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Department of Behavioral Sciences

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

Academic Programs

Our rigorous programs bring real-world experience to the classroom, building the knowledge you need to succeed.

Undergraduate


Graduate

I love the way the professors are able to teach lessons in a relatable way. They make the topics easy to understand with examples and by using real-life situations.

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 Science, ‘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.

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Interdisciplinary Center for Professional Development

A hub for professional and interdisciplinary mental health training in Northwest Indiana.

Hubert Izienicki

Meet Behavioral Studies

Our Faculty

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

News and Announcements

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Purdue University Northwest students earn spring 2026 Dean’s List honors

The Purdue University Northwest spring 2026 Dean’s List recognizes 1,834 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.

A green outlined star with text: The Times Best of the Region '26

PNW named Best University in the Region

Purdue University Northwest was named “Best University” for a third consecutive year in The Times of Northwest Indiana newspaper’s 2026 “Best of the Region” ballot!

Nicky Ali Jackson

PNW’s Nicky Ali Jackson to moderate “Crime Unfiltered” tour

Nicky Ali Jackson, professor of Criminal Justice and executive director of the Center for Justice and Exoneration Network at Purdue Northwest, will serve as a host and moderator during summer 2026 for the “Crime Unfiltered” live tour.

Upcoming Events

Jun 26

First Six-Week Module Ends

The First Six-Week Module Ends on June 26, 2026.

Jul 03

Independence Holiday – No Classes & Campuses are Closed

Have a happy and safe Independence Holiday, no classes and campuses are closed!

Jul 06

Deadline to Submit Summer 2026 Residency Application

The deadline to submit your Summer 2026 Residency Application is July 6, 2026, by 4:30 p.m. CST

Jul 10

Second Four-Week Module Ends

The Second Four-Week Module Ends on July 10, 2026.

Accreditation

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Our Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

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