Program Overview

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Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Sciences

The Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Sciences at Purdue University Northwest is a multidisciplinary program that includes studies in sociology, psychology, and anthropology. Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) to tailor their skills toward their career goals.

Program Overview

This diverse program allows students to gain a diverse skill set suited for career goals in public/social services and academics. The Department of Behavioral Sciences offers a comprehensive curriculum that provides a strong foundation for employment as well as graduate work.

Why Study Behavioral Sciences at PNW?

• This degree provides students with an understanding of multiple perspectives on human behavior, culture, and society.
• A degree in behavioral sciences provides a strong foundation for employment as well as graduate work.

Behavioral Sciences Major Curriculum

The program requires students to take a balance of general education courses, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences core courses, and behavioral sciences courses. The curriculum is structured over four years, with each year building on the previous one.

Year One

Begin the program with a first-year experience course as well as introductory psychology and sociology classes in the first year.

• BHS 10300 First-Year Experience in Behavioral Science
• PSY 12000 Elementary Psychology
• SOC 10000 Introductory Sociology

Year Two

Complete introductory anthropology and human development courses as well as sociology and psychology electives.

• ANTH 10000 Introduction to Anthropology
• HDFS Introduction to Human Development

Year Three

In the third year, students take courses in statistics for sociology, research methods, and a sociology elective.

• SOC 38200 Introduction to Statistics in Sociology
• SOC 38300 Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology

Year Four

As students wrap up their degree, they complete any remaining electives in anthropology, psychology, sociology, or the department of Human Development and Family Studies.

• ANTH or HDFS Elective 30000-level or above
• ANTH, HDFS, PSY, or SOC Elective 30000-level or above

Program Requirements

• 120 Credit Hours
• Minimum GPA of 2.0 required for graduation

Behavioral Sciences Degree Program Highlights

The curriculum provides a wide range of choices of courses while ensuring that coursework covers essential behavioral and social science skills.

Behavioral Sciences Degree Program Outcomes

As a Behavioral Science graduate, students acquire written and verbal communication, critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.

Behavioral Sciences Degree Career Paths

A behavioral sciences degree from PNW prepares students for a number of careers in the field, including:

• Crime Analyst
• Grant Writer
• Registered Behavior Technician

Behavioral Sciences Degree Beyond the Classroom

Behavioral sciences students are encouraged to participate in:

• Internship opportunities
• Research with faculty
• Student employment opportunities

Behavioral Sciences Degree Employers

Graduates of this program are employed in organizations and companies like:

• Governmental and private social service agencies
• Education and teaching
• Criminal justice or related organizations

Behavioral Sciences Degree Scholarships

In addition to the scholarships available to all PNW applicants, students seeking a behavioral sciences degree may also apply for program-specific scholarship awards, such as:

• Michael and Geraldine Macenski Behavioral Scholarship
• Anita Bowser Scholarship

Meet the Faculty

• Christabel L. Rogalin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology
• David P. Nalbone, Ph.D., Department Chair, Behavioral Sciences

Related Programs

• Sociology (BA)
• Social Work (BA)
• Criminal Justice (BA/BS)