traditional undergraduate on campus

Behavioral Science

The Bachelor of Science in behavioral science equips students to research and understand how human actions affect relationships, families, commerce and society. This versatile program prepares graduates to succeed in fields like behavioral science research, personnel management, human development, counseling, human social services or secondary level teaching.

Program Benefits

  • Graduate with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in a variety of behavioral science fields. 
  • Take advantage of interdisciplinary coursework.
  • Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience, and who make an effort to get to know you personally.

What to Expect

As a student in Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in behavioral science program, you’ll benefit from strong liberal arts classes combined with incredible instruction in your field. This interdisciplinary program brings together courses and faculty from both psychology and sociology to give you a broad background in behavioral science. 

Core coursework includes information on anthropology, statistics, social groups, research methods and social analysis. You’ll also study contemporary social problems in American society, learning how humans can work together toward powerful and lasting solutions.

Why Choose Trevecca?

Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.

Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

As a Christian university, we aim to produce servant leaders who will impact their fields with a strong educational foundation and deep integrity. We’ll help behavioral science majors develop a holistic perspective and compassionate spirit that will prepare them for meaningful service in behavioral sciences or other related fields.

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.

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Financial Aid & Costs

Financial Aid & Costs

Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.

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Career Opportunities

With a Bachelor of Science in behavioral science, you’ll have a versatile degree that prepares you for roles like these.

  • Behavioral science research
  • Personnel management
  • Human development
  • Counseling
  • Human social services
  • Teaching at the secondary level

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Course Descriptions

Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.


General Psychology
PSY 2010

General introduction to major areas of psychology with emphasis on the psychological bases for understanding human behavior. A recommended prerequisite to other psychology courses except PSY 2175.

General Sociology
SOC 2010

The nature and functions of sociology, the development of social ideas and institutions and the processes of social interactions and social structure. A recommended prerequisite to courses in Sociology numbered above 2000.

Social Problems
SOC 3200

A sociological description and analysis of some of the contemporary social problems in American Society with an emphasis on programs designed to help remedy these problems.

Abnormal Psychology
PSY 4150

Survey of the causes, forms and methods of treating behavior abnormalities.

Senior Seminar: Historical and Current Perspectives
PSY 4600

A senior capstone course with a focus on key contributors to the field of psychology. Readings, discussions, reports in interest areas, and senior projects for Psychology majors. Senior classification required. May be taken by Behavioral Science majors concentrating in Psychology.

STATISTICS (CHOOSE ONE)
Behavioral Science Statistics
PSY 2060

An introductory course in statistics. Topics include basic measurement concepts, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variability, the normal curve, standard scores, correlation, regression, random sampling and probability, binomial distribution, hypothesis testing, t test, ANOVA, and nonparametric tests. Introduction to SPSS is also included.

Social Science Statistics
PSY 2300

Introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics with social science research applications. Sampling issues; describing data with measures of central tendencies and dispersion; hypothesis testing using categorical and continuous indicators; multivariate techniques for continuous, categorical, and time dependent data, including T-test, ANOVA and nonparametric tests. SPSS will also be introduced.

 
RESEARCH METHODS (CHOOSE ONE)
Behavioral Science Research Methods
PSY 3000

An introduction to designing and conducting behavioral research. Includes theory related to the scientific method, generating hypotheses, reviewing literature, ethics, operational definitions, and experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental designs. The student will conduct an original research study including literature review, data collection, analysis of data via SPSS, interpretation of results, and writing results in APA format.

Social Science Research Methods and Design
CJS 3000

An introduction to the basic skills necessary in conducting empirical research in the social sciences. Topics covered will include the logic of science in sociology and the social sciences, literature reviews, design and measurement, use of primary and secondary data, ethical issues in research, and writing research reports. Emphasis is placed on field research and the methods for conducting and analyzing research in various social settings.

Electives from Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, or Criminal Justice Studies (with advisor approval) — 12 hours
Minor (student’s choice) — 18-21 hours
General Electives — 18-21 hours

*PSY 2060, SOC 2300, PSY 3000, and CJS 3000: Students should choose PSY 2060 and PSY 3000 or SOC 2300 and CJS 3000.
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.