Behavioral Science/Sociology
General InformationSociology deals with the nature and workings of human group life. A major in sociology is designed to provide preparation for pursuing graduate study and/or entry into vocations where sociological training is desirable. 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. There are four concentration areas: Human Services, Applied Social Research, Urban Studies and Gerontology. Both majors prepare students for careers in industry, social service, and government.
Required Courses: Sociology
Required Courses: Behavioral Science
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Career Opportunities
Majors in both Sociology and Behavioral Science offer a strong liberal arts program which prepares students for many jobs in the "real world." Additionally, these majors are ideal for those interested in further education in business, law, psychology, social work, and research. Students who graduate from Sociology and Behavioral Sciences will be prepared for careers in service delivery; planning and management; and 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, community development, and applied research. These majors are also appropriate for graduate schools in many areas, in addition to preparation for law and medical schools.
Objectives
The goals of the Behavioral Science Department are:
- to prepare students to face the modern world with its problems and contemporary issues
- to create a more open-minded approach in students which will allow them to enjoy the diversity of a multicultural nation
- to encourage students' curiosity so that they will continue to explore new ideas through study and other forms of continuing education
- to prepare students for a better quality of life as they apply their analytical perspectives to the world around them
Behavioral ScienceStudents must take specified and elected courses from the following areas of concentration: Anthropology, Behavioral Sciences, Gerontology, Psychology, Sociology, Police Science, and Corrections.
Special Opportunities
A variety of internship opportunities exist in the York area (see list below). Students may also arrange their own internship sites outside the York area.
- Bell Socialization Services
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Catholic Charities
- Johns Hopkins University
- Manito Day Treatment Service
- Our Daily Bread
- Polk-Lepson Research Group
- Sheppard-Pratt
- The ARC of York County
- White Rose Hospice
- York College Career Services
- York Hospital
Gary E. Bittner, B.S., M.P.A., Kent State University; Ph.D., Catholic University
Kathy D. Brace, B.A., Grove City College; M.S., Indiana University; Ph.D., Penn State University
PengKwei Chang, B.S., TungHai University; M.S., Northern Arizona University; Ph.D., McMaster University
Perri Druen, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., University of Louisville
Amy Hosier, B.A., Augustana College; M.S., St. Cloud State University; Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Steve Jacob, B.A., Salisbury State University; M.S., Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University
Joshua Landau, B.S., Kean College; M.A., Central Michigan University; Ph.D., University of Georgia
John Levisky, B.A., Grove City College; M.S., Rochester Institute of Technology; M.A., Ph.D., Cornell University
Mary Ligon, B.S., Radford University, M.S., Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University
David Polk, B.S., Baldwin-Wallace College; M.A., Kent State University; Ph.D., Catholic University
Mary K. Reed, B.A., Penn State University; M.A., Ph.D., University of North Carolina
Carla G. Strassle, B.S., Belmont University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Laura W. Steck, B.A., M.A., Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Ph.D., University of Connecticut
