The General Studies degree with an area of emphasis is designed to give students a broad introduction to an area of knowledge represented by related disciplines and topics. This degree is intended for students who may not be intending to pursue a specific occupational major, nor are they necessarily planning to transfer. However, careful educational planning with a counselor will help to ensure that, if a student did decide at a later date to transfer to a university, they would have a foundation in the transfer planning process. Students will select an “Area of Emphasis” from the following four options based on their interests and educational goals.
These courses emphasize the perspective, concepts, theories and methodologies of the variety of disciplines that comprise study in the social sciences. Students will study human experience in the context of the larger society. Students will study how individuals, social subgroups, and societies operate in relation to each other. This emphasis includes lower division coursework that prepares students for potential careers in the helping professions such as teaching, business, government, social work, and non-profit organizations.
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsM | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (RHC GE 1b and 8a)GE | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays and reports necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in research techniques, and learn critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original essays and a final research paper. The lab component of the course is designed to assist students in improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete lab activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the general education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.5 | |
2nd Semester | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Select one: PSY 190 / MATH 130 / MATH 130H (RHC GE 2)*GE | 4.0 | |
Notes: While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement: FIN 101, MATH 060, MATH 073, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190. PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or appropriate placement This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. The main focus of this course is on hypothesis testing and the statistics that are used to analyze it. Students will learn to present and interpret experimental data from the behavioral sciences. Topics covered include basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics. This course is designed for students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology. NOTE: MATH 62 or MATH 73 can be used to fulfill the prerequisite requirement for this class. Some majors require that students take MATH 73 (not MATH 62) and others do not. Students should see a counselor to determine which pathway will work best for them. MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or MATH 073B with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. The students learn to read, interpret and present data in a well-organized way. This includes frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, the students learn to make generalizations about populations. This includes probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or MATH 073B with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement; Minimum GPA of 3.0; ENGL 101 This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. The students learn to read, interpret and present data in a well-organized way. This includes frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, the students learn to make generalizations about populations. This includes probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements. | ||
RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 14.0 | |
Summer 1 | ||
RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 6.0† | |
3rd Semester | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
RHC GE 5 - Natural Science with LabGE | 4.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one Natural Science with Lab: | ||
RHC GE 8b - Communication/Analytical ThinkingGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
4th Semester | ||
RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral ScienceGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 15.0 | |
Total Units for General Studies with an Emphasis in Social Sciences AA program | 61.5† | |
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor. |
*PSY 190 is the preferred math/quantitative reasoning course for Behavioral and Social Science majors. Please meet with a counselor to discuss major preparation requirements. |
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
US HISTORY (CSU GE C2)M | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170. | ||
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (CSU GE A2)GE | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays and reports necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in research techniques, and learn critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original essays and a final research paper. The lab component of the course is designed to assist students in improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete lab activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the general education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
CSU GE E - Lifelong Learning/Self DevelopmentGE | 3.0 | |
Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 15.5 | |
2nd Semester | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Select one: POLS 110 / POLS 110H (CSU GE D)M | 3.0 | |
POLS 110 - Government of the United States (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment; READ 043 or appropriate assessment This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. POLS 110H - Government of the United States Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
Select one: PSY 190 / MATH 130 / MATH 130H (CSU GE B4)*GE | 4.0 | |
Notes: The above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement: FIN 101, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190. PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or appropriate placement This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. The main focus of this course is on hypothesis testing and the statistics that are used to analyze it. Students will learn to present and interpret experimental data from the behavioral sciences. Topics covered include basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics. This course is designed for students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology. NOTE: MATH 62 or MATH 73 can be used to fulfill the prerequisite requirement for this class. Some majors require that students take MATH 73 (not MATH 62) and others do not. Students should see a counselor to determine which pathway will work best for them. MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or MATH 073B with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. The students learn to read, interpret and present data in a well-organized way. This includes frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, the students learn to make generalizations about populations. This includes probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or MATH 073B with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement; Minimum GPA of 3.0; ENGL 101 This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. The students learn to read, interpret and present data in a well-organized way. This includes frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, the students learn to make generalizations about populations. This includes probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements. | ||
CSU GE C1 - ArtsGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to CSU. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 16.0† | |
Summer 1 | ||
CSU GE C1 or C2 - Arts or HumanitiesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Arts Humanities | ||
Total Semester Units: | 3.0† | |
3rd Semester | ||
CSU GE B1 - Physical SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU GE B3 - Lab ScienceGE | 1.0 | |
Select one if lab has not been completed in CSU B1 or B2. | ||
CSU GE A3 - Critical ThinkingGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU GE A1 - Oral CommunicationGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: SPCH 100 ,101, 101H,140 | ||
CSU ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to CSU. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
4th Semester | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
CSU GE B2 - Biological SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU GE D - Social SciencesGE | 3.0 | |
Notes: | ||
CSU GE F - Ethnic StudiesGE | 3.0 | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
CSU ElectiveEL | 1.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to CSU. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
Total Units for General Studies with an Emphasis in Social Sciences AA program (Transfer to CSU) | 60.5† | |
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor. |
*PSY 190 is the preferred course for Behavioral and Social Science majors. Please meet with a counselor to discuss major preparation requirements. |
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
US HISTORY (IGETC 3B)M | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170. | ||
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (IGETC 1A)GE | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays and reports necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in research techniques, and learn critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original essays and a final research paper. The lab component of the course is designed to assist students in improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete lab activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the general education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
UC ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 15.5 | |
2nd Semester | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Select one: POLS 110 / POLS 110H (IGETC 4)M | 3.0 | |
POLS 110 - Government of the United States (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment; READ 043 or appropriate assessment This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. POLS 110H - Government of the United States Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
Select one: PSY 190 / MATH 130 / MATH 130H (IGETC 2A)*GE | 4.0 | |
Notes: While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement: MATH 130/H, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190. PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or appropriate placement This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. The main focus of this course is on hypothesis testing and the statistics that are used to analyze it. Students will learn to present and interpret experimental data from the behavioral sciences. Topics covered include basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics. This course is designed for students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology. NOTE: MATH 62 or MATH 73 can be used to fulfill the prerequisite requirement for this class. Some majors require that students take MATH 73 (not MATH 62) and others do not. Students should see a counselor to determine which pathway will work best for them. MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or MATH 073B with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. The students learn to read, interpret and present data in a well-organized way. This includes frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, the students learn to make generalizations about populations. This includes probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 062 or MATH 070 or MATH 070D or MATH 073 or MATH 073B with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement; Minimum GPA of 3.0; ENGL 101 This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. The students learn to read, interpret and present data in a well-organized way. This includes frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, the students learn to make generalizations about populations. This includes probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements. | ||
IGETC 3A - ArtsGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
UC ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 16.0† | |
Summer 1 | ||
IGETC 3A or 3B - Arts or HumanitiesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Arts Humanities | ||
Total Semester Units: | 3.0† | |
3rd Semester | ||
IGETC 5A - Physical SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
IGETC 5C - Lab ScienceGE | 1.0 | |
Select one if lab has not been completed in IGETC 5A or 5B. | ||
IGETC 1B - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
IGETC 1C - Oral Communication (CSU Only)GE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
UC ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0† | |
4th Semester | ||
Major ElectiveM | 3.0 | |
Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
IGETC 5B - Biological SciencesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
IGETC 6 - Foreign Language (UC ONLY)GE | 4.5 | |
Notes: Proficiency equivalent to two years of high school study in the same language or select one: | ||
UC ElectiveEL | 3.0 | |
Select a course that transfers to UC. Please see a counselor to discuss course options. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.5† | |
Total Units for General Studies with an Emphasis in Social Sciences AA program (Transfer to UC/CSU) | 61.0† | |
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor. |
*PSY 190 is the preferred course for Behavioral and Social Science majors. Please meet with a counselor to discuss major preparation requirements. |
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet. |
Students will think critically in order to understand social issues.
Students will recognize verbally or in writing the basic vocabulary and concepts of at least one social or behavioral science discipline.
Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Phone: (562) 692-0921
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