Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Course and Program Listings

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers majors in history, history with teacher certification, politics and law, psychology, and sociology. Minors are offered in history, politics and law, psychology, and sociology. A track in criminal justice is offered in sociology, politics and law and psychology. A track in social welfare is offered in sociology. Pre-law advising is conducted through the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Philosophy for the Department of Social and Behavioral Science

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences seeks to provide the student with a sound academic preparation in each of its disciplines. Students are encouraged to apply ethical standards and a worthwhile sense of values to everyday situations in life and to acquire career skills which will enable them to assume responsible and rewarding positions in social services, business, education, research, or other chosen areas.

The department objective is to equip the student with the necessary intellectual, social, and spiritual qualities needed for a satisfying and productive life. The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers, in conjunction with the School of Education, secondary teacher certification (grades 6-12) in history. Thirty-six semester hours are required in teacher education (students must earn a “C’ or higher in all teacher education and teaching field courses). Please refer to the School of Education section of this catalog for additional information.

Politics and Law (PL)

Philosophy for the Area of Politics and Law

Courses in politics and law are designed to give students an understanding of the American political system, international relations, the politics of countries around the world, and the broad political theory that guides our thinking about the way the world ought to be. Study of politics and law will also prepare students for active political life, graduate study in politcs and law, or a professional field. Such fields include civil service, law, communications, public administration, city management, diplomacy, journalism, public relations, and others.

Pre-Law

Counseling for students interested in attending law school includes information regarding the Law School Admission Test, regional and national law schools, and suggested elective courses. Admission to law school does not require a specific undergraduate major. Nonetheless, law schools prefer that students receive a liberal arts education. Students should consult the pre-law advisor for additional assistance and information.

Psychology (PSY)

Philosophy for the Area of Psychology

Courses in psychology are designed to give the student an understanding of the basic principles of behavior and information processing, including such topics as learning, cognition, perceptual processes, growth and development, personality, and both normal and abnormal behavior. Psychology is a useful major for students planning to pursue careers in research, the helping professions, personnel work, and industry.

As a minor, psychology is especially helpful for students interested in sociology, business, humanities, and ministry.

Programs of study are offered which lead to the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees in psychology. A minor may also be completed in psychology.

Dual-Degree Program in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology and the Master degree in Marriage and Family Counseling

The dual degree n Psychology and Marriage and Family Counseling is a rigorous, sequenced course of study that includes three years of undergraduate psychology courses and two and a half years of graduate coursework in marriage and family counseling. Students who are accepted into the dual degree program will take all of the PSY classes that are required in the traditional undergraduate Psychology major. Students will also fulfill all university core education requirments. On the graduate level, students will complete all classes that are required for the traditional MA in Marriage and Family Counseling.

Sociology (SA)

Philosophy for the Area of Sociology

Courses in sociology are designed to give the student an understanding of the institutions of society, to include the family, education, religion, political and economic structures, health and welfare agencies, and others.

The student gains insight into group life, values, and social change, as they exist in contemporary society. Sociology is an excellent choice of majors for those interested in pursuing graduate studies or vocational roles in fields such as social welfare work, community mental health services, personnel work, demography, social or market research, gerontology, public administration, criminology, secondary or college teaching, or the ministry.

Dual-Degree Program in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Sociology to Master of Social Work

University of Mobile has established a program with Samford University for a fast track Bachelor of Science in Sociology to a Master of Social Work. A student may receive a bachelor degree from University of Mobile and a master’s degree in social work from the cooperating university.

This program allows the student the advantages of a liberal arts education while acquiring a degree in sociology. A student participating in the dual-degree program in the master of social work will attend University of Mobile for approximately three academic years and then transfer to Samford University. Upon completing the academic requirements of University of Mobile and those of Samford University, the student will then be awarded a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. In most cases, the degree granted by the University of Mobile is the bachelor of science degree with a major in sociology.

To become a dual-degree candidate at Samford University, the student must 1) apply directly to Samford University for admission to the Master of Social Work program; and 2) at Samford University complete a study program that includes all the remaining coursework in the standard curriculum for the degree sought. The Department of Public Health at Samford University will notify University of Mobile upon completion of all requirements, so that appropriate bachelors’ and master degrees can be awarded.

Students earn 95 credit hours at University of Mobile; the remaining coursework is earned at Samford University. Credits earned at Samford University School of Public Health must be submitted to University of Mobile at the conclusion of the coursework in order to validate completion of the courses required for University of Mobile degree.

Programs

Major

Minor

Courses

Communication

Criminology

Geography

GEO 301 World Regional Geography

Politics and Law

History

Psychology

Page: 1 | 2