Education and Social Sciences

The Education and Social Sciences Department includes Education, Liberal Arts and Individual Studies academic programs.

Our Education programs prepare teachers to work in schools and agencies serving birth to grade 12. Liberal Arts and Individual Studies programs are for students who wish to complete a well-rounded degree and potentially transfer to a bachelor’s degree program.

Programs

Early Childhood A.A.S.

The Early Childhood A.A.S. degree program prepares you to work professionally with all types of young children in schools and other childcare institutions. Graduates have found satisfying career opportunities in a wide range of child care agencies. While some graduates move directly into employment, many continue their education at four-year colleges and universities.

Early Childhood Administration A.A.S.

Designed for students who are interested in entering the field of child care administration or opening their own home childcare facility, the Early Childhood Administration A.A.S. degree program also offers the courses and credits in early childhood administration that are needed for the Child Program Administrator Credential (CPAC) offered by the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be prepared to submit the required portfolio for the CPAC credential.

Early Childhood Administration Certificate

This Early Childhood Administration Certificate program is designed for those who have already completed an associate degree in early childhood and are pursuing the Child Program Administrator Credential (CPAC) offered by the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children. The certificate also is ideal for those working as assistant directors, directors, program administrators and family child care owners who are seeking to develop professionally.

Individual Studies A.A. and A.S.

The Individual Studies degree programs provides students with the opportunity to complete a unique combination of liberal art and free elective courses leading to an Individual Studies Associate in Science (A.S.) or Individual Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree. By working closely with an academic advisor, students generate academic plans to meet goals which include but are not limited to:

Fulfilling requirements toward acceptance into their preferred degree program
Exploring courses relevant to their employment or transfer goals
Researching course that parallel a four-year program
Earning a degree that incorporates previous academic credits for career advancement

Liberal Arts & Sciences - Adolescent Education (Teacher Education Transfer) A.S.

The Liberal Arts & Sciences - Adolescent Education (Teacher Education Transfer) A.S. degree program will provide you with the foundation to pursue the rich and rewarding field of secondary education. By completing courses in the liberal arts, education and an academic concentration, you will be able to transfer to four-year programs leading to teacher certification in Adolescent Education (grades 7-12) by the State of New York. Concentrations include English, History/Social Studies, Math, Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics.

Liberal Arts and Sciences - Humanities and Social Science A.A.

The Liberal Arts and Sciences - Humanities and Social Science A.A. degree program parallels the first two years of a baccalaureate level program in the liberal arts. A foundation of core courses allows you to discover a breadth of knowledge and electives can help you focus on a particular field of study for transfer. The majority of students graduating from this program continue their education at a four-year college or university. I

Liberal Arts and Sciences - Humanities and Social Science History Track A.A.

The Liberal Arts and Sciences - Humanities and Social Science History Track A.A. program is designed for students who want to begin the first two years of a bachelor's degree in History. Those who successfully complete the coursework in this track will graduate with an A.A. degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences - Humanities and Social Science. The History Track serves as the SUNY Transfer Path for those interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree in History at a SUNY four-year college or university.

Liberal Arts and Sciences - Humanities and Social Science Political Science Track A.A.

The Liberal Arts and Sciences - Humanities and Social Science Political Science Track A.A. program is designed for students who want to begin the first two years of a bachelor's degree in Political Science. Those who successfully complete the coursework in this track will graduate with an A.A. degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences - Humanities and Social Science. The Political Science Track serves as the SUNY Transfer Path for those interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree in Political Science at a SUNY four-year college or university.

Psychology A.A.

Teaching Assistant Certificate

Designed to provide you with a general core of college-level courses that will satisfy the requirements for the New York State Teacher Assistant Certification as defined in sections 80-5.6 (b) (2) (ii) of the regulations of the Commissioner of Education of New York State, Education Law 3009 (2a). The courses offered in the Teaching Assistant Certificate program also can be applied the Early Childhood A.A.S. program.

Students in the Individual Studies A.A. and A.S. programs receive academic advisement in the Office of Student Outreach, Advisement and Retention, located in Guenther Enrollment Services Center, Suite 231 and available by calling (518) 629-7219.

Students in all other programs offered by this department (listed below) receive academic advisement by appointment through the Education and Social Sciences Department. When contacting the office, please use your HVCC email account (see Accessing Student Computer Systems for help accessing your account) and include your full name, ID number and program of study.
Contact Information: essadvisor@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-7250
Office Location: Higbee Hall, Room 109

Programs advised in the Education and Social Sciences Department:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Cultural Diversity Microcredential
Early Childhood A.A.S.
Early Childhood Administration A.A.S.
Early Childhood Administration Certificate
Liberal Arts & Sciences - Adolescent Education (Teacher Education Transfer) A.S.
Liberal Arts and Sciences - Humanities and Social Science A.A.
Liberal Arts and Science: History Track A.A.
Liberal Arts and Science: Political Science Track A.A.
Psychology A.A.
Special Education Assistant Certificate
Teaching Assistant Certificate

NOTE: New students are required to attend New Student Orientation and take the Placement Test (if applicable) prior to your academic advisement appointment.

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