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Social Sciences

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Social Sciences

Social science can help us understand ourselves and the world around us. Social scientists are involved with solving Psychology Studentsmany of the world’s biggest issues, including:

  • Violent crime
  • Alternative energy
  • Defense concerns
  • Economic advancement
  • Infectious diseases
Social Sciences at ACC

Social science is the scientific study of human society and social relationships. ACC offers a wide variety of social science programs and courses as major areas of study, including education, political science, pre-law, psychology, sociology, and more! Studying the social sciences helps to provide a well-rounded foundation for general study and transfer goals.

The focus of the social science programs and courses is an examination of social, political, and economic systems in terms of the dynamic and interrelated forces that shape the world in which we live and work.

A degree from ACC in one of the social sciences, or using experiences from a core group of social science courses, helps students develop strong analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. Students will also have many opportunities to strengthen their oral and written communication skills, which are critical in many different professions.

ACC students are encouraged to meet regularly with an advisor to ensure that their degree will suit their post-graduation plans. Whether you want to enter the workforce or continue your education at a four-year institution, planning ahead and working with an advisor is the best way to ensure future success.

Start at ACC and you can go anywhere!

An associate degree from Alpena Community College can be the start to a rewarding career or lay the foundation for completing a bachelor’s degree. Working closely with an advisor in your chosen field of interest is particularly important to such success.

A Solid Foundation for the Future

The social sciences apply to a wide variety of general education and occupational goals. Students who major in the social sciences bring a diverse set of skills to a wide variety of job titles. Social science majors have a wide range of career paths available to them, including many roles that require creativity in addition to practical knowledge and technical training.

ACC Degrees in the Social Science Fields

Preparation

Before starting, your academic background, assessment scores or testing results are reviewed to determine the right courses for you to take. Review classes are also available to prepare you to meet the academic requirements of your program of study.

Career Options

Many careers in the social sciences require advanced education towards a bachelor’s degree and/or beyond. Career options can include:
• Educator
• Researcher
• Administrator
• Consultant
• Counselor
• Sociologist
• Lawyer

Salary/Benefits

Your average salary depends on the size, type, status (private vs. public), and location of your employer, as well as your skill and experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for life, physical, and social science occupations in Michigan was $72,740 in May 2021.* Employment in these areas is projected to grow 7% from 2021-2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Social science wages vary depending on the field.

Overall, people seeking social science positions are likely to face competition for jobs. Candidates with a master’s or Ph.D. in social science, skilled in quantitative research methods, and with quality writing and communication abilities are likely to have the best job opportunities.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh (visited April 13, 2023).

ACC Announces New Psychology and Political Science Bachelor's Degree Partnerships with Central Michigan UniversityFrom left: ACC President Dr. Don MacMaster, ACC History Instructor and Social Sciences Department Chair Amanda Campbell, CMU Manager of Recruitment and Community Relations-College of Liberal Arts and Social Science Joshua Adams, CMU Dean of College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Richard Rothaus.

Alpena Community College (ACC) is launching new articulation agreements with Central Michigan University (CMU) that establish 2+2 bachelor’s degree pathways in Psychology and Political Science. Through these partnerships, students will complete the first two years of coursework at ACC and then finish the final two years of their bachelor’s degree through CMU.

These agreements expand affordable and accessible opportunities for students pursuing careers in psychology, political science, public policy, public administration, civic leadership, and related fields. Both pathways allow students to remain in the Alpena area while completing upper-level coursework. Although students will be enrolled at CMU for the final two years, the programs offer flexible instructional formats—including face-to-face courses, video conferencing, and online classes—as well as new financial aid opportunities to support degree completion.

“As a Psychology Instructor at ACC, I’ve seen firsthand how motivated our students are to continue their education beyond the associate degree. Many are balancing work, family responsibilities, and often long commutes,” said Dr. Amber Mclarney-Vesotski, ACC Psychology and Sociology Instructor. “I wanted our students to have a clear, affordable roadmap to a bachelor’s degree in psychology without having to leave Northeast Michigan or sacrifice their current commitments. This partnership removes barriers and gives our students a direct, high-quality option for continuing their education.”

Over the years, many ACC students have expressed interest in continuing their studies at CMU due to its strong reputation in the behavioral sciences. At the same time, local employers, particularly in human services, healthcare, and mental health, continue to report a growing need for professionals with psychology backgrounds, many of which require a bachelor’s degree. This agreement directly supports both student goals and regional workforce needs, strengthening ACC’s connections with the Northeast Michigan community.

“Like so many occupations that require a steady pipeline of educated professionals to keep our economy and society functioning at their best, access pathways like this make it possible for students to achieve beyond their immediate horizons,” said Tim Kuehnlein, ACC Political Science Instructor. “Providing students in local, rural communities with the opportunity to start here and go anywhere is strengthened by partnerships like this 2+2 with CMU.”

The Political Science articulation agreement responds to ongoing workforce and civic sector needs across Northeast Michigan. Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, public service institutions, policy analysis groups, and community development organizations consistently report the need for individuals with strong political science training—credentials that often require a bachelor’s degree. The ACC–CMU partnership strengthens the regional talent pipeline while supporting student advancement and community development.

ACC offers one political science transfer pathway, the Associate in Arts (AA), designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field. ACC also offers two psychology degree pathways: an Associate in Arts (AA) and an Associate in Science (AS). This articulation agreement applies specifically to students in the AA program. While the AS degree is typically intended for students pursuing research or medical-related fields, the AA degree is designed for those planning to complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related discipline at a four-year university.