Behavioral & Social Sciences brochure

BA Psychology and Social Sciences


At the heart of the behavioral and social sciences is the attempt to understand human beings, both individually and in groups. Our goal is to provide students with an understanding of their own historical context, increase their knowledge of individual behavior, and facilitate their ability to comprehend our rapidly changing social worlds -- encouraging the recognition and appreciation of individual, social and cultural diversity.

Disciplines in the behavioral and social sciences use approaches that range from the scientific to the philosophical, from the experimental to the theoretical. Integral to all the disciplines, however, is the development and application of problem-solving skills, which in combination with other academic skills, enable students to think analytically and to communicate clearly and persuasively.

Students interested in human behavior and in exploring the many and varied facets of the human condition will find many exciting opportunities within the courses and programs offered by the department. 

The age-old questions of why we are the way were are, and why we do what we do, have continued to fascinate humans through the ages. Psychology seeks answers for those questions, and others, through the scientific study of the relationship between emotions, thoughts, behavior and the environment.

Psychology

Bachelor's graduates in psychology may find jobs in human resources, education, public affairs, mental health facilities, and social services. A degree in psychology is also a good choice for careers in other fields because employers value psychology graduates' research, writing, and analytic skills as well as their understanding of people. Some graduates pursue a graduate degree, Master's or PhD, to prepare them for careers as researchers, psychologists and professors.

Required Courses:

  • PSYC 1100 Introduction to Psychology
  • PSYC 2750 Introduction to Measurement and Statistics
  • PSYC 2825 Introduction to Research Methods
  • PSYC 3550 History, Philosophy, and Systems of Psychology
  • PSYC 4900 Senior Seminar

Plus at least one course from four of the following six content areas:

Biological and Evolutionary Perspectives:

  • PSYC 4300 Health Psychology
  • PSYC 4400 Human Sexuality
  • PSYC 4550 Drug and Chemical Dependency
  • PSYC 4650 Physiological Psychology

Clinical and Counseling Perspectives

  • PSYC 3125 Abnormal Psychology
  • PSYC 3775 Personality Theory
  • PSYC 3900 Intro to Counseling

Lifespan Development Perspectives

  • PSYC 2200 Child Psychology
  • PSYC 2250 Adolescent Psychology
  • PSYC 2300 Human Development
  • PSYC 2950 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging

Learning and Cognitive Perspectives

  • PSYC 3325 Psychology of Learning Processes
  • PSYC 3350 Cognitive Psychology
  • PSYC 3375 Behavioral Management
  • PSYC 3725 Psychology of Judgment and Decision Making

Social and Cross-Cultural Perspectives:

  • PSYC 3575 Organizational Behavior
  • PSYC 3600 Social Psychology
  • PSYC 4350 Cross-Cultural and International Psychology

Advanced Research Methods:

  • PSYC 3800 Experimental Psychology
  • PSYC 4700 Psychological Tests and Measurements
  • PSYC 4750 Advanced Statistics
  • PSYC 4825 Advanced Research Methods

 Plus 5 electives in Psychology, 9 general education courses, and 20 elective courses.