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Bachelor's Degree in Sociology

Concentration: Behavioral Sciences (BA/BS)

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Behavioral Sciences Concentration Overview

Purdue University Northwest’s behavioral sciences concentration is a multidisciplinary program that includes studies in sociology, psychology and anthropology. You can choose between a BA or BS to tailor your skills toward your career goals.

This diverse program allows you to gain a diverse skill set suited for career goals in public/social services and academics.

Department of Behavioral Sciences

  • This concentration provides you with an understanding of multiple perspectives on human behavior, culture, and society.
  • A degree in behavioral sciences provides a strong foundation for employment as well as graduate work.

Behavioral Sciences Concentration Curriculum

You’ll take a balance of general education courses, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences core courses and behavioral sciences courses.

Begin the program with a first-year experience course as well as introductory psychology and sociology classes in your first year.

Behavioral Sciences Course of Study (BA)

Behavioral Sciences Course of Study (BS)

Sample Courses

  • BHS 10300 – First-Year Experience in Behavioral Science
  • PSY 12000 – Elementary Psychology
  • SOC 10000 – Introductory Sociology

Complete introductory anthropology and human development courses as well as sociology and psychology electives.

Behavioral Sciences Course of Study (BA)

Behavioral Sciences Course of Study (BS)

Sample Courses

  • ANTH 10000 – Introduction to Anthropology
  • HDFS – Introduction to Human Development

In your third year, you’ll take courses in statistics for sociology, research methods and a sociology elective.

Behavioral Sciences Course of Study (BA)

Behavioral Sciences Course of Study (BS)

Sample Courses

  • SOC 38200 Introduction to Statistics in Sociology
  • SOC 38300 Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology

As you wrap up your degree, you’ll complete any remaining electives in anthropology, psychology, sociology or the department of Human Development and Family Studies.

Behavioral Sciences Course of Study (BA)

Behavioral Sciences Course of Study (BS)

Sample Courses

  • ANTH or HDFS Elective – 30000-level or above
  • ANTH, HDFS, PSY, or SOC Elective – 30000-level or above

Behavioral Sciences Concentration Highlights

Our curriculum provides a wide range of choices of courses while ensuring that your coursework covers essential behavioral and social science skills.

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Behavioral Sciences Concentration Outcomes

As a Behavioral Science graduate, you’ll acquire written and verbal communication, critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving and research skills.

Behavioral Sciences Concentration Career Paths

A behavioral sciences degree from PNW prepares you for a number of careers in the field, including:

  • Crime Analyst
  • Grant Writer
  • Registered Behavior Technician

Behavioral Sciences Concentration Beyond the Classroom

Behavioral sciences students are encouraged to participate in:

  • Internship opportunities
  • Research with faculty
  • Student employment opportunities

See All Student Organizations

Behavioral Sciences Concentration Employers

Graduates of this program are employed in organizations and companies like:

  • Governmental and private social service agencies
  • Education and teaching
  • Criminal justice or related organizations

Behavioral Sciences Concentration Scholarships

In addition to the scholarships available to all PNW applicants, students seeking a behavioral sciences degree may also apply for program-specific scholarship awards, such as:

  • Michael and Geraldine Macenski Behavioral Scholarship
  • Anita Bowser Scholarship

See All CHESS Scholarships

Abigail Alexander Testimonial Photo

My favorite part of PNW is all the volunteer opportunities and being a part of the psychology club.

Abigail Alexander, ’26, Behavioral Sciences

Meet the Faculty

Christabel Rogalin

Christabel L. Rogalin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Sociology

Christabel Rogalin is an associate professor of sociology in the department of behavioral sciences. She is the discipline coordinator for anthropology and sociology on the Westville campus.

David Nalbone

David P. Nalbone, Ph.D.

Department Chair, Behavioral Sciences

Dave Nalbone is a professor of psychology with expertise in attitudes and political psychology. His interests are in research methods, statistics, social psychology and stereotyping and prejudice.

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Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with a Concentration in Behavioral Science at PNW

Purdue University Northwest’s behavioral sciences concentration is tailored to fit your career goals by offering pathways to either a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts degree.

To see how a Bachelor’s Degree in sociology with a concentration in behavioral sciences from PNW opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership, take the next step today!

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