Vision Statement
The Behavioral Sciences cover the range of human experience, action, and processes from the individual to the global level. Behavioral Sciences are Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology.
Mission Statement
The Behavioral Sciences explore the interrelationships of the individual, the group and community, social institutions, human biology and psychology. Our program’s mission is to provide the advanced skills, knowledge, and experiences needed by entry-level professionals in social work and human services, as well as to prepare our graduates to be able to pursue advanced degrees in the behavioral sciences.
Program Description
The Behavioral Science program is a 120 credit (4 year) degree that is designed for students interested in careers in the Behavioral Health field and for advanced study in fields such as Psychology, Social Work and Counseling. For career planning, it is recommended that students complete the MHRT-C (behavioral health) concentration.
Hands-on experience, job shadowing, participation in service and experiential learning projects, and internships are core elements that set our program apart.
Careers
Our Behavioral Sciences major is designed to provide a foundation for careers in social services, counseling, social work and rehabilitation. If a student is planning to do graduate studies, we recommend reviewing the requirements for particular graduate programs during the late sophomore/early junior year, in order to acquire the prerequisite competencies.
Student Learning Outcomes
Knowledge base: (demonstrates knowledge competence through understanding and mastery of theories, phenomena and concepts, understanding how research-informed, data-driven approaches informs practice.)
- Describe a working knowledge of key concepts, principles, and overarching themes
- Develop a working knowledge and understanding of theory and its influence on professional orientation (e.g., how theory informs practice)
- Develop an understanding of what constitutes evidenced-based research and practice (e.g., what is the role of science?)
Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking: (uses critical thinking, credible sources, and when possible, the scientific approach to evaluate problems and construct knowledge).
- Demonstrate scientific literacy
- Demonstrates critical thinking skills (problem solving, decision making etc…)
- Understand and assess the validity of scientific research designs
- Interpret scientific research
- Conduct scientific research for students with a research agenda
- Demonstrates capacity for personal reflection, awareness, and growth
Application: (effectively applies theory and evidence-based practice to inform application of skills and techniques).
- Accurately and effectively completes documentation
- Actively engages population served
- Uses appropriate attending skills in practice (active listening, questioning, etc…)
- Communicates effectively (verbally and in writing)
- Takes initiative to ask questions and/or use available resources as necessary
- Effectively applies theory to practice using evidence-based approaches
Ethical & Social Responsibility: (culturally competent professional behavior aligned with ethical responsibilities while advocating for the wellbeing of individuals and communities).
- Understands and follows relevant code of ethics based on licensure and defined scope of practice
- Strives to maintain a beginner’s mind, remaining open to learning experiences and opportunities for growth
- Demonstrates cultural and diversity awareness and knowledge about self and others, and how this awareness and knowledge are applied effectively in practice
- Actively promotes and advocates for the wellbeing of others and communities
- Demonstrated commitment to professional behavior, including a sustained focus on their professional identity
Communication: (demonstrate effective oral, written, and technological communication).
- Employs APA writing style, including professional grammar standards and conventions, to make precise and persuasive arguments).
- Crafts clear and concise written communications to address specific audiences (e.g., lay, peer, professional)
- Constructs arguments clearly and concisely using evidence-based concepts and theories
- Communicates quantitative data in statistics through writing and graphics
- Creates coherent and integrated oral argument based on a review of the pertinent scientific literature
- Delivers complex presentations within appropriate constraints (e.g., time limit, appropriate to audience)
- Demonstrates competence in multidisciplinary communication, (e.g., responses to colleagues and supervisors are formulated professionally and respectfully; in other words, professionals do not respond to colleagues and superiors like they would to friends and family members)
- Communicates sensitively with people of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and cultural perspectives
- Uses social media responsibly
Collaboration: (partners effectively with the individuals, family, and interdisciplinary team(s), to build relationships and foster open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making).
- Works effectively with diverse populations
- Demonstrates leadership skills by effectively organizing personnel and other resources to complete a complex project
- Demonstrates ability to view problems objectively (e.g., others point of view, perspective)
- Demonstrates a willingness to understand and work with interdisciplinary teams (e.g., medical providers, case managers, counselors, human resources)
Professional Behavior & Attitude: (demonstrates accountability as a professional, understanding and working effectively with others).
- Maintains a positive and professional attitude
- Receives and applies constructive feedback in a positive manner
- Manages time effectively
- Maintains professional appearance/dress
- Maintains high ethical standards and practices (dual relationships, conflicts of interest, etc…)
- Seeks to understand the roles and responsibilities of members of other professions
- Effectively collaborates with other professionals
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