Mission Statements
In keeping with the mission of Missouri Baptist University, the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences provides a curriculum that enables students to think critically and analytically and, in so doing, to think Christianly in the specific areas of the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will gain a broad understanding of theory and research in the major areas, including Behavioral Science, Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology, History, Human Services, Psychology, and Social Sciences. Minors are offered in the areas of Behavioral Science, Criminal Justice, History, Human Services, Political Science, Psychology, Social Sciences, and Sociology. Students majoring in a Social and Behavioral Science program of study develop skills for employment in these fields and are prepared academically for graduate studies.
Behavioral Science: The Behavioral Science major is organized within the context of an interdisciplinary liberal arts approach drawing from the disciplines of Criminal Justice, Human Services, Psychology, and Sociology. Each discipline addresses different dimensions of human behavior integrated to form a comprehensive view of the human condition.
Criminal Justice: In accordance with the mission statement of Missouri Baptist University and the academic program, Criminal Justice is an area of study which seeks to provide Christ-centered quality higher education to traditional and adult students. The major provides an opportunity to prepare for careers in the various areas of the justice system at the entry level and to prepare others for advancement within an agency.
Forensic Psychology: The mission of the Forensic Psychology major is designed for students who are interested in the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system through a Christian perspective. Where psychology and the criminal justice system may conflict with the Bible, faculty will incorporate the Christian faith into the classroom, and respectfully explain from credible academic evidence why they continue to believe unashamedly in the superior authority and accuracy of the Bible. The mission of the major is to enhance students’ understanding of individual behavior, in terms of its cognitive, social and emotional components and their interaction. Students are also expected to have a basic understanding of how the legal system is organized and how the various segments of the system interact. The major prepares students for a number of careers and graduate work in psychology, social work, law enforcement, or other criminal justice professions.
History: In accordance with the Mission Statement of Missouri Baptist University, the History major has several purposes: (1) to acquaint students with the commonly accepted factual data of human history; (2) to expose students to differing viewpoints and schools of historical interpretation; (3) to help students develop the ability to do independent research and to write competently in the field of history; (4) to encourage students to develop a Biblically-based Christian approach to historical study; and (5) to prepare History majors for careers in teaching*, or in other professional fields requiring a broad liberal arts background.
Human Services: In keeping with the mission statement of Missouri Baptist University and the Social and Behavioral Science Division, the Human Services major prepares students for employment as generalists in the field of human services. The student will gain a broad understanding of theory and practice in the field, preparing them for entry-level positions. The curriculum draws from Psychology and Sociology, with specific courses in the human service field.
Psychology: The Mission of the Missouri Baptist University psychology program is to educate students in the breadth and depth of the discipline of psychology and its practical applications. We integrate empirical science, theory, and practice, and train students to think critically about mental processes and behavior. Where mainstream psychology and the Bible conflict, it is the privilege and responsibility of faculty to incorporate the Christian faith into the classrooms, respectfully explaining from credible academic evidence why they continue to believe unashamedly in the superior authority and accuracy of the Bible.
Social Sciences: In accordance with the mission statement of Missouri Baptist University, the Social Sciences major has several purposes: (1) to prepare students to teach secondary social studies; (2) to acquaint students with the commonly-accepted factual data of human history; (3) to expose students to differing viewpoints and schools of historical interpretation; (4) to help students develop the ability to do independent research and to write competently in the field of history; (5) to encourage students to develop a Biblically-based Christian approach to historical study; (6) to prepare History majors for careers in teaching or in other professional fields requiring a broad liberal arts background; (7) to acquaint students with a broad range of social sciences and the conclusions which social scientists have currently reached.
Behavioral Science Major
Students pursuing the Behavioral Science major are not permitted to complete a second major or minor in any other area within the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences.
Behavioral Science Minor
Students may not pursue a double minor in Behavioral Science and Sociology.
History Major
Students seeking certification to teach high school history should major in Social Sciences in order to satisfy the state certification requirements for social studies 9-12.
Students majoring in History are not permitted to major or minor in Social Sciences.
Human Services Major
The Human Services major prepares students to work in various areas of social service including, but not exclusive to: employment assistance agencies1, nursing homes2, substance abuse agencies, developmental rehabilitation agencies3, youth services4, child care work4 and various church agencies5. The major also serves as an undergraduate foundation for professional counselors and social workers who are planning to pursue graduate degrees in counseling or social work. It is recommended that students majoring in Human Services complete a minor in Psychology or Sociology.
1 It is recommended that students planning a career as employee assistance counselors should take HUED 443/543 and MGMT 433 , in addition to the required courses in Human Services.
2 It is recommended that students planning a career in geriatric counseling take PSSC 423 and PSSC 443 , in addition to the required courses in Human Services.
3 It is recommended that students planning a career in probation and parole take CRJS 133 and CRJS 343 .
4 It is recommended that students planning a career in child care work or youth services should take HUSR 463 in addition to the required courses in Human Services.
5 It is recommended that students planning a career working with church agencies take CSCE 303 , in addition to the required courses in Human Services.
Political Science Minor
Missouri Baptist University offers a minor in Political Science (POLS) that will allow students to explore the philosophical and historical foundations, nature, purpose, and functions of political ideas and institutions in both the United States and other countries.
Social Sciences Major
Students seeking certification to teach high school history should major in Social Sciences in order to satisfy the state certification requirements for social studies 9-12.
Students majoring in Social Sciences are not permitted to major or minor in History.
Sociology Minor
Missouri Baptist University offers a minor in Sociology (SOCO) that will allow students to explore the social and ethical issues affecting society. Courses are also offered as a part of general education, degree requirements, and/or in support of various majors.
Students may not pursue a double minor in Behavioral Science and Sociology.
Programs of Study
Specific course requirements can be found on the corresponding program page.
Majors
- Behavioral Science, BA
- Behavioral Science, BPS
- Behavioral Science, BS
- Criminal Justice, BA
- Criminal Justice, BPS
- Criminal Justice, BS
- Forensic Psychology, BS
- History, BA
- History, BPS
- History, BS
- Human Services, BA
- Human Services, BPS
- Human Services, BS
- Psychology, BA
- Psychology, BPS
- Psychology, BS
- Social Sciences, BA
- Social Sciences, BPS
- Social Sciences, BS
Minors
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