JJC Alert: Due to extreme cold, JJC will operate virtually on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Classes will take place virtually. Students must check iCampus for course specific instructions from faculty members.
For more information on JJC’s decision-making process regarding winter weather conditions, visit jjc.edu/closures
January 20, 2025 08:41:55
If you’re an empathetic servant leader who enjoy helping others, learning about human behavior and working in groups, this pathway is for you. JJC can prepare you for several in-demand career fields, such as psychology, sociology, education, human services and more. You can expect to participate in classroom activities that will enhance your resume and easy transfer opportunities to four-year schools.
Some highlights include:
Joliet Junior College's Social and Behavioral Sciences Department offers classes in anthropology, child development, education, history, political science, psychology, and sociology for transfer/occupational degree programs.
In addition to standard courses, students can choose to explore more detailed areas of interest, including:
The Social & Behavioral Sciences Department has a variety of disciplines, degrees/certificates and an assortment of course offerings including face-to-face classes, online classes, and hybrid classes. Students have the opportunity to take courses that last between eight and 16 weeks.
Pattie Katralis
Department Chair and Professor, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Office: J-4003
Phone: 815.280.2982
Email: pkatrali@jjc.edu
Myra Mitchell
Social and Behavioral Sciences, Secretary
Office: J-4002
Phone: 815.280.6634
Email: mmitchel@jjc.edu
Cathy Scholtes
Social and Behavioral Sciences, Secretary
Phone: 815.280.2227
Email: cascholt@jjc.edu
Anthropology
Anthropology courses offer students a better understanding of world cultures in addition to an observation and analysis techniques of human behavior.
History
History courses offer students an understanding of social, cultural, political, and economic developments from various periods of time.
Political Science
Students will gain knowledge of national, state and local U.S. government in addition to comparative government studies.
Sociology
Sociology courses introduce students to the foundations of sociological concepts. Studies include: gender, sex, marriage, cultural diversity, marriage and African American studies.
Learn how you can become an education major at JJC.
At JJC, you can earn your general education requirements and introductory professional education courses at an affordable price, then transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree in education. JJC also offers a Teacher Assistant program for those who want to enter the field immediately after JJC.
Want to be a teacher but aren't sure which grade level or subject area you want to pursue? Use the following resource pages below to learn more.
Visit the Illinois State Board of Education interactive website to research which four-year institutions have the grade-level and subject area major you desire.
Teacher assistants support public or private school teachers in daily classroom activities. They provide assistance in regular classrooms, in special education classrooms, and in one-on-one situations with special needs students. Teacher assistants are being employed at all levels of education from early childhood through secondary education.
Learn more about JJC's Teacher Assistant program
Contact Information
Doreen Vieitez
Education Program Coordinator
Office: J4016
Phone: 815.280.2610
Email: dvieitez@jjc.edu
JJC's program will prepare students for fulfilling careers in child care and early child education. Our courses are intentionally organized with practical, competency driven field experiences including support within an on campus early education program.
Learn more about JJC's Child Development program
Contact Information
Melissa Szymczak
Social & Behavioral Sciences
Phone: 815.280.2433
Email: mszymcza@jjc.edu
Psychology courses offer students both an introduction to psychological concepts as well as in-depth looks at topics such as abnormal psychology, child development, health psychology, stress management and more.
National Scholarships in Psychology Websites
State Schools
Local Colleges and Universities
Be sure to contact admissions and financial aid as well as research scholarships at the specific school to which you are applying. There may be additional grants, work-study programs or scholarships available to you based on merit and/or need.
As a Human Services student, you'll review case studies, learn basic strategies that professionals use in the field and participate in fieldwork and internships.
Want to learn more?
Heidi Munsey
Human Services Coordinator
Phone: 815-280-7705
Email: hmunsey@jjc.edu
Learn more about our criminal justice program:
Myra Mitchell
Department Secretary
Office: J4002
Phone: 815.280.6634
Email: mmitchel@jjc.edu
Kenneth Krynicki
Criminal Justice Professor
Office: J-4011
Phone: 815.280.2477
Email: kkrynick@jjc.edu
You can save thousands on your education by attending JJC your first two years compared to a four-year public or private institution.
JJC offers many transfer agreements with partner institutions, which means the transfer process is easily streamlined.
Visit our University Partnerships page to learn more.
As a member of the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP), JJC offers many study abroad opportunities around the world for students of any major. Destinations include Japan, Costa Rica, England, France and more!
At JJC, you can choose to study abroad during the fall, spring or summer semesters. All students who want to study abroad should fill out an application and have it completed by the deadlines below.
