Why choose the Behavioral Sciences major at UT Southern?
Join us in the UT Southern Behavioral Sciences program, where you’ll cultivate invaluable skills that will allow you to connect with and understand people—skills that will benefit you in virtually any career path. Many of our students feel called to work in the helping professions, including human services, psychology, and social work. However, a degree in behavioral sciences also opens doors in business, education, and criminal justice.
Our two concentrations allow you to tailor your education to match your passions. The General Psychology concentration offers a diverse perspective on human behavior and integrates Behavioral Sciences courses with courses in areas such as English, Criminal Justice, and Business. The Human Services and Counseling concentration focuses on counseling and specific specialty areas, including gerontology, childhood and youth disorders, and addictive behaviors, and features electives that relate to Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology. In both concentrations, you can choose the courses that align with your career goals and explore subjects that intrigue you.
However, our curriculum isn’t just about courses—it’s a pathway to your future. Our Cornerstone Course, offered in your second year, sets the stage for your time in the program and beyond, and the Senior Seminar focuses on preparing you for life after college.
Our alums have found meaningful roles as admissions counselors, parole officers, and case managers at local institutions like the Center of Hope and Kid’s Place. Moreover, our program is a crucial first step toward advanced studies in areas such as counseling, psychiatry, and social work, and many of our graduates have entered specialized mental health and social work programs. We emphasize social sciences research, academic writing, and effective oral communication in order to ensure that you’re well-prepared for your chosen field.
At UT Southern, we believe in learning by doing. No matter which concentration you choose, you will participate in a hands-on practicum at esteemed organizations like The Boys and Girls Club, Kroger (in Human Resources), and the Department of Children’s Services. This practical experience, akin to an internship, enriches your education, enhances your resume, and prepares you for success after graduation in areas such as counseling, social services, research, public policy, or community advocacy.
Program Details
Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts or Science
Program Coordinator
Alicia Webb
What’s Possible With a Degree in Behavioral Sciences?
Join our close-knit community at UT Southern, where practical learning, personalized support, and a welcoming environment pave the way to a rewarding career in Behavioral Sciences.
Career options include:
- Behavior Analyst
- Case Manager
- Counselor
- Human Resource Specialist
- Policy Analyst
- Probation Officer
- Psychologist or Psychiatrist
- Researcher
- Social Worker
- Substance Abuse Counselor
The Courses You’ll Take
To see the full list of required courses, read the course catalog.
Students pursuing a General Psychology concentration will be required to take statistics as the core math requirement. They must also take 45 semester hours in the Behavioral Sciences, 12 hours of Guided Electives in other fields, and 16 to 19 hours of general electives. The General Psychology concentration incorporates courses from other areas (including English, Criminal Justice, and Business) that follow the course schedule dictated by those areas.
Students opting for a Human Services and Counseling concentration must take 51 semester hours in the Social and Behavioral Sciences and 22 to 25 hours of general electives. Some of the possible electives are Criminal Justice courses that follow the course schedule dictated by that area.
Good to Know
Top performers in each class year may be eligible to join Pi Gamma Mu, the International Honor Society in Social Sciences. Pi Gamma Mu is the oldest and preeminent interdisciplinary social science honor society.
Explore Related Programs
Merit Aid Program: Free Tuition for Qualifying Students
We’re committed to providing access to all! In conjunction with UT Promise, HOPE, the state lottery, and institutional aid, 75% of Tennessee residents qualify to attend UT Southern for free. In addition, approximately 97% of our students are qualified to receive financial aid.
