Department Contact:
Division of Professional Studies Dean: Dr. Tricia McFadden
Division of Professional Studies Director: Mrs. Sherri Link, Academic & Student Affairs
Partnering Academic Departments:
Chair, Psychology: Dr. Stephen Baker, sbaker@francis.edu
Chair, Social Work: Dr. Mark Lynch, mlynch@francis.edu
Chair, Communications and Criminal Justice: Dr. Kelly Rhodes, krhodes@francis.edu
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science is an online degree completion program designed to provide an accelerated pathway for adult students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree in behavioral sciences or human and social services. Students will have the opportunity to maximize their prior college-level coursework or associate’s degrees in psychology, human or social services, or related field. Additional college coursework or military credits may also be evaluated for potential transfer into this degree. This interdisciplinary degree combines a psychology, sociology, and social work core with a liberal studies curriculum reflecting the goals of Franciscan Higher Education. Completion of this program will aid in preparing students to pursue graduate school in a related field or to enter the workforce in human/social services, administration, or related field.
Student Learning Outcomes:
The Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science through the Division of Professional Studies provides a strong Behavioral Science core. The core includes courses in psychology, sociology, and social work. The core develops the necessary knowledge and competencies for students to enter into the workforce or to apply to graduate school.
Division of Professional Studies Behavioral Science Program Goals
1.To ground students in the theories, concepts, knowledge, and skills in the applied behavioral sciences which are essential in the understanding and analysis of the interconnectedness of human behavior and the environment.
2.To assist students to understand and respect complexities of human interaction among diverse populations and the impact of the cultural environment of family, workplace, and community.
3.To prepare students for employment or graduate studies.
4.To foster professional and personal growth through understanding and addressing ethical and moral issues.
5.To challenge students to become self-aware through reflective thinking and constructive analysis in an effort to problem solve and improve the quality of life of various populations.
6.To encourage students to creatively contribute to their communities through policies,programs and services.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Articulate the importance of the positive value of human diversity and knowledge of special populations who are at risk of, and/or victims of prejudice and discrimination;
- Illustrate through written and oral presentation a theoretical and applied understanding of the major functions involved in interactions between individuals, families, groups, and their environment;
- Demonstrate the ability to use current technology and statistical methods in the process of researching, problem-solving, and applying solutions to issues in the behavioral sciences;
- Possess a functional understanding of professional ethics;
- Adopt a global perspective in the evaluation of human needs and the different ways in which these needs are addressed;
- Analyze and assess the impact of policy, programs, and services on various populations.
Admission Requirements:
See Division of Professional Studies for admission criteria and information.
Certification and/or Licensure:
This program is not designed to lead to certification or licensure.
Estimated Completion Time:
Typically 3-5 years of part-time study
Total Credits Required:
128 credits