Behavioral Science

Bluefield College provides students the opportunity to major in an interdisciplinary degree in Behavioral Science. Students will complete coursework in Psychology and Sociology, providing them with a foundation in both fields. The Behavioral Science major prepares students to enter and advance in careers within the human services field. Coursework will stress skills needed by professionals working in a variety of human services occupations.

Behavioral Science Degree Requirements 46 Semester Hours

Core Courses - 34 Semester Hours

PSY 1013 Introduction to Psychology

PSY 3033 Psychology of Personality

PSY 3043 Abnormal Psychology

PSY 4053 Counseling and Psychotherapy

PSY 4063 Group Dynamics

SOC 1013 Introduction to Sociology

SOC 1023 Social Problems

SOC 3013 Sociology of the Family / PSY 2053 Marriage and Family

SOC 3153 Sociology of Work and Occupation

SOC 3014 / PSY 3014 Research Methods

PSY 4603 Senior Seminar

Electives – 12 Semester Hours

SOC 2203 Criminology

SOC 3113 Sociology of Aging / PSY 2063 Adulthood and Aging

SOC 3023 Theories in Social Deviance

SOC/PSY 3083 Social Psychology

SOC 3123 Death and Dying

SOC 4013 Sociological Theory

SOC 4701/PSY 4071 Behavioral Science Internship

PSY 2043 Child and Adolescent Development

PSY 3053 Biological Psychology

PSY 4013 Test and Measurements

PSY 4033 Learning

PSY 4043 History and Systems

CRJ 2013 Introduction to Criminal Justice

CRJ 3113 Corrections

DIVISION CORE CLASSES

PSY 1013 Introduction to Psychology

An introduction to psychology as a scientific and applied discipline including the findings, concepts, theories, methods, and applications of psychology. This course is a prerequisite to all following psychology courses.

PSY 2043 Child and Adolescent Development

A study of growth and development from birth through adolescence. Prerequisites: PSY 1013

PSY 3014 Social Research Methods (same as CRJ/SOC 3014)

An introduction to concepts and methods associated with the practice of modern social inquiry. Concepts addressed include but are not limited to sampling, construct operationalization, research, design, data collection, methods of analysis, and the dissemination of results. Also discussed are such enduring issues as reliability, validity, and research ethics. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and Co-requisites or Prerequisite: MAT 2023

PSY 3033 Theories of Personality

An introduction to the organization and functioning of personality. Prerequisites: PSY 1013

PSY 3053 Biological Psychology

The study of how biological processes, especially activity in the brain and nervous system, relate to behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 1013

PSY 3083 Social Psychology (Same as SOC 3083)

A study of behavior in social contexts, including interpersonal attraction, group dynamics, leadership, and conformity. Prerequisites: PSY 1013

PSY 4033 Learning and Cognition

This course will provide a broad yet detailed study of the learning process, learning theory in its historical perspective, and will develop skills in the application of learning theory to current issues. This study is augmented by integrating learning theory with multiple constructs found in cognitive psychology including judgment, memory, perception, attention, categorization and problem solving. PSY 1013 and a junior standing is a prerequisite for this course.

PSY 4043 History and Systems

A study of the historical development and contemporary status of psychology. Prerequisites: PSY 1013 and JR standing.

PSY 4603 Senior Seminar

A capstone course for Psychology majors to be taken during the senior year. Students will complete an applied research project in psychology.