Social & Behavioral Sciences

The sustainability and resource management certificate programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain employment or advancement in a sustainable resource management or a zero waste-related field. Course requirements are designed to provide students with a holistic perspective on the relationship of recycling and zero waste to a changing global economy and climate.

Sociology provides an excellent foundation for work in a wide variety of fields in public and social service, law, research, health, and nearly every industry. Sociology emphasizes hidden and overlooked elements of human collective behaviors, from the most mundane social habits to world-changing protest movements. Social theories and research assists our understanding of behaviors that many casually notice but do not deeply observe, yet sociologists strive to understand and describe hidden structures that encourage some actions and prohibit others.

At Irvine Valley College, our Psychology courses provide academic instruction in basic psychology concepts, theories, terminology and research methods, and promote students' life skills, personal growth and interpersonal effectiveness. Students majoring in psychology focus on understanding human personality and behavior, cognition, and emotions, as well as researching psychological issues of current concern.

Students majoring in Political Science learn about American government, governments of other countries, international relations, and political philosophy. Since government and politics impacts nearly all aspects of our lives, it is important to learn about how government functions, the various influences on political decision-making and the role people can play in shaping their governments and societies.

What you will learn: Effective ways to work with children from birth to adolescence, as well as leadership and parent education skills.

Why study it: Today’s families are bombarded with massive amounts of complex and sometimes contradicting information.  Expertise in human development will make you an effective support to families with children as well as to others who seek to understand them.

Global Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of global processes and their implications for societies, markets, governments, cultures, and environments around the world. The program introduces students to the study of global issues and perspectives while providing the methodological tools and techniques necessary to analyze them at local, national and international levels. The program is designed to encourage students to think beyond local perspectives and promote global awareness.