Why Behavioral Sciences at UT Southern?
Join us in the UT Southern Behavioral Sciences program, where you’ll cultivate invaluable skills to connect with and understand people—skills that will benefit you in virtually any career path. Many 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.
You can tailor your education to match your passions and career goals, with two concentrations. For instance, the General Psychology concentration offers a diverse perspective on human behavior, integrating courses in English, Criminal Justice, Business, and a vital statistics class. Whereas the Human Services and Counseling track focuses on counseling and either gerontology, childhood and youth disorders, or addictive behaviors, as well as electives that may relate to Criminal Justice, Social Work, or Sociology.
This flexibility allows you to tailor your learning experience to your needs and interests. It means you can choose the courses that align with your career goals and explore subjects that intrigue you.
Our curriculum, however, 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.
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 counseling, psychiatry, and social work, with graduates entering specialized mental health and social work programs. We emphasize social sciences research, academic writing, and effective oral communication, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your chosen field.
At UT Southern, we believe in learning by doing. Under the guidance of Dr. John Lancaster, you can participate in a hands-on practicum at esteemed organizations like The Boys and Girls Club, Kroger (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 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.
General Psychology Concentration Coursework + Recommended Four-Year Plan
Human Services and Counseling Concentration Coursework + Recommended Four-Year Plan
Behavioral Sciences Minors
Both concentrations require 120 credit hours, and 3 must include the required practicum. Students must also take PSY 113 (General Psychology) as their Social Sciences core requirement. The Behavioral Sciences courses required for both concentrations are taught at least once a year, while those required for one or the other are taught at least once every other year.
Students pursuing a General Psychology concentration will be required to take statistics as the core math requirement. Students 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 in 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 Behavioral Sciences and 22 to 25 hours of general electives.
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.
