BACHELOR OF ARTS: BEHAVIORAL STUDIES

PLUS offers a degree track with a concentration in behavioral studies.To earn this degree, students must complete their general education and concentration requirements. Additional hours of elective study may be required to complete the minimum 124 hours of credit needed for graduation.

The behavioral studies concentration emphasizes acquiring a firm knowledge of the influences on human behavior discovered in the fields of psychology and sociology. You will study what people say and do by analyzing the behavior of individuals and the social structures in which they live and interact.You will learn to clarify, describe, and predict behavior, as well as analyze changes in behavior due to individual and societal factors.

Students in this concentration are prepared for service-related occupations, human services, criminal justice, or graduate studies, including psychology, sociology, and social work. Some graduate programs may require additional courses. Prerequisite for beginning this concentration track is either Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology.

Program Structure
In addition to general education course requirements, students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of track course work. Classes meet one evening per week for eight weeks during the spring and fall, and summer session. A minimum of 15 credit hours in the area of concentration must be earned through Oklahoma City University. Students who plan to do graduate work should consult an advisor early in the program to ensure they meet requirements for graduate school admission.


Track Requirements
30 total credit hours.

Lifespan Development
Adult development across the lifespan presents normal developmental issues in the context of changing cultural demands,technological impacts, innate psychological
stages and aging.

Introduction to Social Science Research
This course introduces qualitative and quantitative methods of scientific inquiry.

The American Family
This course covers the origin and development of marriage and family institutions,as well as the role of the family in personality development, family and marital disorganization, the changing status of women, and the adjustments of the family to social change.

Social Problems
This course focuses on the nature of major American social problems and the contemporary programs designed to alleviate them.

Psychology of Personality
This is a study of the major problems and theories concerning the nature of human personality and the changing nature of man. Presentations of psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic points of view are included.

Advanced Social Science Research
This course covers advanced qualitative and quantitative methods of scientific inquiry. (prerequisite – Introduction to Social Science Research)

Abnormal Psychology
This course introduces students to the study of the etiology, dynamics, diagnosis, counseling, treatment and theories of behavior. (Prerequisite: Personality)

Minorities, Ethnicity, and Cultural Diversity
This course focuses on the interrelationship between ethnic, racial, religious and other minority groups and the larger society. It includes analysis of the causes and consequences of prejudice, discrimination, and assimilation.

Psychology of Learning
Modern theories of Pavlovian and operant conditioning are considered with an emphasis on the practical application of
techniques for positive changes in behavior.

Report Writing
This course focuses on effective communication through proper writing, editing,and avoidance of legal pitfalls in professional settings. (prerequisite – English Composition I and English Composition II or Technical Writing)