Behavioral Science
Bachelor of Science
About This Program
Purpose
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science degree program in Behavioral Science is to prepare students to enter and advance in careers within the human services. These jobs are found in various settings, including community mental health centers, social agencies, business, and government. Upon completion of the program, some students may also consider graduate study in social work, counseling, criminology, psychology, or sociology.
Program of Study
The program includes courses in psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Course work emphasizes normal and abnormal individual development, as well as family, group, and cultural dimensions of behavior. Ethical and professional issues are also addressed. Skill development in interpersonal relations, problem solving, and evaluation of programs and research is stressed. In addition, General Education courses required of all Wilmington University undergraduates provide a well-rounded academic foundation.
Classroom courses provide a blend of theory and application. Students also have the option to explore internship opportunities throughout the community in a variety of settings which provide experiences in applying knowledge and skills. The program is offered statewide, with day and evening classes offered at New Castle, Dover, and Georgetown.
Program Competencies
Knowledge: Demonstrate the ability to define and explain theory and application within the Behavioral Science disciplines with regard to:
- Change and development at individual, group, and societal levels.
- Individual differences, group variations, and social deviance.
- Micro- and macro-level processes involving individuals, groups and societies.
- Empirical and ethical issues related to the systematic study of individual, group and societal processes.
Skills: Related to the Behavioral Science Disciplines
- Demonstrate effective oral and written presentation skills.
- Demonstrate effective critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize, plan, implement, analyze, and report formal inquiry in the behavioral sciences.
- Demonstrate effective utilization of current technologies.
- Demonstrate the ability, skills and flexible thinking necessary to explore the various applications of behavioral science in the real world, including career options.
Personal and Professional Development
- Demonstrate an awareness of one’s strengths and limitations, interests, aptitudes, values, goals, commitment to self-directedness, self-discipline, and planning for present and lifelong learning, career identification, and development.
- Demonstrate an awareness of self in relation to others, including effective interpersonal communication skills, ability to work in teams, and respect for diversity and multiculturalism in a pluralistic society.
- Demonstrate an awareness and respect for diversity and multiculturalism in a pluralistic society.
Wilmington University Beta Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu International Behavioral Science Honor Society
Pi Gamma Mu Delaware Beta Chapter is an International Honor Society for students majoring in Behavioral Science, Organizational Dynamics, and Psychology. Students must meet eligibility criteria and be willing to attend the induction ceremony as well as participate in service projects. Eligibility membership letters are sent out in September of each academic year.
Program Policies
Elective Guidelines
The College of Social & Behavioral Sciences recommends that students who transfer in six or more core courses and all 18 credits of core electives use any remaining electives to increase their subject knowledge by taking upper level electives in their field. These will include the interdisciplinary electives identified from the other academic colleges.
Minimum Grade Policy
The Behavioral Science program has set a minimum passing grade of “C-” for program core courses. Students receiving a grade lower than “C-” in any required core course must retake that course.
This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2010-2011 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2010 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.
