Social Sciences Department

The social sciences are academic disciplines concerned with understanding society by using multiple methodologies including research and scientific and historical approaches. 

There are five disciplines included in the Aims Social Sciences Department, each of which offers an associate degree program:

1. Anthropology
2. Economics
3. Geography
4. History
5. Political Science

If you're interested in a career in one of these fields, social sciences courses and degree programs can pave the way toward earning a bachelor's degree. By earning a liberal arts degree with designation at Aims in a social science subject, your courses will transfer to any participating public four-year university in Colorado.

Looking for information about the sociology associate degree and classes? The sociology program is part of the Aims WEBSA Department.

If you are unsure of your major or career choices, you may find that social sciences can help you explore educational and career options. These courses can help you meet required Aims associate degree credits and they also serve as electives within nearly any program.

Anthropology studies the biological and cultural variations among and between humans, our ancestors and our primate relatives. It also seeks to explain the social characteristics, customs and beliefs of past and present peoples. The main subfields of American anthropology include cultural anthropology (the study of living human cultures), linguistic anthropology (the study of language and communication), archaeology (the study of past human societies) and physical/biological anthropology (the study of our evolutionary ancestors, our primate relatives and modern biological diversity).

Anthropology classes are learner-centered and culturally responsive. The Anthropology Department strives to give voice and academic wings to students by consistently updating classes in response to the reflective thoughts of both students and instructors. As an anthropology student, you will hone your critical thinking skills and deepen your awareness of global diversity.

Economics is the study of decision-making about allocating resources to meet societal needs, along with the production, consumption and distribution of goods and services.Macroeconomics deals with the economy as a whole, while microeconomics focuses on the behavior of individual economic agents. 

You can study economics as a major at Aims or to earn general education or elective credits toward another degree program. Studying economics can develop your critical thinking skills in ways that can support both your personal and professional life. This subject can also support other educational and career paths including business and political science.

Aims Economics faculty are excited about sharing the world of economics with you. Faculty employ learner-centered and engaging activities and assignments to help you understand concepts and relate them to real-world situations. 

You might think geography is only about memorizing places such as states and capitals, rivers, mountains and countries. However, geography is about more than rote memorization of place names. Geography examines the relationship between people and their physical environment and helps explain human behavior, especially in relation to any movement on the Earth’s surface. Geography also teaches map analysis and cartographic (mapmaking) skills. 

Geographers are highly skilled and experienced professionals. Careers that combine geography and technology such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) are especially in demand.

Aims offers a geography liberal arts associate degree that allows you to transfer to any participating Colorado public college or university as a junior.

Aims also offers a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate, where you can learn how to make and analyze professional maps using ESRI Software. GIS are offered through the Construction and Engineering Technology Department, and are approved electives for the Associate of Arts degree in Geography.

You can also take geography classes as electives toward most associate degree programs at Aims.

The Geography faculty at AIMS Community College are professionals who are passionate about student success in both content and life skills. When asked, they will go out of their way to ensure that you obtain the help you need.

History studies past human civilizations in order to better understand the world today. History is a social science because it studies the spectrum of humanity. The best way to fall in love with history isn't through memorizing facts or reading textbooks, but rather engaging with the stories of people from the past.  

Aims offers a variety of history courses, many of which will transfer to any four-year college in Colorado. If you'd like to earn a bachelor's degree in history, you can get started at Aims and earn a liberal arts associate degree with designation in history, where most courses will transfer to any four-year public school in Colorado. 

You can also take history courses as part of your general education or elective requirements toward earning many associate degrees at Aims.

History teaches us first and foremost how the world was before we got here, and why it is the way it is today. Students of history learn how to write and reason, research and analyze.

Read what historians have to say about the value of studying history:

• Peter N. Stearns, professor of history, George Mason University
• William McNeill, Author of "Plagues and People" and "Rise of the West"

Many professional associations offer special low-cost membership to students, as well as opportunities for students to present before peers and mingle with some of the best in the field.

The history faculty at Aims love history as much as they love helping their students achieve their goals. Your history instructors strive to bring the stories of the past to life in ways that excite and engage you while also helping you meet your educational goals.

Political Science studies the theory and practice of the government, political systems and political behavior. It examines ethics, political theory and philosophy, and touches on several other related fields like the law, international relations and more. Political science courses at Aims will also strengthen your critical thinking and written and oral communication skills. By studying political science and systems of government, you will gain a greater understanding of how and why to participate in society.

Aims offers a political science transfer degree that allows you to transfer to any participating public college or university in Colorado as a junior.

You can also take political science courses as electives toward earning many other associate degrees at Aims.

The political science faculty at Aims enjoy sharing their passion for government and politics with students. You’ll receive rigorous instruction in fundamental concepts and scientific methods designed to prepare you for the challenges of a four-year political science degree program.