The Social and Behavioral Science major is an interdisciplinary course of study that engages students at the intersection of social and human behavior. Students majoring in SBS have the opportunity to draw from a broad range of disciplines in their pursuit of knowledge. Focus areas for this degree include: Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, History and Criminal Justice. Students also have the opportunity to choose free electives from various disciplines within Arts & Sciences and the School of Business. Modern social theory and methodology inform the major as students hone their skills for graduate level education and careers in social work, law, research, government or community based institutions or organizations. Competency and achievement are accompanied by Franciscan values and their application to the student’s professional and personal life.
Program length: 48 months (based on full-time enrollment)
SBS Core
Focus Area
Students choose a 4 course Focus Area in consultation with a faculty advisor. Course choices are made based upon the student’s designated focus within the Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Possible Focus Areas seen below:
Sociology Focus
Learning Outcomes for the Sociology Focus Area:
Students successfully completing the Social and Behavioral Science degree with a Sociology focus area will:
- Understand the methodologies of sociological investigation
- Analyze contemporary society using sociological principles and theories
- Evaluate issues related to race, class, ethnicity, gender and justice within various societies
For this option, complete any four courses from the following:
Political Science Focus
Learning Outcomes for the Political Science Focus Area:
Students successfully completing the Social and Behavioral Science Major with a Political Science focus will:
- Understand the theory and practice of political institutions and rule;
- Differentiate among the various forms of government, American and International;
- Analyze international relations and the role of good citizenship both locally; and
- Achieve competency in written and oral expression and critical thinking.
As a result of completing the requirements for the Political Science major, students will be prepared for graduate-level education, including law school, or careers in government, public administration, the United Nations, and international corporations. It is expected that students will embark on their chosen career paths with an understanding and appreciation of the Catholic Franciscan values, and their application within their professional and personal lives.
For this option, complete any four courses from the following:
Interdisciplinary Focus Area
For this Focus Option, Students can choose a 4 Course Focus Area that includes courses from the range of Social and Behavioral Sciences in consultation with their academic advisor.
Other Focus Options
Courses in Focus Areas in PSYC, CRIM, and HIST to be determined in consultation with a faculty advisor.