Bachelor of Science Behavioral Science 120 Credits | School of Social and Behavioral Sciences | Bronx, Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan & Online
Behavioral Science Overview
If you want to broaden your major field to include both Psychology and Sociology, Mercy College offers a multidisciplinary major in Behavioral Science. Specializations are also available in Community Health, Gerontology and Health Services Management. The program provides a combination of structure and flexibility with 4 required courses and 8 elective courses. When selecting major elective courses, a student may tailor the program to his or her particular interests and career goals.
The Behavioral Science major is a very feasible choice of major for transfer students, as it is possible that classes you may have already taken will count toward either required or elective courses. Additionally, the program offers many opportunities for career development through credit-earning internships at a variety of NYC area worksites.
Career Opportunities
The Behavioral Science major offers students an in-depth study of human behavior, preparing you for a career in education, health services management, gerontology or counseling.
What You'll Get
The Mercy Advantage
- Flexible schedule
- Study your specific interests
- Experienced professors
- Various internship opportunities
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a Behavioral Science major?
You’ll be prepared for employment in education, human services, business, government and law enforcement. A Behavioral Science major helps to prepare a person for any occupation involving people.
How can the behavioral science major help me define my path?
Within the Behavioral Science, opportunities to help you decide what you want to do after college abound. A wide variety of courses such as Career and Life Planning Credit, and internships can help you decide. All courses in the Behavioral Sciences are taught by professors who have much experience in a variety of workplaces, schools, corporations, health centers, which they are ready to share with you.
How long does earning a degree take?
Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.
I work, I have children. How can I fit the Behavioral Science major into my schedule?
Courses are offered often, so you’re not limited to just day classes. Also, the entire program is available online. A combination of online and campus courses has been a convenient arrangement for many students.
I am a transfer student. Is the Behavioral Science major feasible for me?
Yes. The major has 4 required courses and 8 electives which means that courses that you have taken already may be evaluated and may be credited toward your major. Such courses may also be counted as electives.
How many credits can be transferred from another institution?
Up to 75 credits from a two-year institution. Up to 90 from a four-year institution. Up to 90 credits combined however the credits may not exceed 75 credits from any combination of two-year institutions as they apply to your chosen degree. In addition you may only transfer in two courses of upper-level business credit (six credits) to apply to the major / specialization.
What is the first step in the admissions process?
Click on "Apply Now" on the Mercy homepage or call 1.877.MERCY.GO to apply for admission to Mercy College and arrange for an appointment with an Admissions Counselor. Bring your completed application form and copies of your high school and/or college transcripts with you at the time of your appointment.
Are department faculty available for academic advising?
Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships and cooperative education.
Is Mercy College a nonsectarian institution?
Yes. Qualified applicants are admitted without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age or physical disability.
Program Outcomes
At the end of this program, students should be able to:
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Construct a coherent explanation of major theoretical paradigms and major concepts in psychology and sociology
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Identify, and compare quantitative and qualitative methods, research designs, and basic statistical tools during social research
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Explain how the study of social class, ethnicity, gender, age, race, and religion can facilitate cultural competencies focusing on how the individual develops in family, school, work, and community
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Apply psychological and sociological principles, theories, and research to personal, cultural, and organizational situations
Program Details & Curriculum
Curriculum Overview
General Liberal Arts and Sciences
General Education Requirements: 60 Credits
Major Concentration
Behavioral Science: 36 Credits
Open Electives: 24 Credits
Total: 120 Credits
For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog.
Major concentration
Students who choose the major concentration in behavioral science must complete:
- BHSC 244 Social Psychology
- BHSC 226 Computers Soc/Behv Sciences
- BHSC 348 Methodology Soc/Beh Sciences
- BHSC 426 Classics Soc/Beh Sciences
and
eight elective courses selected under advisement from the major offerings in psychology and/ or sociology numbered 200 and above.
At least two major course in psychology and two major courses in sociology must be completed in residence at Mercy College. BHSC 370 Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences is recommended for students planning to attend graduate school. BHSC/ PSYN/ SOCL 399 Internship is recommended.
There is an 18-credit residency requirement in the major concentration of behavioral science.
PSYN 101 and SOCL 101 are prerequisites for the major courses in psychology and sociology and fulfill part of the General Education requirements.
Academic Sequence Map
Download a copy of the sequence map for:
- 2020 - 2021 B.S. Behavioral Sciences
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- 2019 - 2020 Behavioral Science B.S. Sequence Map
- 2018 - 2019 Behavioral Sciences B.A./B.S. Sequence Map
- 2017 - 2018 Behavioral Sciences B.A./B.S. Sequence Map