People in this world are experiencing challenging circumstances. Fortunately, there are those who feel called to help them. This is exactly why the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ exists. Our goal is to equip those who feel called to excel in the fields of clinical mental health counseling, international community development, and more. We have the programs to help you make a real difference in the lives of real people.
Undergraduate
Why Study Behavioral Science at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½?
Students in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences learn from professors with years of experience in the field, many of whom are still active. These professors teach our students how to treat the whole person: socially, psychologically, spiritually, and culturally. In addition, our programs have a unique multicultural focus and are presented in the context of a globalizing world. Students gain all of this knowledge as a part of a cohort, with peers that encourage and challenge each other.
What Can You Do With a Behavioral Science Degree?
While Northwest offers specialized degrees, these degrees qualify our students for a wide array of careers that engage directly with human need. Some job possibilities and fields include:
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- Psychologist
- Community Counselor
- Career Counselor
- Criminal Justice
- Employee Assistance Professional
- Chaplaincy
- Business
- Corporate Relations/Philanthropy
- Human Resources
- Missionary
- Relief and Development Agencies
- Local Governments
- Healthcare
- Research
- Education
What Real-World Experiences Are Provided by the College?
Built into all College of Social and Behavioral Sciences programs are opportunities for students to participate with local and international organizations dedicated to helping those in need. These can take the form of internships and cultural immersion experiences to help students broaden their understanding and skills. An example of this is NUhope—a counseling service housed on the NU campus. Here, our graduate students have the opportunity to provide real care and interact with real clients. Experiences like these are invaluable for helping students enter their profession with a high degree of expertise and confidence.
Today my work has real meaning. I love what I do. It’s amazing to watch couples come in with little hope and leave with a stronger marriage than they’ve ever had before.
–Justin Monuteaux
What Kind of Courses in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Will I Take?
The list of courses will vary depending on your degree, but below are some examples from undergraduate and graduate psychology degrees. Also included are graduate courses for our community development program.
Undergraduate Psychology:
- PSYC 2313: Cultural Psychology
- PSYC 2543: Marriage and Family
- PSYC 3353: Abnormal Psychology
- PSYC 4303: Theories of Personality
Graduate Counseling:
- PSYC 5453: Psychopathology
- PSYC 6602: Advanced Lifespan Development
- PSYC 5352: Biological Basis of Behavior I: Neuropsychology
- PSYC 5302: Group Counseling and Cultural Dynamics
Graduate Community Development:
- GLST 5503 Culture Studies in a Globalized Context
- GLST 5313 Community Development
- GLST 5932 Project Management for Development
- GLST 6343 Social Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking
- GLST 6423 Social and Environmental Justice