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Arts and Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
Behavioral Sciences Department
What will you learn?
The Department of Behavioral Sciences enables you to explore the social, spiritual and individual aspects of human behavior. At AU, you’ll gain a comprehensive view of human behavior from a scientific and Christian perspective. We offer a diverse array of courses and programs aimed at understanding human behavior, societal dynamics, and psychological processes.
Majors and Concentrations
BA in Human Development
and Family Studies
You will explore how people grow and how relationships form them throughout their lives. If you want to…
BA in Human Development
and Family Studies
Pre-Certification
This track gives you a provisional certification as a Family Life Educator, which is an attractive addition to any…
BS in Neuroscience
This program combines biology and psychology to give you a wholistic understanding of the brain and…
BS in Psychology: Clinical
This program is centered around critical reasoning, qualitative reasoning, and research analysis…
BS in Psychology: Research
You’ll learn about the history and systems of psychology, cognitive neuroscience, advanced research methods…
Minors
Taking minors alongside your major enhances your education by providing specialized knowledge in related or different fields, enriching your qualifications for future career paths or further academic pursuits. Please talk with your academic advisor about what could work for you within your chosen major.
Psychology
This minor typically covers scientific writing, research methods, theories of personality, and psychopathology.
Sociology
This minor includes courses in marriage and family, race and ethnic relations, and the sociology of religion.
Biomedical Sciences
This minor will strengthen your understanding of the human bodies and sciences related to the medical field.
Chemistry
This minor covers fundamental courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry, along with labs.
Opportunities to Connect
Discover all the opportunities to be involved with the Department of Behavioral Sciences when you join our vibrant community.
Behavioral Science Club
The Behavioral Sciences Club seeks to extend the knowledge of the fields within the Department of Behavioral Sciences and the careers associated with those fields of study. We are a tight knit community that promotes the college’s commitment to comprehensive student development through service projects.
Faculty
Patty Slaughter
Department Chair of Behavioral Sciences & Professor of Psychology
Phone | Email | Read More >
Facilities
Behavioral Sciences Research Lab
The department’s research lab is the epicenter of your exploration into the behavioral sciences that interest you the most. You will present research at AU and will also have the chance to share it at regional and national conferences. Your exposure at these high-level meetings will expand your professional network, connecting you with thought leaders and future colleagues.
Life After AU
The comprehensive education and hands-on research you will master during your time at AU will send you into the professional world ready to excel in the toughest, most competitive environments. AU alumni have gone on to make an impact in both the academic and applied arenas. Here are just a handful of graduate schools our students have been accepted into.
Alumni have studied a variety of topics:
- Mindfulness therapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Healthcare Genetics
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Counseling
Alumni who do not attend graduate school have obtained positions and employment in fields including:
- Working with children with autism
- Case management
- Working with adults with developmental disabilities
- Early Intervention Specialist
Alumni who do not attend graduate school have obtained positions and employment in fields including:
- Early Childhood Interventionist
- Chaplain in the Army
- Researcher/Lab Coordinator
Alumni who do not attend graduate school have obtained positions and employment in fields including:
- Working with children with autism
- Case management
- Working with adults with developmental disabilities
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Early Childhood Interventionist
- Chaplain in the Army
- Researcher/Lab Coordinator