COURSE CURRICULUM

The Behavioral and Social Sciences Concentration within the Liberal Arts Studies degree equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze social and behavioral phenomena and develop solutions to societal challenges, preparing them for careers in human services, community development, policy analysis, and related fields. Students complete 15 credit hours, beginning with at least one lower-division course from disciplines such as economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, sociology, or social work, providing a foundational understanding of human behavior, social structures, and governance. They also take one Systematic Inquiry course, such as Social Statistics or Psychological Research I, to develop critical research, data analysis, and methodological skills. Upper-division coursework includes one Social Science course and one Behavioral Science course, with an additional upper-level course from either category to achieve a total of nine advanced credit hours. Social Science options include courses in sociological theory, social stratification, victimology, human institutions, social policy, law and society, and social issues in sport, while Behavioral Science courses cover topics such as cognitive psychology, health psychology, gender psychology, behavioral neuroscience, sports psychology, and substance use and disorders. This concentration emphasizes analytical thinking, research literacy, and applied problem-solving, enabling graduates to address complex social issues, work effectively with diverse populations, and pursue further education or professional opportunities in social and behavioral science fields.