Behavioral Science

Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science is designed to give students the necessary groundwork for entry-level employment in social services or social work, currently one of the fastest-growing fields in the Midwest. It also provides a solid foundation for students wishing to pursue graduate work in psychology, sociology, or social work.

Students may choose from one of three options - psychology, sociology, or social work - with the psychology and social work options allowing students practicum hours of field work under the mentorship of a professor. Students will complete 126 total credit hours, with 15 hours being completed in their option, 24 hours completed in a general behavioral science core, 57-66 hours of general education core requirements and the remaining hours for electives of the students’ choosing. The degree is governed by the College of Liberal Arts of Purdue University.

THE CURRICULUM

A total of 126 credit hours are required for the Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science. Guidelines are as follows:

General Education Core

6

English Composition

3

Speech Communication

6

Mathematics/Statistics

6

Natural Sciences

3

Modern Language (3 hours FLL 20200)

3

Western Heritage

3

Social Ethics

3

Individual & Society

3

United States Tradition

3

Aesthetic Awareness

3

Gender Issues

3

Race/Ethnic Diversity

3

Other Cultures

3

Global Perspective

Behavioral Science Core

3

PSY

12000

Elementary Psychology

3

SOC

10000

Principles of Sociology

3

SOC

22000

Social Problems

3

PSY

35000

Abnormal Psychology

3

STAT

30100

Elementary Statistical Methods

3

PSY

24000

General Social Psychology or

 

SOC

34000

General Social Psychology

3

PSY

20100

Quantitative Topics in Psychology or

 

SOC

38200

Methods of Social Research I

3

PSY

20300

Research Methods in Psychology or

 

SOC

38300

Methods of Social Research II

Options

Students will choose an option in psychology, sociology, or social work:

Psychology

3

PSY

25100

Health Psychology

3

PSY

36000

Developmental Psychology

3

PSY

38000

Behavior Change Methods

 

3

PSY

45000

Crisis Intervention

3

PSY

49800

Senior Research

Social Work

3

SWRK

26100

Introduction to Social Work

3

SWRK

36100

Institution of Social Welfare

3

SWRK

36200

Social Work Practice I

3

SWRK

36300

Social Work Practice II

3

SWRK

46100

Field Practicum in Social Work

Sociology

3

SOC

31000

Racial and Ethnic Diversity

3

SOC

32400

Criminology

3

SOC

39100

Sociology of Violence

3

SOC

41100

Social Stratification

3

SOC

42100

Juvenile Delinquency

Elective Courses

Between 21 and 30 hours of electives are available to students. Students are encouraged to take courses in Adult Development and Aging, Industrial Psychology, and Child/Family Behavior.

Other Requirements and Limitations

Students must meet residency requirements at Purdue North Central.

Students must have their plan of study on file with the Social Sciences Department by their junior year.

SUGGESTED ARRANGEMENT OF COURSES

Freshman Year

First Semester

3

ENG

10100

English Composition I

3

 

 

Mathematics

3

PSY

12000

Elementary Psychology

3

 

 

Western Heritage

3

 

 

Modern Languages I

15 Semester Credits

Second Semester

3

ENGL

10200

English Composition II

3

 

 

Science

3

SOC

10000

Introduction to Sociology

3

 

 

Other Cultures

3

 

 

Modern Languages II

15 Semester Credits

Sophomore Year

Third Semester

3

COM

11400

Speech Communication

3

 

 

Social Ethics

3

 

 

Natural Science

3

SOC

22000

Social Problems

3

 

 

Modern Languages III

15 Semester Credits

Fourth Semester

3

 

 

Natural Science

3

 

 

U.S. Tradition

3

 

 

Mathematics

3

SOC

31000

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

3

 

 

Modern Languages IV

15 Semester Credits

Junior Year

First Semester

3

SOC

34000

General Social Psychology or

 

PSY

24000

Intro to Social Psychology

3

STAT

30100

Elementary Statistical Methods

3

 

 

Global Perspectives

3

 

 

Behavioral Science Course

3

 

 

Elective

15 Semester Credits

Second Semester

3

PSY

20100

Intro to Quantitative Topics in Psychology or

 

SOC

38200

Intro to Methods of Social Research

3

 

 

Behavioral Science Course

3

 

 

Gender Studies

3

 

 

Aesthetic Awareness

3

 

 

Elective

15 Semester Credits

Senior Year

Third Semester 

3

PSY

35000

Abnormal Psychology

3

PSY

20300

Intro to Research Methods in Psychology or

 

PSY

38300

Intro to Methods of Social Research

3

 

 

Behavioral Science Course

3

 

 

Behavioral Science Course

3

 

 

Elective

15 Semester Credits

Fourth Semester

3

PSY

20100

Intro to Quantitative Topics in Psychology or

 

SOC

38200

Intro to Methods of Social Research

3

 

 

Behavioral Science Course

3

 

 

Ind. & Society

3

 

 

Elective

3

 

 

Elective

15 Semester Credits