The Associate in Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences degree program provides students with a broad perspective on human behavior. It is designed to stimulate appreciation for, and understanding of, values, ideas, and artifacts of culture and society. Critical thinking skills and self-understanding through these courses provide a framework for lifelong study in a variety of disciplines. Successful completion of the curriculum in Social and Behavioral Sciences offers students a breadth of knowledge that could be focused on single discipline degrees as well as applied to an interdisciplinary degree. The degree is intended for those who are considering transfer but have not decided on a major or for those who are required to complete a degree for a job promotion. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor to develop their own program of study.

Coursework in Language Arts emphasizes both the form and content of linguistic communication. Students will learn to examine communicative acts within a wider social context, and to apply the principles of language and rhetoric toward the development of logical thought, precise and effective expression, and critical evaluation.

The Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer (AA-T) degree is intended to meet the lower-division requirements for sociology majors or majors that have been deemed similar in the California State University (CSU) system. Sociology is the critical and applied investigation of everyday life. This approach to academic studies provides students with an analysis of social life, social change, and the social factors and consequences of human behavior using the methods of social science research. Sociologists examine the social construction of individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions and how people interact within these contexts.

The Real Estate Associate in Arts program provides excellent preparation for the broker’s or salesperson’s license and contributes to efficiency in many allied professions such as developers, appraisers, title officers, property managers, and mortgage brokers and bankers. In addition, the courses provide important information and training for professionals interested in investing in real estate, including those in government working with real property.

These courses emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to the understanding and study of human behavior and social organization. Students study and analyze human societies; the institutions, organizations, and groups that comprise them; and the way individuals and groups relate to one another. Students develop an understanding of the various theories and methodologies of the disciplines, as well as skills in applying their knowledge in critical and useful ways as they navigate their own lives within a constantly changing and complex social world. For the Associate of Social Sciences, students must complete the General Education pattern and elective courses for an additional 42 units. Students must complete 18 units in the area of emphasis courses with a grade of “C” or better, 19 units of general education requirements, and an additional 23 units of elective courses for a total of 60 units. As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to continue at the UC or CSU system should meet with a counselor to develop a transfer plan which addresses all general education and lower-division transfer requirements.

Laney College offers four Music A.A. Degrees and a variety of Certificates of Achievement. Current degree summaries and course requirements are linked below. Be sure to consult with a counselor and the Music Department Chair when beginning a new program. Those interested in completing the AA-T should enroll in Music 150 instead of piano, voice, guitar, or percussion classes. Look for the section of Music 150 that meets at the same time as the piano, voice, guitar, or percussion class it replaces.

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer (AA-T) degree is intended to meet the lower-division requirements for Psychology majors (or majors that have been deemed similar in the CSU system). A study of psychology is built upon the scientific study of the biological, mental processes, and environmental factors that influence human behavior. Students pursuing the AA-T in the psychology major will study the development of the person, basic processes of human perception, learning, cognition, and motivation; biological processes, personality and the nature of psychological disorders, and how psychologists use their knowledge to help improve the quality of people’s lives.

There is a growing need for trained paralegals who know substantive law and administrative procedures required by the law and the court systems. The paralegal performs various legal tasks under the supervision of attorneys, including conducting legal research and drafting legal documents. Paralegals provide staff support for attorneys in a law office or in a legal setting. Many of these tasks are done by attorneys; however, under the law, they could be provided by paralegals under the supervision of an attorney. The Associate in Arts degree in Paralegal Studies will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the Major course requirements and the General Education requirements.

The Associate in Arts Liberal Arts: Cross-Cultural Studies degree program is designed for students who wish for a broad knowledge of liberal arts and sciences with an area of emphasis in Cross-Cultural Studies. This program is an ideal choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or the University of California as the student can satisfy their general education requirements, plus focus on transferable course work that relates to majors at CSU or UC.

The Liberal Arts: Arts and Humanities Associate in Arts degree program is designed for students who wish for a broad knowledge of liberal arts and sciences with an area of emphasis in Arts and Humanities. This program is an ideal choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or the University of California as the student can satisfy their general education requirements, plus focus on transferable course work that relates to majors at CSU or UC.

The Landscape Architecture Associate in Arts degree program provides students with the basic foundation and skills to pursue a career or further education in Landscape Architecture. Course topics include design process and principles, site analysis, site planning, planting design, construction, topographic form, graphic representation, computer-assisted design, and professional practice. Students with this degree will fulfill three objectives: Meet the minimum educational requirement to take the California Landscape Architects Registration Exam (LARE); obtain basic skills necessary to start work in a professional landscape design or design-build office and get basic preparation for transferring to a four-year or graduate program in landscape architecture.

The Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer (AA-T) degree is intended to meet the lower-division requirements for Economics majors or majors that have been deemed similar in the California State University (CSU) system. The study of economics at Merritt College is intended to provide students with the knowledge, appreciation, and the ability to analyze the production, distribution, and consumption of wealth in human society.

The Associate in Arts in Economics Degree program is designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions; to enter the business world with knowledge of economic trends and conditions; or to provide training for such positions as a market analyst, sales analyst, or stockbroker.

The Community Social Services/Substance Abuse Associate in Arts (AA) Degree is designed to prepare students for employment in entry-level paraprofessional positions providing counseling, case management, crisis management, and relapse prevention services to substance abuse clients. The program also offers further training for persons already employed in the field.

The Communication Studies program prepares students to transfer to a four-year college or university to obtain a degree in Communication or a related Social Science field. The courses in the program also improve job attainment and performance skills, providing students with the training necessary for public speaking, customer service, conflict resolution, and interviewing. Students who complete the Associate in Arts in Communication Studies for Transfer will learn and practice cultural awareness, situation analyses, and goal-oriented solutions to practical problems, giving them valuable assets in their future relationships and workplaces. Lastly, this course of study improves students’ logic and reasoning skills, thus providing the foundation for understanding math and science, the world around them, and the skills and insights necessary to think through ethical issues and achieve their goals.