What Does It Look Like To Study Behavioral Sciences at Concordia?
Pursuing a Behavioral Sciences major is for those who are committed to a career of helping others. Students who want to make a positive difference in the lives of others major in the behavioral sciences to more holistically understand human behavior through a combination of courses in both psychology and sociology. The person-in-environment (PIE) perspective is emphasized as a practice-guiding principle that highlights the importance of understanding an individual in light of the environmental contexts in which that person lives and acts.
Program Overview
- The Concordia program provides internship opportunities with Austin-area human service agencies, nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups.
- This major provides a perfect platform for those looking to pursue a graduate degree in sociology, psychology, social work or human services.
- Through research and service opportunities, students may find themselves traveling around town or the world.
- Classes such as Social Psychology, Race and Ethnic Relations, Personality Theories, Marriage and Family, and Sociology of Children and Childhood prepare students for a variety of careers.
Curriculum Overview for a Behavioral Science Degree
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 as well as how different social contexts shape those actions. Through this major, students develop functional, transferable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and successful communication.
As a Behavioral Sciences major, you'll work within a Christian environment as you explore and discover how the fields of psychology and sociology contribute to understanding the human experience of God's creation.
Class sizes are small enough to:
- Enable small group work
- Foster great opportunities to get to know fellow students
- Give you direct access to professors who have a mixture of research and practical experience in their fields
Through service-learning projects, field assignments and travel courses, you'll also have the chance to go outside of the classroom and have experiences you can connect to what you are learning about in your classes.
Here are some highlighted courses:
Sociology of Children and Childhood: Examination and analysis of the concepts, theories and empirical research in the sociological study of children and childhood with a focus on the social construction of the perception of children and of childhood as a distinct life stage; the process of socialization and the social problems facing children.
Personality Theories: Applicability of major personality theories to understanding human behavior.
Social Psychology: A systematic and scientific approach to the psychological problems of social and human interactions. Topics include attitude, altruism, attraction, attribution, aggression, social self, social influence, social cognition, social perception, leadership, group dynamics, prejudice, discrimination and applied social psychology.
Program Benefits
The strength of the Behavioral Sciences major lies in empowering students to understand human behavior in many different situations. Behavioral Sciences is a great pathway for those interested in social work or counseling as careers. 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, nonprofit organizations or advocacy groups.
Success Stories
"My major in Behavioral Sciences challenged me to truly embrace the principles of
compassion and social justice by helping me better understand the complexities of
human behavior and fostering my personal growth.”
- Natalie (Lozano) Powell, Class of 2010, Presidential Management Fellow for the Department
of Health and Human Services
Career Outcomes
- Case Manager
- Corporate Coach
- Counselor
- Criminal Profiler
- Market Researcher
- Mediator
- Nonprofit Manager
- Ministry Role
- Social Worker
- Sociologist
FAQ
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Why study Behavioral Sciences?
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.
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What can I do with this major?
The Behavioral Sciences degree provides preparation for entry into a broad spectrum of career choices in both the business world and the helping professions. Possible careers for those who pursue a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences include work as an case manager, criminal profiler, corporate coach, economic analyst, market researcher, mediator or non-profit 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.