Behavioral Sciences Major
The Behavioral Sciences major is an applied skills-based program that readies students for careers or graduate studies in areas that require understanding and positive development of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Students who graduate from Behavioral Sciences will be prepared for careers in service delivery, planning, and management working directly with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Typical job areas for this major include: case management, family support, youth development, social service delivery, benefits manager, and community development (Click here for a list of specific job titles). The Behavioral Sciences major offers a structured curriculum but still allows students to select a course of study that meets their specific interests and needs. The primary goals of the major are:
- Offer a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human behavior
- Meet students' career needs for employment
- Meet students' academic needs for graduate study
- Maintain flexibility in the curriculum to specialize in a specific area of behavioral sciences
Required courses for the major
A core of eight courses is required of all Behavioral Science majors. These courses provide the student with a solid foundation in the Behavioral Sciences. The core courses will prepare the student for either graduate work or employment.
- Introduction to Sociology (SOC100)
- General Psychology (PSY100)
- Cultural Anthropology (ANT220) or Physical Anthropology (ANT210)
- Development of Sociological Theory (SOC230), Contemporary Sociological Theory (SOC235), or Social Psychology (PSY343)
- Social Statistics (BEH260)
- Research Methodology (SOC335)
- Research Methodology (SOC336)
- Behavioral Science Seminar (BEH490)
In addition Behavioral Science majors will need to select one of the four possible curriculum tracks below:
Human Services: The majority of students majoring in Behavioral Sciences are interested in working in the field of human services. To prepare them for this career, the Human Services track consists of the following seven courses:
- Theory and Policy for the Human Services Professional (SOC240)
- Design and Evaluation of Social Programs (SOC355)
- Human Services Techniques (SOC345)
- Developmental Psychology (PSY320)
- Grant Writing for Non-Profit Agencies (SOC415) or Fund Raising (REC355)
- Internship (BEH495)
And one of the following:- Working with Children and Youth (SOC305)
- Working with the Elderly (GER320)
- Juvenile Delinquency (CJA110 with permission of the instructor)
Applied Behavioral Sciences:
Some Behavioral Sciences majors become interested in applying the behavioral science perspective to applied areas other than human services. It is expected that students following this track may work in settings other than human services. Employment opportunities exist in research organizations, government bureaus and agencies, school systems, courts, and private business sectors. The six courses required for this track are:
- Complex Organizations (SOC310), Industrial and Organizational Psychology (PSY363), or Organizational Behavior (MGT325)
- Urban Sociology (SOC340)
- Design and Evaluation of Social Programs (SOC355)
- Population Trends (SOC410)
- Grant Writing for Non-Profit Agencies (SOC415) or Fund Raising (REC355)
- Principles of Marketing (MKT200) or Principles of Management (MGT250)
Community Studies: A significant part of the college's relationship with the community is academia's ability to provide insight into the challenges that exist in the community. Students in this track will be characterized by their interest in pursuing careers or advanced degrees in community-related areas, such as urban and community planning. Required in this track are:
- Ethnic Minority Relations (SOC315) or Race and Racism (H306)
- Urban Sociology (SOC340)
- Urban Geography (G345)
- Community Social Issues (SOC350)
- Population Trends (SOC410)
And one of the following:- American Social Problems (SOC22)
- Introduction to Public Administration (PS151)
- State and Local Government (PS242)
Anthropology: The final track in the major is anthropology. Students in this track will be interested in the field of anthropology as a career or academic endeavor. The courses in this track are:
- Cultural Anthropology (ANT220)
- Physical Anthropology (ANT210)
- Culture and Personality (ANT325)
Choose three of the following five courses:- Topics in Cultural Anthropology (ANT390)
- Anthropology of Aging (ANT350)
- Advanced Physical Anthropology (ANT310)
- Archeology (ANT230)
- Internship in Anthropology (ANT495-6)
Examples of Specific Job Titles in Behavioral Sciences
Case Worker
Family Support Worker
Youth Worker
Social Service Liaison
Residential Counselor
Behavioral Management Aide
Case Management Aide
Eligibility Counselor
Alcohol Counselor
Adult Day Care Worker
Drug Abuse Counselor
Life Skills Instructor
Client Advocate
Neighborhood Worker
Social Service Aide
Group Activities Aide
Social Service Technician
Therapeutic Assistant
Probation Officer
Case Monitor
Parole Officer
Child Advocate
Gerontology Aide
Juvenile Court Liaison
Home Health Aide
Group Home Worker
Child Abuse Worker
Crisis Intervention Counselor
Mental Health Aide
Community Organizer
Intake Interviewer
Community Outreach Worker
Social Work Assistant
Community Action Worker
Psychological Aide
Halfway House Counselor
Assistant Case Manager
Rehabilitation Case Worker
Residential Manager
Child Care Resources
Day Care Specialists
Workforce Skills Development
Events Coordinator
Benefits Coordinator
Human Resource Professional
Mental health worker
Extension Agent
Community Services Planning
Victim Services
Employment counselor
Research assistant
Volunteer coordinator
Family planning counselor
Admissions counselor
Community service agency worker
School counselor
Interviewer