WEBSA Department

WEBSA encompasses six academic subject areas:

1. Women and Gender Studies
2. Ethnic Studies
3. Behavioral Science (Psychology)
4. Sociology
5. Advancing Academic Achievement
6. Public Health

Aims offers Women and Gender Studies and Ethnic Studies courses to students interested in enriching their knowledge of gender, gender identities and gender roles and how various ethnic groups form vital threads in the fabric of our past and present society. Psychology and Sociology courses delve into human behavior and interrelations, Advancing Academic Achievement courses are designed to support students in academic success, and the new Public Health associate degree merges psychology, natural sciences and communications to analyze and address community health and wellness.

You can learn more about each of these academic areas below. 

Women and gender studies is interdisciplinary and uses intersectional feminism as a philosophical lens through which to study social, political, economic and environmental concerns. Gender has an impact on nearly every aspect of life and plays a role in most of today’s crucial discussions. Gender studies courses encourage you to examine the complex constructions of gender throughout history in different cultural arenas and in varying global processes so you can contribute to the conversation. Feminism is for everyone and all students are invited to take a gender studies course! 

Aims currently offers two Women and Gender Studies courses:

1. WST 2000, Introduction to Women’s Studies
2. WST 2100, Women and Social Action

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and thinking. The mission of the Psychology Department at Aims is to engage you in meaningful participation with the educational process and in the discovery of psychological knowledge. The Psychology Department values students, faculty members, staff and administration from the diverse communities in which we exist.

In addition to teaching you about specific areas of psychology such as social psychology or behaviorism, psychology teaches you how to think, and it can improve your communication skills in any work environment. At Aims, you can take psychology classes to meet general education requirements toward a degree or as electives to explore this fascinating and ever-changing discipline. You can also earn an associate degree in psychology at Aims.

The psychology faculty at Aims work to consistently evaluate and update classes to promote healthy relationships, environments and psychological functioning. Your instructors will help you sharpen critical thinking skills and deepen your appreciation for diversity and global learning. To create a culture that supports scientific inquiry and the exploration of human behavior and thinking, Psychology Department faculty actively support and strive to model the application of psychological knowledge toward the management of real-world environments and challenges.

Sociology is the study of human social life and the interdependent social institutions (culture, the economy, religion and education) that influence people. It is guided by the understanding that our lives are affected by our “social location” (class position, race/ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation), as well as individual experiences in the world.

The study of sociology is vast, from the research of family unit relationships to the disconnect that gender, class, race and ethnicity may cause to the exploration of remote cultures. Specialties within sociology include criminal justice, cultural sociology, family studies, race/ethnic relations, education and popular culture.  

Aims sociology faculty have real-world experience in various disciplines within the field. Your instructors are dedicated to your success, and with smaller class sizes compared to larger universities, you'll have more opportunities for one-on-one attention from and interaction with faculty. 

Are you new to the world of college? Advancing Academic Achievement courses at Aims help new students gain helpful information to navigate the college experience. 

Advancing Academic Achievement classes are especially helpful for students who are:

• Incoming freshmen
• First-generation college students
• Students who are either new or returning to college after spending time in the workforce

In these courses, you'll also explore and gain understanding of your academic strengths and areas where you might need support, including communication and thinking styles. 

Examples of skills you can learn and improve upon to enhance your college experience include:

• Setting personal, educational and career goals
• Time management
• Note-taking and reading strategies
• Awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Effective listening techniques
• Critical and creative thinking for student success.