Behavioral Science
In the Counseling (COU), Psychology (PY) and Sociology (SY) programs, we prepare our students for dynamic careers that focus on helping diverse individuals and families at each stage of the life to meet the challenges of a changing world. The breadth of COU, PY, and SY programs require an interdisciplinary approach as it encompasses a complex array of information on how children develop into competent individuals, how adults develop and maintain satisfying relationships, and a host of other issues that are central to living a quality life. The COU, PY, and SY programs provide the integration of research based theories, skills, and methods for counseling into the Christian worldview. The student learning is further enhanced by the application of counseling theories and Christian beliefs to real world issues. This model of integration and application helps students understand the interconnections between academic, career, mental, family, social, and spiritual life.
This approach allows students to appreciate the importance of the linkages between home and school relationships as we search for answers to how parents affect children’s academic readiness, school success, friendships, and preparation for the workforce, or the interconnectedness of home and work as busy couples struggle to maintain an appropriate balance in their husband-wife interactions, parent-child relationships, and workplace demands.
The Counseling (COU), Psychology (PY) and Sociology (SY) programs offer a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Sciences, an interdisciplinary minor within the department, and a cross disciplinary minor for non-Social and Behavioral Sciences students. The COU, PY and SY programs provide students with the foundation and opportunity for a wide variety of careers working with children, parents, single adults, couples, and families. COU, PY and SY graduates can pursue careers teaching and administering programs for children, adolescents and adults; parent education; family life education; mental health; children’s ministries; and family ministries. COU, PY and SY graduates can also pursue graduate studies in counseling, psychology, sociology, law, education, special education, family life, ministry, and marriage and family therapy.
COU, PY, and SY graduates can pursue the following occupations: Child Welfare Case Manager; Preschool/HeadStart Teacher/Administrator; Child Care Manager; Child care information and referral specialist; Early childhood intervention specialist; Family day care consultant; Child life hospital specialist; Cooperative Extension/4-H agent; After-school day care program teacher/director; Parks and recreation activities director; Scouting/YMCA/YWCA director or staff worker; Substance abuse/rehabilitation counselor; Juvenile program director /counselor; Leisure services director; Employee assistance specialist; Crisis center director/counselor; Senior citizen center director/counselor; Legislative public policy specialist; Health maintenance organization specialist; Consumer credit counselor; pharmaceutical representative; mental health intake specialist; psychological technician; academic advisor; college recruiter; and many others.
The COU, PY, and SY programs also serves as an excellent undergraduate foundation for students pursuing advanced study in law, counseling, family therapy, psychology, and social work. In addition the COU, PY, and SY programs minors provide students a solid foundation for careers in fields such as education, business, and ministry.
Degree Plan
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
B.A. in Counseling
B.S. in Counseling
B.A/B.S in Social Science with an Emphasis in Sociology
Minors in Counseling, Psychology and Sociology
Course Descriptions
Psychology
Counseling
Sociology
Anthropology