Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Majors and Degrees Offered

• Cultural Anthropology (BA)
• Psychology (BA)
• Sociology (BA)

Minors Offered

• Cultural Anthropology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Course Listings

• Cultural Anthropology (ANTH)
• Psychology (PSYC)
• Sociology (SOCI)

Departmental Philosophy and Mission

The Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences includes the disciplines of cultural anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Students can choose from the following majors: cultural anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Minors also can be declared in cultural anthropology, psychology, 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.

The faculty present a variety of theoretical models and analytical frameworks to assist students in this process.

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Special Study Opportunities

Students may choose predominantly traditional coursework or a combination of traditional courses and activities, such as supervised practica, independent studies, and supervised reading courses. Other options include independent investigation of specific practical or theoretical issues or study at Webster University's international campuses.

The faculty believe such experiences play an important role in the educational development of the individual and lend credence to the philosophy of the department.

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Departmental Academic Advising

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.

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