Behavioral Sciences and Social Work

The Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Work houses four degree programs—gerontology, psychology, sociology, and social work. In addition to providing specialized instruction to students majoring or minoring in these programs, the department offers some courses that meet requirements of the university’s General Education Core Curriculum and others support to majors in other disciplines. Departmental programs emphasize student mastery of discipline-specific content and critical thinking and oral and written communication skills. As an integral part of the educational process, faculty and students engage in scholarly research. Given these experiences, program graduates are prepared to enter graduate or professional school or to pursue immediate employment.

The Social Work program is seeking accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Programs for Majors and Minors in Psychology

Mission

The Psychology program develops majors who will either enter graduate programs in psychology and related fields or will enter the workforce through providing service in professional settings. In addition, the program contributes to the liberal arts mission of the university through the core course (PSY 2301) and other electives and helps educate non-majors who can use their exposure to psychology in applied settings such as education, social work, nursing and other health fields. The program accomplishes its mission by providing the following:

a curriculum that encourages students to develop ways of thinking that include objectivity, an eclectic approach to knowledge, a desire to search for conceptual meaning, an ability to synthesize themes, and an ability to apply knowledge to problems in daily living;
by promoting professional preparation through offering a number of field opportunities and involvement with community agencies; and
by providing a setting where faculty are encouraged to continue professional development to serve as models of scholarship and professionalism for students.

Objectives

To provide students with knowledge of concepts, principles and theories of behavior.
To prepare students for graduate study in psychology.
To provide students with field experiences in psychological agencies in the community.
To provide opportunities for those students preparing to enter the business and nursing professions to become skillful and articulate in dealing with human behavior.
To strengthen the professional preparation of teachers by providing for the study of the patterns of human growth Programs for Majors and Minors in Sociology Mission

Programs for Majors and Minors in Sociology

Mission

The Sociology program employs an applied emphasis to provide theoretical and practical experiences preparing students to 1) enter graduate or professional school or 2) attain entry-level employment in non-academic settings. The program also serves the university’s general education component, helping provide non-majors with experiences essential to a liberal arts education. Sociology contributes to student understanding of society and social behavior, encourages critical thinking and helps develop communication skills.

Objectives

To provide students with a well-rounded program in general sociology for effective participation in professions and business.
To provide students with a broad background in sociology for a greater understanding of interrelationships in human society.
To prepare students to be creative problem solvers, using critical thinking and communication skills.
To prepare students for continued studies on the graduate and professional levels.