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.
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.
It’s nice to be in a more intimate, smaller setting. It makes me feel like I’m actually a student, not a number.
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.
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.
Resources
Student Resources
Take advantage of resources, including scholarships and student organizations.
Our Faculty
Our faculty are accomplished in teaching, research, publication, and practice.
News and Announcements
Two PNW students named 2025 Purdue Military Family Research Institute Focus Forward Fellows
Two Purdue University Northwest (PNW) students who are veterans have earned the distinguished honor of serving as 2025 Focus Forward Fellows with Purdue West Lafayette’s Military Family Research Institute.
Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) 2025 graduates have poured countless hours into their persistent journeys to earn their degrees. On May 10, the culmination of over 850 candidates’ hard work was celebrated during PNW’s 2025 Commencement.
Raising the Bar: Meet 2025 PNW graduate Mya Bell
A last-minute decision to join a PNW campus tour culminated in Mya Bell, ‘25, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) and Political Science.
Upcoming Events
Jun 13
First 4-week Module Classes EndClasses end that run the first four weeks of the Summer Session (May 19 to June 13).
Jun 16
Summer 8-week and Second 4-week Classes BeginSummer 8-week (June 16 to August 8) and Second 4-week (June 16 to July 11) Classes Begin
Jun 22
Deadline to Apply to Graduate for Summer 2025Speak with your academic advisor to make sure you are eligible to graduate and submit your application.
Jun 27
First 6-week Classes EndClasses end that run the first six weeks of the Summer Session (May 19 to June 27).
Accreditation
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).