The Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers undergraduate majors in anthropology, legal studies, psychology, social science, and sociology.

Throughout history, human groups have employed a variety of methods to deal with the complexities of social life, social order, and social change. Study within the department provides students with the abilities to examine, interpret, and evaluate the diversity of human experience and stresses an understanding of the issues facing members of the "global village." Courses are designed to contribute to a general liberal arts education as well as to prepare students for meeting their goals in careers and/or graduate training programs.

The faculty assist students in:
developing analytical skills;
Integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience; and
building competencies for specific career objectives or specific areas of interest.

Early in a departmental advisee's residence, a departmental faculty advisor is assigned to help assess and plan the student's program of study, focusing on the student's specific academic and career goals. This has been necessitated by the remarkable diversity of activities for which students are preparing themselves. Some students are seeking careers in teaching, social service, museums, historical societies, nonprofit organizational settings, or corporations, while others are preparing for admission to graduate and professional training programs.

The mission of the department is to offer students an understanding of the richness, complexity and diversity of human behavior. Courses are designed to give students the ability to examine, interpret, and evaluate the diversity of the human experience, with an emphasis on understanding social and personal issues confronting peoples of the world.

You may focus on a traditional program covering several disciplines, or prepare for a specific career goal such as counseling, clinical research, or social work. In addition to traditional coursework, independent study, practicums, research, and supervised reading courses are also included in the curriculum. Students can choose from the following majors: anthropology, psychology, sociology, and social science.

ANTHROPOLOGY
Anthropology focuses on the study of cultures. Courses focus on the cross-cultural analysis of human groups and the diversity of peoples.

LEGAL STUDIES
The Legal Studies program prepares students to perform effectively in law-related fields by providing them a core body of legal knowledge and skills. Students learn how to apply their legal knowledge and skills in a theoretical, practical, and ethical manner and to cope with future legal issues by utilizing their ability to perform legal analysis and to think critically.

PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is the study of human behavior as it relates to individuals. Webster's program in psychology stresses the blending of theory and application.

SOCIOLOGY
Sociology focuses on human behavior in larger group settings. Issues such as conformity, leadership, prejudice, decision-making, and attitude influence are examined.

SOCIAL SCIENCE
The degree in social science encompasses all the above areas. Students are required to take several classes from each discipline in order to gain a general understanding of the behavioral sciences. This major is popular for those students wanting a broad social science understanding.

Minors also can be declared in anthropology, psychology, and sociology.

Certificates are also offered in Paralegal Studies.

In addition to the required courses in your major, the departmental faculty strongly encourage students to explore courses in our interdisciplinary programs (Human Rights, Women's Studies, International Studies, Multicultural Studies), language studies (writing, a second language, and communications), and applied technology (computer skills, media and film).