Division of Behavioral Sciences

The Division of Behavioral Sciences includes the areas of criminal justice, psychology and social work with majors in criminal justice, psychology, social work, and sports psychology. The division also offers minors in psychology, counseling, social work, military science, and criminal justice.

The course work in the Division of Behavioral Sciences is designed to produce graduates who are prepared for post baccalaureate alternatives, including employment as professionals or pursuing graduate studies. The goal of the division is to meet the needs of those students: (1) preparing for graduate work in one of the behavioral sciences; (2) preparing for scientific careers in the behavioral sciences; (3) preparing for pre-professional training programs such as the ministry, nursing, law, physical therapy, etc.; or (4) preparing for employment in one of the behavioral sciences.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Division of Behavioral Sciences is to provide students the educational opportunity to scientifically investigate human behavior at the individual, social, and spiritual levels, while seeking to develop ways of thinking about people and assisting them in coping with their problems.

Vision Statement

The Vision of the Division of Behavioral Sciences is to develop within students an understanding of the human being as a thinking and behaving person with a knowledge of the methodology that permits such a scientific inquiry by:

providing academic and practical experiences in the areas of psychology, sociology, social work and criminal justice
challenging students to seek academic and scholarly excellence
encouraging students to increase self-awareness and individual development, while integrating Christian faith within their chosen field
increasing the students’ understanding of gender, racial and cultural diversity issues, and ethical and professional concerns from a Christ-centered perspective

Further, the department has the unique vision of helping the academic community in their own personal lives as situations merit special attention in counseling and assessment.

Psychology

Psychology is a science-based discipline, which explores behavioral and mental processes of individuals. It seeks to increase the respect and appreciation for self and others. The major reflects a strong tendency toward theory and a counseling-based curriculum. Note: General Psychology (PSY 1013 ) is the general prerequisite course for all courses in psychology, but the student must meet the additional prerequisites, if they are required, as indicated in the course description section of this catalog. General Psychology also meets the requirements for the DISCOVER Core Curriculum and, thus, will be counted towards those hours for degree check purposes. Psychology majors must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25 in the major, with no more than 6 hours of D grades in the major and complete the assessment requirements of the division.

Social Work

Social Work is a practice-oriented degree preparing students for careers in social work and further graduate study. The Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and its curriculum has been established to adhere to those standards.The emphasis is on a generalist education and training curriculum governed by the standards set forth by the Council on Social Work Education. The program seeks to increase the respect and appreciation for self and others, while promoting advocacy and interventions to benefit the person in the family, group, and community. The program requires the following prerequisite courses and an application process to the program. The BSW Student Handbook outlines the policies and procedures and should be followed by the student in making the application to the BSW program. Social Work majors must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the major, with no D grades in the major, and complete the assessments of the division.

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice provides a basic educational background, which is designed to prepare the students for careers in the various areas of criminal justice including law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, private security, chaplaincy, courts, and research. Theoretical and practical emphases are integrated into the major. Introduction to Criminal Justice (CRJ 2313 ) also meets the requirements for the DISCOVER Core Curriculum and, thus, will be counted towards those hours for degree check purposes. Criminal Justice majors must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25 in the major, with no more than 6 hours of D grades in the major and complete the assessment requirements of the division.

Credit for Law Enforcement Certification

Individuals who received certification upon completion of the 470-600 hour or equivalent training programs of the police/sheriff’s academies (Class B or Class A Law Enforcement Certification) will be granted the following in transfer of credit upon acceptance into SBU: