Applied Behavioral Science
In this concentration, students may choose their area of focus from among three disciplines: psychology, sociology or political science.
I. Applied Behavioral Science - Psychology Concentration Requirements
Psychology is the science of behavior. It covers the behavior of humans, normal and abnormal, and across the life span. The field is concerned both with the development of principles of behavior and with their application to individuals, society, and the institutions of government, business, and mental health.
Any two of the applied psychology areas:
| 6 cr |
One of the following theory courses:
| 3 cr |
| PSY 410: Research Methods for behavioral Sciences | 3cr beyond freshman level |
Psychology Electives * | 9cr (additional) |
Remaining credits must be in a single coherent Human Services area:
| 12 cr |
| HSE 499: Capstone | 3 cr |
* Three (3) of the credits in psychology, or the applied area, should focus on the dynamics of intervention with an individual, groups, the community, the family or an organization. Students also have the option of fulfilling some of the concentration requirements with the GRE subject test.
The GRE Subject Test in Psychology, evaluated for 18 credits (15 lower, 3 upper) may be used to fulfill the 9 elective credit requirements in psychology within the Applied Behavioral Science Psychology concentration. The remainder of the GRE credits can be applied to the general electives portion of the degree.
II. Applied Behavioral Science - Sociology Concentration Requirements
Sociology is the study of group life: its characteristics, values, changes, causes and consequences. It employs scientific and humanistic perspectives in the study of urban and rural life, family patterns and relationships, social change, inter-group relationships, social class, environment, technology and communications, health-seeking behavior, and social movements.
| PSY 410: Research Methods for behavioral Sciences | 3 cr |
| SOC 450: Social Theory | 3 cr |
Sociology Electives* (courses in Social Work are NOT acceptable) | 15cr (additional) |
Remaining credits must be in a single coherent Human Services area:
| 12 cr |
| HSE 499: Capstone | 3 cr |
* Three of the credits in sociology, or the applied area, should focus on the dynamics of intervention with an individual, groups, the community, the family or an organization.
Courses in social work are not acceptable for the sociology requirements.
III. Applied Behavioral Science - Political Science Concentration Requirements
Political Science is the study of government and public policy and of the political behavior of individuals, groups, and institutions. It provides an understanding of issues such as international diplomacy, environmental, economic, and health care policy, and election campaigns.
| Political Theory | 3cr beyond freshman level |
| PSY 410: Research Methods for behavioral Sciences | 3cr beyond freshman level |
| POL 220: State & Local Government | 3 cr beyond freshman level |
| Political Science Electives * | 12 cr |
Remaining credits must be in a single coherent Human Services area:
| 12 cr |
| HSE 499: Capstone | 3 cr |
* Three (3) of the credits in political science, or the applied area, should focus on the dynamics of intervention with an individual, groups, the community, the family or an organization.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Science (Human Services) will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the different fields of psychology, sociology or political science and have an understanding of the sub-specialties of the respective discipline;
- understand and use quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in psychology, sociology or political science;
- write about topics in psychology, sociology or political science with clarity and organization; and
- demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge of intervention strategies (e.g., in counseling, social work, rehabilitation services or criminal justice settings) in the chosen discipline with individuals, groups, the community, the family or an organization.