The Department of Behavioral Sciences aspires to develop and foster a passion for lifelong learning and academic excellence. The department integrates students’ diverse backgrounds into the teaching and learning experience, creating a civically engaged community of learners who are able to think critically of current issues in our complex world. Graduates of the program will carry with them a strong sense of collegiality and responsibility that will help them succeed in their long-term academic, professional, and personal goals.
The vision of our department is carried out through our mission of:
- Teaching foundational behavioral science courses that support the general education mission of the college and engage our students in the broad domains and applications of Psychology, Sociology, and Cultural Anthropology;
- Offering concentration courses that help our students develop a firm understanding of the various fields within a specific behavioral science discipline;
- Engaging our students in research that allows them to apply critical thinking skills using scientific approaches;
- Supporting our majors as they prepare to transfer to four-year institutions and/or successfully navigate the professional world through the application of the principles, concepts, and theories that they have learned from the program;
- Supporting our students to apply what they learn towards becoming civically engaged and lifelong learners.
Our Programs
Psychology Concentration – This program provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the different principles and concepts of Psychology (foundational knowledge). Students will gain the ability to apply learned concepts to the intrapersonal and interpersonal experiences embedded within diverse cultural contexts. They will also evaluate, compare and contrast, critique various theoretical perspectives and complex/debatable and current issues as they relate to the various domains of Psychology. Graduates will also gain the ability to use learned knowledge to actively engage in and produce scientific research. Graduates of this concentration should plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.
View the Psychology Concentration Program of Study
Social Work Concentration - This program prepares students for professional generalist social work practice and aspires to develop and foster a passion for lifelong learning and academic excellence. This program is designed with cultural wealth and equity at the forefront of course design and student experiences. The department integrates students’ diverse backgrounds into the teaching and learning experience, creating a civically engaged community of learners who can think critically of current issues in our complex world. Graduates of the program will carry a strong sense of collegiality and responsibility that will help them succeed in their long-term academic, professional, and personal goals.
View the Social Work Program of Study
Sociology Concentration – This program provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the different principles and concepts of Sociology (foundational knowledge). Students will learn to apply learned concepts to intrapersonal experiences, social institutions, and social issues embedded within diverse cultural contexts. They will also gain the ability to evaluate, compare and contrast, critique various theoretical perspectives and complex/debatable and current issues as they relate to the various domains of Sociology. Graduates will also gain the ability to use learned knowledge to actively engage in and produce scientific research. Graduates of this concentration qualify for entry-level positions in the general field of Sociology.
View the Sociology Concentration Program of Study