In our Social Science courses, you will examine the impact of humanity on our world. Taking Social Science classes will allow you to think about and solve problems from the perspectives of psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, economics and political science.
Social science provides a strong foundation for many roles, including teachers, data analysts, social and community service managers, urban and regional planners and media and communication professionals. You will have the opportunity to learn research techniques, critical thinking, communication skills and many other abilities specific to your chosen discipline.
All students completing the Global Studies or Peace and Social Justice Studies concentrations take one or more social science courses. Oakton's Social Sciences classes can prepare you to become an expert in your chosen field by obtaining an Associate of the Arts (A.A) degree.
Oakton offers a selection of special interdisciplinary programs that complement coursework in the social sciences. These feature unique curricula and opportunities for students, such as our Environmental Studies, Global Studies, Women's and Gender Studies and Peace and Social Justice Studies programs.
If you plan to pursue a four-year degree in social science, but have not decided upon a specific four-year college or university, we recommend our pre-major as a way for students to deepen their knowledge of social sciences, as well as their overall understanding of individuals, societies and cultures and complete their general education requirements.
Oakton offers an associate in arts (A.A.) for students who wish to pursue a bachelor of arts at a four-year college or university. Once you have selected your transfer school, consult the Office of Advising, Transitions and Student Success, as well as the transfer institution's catalog. This will help you select courses that will meet both Oakton's and your transfer school's requirements.
Pre-majors are recommended for students planning to complete a Bachelor’s degree after transferring to a four-year institution and are designed for students who have not yet decided on a specific four-year college or university. Career options in this field reflect the salaries and opportunities available to students upon completing their Bachelor’s degree.
To see specific Transfer Path agreements that Oakton has made with partner universities, please see the Transfer Partnerships and Guides.
For additional support with transfer planning, including course selection and educational planning, please contact the office of Advising, Transitions, and Student Success. The Career & Transfer Center (CTC) offers additional resources for students preparing to transfer to four-year colleges or universities.
Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.
99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.
To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.
We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.
Learn more about your options for paying for your education
Oakton's Social Sciences faculty are here to help you find your unique path to success.
Meet our full-time faculty:
Michelle Naffziger-Hirsch
Co-chair, Anthropology, College Studies, Education, Psychology, Sociology & Social Sciences (ACEPSS)
Professor of Sociology
B.A. Northwestern University
M.A. Northwestern University
Ph.D. Northwestern University
mnaffzig@oakton.edu
847.376.7269
Office: 3604, Des Plaines
Katherine Schuster
Co-chair, Anthropology, College Studies, Education, Psychology, Sociology & Social Sciences (ACEPSS)
Coordinator, Education and Global Studies
Distinguished Professor, Education
B.A. Gustavus Adolphus College
M.S. Minnesota State University
Ph.D. Loyola University - Chicago
schuster@oakton.edu
Homepage: www.oakton.edu/~schuster
847.376.7118
Office: 2526, Des Plaines
Julio Capeles
Assistant Professor of Social Science
B.A. University of Puerto Rico
M.A. New Mexico State University
Ph.D. University of Illinois at Chicago
jcapeles@oakton.edu
847.635.1950
Office: 2702, Des Plaines
Meet our part-time faculty
Eric Bottorff
Lecturer
B.A. Indiana University
M.A. University of Illinois, Urbana
ejbottorff@gmail.com
847.635.1950
Office: 2430, Des Plaines
Eileen Off
Lecturer
B.S. Loyola University Chicago
M.A. Northern Illinois University
Ph.D. University of Cape Town (South Africa)
eoff@oakton.edu
847.635.1950
Office: 2430, Des Plaines
Nelson Wainwright
Lecturer
nwainwright@oakton.edu
847.635.1950
Office: 2430, Des Plaines
