Behavioral Sciences

Bachelor of Behavioral Sciences

The Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences 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 Sciences. Guidelines are as follows:

General Education Core

6

English Composition

3

Speech Communication

6

Mathematics/Statistics

6

Natural Sciences

3

Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish or ASL at the fourth level)

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 120

Elementary Psychology

3

SOC 100

Principles of Sociology

3

SOC 220

Social Problems

3

PSY 350

Abnormal Psychology

3

STAT 301

Elementary Statistical Methods

3

PSY 240

General Social Psychology or

 

SOC 340

General Social Psychology

3

PSY 201

Quantitative Topics in Psychology or

 

SOC 382

Methods of Social Research I

3

PSY 203

Research Methods in Psychology or

 

SOC 383

Methods of Social Research II

Options

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

Psychology

3

PSY 251

Health Psychology

3

PSY 360

Developmental Psychology

3

PSY 380

Behavior Change Methods

3

PSY 450

Crisis Intervention

3

PSY 498

Senior Research

Social Work

 

 

3

SWRK 261

Introduction to Social Work

3

SWRK 361

Institution of Social Welfare

3

SWRK 362

Social Work Practice I

3

SWRK 363

Social Work Practice II

3

SWRK 461

Field Practicum in Social Work

Sociology

 

 

3

SOC 310

Racial and Ethnic Diversity

3

SOC 324

Criminology

3

SOC 391

Sociology of Violence

3

SOC 411

Social Stratification

3

SOC 421

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