The behavioral sciences department offers majors and minors in criminology, psychology and sociology, and a certificate in substance abuse counseling.
Criminology
Criminology is the science that studies crime and criminal behavior, the causes of crime, the definition of criminality, and the social reaction to criminal activity. The criminology major is anchored in the field of sociology, therefore, students are required to complete course work in both criminology and sociology. Learn more about the criminology curriculum.
Psychology
Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes, encompassing both research - learning about human and animal behavior - and practice - applying knowledge to solve problems. Opportunities for work in this field are expanding in number and scope within psychology's many subfields. Learn more about the psychology curriculum.
Sociology
Sociology is the systematic study of social behavior and human groups, primarily focusing on the influence of social relationships upon attitudes and behaviors and on how societies are established and changed. A major goal of sociology is to identify underlying, recurring patterns of and influences on social behavior. Learn more about the sociology curriculum.
Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate
The behavioral sciences department in partnership with community agencies offers a three-course certificate in substance abuse counseling. Graduates of the substance abuse counselor certificate program acquire knowledge, skills and values in the following content areas:
- definition of substance abuse/substance dependence;
- the biological, social and psychological bases of substance abuse and dependence;
- research on substance abuse and dependence;
- assessment, prevention and treatment of substance abuse and dependence; and
- ethics in the assessment, treatment and research of substance abuse and dependence.
Learn more about the Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate Program.
Mission Statement and Goals
A strong liberal arts curriculum is an integral element of an undergraduate major in any of the behavioral sciences and a vital component of professional practice and lifelong learning. In addition to major requirements, students fulfill the undergraduate General Education goals and develop an individual degree plan of liberal arts and pre-professional electives.
The fundamental goal of an undergraduate education in psychology, sociology or criminology is to teach students to think like scientists about individual and social behavior. Scientific understanding requires:
- recognition of ethnic, cultural, social and gender diversity;
- a broad and deep knowledge base incorporating social and natural science aspects of each specific discipline;
- methodological competence in statistics, research design and assessment methods;
- effective communication skills; and
- sensitivity to ethical issues.
Careers and Placement
Each course of study in the behavioral sciences is designed to provide a pre-professional foundation for careers and graduate study. Approximately one-third of Capital graduates go onto study and earn advanced degrees in psychology, criminology, sociology and law.
Bachelor's degree holders find employment in a variety of discipline-related occupations. They work as employment officers, probation officers, teachers, political analysts, behavioral management technicians, psychiatric aides and counselors, child development specialists, personnel analysts, laboratory technicians, health care workers, case managers and data analysts.
Why Capital's Behavioral Sciences Department Stands Out
- The McCrystal Laboratory for Behavioral Research
Students learn the significance of basic psychological research in the McCrystal Laboratory, a teaching facility that houses up to 60 animals (rats) and is equipped with a foraging arena, a radial arm maze, a running wheel and operant chambers. Students assist faculty with research and conduct their own independent studies on learning, memory, decision- making and choice behavior.
- The Education and Neuroscience Research Center
In conjunction with Capital's education department, the behavioral sciences faculty teach students to perform psychophysiological measurements important to neuroscience research. For instance, students receive technical training in electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiology (ECG), and electromyography (EMG).
- A Community of Undergraduate Scholars
Behavioral sciences students join an active community of undergraduate scholars through participation in curricular and extracurricular activities. The biannual Behavioral Sciences Lecture Series features local, state and national authorities on criminology, psychology and sociology. The department also is home to three honor societies - Psi Chi (psychology), Alpha Phi Sigma (criminal justice) and Alpha Kappa Delta (sociology) - that host colloquia and sponsor service projects.
Community Partnerships for Education
Students are encouraged to combine theory and practice through participation in supervised internships, volunteer experiences and service-based learning. The behavioral sciences department builds community partnerships with private and public agencies, local and state government, business and industry and a variety of health care and research settings including:
- psychiatric hospitals and outpatient mental health clinics;
- adult and juvenile correctional sites (jails, prisons and detention centers);
- facilities for the treatment of autism, mental retardation and developmental disabilities;
- personnel and human resource departments in local companies;
- law enforcement agencies (police and sheriff's departments);
- private and corporate security agencies (private detective agencies, security companies specializing in white-collar crime and loss prevention);
- nursing homes, elder-care programs and Alzheimer's treatment units;
- research laboratories (centers for sleep medicine, neuropsychology, and traumatic brain injury);
- day-care centers and early intervention programs for at-risk children and families;
- sports and performance psychology clinics; and
- advocacy groups, law practices and local and state government agencies.
Center for Lifelong Learning
The Center for Lifelong Learning supports the mission of Capital University and the College of Arts and Sciences by providing adults alternative and effective learning experiences through integrative advising and teaching; flexible learning environments that encourage self-directed and interdisciplinary approaches; and a commitment to experiential and lifelong learning. Capital's Center for Lifelong Learning features:
- Flexible instructional formats using small group and independent studies.
- Convenient evening and Saturday classes.
- A wide selection of majors and degree choices.
- Unique multidisciplinary majors designed by the learner with the assistance of an adviser.
- Variety of options to earn credits (e.g., transfer credit, CLEP, ACE, proficiency tests) toward graduation.
- Portfolio credit for experiential learning.
- Trimester calendar to accelerate degree completion.
- Individualized, one-on-one academic advising with credentialed, experienced faculty.
- Senior Project, a capstone learning experience that provides the learner the opportunity to design and develop an intensive research project.
Financial Aid
Part of Capital's tradition includes a commitment to helping students and parents find resources to finance their university experience. Individualized assistance is available through a variety of options, including scholarships, grants, loans and campus employment.
Admission Office (high-school and transfer students)
1 College and Main
Columbus, OH 43209-2394
1-866-544-6175
Center for Lifelong Learning (working adults with 30 college hours)
1 College and Main
Columbus, OH 43209-2394
(614) 236-6996
For more information about Capital University's
behavioral sciences programs,
call (614) 236-6305 or
1-866-544-6175.
www.capital.edu
e-mail: admissions@capital.edu