Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Purpose

The Departments within the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences (History, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Family Science, and Criminal Justice) offer degree programs in criminal justice, family science, family therapy, forensic psychology, history, politics, pre-counseling, psychology, secondary social studies education, sociology, and sports psychology. These programs focus on offering high quality upper division courses and advisement designed to prepare students for a wide variety of careers related to the behavioral and social sciences as well as providing graduates with a solid foundation for postgraduate study. Moreover, building on foundations laid in core courses, the division seeks to assist and encourage students as they continue the process of understanding the nature of their personal Christian commitment and seek to integrate these insights into their academic disciplines and their vocational choices.

The division also has a major responsibility of offering high quality core courses. Departments within the division teach core courses in anthropology, history, government, psychology, sociology, and family science. These courses acquaint students with major areas of knowledge and help students develop many of the significant skills needed for academic and career success. These courses also help students as they embark on the journey of integrating their personal Christian faith with their growing base of academic knowledge and awareness of the world around them.

Chair, Behavioral and Social Sciences

Bret Roark
Chair, Division of Behaviorial and Social Sciences
Ralph and Marie Barbe Professor of Psychology
BA, Oklahoma Baptist University, 1989
PhD, Texas Tech University, 1996
Joined the OBU faculty in 1993.

Career Possibilities with Majors and Minors within the Division

Adoption Agency Worker
Archaeologist
Business: sales, management
Campaign Consultant
Community Development
Consumer Researcher
Counselor
Family Life Educator
Family Therapist
Full-time Church Vocations
Government Service: elective and appointive
Historian
Human Resources Manager
Intelligence Analyst
International Relations: governmental and non-governmental organizations
Journalist
Law: attorney, judicial careers
Law Enforcement
Missions: domestic and foreign
Museum Work: curator, educator, collections manager, etc.
Nursing Home Administrator
Organizational Researcher
Park Ranger/Interpreter
Policy Analyst
Profiler
Psychologist: developmental, experimental, forensic, industrial, etc.
Public Relations
Rehabilitation Counselor
Social Services Administrator
Social Worker
Teacher: secondary through university

Many careers require graduate study. There are many other careers open to graduates with degrees in the Behavioral and Social Sciences. Consult with faculty members for more information.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Master of Science

Marriage and Family Therapy, MS

Minor