Social Sciences Division

Mission Statement

The Social Science Division endeavors to foster student learning and success in various social science disciplines. The division is devoted to applying and teaching the methods and ethics of research in the social sciences

Division Objectives

• Develop greater introspection and open-mindedness in students through methodical exposure to empirical evidence that is contrary to many social biases, myths legends, and superstitions.
• Develop greater tolerance, understanding, and appreciation for cultural diversity in students who are facing a future in which they must adjust and function in the most culturally diverse nation on Earth as it increasingly becomes even more culturally diverse.
• Develop awareness and understanding in students of the logical connections and overlapping of all the social sciences.
• Develop the ability of students to utilize critical thinking skills, not only in academic study, but throughout life's many challenges.
• Develop the ability and desire in students to utilize effective oral and written communications skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:

After successful completion of social science courses students should have experienced academic achievement and gained substantial knowledge in the following areas:

• Develop greater introspection and open-mindedness
• Develop greater tolerance, understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity
• Develop awareness and understanding of the connections within the social sciences
• Develop the ability to utilize critical thinking skills in academic study and throughout life
• Develop the ability to utilize effective oral and written communication skills

Description of Programs

In addition to general education courses the Social Science Division offers the A.A.S. degree in Criminal Justice which is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of criminal justice.

This degree consists of a minimum of 24 credit hours in 1000 and 2000 level criminal justice courses in addition to the core requirements of standard A.A.S. programs. Students completing this program must also choose 6 hours of electives, with 3 of those hours being in criminal justice electives. This program also requires 6 credit hours of western civilization and U.S. history courses.

A special feature of this program is the availability of criminal justice internship in various criminal justice agencies in the state. NPCC has reciprocal agreements with several agencies where students may be placed. Prerequisites for internship are:

1. Successful completion of Introduction to Criminal Justice (CRJ1103)
2. No felony or domestic abuse convictions
3. Agency acceptance

A high percentage of criminal justice students obtain employment in the field both while they are pursuing the degree and after completion of the program. This degree serves as a solid base from which to pursue baccalaureate level courses and law school.

MISSION STATEMENT AND OBJECTIVES OF THE NPCC CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM

The mission of the National Park Community College Criminal Justice Program is to provide quality and comprehensive academics in all areas and levels of the criminal justice field so that students partaking of the program may achieve the following objectives:

• Become academically prepared for entry level positions in various criminal justice agencies and other related occupations.
• Become academically qualified to pursue baccalaureate level courses and degrees.
• Become well-informed citizens who have a realistic perception of the organization and functions of the criminal justice system as an integral component of our democratic government.

The criminal justice degree program consists of a minimum of 24 credit hours in 1000 and 2000 level criminal justice courses in addition to the core requirements of standard A.A.S. programs. Students completing this program also must choose 6 hours of electives, with 3 hours being in criminal justice electives. This program also requires 6 credit hours of Western Civilization and U.S. History courses.

A special feature of this program is the availability of criminal justice internships in various criminal justice agencies in the state. Currently, NPCC has reciprocal agreements with the following agencies where students may be placed.

• Garland County Sheriff’s Department
• Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, 18th Judicial District
• Circuit Court Division II (Juvenile Court)
• Arkansas Game and Fish
• Arkansas Department of Community Corrections
• Arkansas State Crime Laboratory
• Other agencies by special arrangement