Behavioral Sciences Department
Chairperson: Shelly Hiatt
Faculty: Jerrold Barnett, Sarah Creason, Elizabeth Dimmitt, Carla Edwards, Don Ehlers, Alisha Francis, April Haberyan, Cris Jacobson, Lauren Leach-Steffens, Roger Neustadter, Jennifer Pratt-Hyatt, Kyoung-Ho Shin, Linda Sterling, Michele Veasey, Ryan Wessell
Mission
The Department of Behavioral Sciences focuses on Student Success in Career, Academics and Personal Development.
Vision
We will facilitate comprehensive professional student-centered and challenging learning within the university environment.
Values
The Department of Behavioral Sciences values:
- Critical thinking and scientific mentality
- Professionalism and professional ethics
- Student organizations and student research
- Personal responsibility
- Collegiality and professional networks
Degree Programs
Majors develop research and writing skills, problem solving and higher-order thinking ability related to analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information. Majors find jobs in administrative support, public affairs, education, business, sales, helping professions, service industries, health, the biological sciences and computer programming. Many work as employment counselors, corrections counselor trainees, interviewers, personnel analysts, probation officers and writers.
General Psychology PSYC 08103 and General Sociology SOC 35101 may not be counted toward any Behavioral Sciences Major or Minor requirements. In addition, Behavioral Sciences Majors cannot use any Behavioral Sciences courses to fulfill both major and minor requirements. For courses that are common to both the major and minor, advisor approved and reasonable electives must be used to fill the minor requirement. Work closely with your advisor to assure that you are adhering to this departmental policy.
Test out is not available for any course offered by the department.
Advanced Standing Requirement
For all undergraduate psychology degree programs
To achieve advanced standing and enroll in PSYC 08423 History and Systems, in majors requiring this class, a student must have:
- Senior Status
- An overall 2.5 GPA and a "C" or better in the following classes: MATH 17114 General Statistics, PSYC 08103 General Psychology or PSYC 08303 Educational Psychology, and PSYC 08234 Introduction to Psychological Experimentation.
Exit Requirement
All graduating seniors with the exception of biology/psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, and child and family studies majors must take the ACAT subject matter test and provide the department with test results prior to graduation approval.
Psychology Major, 36 hours: B.S.—Minor Required
Psychology Major, 30 hours: B.A.—Minor Required
Psychology/Sociology Comprehensive Major, 54 hours: B.A., B.S.—No Minor Required
Industrial Psychology Comprehensive Major, 60 hours: B.S.—No Minor Required
Biology/Psychology Comprehensive Major, 70-77 hours: B.S.—No Minor Required
Psychology Minor, 24 hours
Child and Family Studies Minor, 24 hours
Sport Psychology Interdisciplinary Minor, 24 hours
Sociology Minor, 24 hours