Social Sciences

Welcome to the Social Sciences Division Page!

The Division of Social Sciences is a unique group of disciplines including psychology, the science of the mind; sociology, the study of how cultures and societal structures are formed; history; and social and behavioral science, among others. The Taft College faculty members in these departments are committed to understanding and teaching about the human world, from the mechanisms of individual behavior to the ways that groups interact and the politics of nations.

Whether you are interested in a career in clinical services, counseling, market research, law, social services, journalism, education, business, criminal justice, public administration, human resources, or behavioral science, the division’s foundational programs foster the essential skills of critical thinking and analysis of human behavior. This skillset is highly-sought by employers in a wide-range of in-demand careers. The division offers associate degrees, degrees for transfer, and certificates for higher education and careers. Degrees are listed, and certificates can be located through the links below.

Guided Pathways will help you with clear, well-sequenced curriculum and program design, and Meta Majors allows you to explore the major pathways at a glance. See links, below. Our Counselors are ready to help you create the most efficient pathway to your graduation or program completion.

Full-Time Faculty 

• Tina Mendoza, Division Chair and Associate Professor of History: tmendoza@taftcollege.edu
• Jennifer Altenhofel, Ph.D, Professor of History: jaltenhofel@taftcollege.edu
• Michelle Beasley, Professor of ECEF: mbeasley@taftcollege.edu
• Sharyn Eveland, Ed.D, Professor of Psychology: seveland@taftcollege.edu
• Salvador Jimenez Murguia, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology: sjimenezmurguia@taftcollege.edu
• Wesley Nishiyama, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science:  wnishiyama@taftcollege.edu 
• Michelle Oja, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology: moja@taftcollege.edu
• Robin Polski, Professor of Psychology & ECEF: rpolski@taftcollege.edu
• Tabitha Raber, Associate Professor of Administration of Justice: traber@taftcollege.edu
• Becky Roth, Professor of ECEF: broth@taftcollege.edu
• Kenneth Smith, ABD, Associate Professor of History:  ksmith@taftcollege.edu 

Degree Programs

The degree description pages also include your earnings potential and career options.

• Criminal Justice Administration: Associate in Science
• Early Care, Education, and Family Studies: Associate in Science
• History: Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree
• Law, Public Policy, and Society: Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree
• Psychology: Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree
• Sociology: Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree

For More Information

• Admissions
• Degrees and Certificates
• Visit Meta Majors: Match your interests and career choice to the best academic program.