Serve Your Community and the World
Become a distinguished voice in your field and community.
The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) maintains programs that provide the knowledge, perspective, and practical skills needed to pursue excellence in the fields of human behavior, social science, government and history.
Our graduates pursue careers based on their interests:
- Working with other cultures, governments, and organizations
- Influencing public policy
- Practicing environmental law and sustainability
- Investigating crime scenes
- Learning more about how we got where we are
- Solving legal issues
- Understanding what makes people tick
- Helping others overcome obstacles
- Serving their community
Our curricula merge theory with practice to create high-impact programs with resonance. We support subject exploration through research, classroom activities, and community engagement. In addition, each major incorporates opportunities to study outside the classroom, such as internships and study abroad opportunities.
Our Departments
Each program at the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences is a part of a department with dedicated faculty ready to help students achieve at the highest level.
Department of Applied Behavior Analysis, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology
Academic programs within the Department of Applied Behavior Analysis, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology bring together students committed to creating a better world. Our multidisciplinary approach offers vibrant, rigorous and supportive educational experiences designed to examine and address the complex issues that shape society.
Department of Counseling
The Department of Counseling is dedicated to educating, training, and preparing highly skilled, ethical, compassionate mental health professionals. Students within our Master of Arts in Counseling program are grounded in humanistic values that focus on prevention, wellness, personal growth and a commitment to respecting and protecting human dignity.
Department of History and Leadership
The Department of History and Leadership offers in-depth programs that prepare you to make an impact as an accomplished historian, innovative leader or inspiring teacher. Learn about our Doctorate of Education in Leadership in Higher Education, MS in Organizational Leadership, BA in History and History minor, and minors in Teacher Education and Education Studies.
Department of Political Science, International Affairs, and Environmental Science and Policy
The Department of Political Science, International Affairs, and Environmental Science and Policy prepare you to be a fully engaged citizen in political, social and environmental issues that affect local and global societies. Get ready for a career in international affairs, public service, electoral politics, non-governmental organizations or the private sector.
Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience
Interested in studying the brain and behavior? Academic programs within the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience delve into the complexities of the human mind and behavior, equipping students with the essential skills for their next steps, whether they choose professional school, graduate school or direct entry into a career.
Our Programs
From Environmental Science to Psychology, the majors and minors offered to students are curated to balance experiential learning opportunities, in-class engagement, and socioeconomic insight.
Academic Advising
The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences provides undergraduate advising to students looking for the guidance and resources to stay on track, take advantage of opportunities and graduate career-ready.
The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences Stories
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty members are innovative thinkers and passionate teachers whose goal is to give students the tools they need to thrive in their lives and careers. We create an environment that cultivates innovation and collaboration.
Advance Your Career With Our Graduate Programs
From virtual to part-time, our online and in-person (evening) graduate programs understand balance. Explore the options the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers.
Online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
In this leadership training program, you’ll acquire the skills to manage positive organizational change — a crucial competency in today’s fast-paced companies and organizations. Through comprehensive and timely coursework in our online MS in Organizational Leadership program, you’ll gain an understanding of leadership from the individual, group, organizational and global perspectives, allowing you to facilitate change across diverse teams in the workplace.
Master of Arts in Counseling
Our Master of Arts in Counseling degree prepares students to make a positive social impact by becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Texas. This 3-year, CACREP-accredited program is designed to serve students with a range of life experiences, reflecting the community they will ultimately serve. You’ll be exposed to a variety of approaches to treating mental health and helping clients and communities across diverse settings.
Online Master of Education (MEd) in Applied Behavior Analysis
The online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis program will help you learn how to assess, analyze, intervene and develop evidence-based behavioral interventions that lead to prosocial behavior in all individuals, with a specific focus on autism and related disorders. During coursework, diverse faculty mentors will support you as you prepare for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam.
Online Doctorate (EdD) of Education in Leadership and Higher Education
Evolve your leadership skills into a career with our Doctor of Education degree. This fully online program is flexible and customizable and can be completed in as little as 39 months. Gain the knowledge, skills and abilities to identify critical issues challenging all aspects of higher education administration, and learn to examine and define approaches to creatively and comprehensively address those challenges. You’ll also conduct practice-based dissertation research while completing your coursework.
Stay Connected
To stay informed on school news, success stories and events, follow us on social media.
Dean’s Message
Greetings from the hilltop!
The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) is a vibrant community of faculty and student scholars representing the disciplines of criminal justice, global studies, political science, environmental science and policy, history, psychology, behavioral neuroscience, sociology, and social work.
In our courses, research opportunities and internships, we support our students and embrace a mission of inclusive excellence. We see value in diverse voices, strive for equity and believe our students can change the world.
Skills — often cited as critical to employers — such as critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence and communication, are at the heart of the BSS learning experience. In addition, BSS students work closely with faculty, study internationally, gain leadership experience and connect with future employers.
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our student successes, faculty research interests and accomplishments, and engaging experiential learning opportunities. We are fully invested in your success and will work with you to discover, grow and achieve to become your best self.
Catherine Campbell
Dean, School of Behavioral and Social Sciences