Social Sciences Division
The mission of the Social Sciences Division is to provide quality education in the areas of history, government, criminal justice, sociology and psychology. It is our goal to foster an atmosphere of student learning and engagement while encouraging critical thinking that will promote dialogue using the different perspectives within each discipline.
What is possible with a Social Sciences degree?
Social Sciences explore people, communities, behavior, government, culture, and society. Fields include psychology, sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, criminal justice, and social work.
A community college is often an excellent starting point because many Social Science programs are designed as Associate of Arts (AA) transfer pathways. Students can begin with affordable general education courses, then transfer to a university for specialized careers.
Some careers are available with an associate degree, but many higher-paying Social Science careers require a bachelor’s degree, professional license, or graduate degree.
Social Sciences Careers in Oklahoma
| Career | Community College Starting Point | Typical Oklahoma Salary Range* | Education Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Services Assistant | AA in Social Sciences/Human Services | ~$35,000–$50,000 | Associate often sufficient |
| Human Services Specialist | AA → Bachelor's preferred | ~$40,000–$60,000 | Associate/Bachelor's |
| Case Manager | AA + experience; Bachelor's preferred | ~$40,000–$65,000 | Associate/Bachelor's |
| Paralegal/Legal Assistant | AA + certificate | ~$45,000–$70,000 | Associate/certificate |
| Probation Officer | Bachelor's typically preferred | ~$45,000–$65,000 | Bachelor's |
| Social Worker | Bachelor's + license (varies) | ~$45,000–$65,000 | Bachelor's |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | Certificate/Associate/Bachelor's + credential | ~$40,000–$65,000 | Varies |
| Market Research Analyst | Bachelor's | ~$60,000–$90,000 | Bachelor's |
| Human Resources Specialist | Bachelor's | ~$50,000–$75,000 | Bachelor's |
| Psychologist/Counselor | Graduate degree required | ~$60,000–$100,000+ | Master's/Doctorate |
*Salary estimates are approximate Oklahoma ranges. Actual pay varies by region, employer, experience, and credentials. Sources include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Social Services Assistant
Typical entry point: Associate degree
Social services assistants support individuals and families by connecting them with resources.
What they do
- Help clients access housing, food, healthcare, and employment resources
- Maintain client records
- Assist social workers and community programs
Employers
- Nonprofits
- Government agencies
- Community organizations
- Healthcare systems
Qualifications
- Associate degree in Social Sciences, Human Services, or related field
- Communication and documentation skills
Skills
- Active listening
- Problem-solving
- Cultural awareness
- Case documentation
- Community resources knowledge
Career progression
Social Services Assistant → Case Manager → Social Worker → Program Coordinator
Case Manager
Typical entry point: Associate degree may qualify for some roles; bachelor's often preferred
Case managers help individuals navigate healthcare, social services, and support systems.
Work settings
- Hospitals
- Mental health agencies
- Nonprofits
- Government programs
- Rehabilitation services
Responsibilities
- Assess client needs
- Coordinate services
- Track progress
- Advocate for clients
Helpful credentials
- Case management certification
- Human services experience
Career progression
Case Manager → Senior Case Manager → Program Manager → Social Services Director
Social Worker
Typical pathway
Community college AA → Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) → Licensure
What they do
- Support individuals, families, and communities
- Help clients manage life challenges
- Connect people with healthcare and social resources
Specialties
- Child welfare
- Mental health
- Healthcare social work
- School social work
- Substance abuse services
Qualifications
- BSW for many entry-level roles
- MSW for advanced clinical practice
- Oklahoma licensure requirements vary by role
Skills
- Counseling techniques
- Communication
- Advocacy
- Ethics
- Crisis response
Career progression
Social Worker → Licensed Clinical Social Worker → Supervisor → Agency Director
Human Resources Specialist
Typical pathway
Social Science AA → Bachelor's in HR, Psychology, Sociology, or Business
Social science graduates often enter HR because they understand human behavior and organizations.
What they do
- Recruit employees
- Support workplace policies
- Manage employee records
- Assist with training
Employers
- Businesses
- Healthcare organizations
- Government
- Universities
Skills
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
- Organization
- Interviewing
- Employment law basics
Helpful certifications
- SHRM-CP
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
Probation Officer / Correctional Treatment Specialist
Typical pathway
Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related field
What they do
- Supervise individuals on probation
- Prepare reports
- Connect clients with services
- Monitor compliance with court requirements
Employers
- State government
- County courts
- Corrections agencies
Skills
- Communication
- Report writing
- Conflict management
- Ethics
- Decision-making
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Counselor
Typical pathway
Certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree depending on role
What they do
- Help individuals address substance use and behavioral health challenges
- Provide counseling and support
- Develop recovery plans
Employers
- Treatment centers
- Community health organizations
- Hospitals
- Nonprofits
Qualifications
- Oklahoma credentialing requirements may apply
- Clinical roles often require additional education and supervised experience
Career progression
Counselor → Licensed Counselor → Clinical Supervisor → Program Director
Market Research Analyst
Typical pathway
Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Business, Economics, Psychology, or Marketing
Social science skills are valuable in understanding consumer behavior.
What they do
- Study customer behavior
- Analyze surveys and data
- Identify trends
- Help organizations make decisions
Skills
- Research methods
- Statistics
- Data analysis
- Writing
- Presentation skills
Helpful tools
- Excel
- Survey software
- Data visualization tools
Government and Public Service Careers
Social Science graduates often work in government roles such as:
- Program Specialist
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Legislative Assistant
- Public Administration Assistant
- Policy Analyst (usually bachelor's+)
Oklahoma employers include:
- State agencies
- Local governments
- Courts
- Community organizations
Skills valued:
- Research
- Writing
- Public communication
- Policy understanding
Psychology-Related Careers
A community college psychology pathway can lead toward:
Bachelor's-level careers
- Behavioral health technician
- Case manager
- Human resources specialist
- Research assistant
Graduate-level careers
- Counselor
- Marriage and family therapist
- Clinical social worker
- Psychologist
Advanced roles typically require master's or doctoral education plus licensure.
Further Education & Certifications
Common starting degrees:
- Associate of Arts in Social Sciences
- Psychology AA
- Sociology AA
- Criminal Justice AA
- Human Services programs
- Certified Case Manager (CCM)
- Human Resources certifications (SHRM-CP)
- Mental health/substance abuse credentials
- Grant writing certificates
- Data analysis certificates
- Mediation/conflict resolution training
Common bachelor's degrees:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Anthropology
- Public Administration
For advanced careers:
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Counseling master's programs
- Public Administration (MPA)
- Law degree (JD)
- Psychology graduate programs
Job Market Outlook in Oklahoma
Social Science careers are strongest when combined with practical skills such as:
- Data analysis
- Communication
- Technology
- Grant writing
- Healthcare knowledge
- Public administration
Growing areas include:
- Behavioral health services
- Substance abuse treatment
- Aging services
- Child and family services
- Healthcare support
- Community programs
Demand is supported by:
- Increased need for mental health services
- Aging populations needing support services
- Public and nonprofit programs
- Workforce needs in healthcare and human services
Choosing a Social Sciences Path
- Helping people
- Understanding behavior and communities
- Research and problem-solving
- Government and public service
- Advocacy and communication
Strong career combinations:
| Combine Social Science With | Potential Careers |
|---|---|
| Business | HR, management, consulting |
| Healthcare | Case management, behavioral health |
| Technology | Data analysis, research |
| Education | School counseling, student services |
| Law | Legal assistant, policy work |
| Communication | Public relations, outreach |
Next Steps for an Oklahoma Community College Student
- Choose an AA program that transfers to your intended bachelor's field.
- Decide whether you want a people-focused career (social work, counseling, services) or an analysis-focused career (research, policy, business).
- Build experience through volunteering, internships, community organizations, or campus leadership.
- Develop strong writing, technology, and research skills.
- Meet with transfer advisors early to avoid losing credits.
Explore Degrees in Social Sciences
Social Sciences Enter-the-workforce Degree Programs
Social Sciences Transfer Degree Programs
Social Sciences Online Degree Programs
Division Chair
Jeffrey Christiansen405-382-9233
j.christiansen@sscok.edu
Division Office: 405-382-9554