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Department of Behavioral Sciences

Find out about our undergraduate majors and minors, Couple and Family Therapy graduate program and more.

Jalyn Smith

The professors in my major not only cared about the students’ academic success, but also about us as individuals. When classes became difficult, they would remind us of all the people we are going to help and the lives we are going to change.

Jalyn A. Smith, Social Work, ’22

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It’s nice to be in a more intimate, smaller setting. It makes me feel like I’m actually a student, not a number.

Mya Bell, Human Development and Family Studies, ‘24

Michelle Watkins

The faculty in the department took the time to build a rapport with students and displayed a genuine concern about the quality of education we received. I am proud to have chosen HDFS as a major.

Michelle Watkins, Human Development and Family Services

Elise Garcia headshot

I chose sociology because I believe that, to effect change anywhere, it is crucial to understand the societal/human aspect of issues. The root cause of many social problems begins with the people in our communities and how their behavior can impact the society at large.

– Elise Garcia, ’23, Sociology Minor

Resources

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Take the Next Step

Apply Today

Start your journey to success at PNW– see how to apply!

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Invest in Your Future

Student Resources

Take advantage of resources including scholarships and student organizations.

Hubert Izienicki

Meet Behavioral Studies

Our Faculty

Our faculty are accomplished in teaching, research, publication and practice.

Accreditation

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Our Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Our Couple and Family Therapy graduate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

News and Announcements

Hubert Izienicki

Purdue Northwest Sociology faculty member’s research examines representation in LGBTQ children’s books

A PNW Sociology faculty member’s recently published research on representation in LGBTQ-themed children’s books offers a helpful critique on the diversity of characters and familial relationships depicted.

Cleveland “Christopher” Bynum and his son before his 2000 arrest for five killings in Gary that another man later confessed to. Photo from Chicago Sun-Times

A Coerced Confession?

Nicky Ali Jackson, executive director of Purdue University Northwest’s Center for Justice and Post-Exoneration Assistance in Hammond, was quoted recently in the Chicago Sun-Times article about Cleveland “Christopher” Bynum, a Gary man serving a 300-year sentence for 5 killings another man later confessed to.

The Bell Tower on PNW's Hammond Campus

Purdue Northwest Students Earn Spring 2023 Semester Dean’s List Honors

The Purdue University Northwest spring 2023 semester Dean’s List recognizes 1,647 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.

Upcoming Events

Oct 04

Fall Career Expo 2023

Students and alumni of PNW that are seeking internships and full-time employment are invited to the 2023 Fall Career Expo!

Oct 09

Fall Break

There are no classes but campus offices are open.

Oct 23

Spring 2024 Priority Registration Begins

Priority Registration for Spring 2024 opens Monday, Oct. 23. Register as soon as you can to stay on track for graduation.

Nov 22

Thanksgiving Break (Campus Open)

There will be no classes due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Campuses will remain open.