Public Service
Interested in a career in public service? Are you interested in solving real world problems and making your neighborhood a better place? Look no further than STCC. We have programs in Applied Psychology, Criminal Justice, Early Education and Care, Elementary or Secondary Education, Human Services/Social Work, and Urban Studies.
There are many fulfilling opportunities with nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Applied Psychology will prepare students to be able to help some of the most vulnerable populations in our area. A major in Criminal Justice opens doors to help citizens by protecting and serving, or working on behalf of clients in the legal system. Spending time in our Early Childhood Education program will prepare students to help prepare the next generation of students engaging them in literacy, creativity, and numeracy. Helping students learn is at the heart of both Elementary and Secondary Education. A student in our Human Services/Social Work program will be the strongest allies for those most in need of or help, support, and advocacy. The new Urban Studies will transform the way that students work within their municipality challenging them to help find solutions to real-world problems with absolute regard for the sustainability, culture, history, and society in which they live.
Transfer to a 4-Year College or University
We offer general-study joint admissions at American International College, Bay Path University, Elms College, Springfield College, and Western New England University in addition to joint admissions in our Education programs at Westfield State University.
Learn more about STCC’s bachelor’s degree transfer options.
Programs of Study
Explore these exciting certificate and associate degree options in Public Service.
Applied Psychology
- Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts/General Studies
There is a great need for behavioral healthcare employees. The Applied Psychology program will prepare students with the foundations of psychology found in a traditional academic program, along with the employable skills of a healthcare professional. Students will gain skills in healthcare communication and record keeping, ethics, medical terminology, human biology, and pharmacology, while developing a strong background in the behavioral sciences in courses such as Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, and Cognitive Psychology.
This curriculum meets the requirements for the MassTransfer A2B Pathway in Psychology and contains the General Education Foundation.
Transfer Pathways
- MassTransfer A2B in Psychology
- Bay Path University, B.A. in Psychology (General Psychology, Child Psychology, Counseling Foundations, Foundations in Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Forensic Psychology, or Human Services & Rehabilitation)
Criminal Justice
- Certificate of Completion
- Associate in Science
Our criminal justice associate degree and certificate of completion are offered for students desiring to pursue a career in law enforcement, corrections, and the legal world. Students desiring a pre-law school course of study will find the Criminal Justice Program most advantageous as the case method of study is employed wherever possible. There are opportunities for in-service police officers who are desirous of improving their knowledge and abilities through the study of specific police science courses and various general education subjects.
The Criminal Justice Transfer option is designed specifically for students who wish to transfer to a 4-year college or university for further study. This curriculum meets the requirements for the MassTransfer A2B Pathway in Criminal Justice.
Transfer Pathways
- MassTransfer A2B in Criminal Justice
- Westfield State University, B.S. in Criminal Justice (Can Be Completed Entirely Online)
- American International College, B.S. in Criminal Justice
- Cambridge College, B.S. in Criminal Justice
Early Education and Care
- Certificate of Completion (Preparation for the Child Development Associate national exam)
- Associate in Science
Our Early Education and Care associate degree program prepares students to become competent Early Education and Care professionals. Graduates of this program will be qualified to work in infant/toddler centers, family day care centers, and preschool centers. Additional options include a variety of child care settings. The curriculum is designed to meet the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Early Childhood Education courses will provide students with a strong foundation in child development and exposure to the many facets of early education.
The Early Education and Care Transfer option is for students who intend to transfer to a 4-year degree program leading to teacher licensure for Pre-K to grade 2 in a public school. This program meets the requirements for the MassTransfer Pathway in Early Childhood Education and will enable students to participate in the Commonwealth Commitment Program.
Transfer Pathways
- MassTransfer A2B in Early Childhood Transfer
- Cambridge College, B.A. in Early Childhood Education
Elementary Teacher Education Transfer
- Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts Transfer
The need for teachers is greater than it has been for a long while. We at STCC pride ourselves in our Elementary Teacher Education program. Our classes are lively and give you a good and affordable foundation from which students go on to complete bachelor’s degrees and state licensure.
STCC offers joint admission with Westfield State University. After graduating from STCC, you would transfer as a junior. State licensure requires that Elementary licensure students complete two majors before graduating from WSU. Your first major will be in education, and your second major in Liberal Studies, an interdisciplinary liberal arts major or one of the liberal arts disciplines: English, History, Science, Math, Economics, or Political Science in addition to others.
Transfer Pathways
- Westfield State University, B.S. in Education
Secondary Teacher Education Transfer
- Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts Transfer
The need for teachers is greater than it has been for a long while. We at STCC pride ourselves in our Secondary Teacher Education program. The field of education entails many career paths today – teacher, administrator, teacher coach, tutor, consultant, textbook and educational product expert, counselor, coaches and club directors, etc. Do you have what it takes to make a difference in others' lives?
STCC offers joint admission with Westfield State University. After graduating from STCC, you would transfer as a junior. State licensure requires that Secondary licensure students complete two majors before graduating from WSU. Your first major will be in education, and your second major in Liberal Studies, an interdisciplinary liberal arts major or one of the liberal arts disciplines: English, History, Science, Math, Economics, or Political Science in addition to others.
Transfer Pathways
- MassTransfer General Education Foundation
- Westfield State University, B.S. in Education
Human Services/Social Work
- Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts Transfer
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 with various communities such as the elderly, children, adults, or individuals struggling with substance abuse? After completion of this program, students can move seamlessly into a four-year college or university with Junior status with the intent of obtaining a BSW or MSW or find a career working in a Human Services Organization in either the private or public sector.
Transfer Pathways
- MassTransfer General Education Foundation
- Elms College, Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW)
- Cambridge College, B.S. in Human Services
- Bay Path University, B.A. in Psychology (General Psychology, Child Psychology, Counseling Foundations, Foundations in Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Forensic Psychology, or Human Services & Rehabilitation)
Learn more about STCC’s associate degree in Human Services/Social Work
Urban Studies
- Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts Transfer
The Urban Studies option of the Liberal Arts/General Studies Program is offered for students who seek both an understanding of the ways in which historical, cultural, and socio-economic forces have influenced the landscape of the modern city, as well as the skills to help create change in urban environments. Students finishing this program will demonstrate sensitivity toward the diversity of culture found in urban environments. Students will hone problem solving skills to address modern urban policy issues that focus around socio-economic hardships and public health disparities and will apply those skills to challenges faced in the local urban environment.
The Urban Studies option meets the requirements for the MassTransfer A2B Pathway in Sociology.
Transfer Pathways
- MassTransfer A2B in Sociology
- Worcester State University, B.S. in Urban Studies; M.S. of Nonprofit Management / M.S. of Public Management
Learn more about STCC’s associate degree in Urban Studies