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Behavioral Sciences

The Behavioral Sciences major draws from the academic areas of psychology and sociology. Students in the major explore the effect of human actions on relationships and decision-making and develop functional, transferable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and successful communication.

Special Features

The strength of the Behavioral Sciences major lies in offering students understanding and abilities required in dealing with human behavior in many different situations. How does this benefit students? Graduates have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a variety of occupational areas, since a vast number of professional positions value this background. Students majoring in the Behavioral Sciences also have the chance to put their lessons into practice before they enter a career through internships with Austin-area human service agencies, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups.

Career Possibilities

The Behavioral Sciences major provides preparation for entry into a broad spectrum of career choices in both the business world and the helping professions. Possible careers could include work as an anthropologist, criminal profiler, corporate coach, economic analyst, market researcher, mediator, or social work case manager. Those preparing for the pastoral ministry will gain valuable skills in understanding behavior and working with people. In addition, this major provides excellent preparation for graduate school or professional school, particularly for study in psychology, sociology, social work, or law.

Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences

Core Curriculum: 56-58 semester hours of courses in English, Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Kinesiology, Social/Behavioral Sciences, Communication, Foreign Language, Religion, Classics/Humanities, and Leadership. All students, regardless of major, must demonstrate Computer Competency either by taking the Computer Competency Exam or taking and passing CIS 1301 Intro to Personal Computers, preferably in their freshman year.

Major: 51 semester hours

SOC 1301 Introduction to Sociology

PSY 1311Introduction to Psychology

ANT 1301Introduction to Anthropology

PSY/SOC 2341 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences

SOC/HIS 2306 Race and Ethnic Relations

PSY 2301Life Span Development

MTH 1323 Quantitative Literacy -OR- higher math course

PSY/COM 3304 Group Dynamics

PSY/SOC 3330 Social Psychology

PSY 3332 Personality Theories

PSY/SOC 3391 Research in Behavioral Science

SOC 3302 Marriage and Family

SOC 3321 Sociological Theory

PLUS: Two upper-level courses from EACH discipline:

Sociology

SOC 3331 Sociology of Children and Childhood

SOC 3303 Social Gerontology

SOC/HIS 3304 History & Culture: Mexican American

SOC 3311 Criminology and Crime

SOC/PSY 4310 Behavioral Science Internship

Psychology

PSY 3302 Cognitive Psychology

PSY 3331 Introduction to Counseling

PSY 3341 Abnormal Psychology

PSY/BIO 3350 Biopsychology

PSY/BIO 3406 Animal Behavior

PSY 4310 Behavioral Sciences Internship

PLUS: Electives: A sufficient number of lower and upper-level elective hours in your area of interest to total 128 hours.

 

For more information about the Behavioral Sciences Major, or any course, please contact:

Ann Schwartz, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Behavioral Sciences Major
C-180
512.313.5417

This page was last updated on Oct. 20, 2011.
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