Behavioral Science, Public Service & Education

Behavioral Science, Public Service & Education Division

The Behavioral Science, Public Service & Education division houses a broad variety of academic and career programs, ranging from childhood and early education through social services. It provides academic training for students who wish to continue their studies at a four-year institution, as well as for those who wish to enter careers upon graduating with their associate degree or certificate.

This division aims to be accessible to learners and the local community, to be responsive to the needs of the Massasoit community, and to provide robust learning opportunities to all involved in our programs.

We encourage you to visit our department pages and seek out our faculty and administrative staff to assist in answering questions related to our areas of study.

Contact

Office of the Dean - Public Service & Social Science
pubservsocsci@massasoit.mass.edu
508-588-9100 x1928

Dean

Karyn Boutin, MAT
kboutin@massasoit.mass.edu
508-588-9100 x1903

Programs

Education

Early Childhood Education & Administration	Associate Degree
Early Childhood Education & Administration – Transfer	Associate Degree
Elementary Education	Associate Degree

Human Services & Social Sciences

DDS Direct Support in Human Services Certificate (DDS Employees Only)	Certificate (For Credit)
Human & Social Services – Career	Associate Degree
Human & Social Services – Transfer	Associate Degree
Psychology	Associate Degree

Public Safety

Corrections	Certificate (For Credit)
Criminal Justice – Career	Associate Degree
Criminal Justice – Transfer	Associate Degree
Fire Science Technology	Associate Degree
Juvenile Justice	Certificate (For Credit)
Law Enforcement	Certificate (For Credit)
Private Security - Basic	Certificate (For Credit)

^ Not Financial Aid Eligible

Note: These programs may qualify for MassTransfer. Confirm below if the program at Massasoit and a participating state university qualifies.

View MassTransfer Programs

Departments

The Criminal Justice department at Massasoit serves the criminal justice and private security industry by preparing students for the challenges inherent in the maintenance of order in a democratic society. Our faculty provide a criminal justice program that facilitates student development and growth, as well as an environment that fosters analytical, critical, and professional thinking.

Department Chair

Aviva Rich-Shea
arichshea@massasoit.mass.edu
508-588-9100 x1927

The Early Childhood Education department at Massasoit endeavors to fulfill the college’s mission of supporting students in attaining their educational, professional, and personal goals. This is accomplished by providing a comprehensive Early Childhood Education program that prepares students to meet the ever changing needs of children, families, and the community.

Department Chair

Lauren Dalton, MS
ldalton3@massasoit.mass.edu
508-588-9100 x1752

The Elementary Education department provides career and educational opportunities for a diverse group of learners who wish to pursue teaching as a career.

The Associate in Arts in Elementary Education meets the requirements of the Elementary Education Transfer Compact as well as the MassTransfer Compact of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. Students who graduate with the degree can then enter a Massachusetts state college or university’s Elementary Education program as a junior.

Department Chair

Sawsan Zahara, Ed.D.
szahara@massasoit.mass.edu
508-588-9100 x1700

Students completing requirements of this program receive the Associate in Science Degree in Fire Science. The Fire Science Technology program is designed to provide career fire department personnel in the communities served by the College with a two-year career program whereby they may upgrade their educational levels and improve their effectiveness in the use of modern fire science techniques. Further, the program will prepare students to begin a career in the fire service.

Department Chair

Fire Science Department
pubservsocsci@massasoit.mass.edu
508-588-9100 x1928

The Human & Social Services department programs attract a diverse student population who share a common desire to work with and help other people. Students often enroll directly upon graduating from high school or after earning their GED, while others are returning to Massasoit to pursue change careers. The ages of Human & Social Services students vary greatly. Most students attend the full-time day program, but students can also earn their degrees on a part-time day or evening basis. Some of our students are currently employed in social service agencies and are pursuing a degree to advance in the field.

Department Chair

Glen T. Prospere, Ph. D.
gprospere@massasoit.mass.edu
508-588-9100 x1760

An Associate degree in Psychology is a two-year undergraduate program that provides students with a foundational understanding of the principles and theories in the field of psychology. Throughout the curriculum, students explore various topics, including human behavior, cognition, development, social interactions, and mental processes. They gain insight into psychological research methods, data analysis, and critical thinking skills, allowing them to evaluate and interpret human behavior and mental processes. Graduates with an Associate Degree in Psychology can use this academic foundation to pursue entry-level positions in human services, mental health facilities, or as a stepping stone towards further education in the field, such as a Bachelor Degree in Psychology or related disciplines.

Department Chair

Andrea Frank
afrank2@massasoit.mass.edu
508-588-9100 x1707