STC Criminal Justice & Social Sciences Department

Department of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences

The department offers an A.A. degree in Anthropology, Criminal Justice,
Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology

Department Chair: Eric Reittinger, Ph. D.
Room G153, Pecan Campus
(956) 872-2622
Email

The department of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences offers five Associate of Arts Degrees. All degrees require 15 Field of Study credits plus 45 Core Curriculum credits.

The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
The need for college-level training in the field of law enforcement has grown dramatically in recent years. Law enforcement agencies, the judicial process, corrections, probation, and parole programs have recognized the value of college training for their employees. The Associate's Degree prepares students to either continue their education at a four-year university or to enter any public safety agency at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as the private sector of insurance and security technology.

Criminal Justice careers can encompass a variety of jobs. The employment possibilities within the traditional police courts and corrections areas are being expanded with opportunities in private business. From police officers to private detectives, youth care workers to security guards, these people help our society run smoothly and within the realms of the law. Graduates of a criminal justice program find employment opportunities in law enforcement at the federal, state and local level, adult and juvenile correctional facilities, community correctional programs, child advocacy, juvenile agencies, victim advocacy, protective services and other service agencies.

The Associate of Arts in Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Some of the many areas of interest to psychologists include neuroscience, sensation and perception, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, consciousness, developmental psychology, personality, psychological disorders, group behavior, counseling, education, work, and emotions. Psychologists conduct research, work in the community, promote physical and mental health, and study and contribute to educational and work settings. Many psychologists conduct research that runs the gamut from studies of basic brain functions to the behavior of complex social organizations. Subjects of such scientific study include animals, human infants, well-functioning and emotionally disturbed people, elderly people, students, workers, and just about every other population one can imagine.

The Psychology Concentration offers students an opportunity to become familiar with the different fields of Psychology, which will enable them to make an informed choice on how to continue their careers. Most will transfer to a four-year academic institution to continue their education in fields such as counseling, clinical psychology, developmental, and industrial psychology. The bachelor's degree helps people find jobs that require interaction with people, such as retail management and sales, real estate, personnel related functions, advertising, public relations, and human services, administrative support, public affairs, education, business, service industries, health, the biological sciences, and computer programming. They work as employment counselors, correction counselor trainees, interviewers, personnel analysts' probation officers, and writers.

The Associate of Arts in Sociology
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. Sociologists study how deviance, crime, marriage, family, politics, education, race, gender, and religion affect individuals. The subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious cults; from the divisions of race gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the sociology of work to the sociology of work to the sociology of sports. In fact, few fields have such broad scope and relevance for research, theory and application of knowledge.

Just like the Psychology Concentration, the Sociology Concentration is an excellent transfer program. Graduates are able to transfer with full credit and complete their Bachelor's Degree with only two years of additional study. Since the study of Sociology covers the basic structures of human society with its cultures and stratifications, it is a popular major among those who want to enter career fields that address social change and social support such as human resources, human services, public relations, government agencies and any other institution that requires knowledge of social science research.

The Associate of Arts in Social Work
Social workers provide advice, advocacy, and support to people with personal and social problems. They also help with community and social problems. Social work is a profession devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment. This can mean providing direct services or therapy directly to people, or working for change to improve social conditions.

The Associate of Arts in Anthropology
Anthropology--from the Greek anthropos ("human") and logia ("study")--is the study of humankind, from its beginnings millions of years ago to the present day. Though easy to define, anthropology is difficult to describe. However, the most common goal of anthropology is to help us understand who we are, how we came to be that way--and where we may go in the future.

Cultural and linguistic anthropologists work in federal, state and local government, international agencies, healthcare centers, nonprofit associations, research institutes and marketing firms as research directors, science analysts and program officers. Biological anthropologists work in biomedical research, human engineering, private genetics laboratories, and pharmaceutical firms. Archaeologists work off campus in environmental projects, human-impact assessment, and resource management.

Many anthropologists have chosen to utilize their specialized training in a variety of nonacademic careers. Cultural and linguistic anthropologists work in federal, state and local government, international agencies, healthcare centers, nonprofit associations, research institutes and marketing firms as research directors, science analysts and program officers. Biological anthropologists work in biomedical research, human engineering, private genetics laboratories, and pharmaceutical firms. Archaeologists work off campus in environmental projects, human-impact assessment, and resource management.