Social Sciences Social Sciences Associate in Arts (Liberal Arts Option) The GCC social sciences option allows you to concentrate on disciplines like psychology, sociology, environmental studies, political science and anthropology within the framework of a traditional liberal arts education. Request Information Apply Now Social Science Department Program Contact Brian Kapitulik (413) 115-1144 kapitulikb@gcc.mass.edu Program Overview Degree Requirements Learning Outcomes Faculty Career Outlook Upcoming Events Constitution Day Wednesday September 17 - 1:30pm The Hidden Power of Public Spaces: How Libraries, Parks & Community Centers Shape Our Lives Friday November 21 - 12:00pm What I've learned from GCC is this: In addition to intellect, academic success is an amalgamation of skills.— Aiya Thompson, Liberal Arts/Social Sciences '25 The social sciences option in GCC’s liberal arts major offers an in-depth exploration of human behavior and complex social relationships through courses in anthropology, economics, environmental studies, political science, psychology, sociology, and gender and women’s studies. You’ll study how human psychology informs the structure of society as well as how societies can shape the behavior of individuals. The analytical work you’ll do in these classes will help you become more aware of how your own behavior is interrelated with biology as well as culture. You’ll also develop the ability to frame and pursue significant questions about human societies with scientific rigor. 60-63credits Associate in Arts Associate in Arts (AA) degrees are typically completed in two (2) years and designed for transfer Learn more TransferGuaranteed admission and streamlined transfer to four-year state schools through MassTransfer!Learn more What's Next?By completing your liberal arts degree in social sciences, you’ll gain strong skills in critical thinking, research, and communication, as well as a nuanced understanding of human behavior and societal interaction. From this foundation, you can transfer to a bachelor’s program to major in anthropology, economics, environmental studies, political science, psychology or sociology or to pursue a hybrid course of study that combines the social sciences. A bachelor’s degree in the social sciences can lead to careers in a wide range of fields, including human services, education, business and marketing, communication, government and politics. What's New?Arwen King: Greenfield Community College Honors ScholarAs a full-time Liberal Arts Social Sciences major, Phi Theta Kappa Officer and Student Representative on the GCC Honors Board, Arwen King has woven himself into the fabric of Greenfield Community Collegee—not just as a learner, but as a leader. With long-term plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Library Sciences, Arwen is driven by […]Learn More Smith College Professor Carrie Baker to Speak at Greenfield Community College on Democracy and Women's RightsIn celebration of Women's History Month, Greenfield Community College is honored to welcome Professor Carrie Baker from Smith College for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of democracy and women's rights. The event, titled "Democracy and Women's Rights: Abortion, Political Representation, and the 2024 Elections," will take place on Tuesday, March 26 at 1 p.m. […]Learn More Demonstrate and communicate understanding of social science concepts, theories, and perspectives through written, verbal, and other relevant forms Assert and advocate for the centrality of diversity, equity and inclusion for a just society Identify and discuss the implications of the dynamic connections between self and society Demonstrate cultural competency skills to interact appropriately and effectively in a variety of cultural contexts Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to improve the civic life of one’s community Joshua Becker FacultySocial SciencesBA, University of Hamburg Germany MS, Boston University MEd, CAGS, University of Massachusetts MA, PsyD, Union Institute and University E116J 1-413-775-1140 BeckerJ@gcc.mass.edu Dr. Josh Becker has been teaching courses in psychology, education, and human services at GCC since 2002, alongside other work in both educational and clinical settings. He is especially passionate about helping students clarify their academic, professional, and personal goals, making each class relevant to their life-long learning. His academic interests lie in that space where the fields of psychology, education, and cultural studies/social justice intertwine. Josh holds a Masters degree in school counseling, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in child development, and a Doctor of Psychology degree in clinical psychology with sub-specialization in addiction studies. His clinical work spans school- and community-based treatment with children, psychiatric crisis evaluation and intervention, psychological testing and assessment, as well as therapeutic issues affecting LGBTQ people.Brian Kapitulik Faculty, Department ChairSocial SciencesBA, University of Massachusetts MA, New Mexico State University PhD, University of Massachusetts E116K 1-413-775-1144 KapitulikB@gcc.mass.edu Brian Kapitulik received his PhD in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is a first-generation college graduate and former community college student. His teaching and research interests focus on education and social inequalities, the role and purpose of community college, and “positive sociology.” His work has appeared in Teaching Sociology, The American Sociologist, Teachers College Record, and Sage Publication’s Sociology of Education: An A-to-Z Guide. Dr. Kapitulik lives in Florence, MA with his family.Yezenia Lopez FacultySocial SciencesBA, Westfield State University MA, University of Connecticut E116H 413-775-1674 lopezy@gcc.mass.edu Yezenia Lopez joined GCC in 2023. She has a BA in Psychology and Spanish from Westfield State University and an MA in School Counseling from the University of Connecticut. Although she is fascinated by all areas of the discipline, she is most excited about development and social psychology. She is passionate about helping students understand their world and who they are through a psychology lens.Linda McCarthy FacultySocial SciencesBA, University of Colorado MA, University of New Hampshire EdD, University of Massachusetts E116N 1-413-775-1154 McCarthyL@gcc.mass.edu Dr. McCarthy joined GCC in 2004, and since then has actively expanded the Sociology curriculum to include many of the courses offered today. Along with teaching Principles of Sociology every semester (and online), she also teaches Social Inequality (face-to-face and online), Sociology of Gender, Sociology of Human Sexuality, and Sociology of the Family. Dr. McCarthy earned her Doctorate in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2003, and teaches Sociology at GCC from a social justice perspective. Dr. McCarthy has published several articles and book chapters and is a former associate editor of the University of Massachusetts School of Education’s journal, Equity & Excellence in Education. Dr. McCarthy’s classes each emphasize the connections between current social issues and sociological concepts.Anne Wiley Adjunct FacultyAcademic AffairsBA, LeMoyne College MEd, State University of New York EdD, University of Massachusetts 1-413-775-1132 Wiley@gcc.mass.edu Dr. Anne Wiley, professor emerita, earned her doctorate in higher education from the School of Education at UMASS–Amherst. She has taught for 40 years in psychology and gender and women’s studies. Over her career, Dr. Wiley brought private and public grants to GCC that funded the GCC Women’s Resource Center and helped initiate the Gender and Women’s Studies degree option. Additionally, she coordinated a past New England Women’s Studies Conference at GCC and has been an adjunct professor in Women’s and Gender Studies at Keene State College. Anne served on the Board of NELCWIT and helped raised funds as the President of the Friends of NELCWIT for 10 years. Anne also regularly teaches courses online and received the Massachusetts Online Award in 2008 for innovative use of technology. She published two articles in Women’s Studies Quarterly as well as several online articles and has regularly presented at numerous regional and national conferences. After her retirement from full time teaching in 2013, the Anne M. Wiley Gender and Social Justice scholarship was set up, that GCC students apply for each spring. In her "semi" retirement, Anne enjoys travel, visiting family, beach vacations, reading mysteries and involvement in politics, including service on her town’s board of elections. These are just examples of jobs that someone with an associate degree in Social Sciences might pursue. Our programs provide a solid foundation for many careers, but some paths may require additional education, or even a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Don’t worry! Our advisors are here to support you in planning your educational journey.