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Social Sciences
Study human behavior, society, and social systems — with transfer and career options.
About This Pathway
Program Overview
The Social Sciences pathway at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges prepares you for a career in social sciences — with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and the flexibility to study close to home across four IECC campuses.
With 5 programs to choose from, you can find the right fit for your goals — whether you're entering the workforce, earning a credential, or planning to transfer to a four-year university.
Availability varies by campus; speak to an advisor for locations.
Multiple award options. Programs in this pathway lead to AAS, ASA credentials, giving you flexibility to match your timeline and career goals.
Career Outlook
Where This Takes You
Explore live labor market data — typical wages, current job openings, and projected growth — for each program in this pathway.
This pathway is designed to transfer. You complete your first two years at IECC, then finish a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university — so the career outcomes below sit on the far side of that degree, and associate-level wage data would understate them.
What You’ll Study
American national government, state and local government, political theory, history, and composition — with an emphasis on logical reasoning and persuasive communication.
Where It Leads After the Bachelor’s
- Policy analyst
- Legislative aide
- Paralegal
- Government & nonprofit administrator
- Campaign & advocacy professional
Also prepares you for law school and graduate study in political science, public administration, and international affairs.
This pathway is designed to transfer. You complete your first two years at IECC, then finish a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university — so the career outcomes below sit on the far side of that degree, and associate-level wage data would understate them.
What You’ll Study
The scientific basis of individual and collective behavior — the biological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors that shape human experience.
Where It Leads After the Bachelor’s
- Case manager
- Mental health technician
- Human resource specialist
- Social & community service worker
- Research assistant
Also prepares you for graduate study in clinical, counseling, school, industrial-organizational, and experimental psychology.
This pathway is designed to transfer. You complete your first two years at IECC, then finish a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university — so the career outcomes below sit on the far side of that degree, and associate-level wage data would understate them.
What You’ll Study
Social work, psychology, and sociology, alongside the communication and interpersonal skills every helping profession depends on.
Where It Leads After the Bachelor’s
- Case manager
- Child welfare worker
- Community outreach specialist
- Mental & behavioral health support worker
- School-based support staff
- Program coordinator
Also prepares you for graduate study leading to clinical licensure.
This pathway is designed to transfer. You complete your first two years at IECC, then finish a bachelor’s degree at a four-year university — so the career outcomes below sit on the far side of that degree, and associate-level wage data would understate them.
What You’ll Study
General sociology, social problems, and the broader social sciences — while building the research, writing, and critical thinking skills the discipline runs on.
Where It Leads After the Bachelor’s
- Case manager
- Community organizer
- Social & human service worker
- Research assistant
- Human resources specialist
- Program coordinator
Also prepares you for graduate study in sociology, social work, public administration, and related fields.
The occupations and wage information presented here are representative of career opportunities that may be available to graduates of this program. Some occupations may require additional education, training, certifications, licensure, or work experience.
What You'll Learn
Program Learning Outcomes
By the time you finish a program in this pathway, you'll have the knowledge and hands-on skills employers are looking for. Tap any outcome to see what it looks like in practice.