Social & Behavioral Sciences

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:

  • Classes that teach basic strategies that professionals use in the field everyday
  • Preparations for certifications that will help you enter certain career paths only after a few semesters (like teacher’s assistants)
  • Fundamental classes that will improve your confidence and skillset

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.

Social & Behavioral Sciences

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    In addition to standard courses, students can choose to explore more detailed areas of interest, including:

    • French Revolution (HIST 205)
    • The Civil War and Reconstruction (HIST 250)
    • History of WW II (HIST 270)
    • Marriage and the Family (SOC 270)
    • Cultural Diversity in America (SOC 290)
    • Stress Management (PSYC 272)
    • Developmentally Appropriate Infant/Toddler Care (CDEV 250)

    What is Unique About Social & Behavioral Sciences?

    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.

    Contact Information

    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

  • Programs & Course Offerings

    Anthropology
    Anthropology courses offer students a better understanding of world cultures in addition to an observation and analysis techniques of human behavior.

    • ANTH 101 - Introduction to Anthropology
    • ANTH 275 - Cultural Anthropology
       

    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.

  • Education

    Education

    Learn how you can become an education major at JJC.

    Get Started Now 

    What Education Majors Can Expect

    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.


    Where to Transfer

    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.

    JJC's Teacher Assistant Program

    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 Child Development Program

    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

    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.
     

    Resources for Students Interested in Majoring in Psychology

    Psychology Scholarships

    National Scholarships in Psychology Websites


    Scholarships Specific to Psychology in Selected Illinois Schools

    State Schools


    Local Colleges and Universities

    • Lewis
      • General list of scholarships, the Dr. John Greenwood Endowed Scholarship is specific to psychology
    • St. Francis
      • General list of scholarships; the Jane Engleton Snyder ’35 Scholarship, the Virginia J. Saxon Trust for Scholarships and the Frances Naal-Sczepaniak Endowed Scholarship have psychology as a preferred major


    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.

    Specialization Fields within Psychology

  • Human Services

    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

  • Criminal Justice

    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

Transfer to a Four-Year School

You can save thousands on your education by attending JJC your first two years compared to a four-year public or private institution.

Study Abroad

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!

  • How to Study Abroad

    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.

    • Spring Program: October 15
    • Summer Program: February 15
    • Fall Program: May 15
       

    More on Study Abroad

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