Social and Behavioral Sciences Requirements

Overview

Program Description

The School of Natural, Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences is committed to promoting an understanding of how individuals, groups, societies, and cultures contribute to the human experience. The School runs undergraduate programs in Psychology, Social Work and Sociology.

BA in Psychology

The School's major in Psychology trains students in the science and application of psychology. Students learn about the connection between the mind and behavior through the effects of environmental and biological processes. Students are given the opportunity to learn various theoretical perspectives, develop critical thinking, and apply their understanding of psychology through empirical research and field work experiences. This major focuses on various subfields of psychology, including but not limited to counseling and clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology and biopsychology. The psychology major prepares students for either immediate employment or graduate studies. Students with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology have been widely accepted for employment in such career areas as human resources, research, marketing, education, journalism, government, health care, and community services. As preparation for graduate studies, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a recognized prerequisite for advanced study in psychology or counseling, as well as law, medicine, education, business and social work.

Bachelor of Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students for generalist social work practice and/or entry to graduate school at the advanced standing level, The BSW program is guided by the purpose of the social work; that is, to promote and enhance human and community well-being, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. The BSW program curriculum is grounded by the core values of service, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, social justice, human rights, scientific inquiry, integrity, and competence, and is framed by the strengths perspective. The BSW program is committed to fostering relationships with the regional social service community and to the ongoing process of creating and sustaining learning environments in which respect for all persons and understanding of diversity and difference are practiced, and providing educational experiences that encourage a commitment to self-care, community service, and lifelong learning and development.

The Bachelor of Social Work program teaches the necessary knowledge and skills needed to work with clients in a wide range of fields of practice. This program provides students with a structured 420-hour internship working with an agency-based Field Instructor in a social service agency during the senior year, allowing them to practice their skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The Bachelor of Social Work program is fully accredited through the Council of Social Work Education. Graduates from accredited BSW programs are immediately eligible to apply to the NJ State Board of Social Work Examiners for the credential of Certified Social Worker (CSW). Graduates who have earned an accredited BSW are eligible for “Advanced Standing” status in most Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, which allows students to transfer up to 18 BSW credits towards the MSW degree,

BA in Sociology

The mission of the School's Sociology major is to prepare students for the challenges faced in a 21st century global society. The major allows students to engage with sociological concepts and develop strong conceptual, research, and interpersonal skills. As part of the Sociology major students have the option of developing a concentration in Criminal Justice or Human Services. The Sociology major also prepares students for a variety of entry-level positions in social services, public relations, research, government, urban affairs, the non-profit sector, and gerontology, or to pursue advanced study or a professional degree.

Minors

Psychology Minor

Students interested in earning a minor in psychology must complete the following requirements:

Sociology Minor

Students interested in completing a minor in Sociology must complete a minimum of 16 credits in Sociology above and beyond any course that may be used to fulfill the University’s core or other program requirements. To minor in Sociology, all students must take: