Behavioral Science

The revised Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science degree provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior within a global world view. At the bachelor's level, students build on their foundation of the variables affecting human behavior to examine both individual and collective dynamics of human behavior. The interdisciplinary orientation allows students choice in aligning upper-level electives with their aspirations for post-college employment or advanced education. Students may specialize further by selecting an optional minor.

Core competencies, including critical thinking, effective written and oral communication, quantitative reasoning, information-literacy and field-based learning are integrated in course objectives throughout the program.

Students may specialize further by selecting a minor in an area of interest. Minors are optional and are open to all Bachelor's degree candidates. For some degree programs, students may use courses from the majors to fulfill minor degree requirements. Contact an advisor for more information.

GSC offers the following behavioral science-related minors:

Adult Learning and Development minor
Family Studies minor
Human Development minor
Human Services minor

Required courses for B.S. in Behavioral Science major:
PSY 501 Introduction to Psychology
SOC 501 Introduction to Sociology
PSY 509 Human Development
BEHS 501 Introduction to Research in Behavioral Science
MATH 504 Statistics
SCI 600 Human Brain
One course from:
PSY 602 Theories of Personality
PSY 609 Cognition and Learning
PSY 617 Abnormal Psychology
One course from:
SOC 601 Society and the Individual
SOSC 604 Dynamics of Family Relationships
PSY 608 Social Psychology
Two upper level behavioral science-related electives
BEHS 650 Seminar in Behavioral Science

B.S. Behavioral Science Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Behavioral Science program will:

• Differentiate and critically analyze biological, psychological, social, cultural, and contextual constructs that provide an understanding of human behavior within a global world view, and communicate this knowledge effectively.
• Compare and contrast theoretical assumptions underlying disciplines of the behavioral sciences.
• Use computer technology, as well as, quantitative and scientific reasoning to function as informed consumers of behavioral science research.
• Analyze human behavior using theories and concepts that focus on both individual dynamics and group and system dynamics.
• Apply ethical principles that guide and inform the conduct of research and clinical practice.
• Apply behavioral science concepts, principles, skills and methods in field settings.

Program instruction
Many of our faculty are practitioners in their fields -- clinicians, social workers, neuropsychologists, therapists -- and provide students with an integrated blend of theory and application. Across the program, the faculty applies principles of adult learning theory using experiential activities and connecting classes with students' work and life experiences. Students are encouraged to apply their learning in field settings and may choose an optional lower-level practicum (for the A.S. degree) or upper-level Internship (for the B.S. degree) within the framework of Independent Study.