Earn a Degree Focused on Making a Difference
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.
Are you interested in working with people with autism or other disabilities and special needs as a certified Applied Behavior Analyst? Passionate about serving marginalized people and influencing positive social change? Eager to play a vital role in ensuring the justice and safety of individuals and communities? If so, our programs can put you on a fulfilling career path aligned with your interests.
Explore Our Degree Programs
Earn a Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (MEd) or a Bachelor of Arts degree or minor in Criminal Justice, Social Work or Sociology. You’ll gain transferrable life skills in research and collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving, and oral and written communication.
Applied Behavior Analysis
The online Master of Education (MEd) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 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.
Criminal Justice
Protect the innocent and maintain public order. Identify crime trends and risk factors in the community. Intervene in the lives of young people who’ve made a mistake, and help them get back on track. Assist people who’ve served their time to re-enter society and become productive citizens. You can also choose a general minor, pre-law minor or pre-law certificate in Criminal Justice.
Social Work
Help advance human rights for marginalized communities, one person at a time. Prepare to work with diverse groups and understand how race, class, gender, sexuality and disability shape people’s experiences and opportunities. Learn how to translate concepts like social justice and wellbeing into concrete action. You can also choose a minor in Social Welfare.
Sociology
Delve into why society functions the way it does and how you can work to make it more just. You’ll learn about individual and group identities connected to race, class, gender, sexuality, age, culture and religion.Study institutions like family, sport, politics and religion, and how power is distributed in society. You can also choose a minor in Sociology.
What will you learn and experience?
You’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the pursuit of justice, equity and wellbeing. Our department is dedicated to fostering …
- A comprehensive understanding of human behavior and the social and institutional structures and dynamics that shape human behavior.
- Exploration of the complexities of policy, law and justice.
- Skills in research and evidence-based behavioral and social interventions.
- Hands-on opportunities for research, internships and community engagement that allow you to apply your learning in real-world settings.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Ethical and professional conduct.
Beyond the Classroom
Students in our undergraduate programs engage in meaningful research and internships, and a wide range of co-curricular activities, professional development opportunities, and study abroad. Beyond the hilltop, alumni of our master’s and bachelor’s programs are well-prepared to follow their passion in a competitive job market and/or graduate school.
All undergraduate programs in the Department of Applied Behavior Analysis, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology require an internship or supervised practicum.
Internships provide a valuable way for you to apply your skills and knowledge, connect with professionals in your field, expand your network, and explore career options. You’ll have the chance to help others and improve the local community. You’ll also learn the importance of professional communication and experience hands-on learning.
The department helps to facilitate internships and practica in nonprofit organizations, state government agencies, healthcare, policy advocacy organizations, law enforcement and the criminal justice system (prosecution, defense attorneys, and juvenile justice).
Examples of organizations where students have interned:
Criminal Justice
- Travis County District Attorney’s Office
- Women’s Storybook Project
- Travis County Sheriff’s Office
- SAFE Alliance
- Travis County Juvenile Probation
- Travis County Juvenile Detention
Social Work
- Integral Care
- Communities in Schools
- Any Baby Can
- Todos Juntos
- Lifeworks
- SAFE Alliance
Sociology
- Texas Civil Rights Project
- Equality Texas
- Urban Roots
- Breakthrough Central Texas
- Posada Esperanza
- Interfaith Action of Texas
Get involved with student organizations on campus that support your goals, and enjoy learning and working together to improve people’s lives. Connect with peers and professionals who share your interests. Attend networking events and workshops, and hear from guest speakers.
Criminal Justice
Alpha Phi Sigma (APS)
Alpha Phi Sigma is the only National Criminal Justice Honor Society for Criminal Justice majors. The society recognizes the academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students of criminal justice, as well as juris doctorate.
Criminal Justice Society (CJS)
The Criminal Justice Society is designed for Criminal Justice and related majors to help prepare individuals for criminal justice-related careers by fostering academic achievement, providing community service and networking with students, faculty, alumni and professionals.
Social Work
Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work (Phi Alpha)
Phi Alpha is an Honor Society for Social Work majors who have achieved high academic standards and wish to give more to the surrounding community through service. “Through knowledge — the challenge is to serve.”
Social Work Student Association (SWSA)
The purpose of the Social Work Student Association is to commit to human service and social justice, demonstrate and promote the core values of the social work profession, bring awareness of social justice issues, and promote social justice and social change.
Sociology
Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD)
All Sociology majors and minors can apply to the International Sociology Honor Society for Sociology students and faculty. Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD), the international sociology honor society seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and other social and intellectual activities that will lead to improvement in the human condition.
Additional Ways to Get Involved
Along with the discipline-specific clubs and honors societies listed above, our undergraduate students are often active in other student groups and campus programs focused on social justice and community service learning, such as these organizations and more:
Graduates of our programs go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.
MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Behavior Analyst
- Special Education Assistant
- Behavior Analyst Supervisor
- School Consultant
- Organizational Behavior Manager/ Case Manager
Criminal Justice
- Attorney
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Law Enforcement Administrator
- Victim Services Counselor
- Correctional Officer/Juvenile Detention Officer
Social Work
- Social Worker
- Therapist/Counselor
- Case Manager
- Non-profit Administration
- Policy Analyst/Advocate
- Researcher
- Social Scientist
Sociology
- Research Analyst (variety of industries)
- Human Resource Specialist
- Case Manager
- Urban/City Planner
- Consultant (variety of industries)
- School Counselor
- Public Relations Specialist
- Community Organizer
- Census Worker
Advanced Degrees
Our alumni attend graduate schools across the state and country to enhance their expertise and careers. Their St. Edward’s education has prepared them to successfully pursue law school, public policy programs, and master’s and doctoral degrees in their fields.
Graduate schools recently attended by our alumni include:
- The University of Texas at Austin
- University of Houston Law Center
- University of Michigan
- Columbia University
- Texas State University
- University of Denver
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
- Washington State University
- Northwestern University
And many more!