving in the real world! This program prepares students to:

  • Find solutions to many of the challenges encountered in urban centers
  • Participate in civic learning opportunities to apply what they've learned in the classroom to their communities
  • Engage in high-level courses that highlight the historical, economic, and cultural components that create our cities

Woven throughout Urban Studies is the theme of sustainability as a means to enhance the modern urban landscape. Students who complete this program have exciting transfer opportunities in Urban Studies and Regional Planning, as well as the broader field of Sociology.

Take the Next Step

For more information on any of these programs, please complete the information request form below and select the programs that you are interested in. You can also skip this step and Apply Now or find out more about possible careers at Career Coach.