Behavioral Sciences Department

The Behavioral Sciences are considered a part of the larger group of Social Sciences. The Social Sciences study the processes relevant to how social systems are influenced by individual and group activity. The Behavioral Sciences focus on the actions, reactions and interactions occurring among individuals in social environments. As Behavioral Scientists we use scientific observation and experimentation to study human and animal behavior, especially behavior related to decision making and communications within families, groups, social networks, societies and cultures. At Galveston College, the Behavioral Science Department includes courses and degrees in Psychology and Sociology.

What is the Role of a Sociology/Social Work Major?

Sociology is the systematic study of human society. The degree program in Sociology explores social change, culture, society, race and ethnicity, gender and inequality, social stratification, deviance, social groups and more. The goal of the degree program in Sociology is to provide the student with a comprehensive course of study in sociological research, theory, and concepts that promote examination of the reactions and interactions associated to individuals and groups within a society.

Sociology/Social Work Majors:

Students may choose to pursue a degree in Sociology/Social Work at Galveston College. Students who major in Sociology/Social Work will receive a comprehensive education that will enable them to transfer to colleges and universities for further study. At Galveston College students may select the Associate of Arts Degree in Sociology/Social Work, a 60 hour degree that includes the core curriculum and prepares the student for further education in career fields such as Criminology, Social Work, Public Policy, Government, Criminal Justice, Law, Political Action or Education.

Non Majors

The Texas Legislature requires all colleges to adopt a core curriculum. If a student successfully completes the entire core curriculum at Galveston College and then transfers to a Texas public four year college or university, all courses in the Galveston College core curriculum will transfer and the student will receive full academic credit for the courses in the core curriculum. At Galveston College all students receiving the Associates Degree are required to complete 3 hours of a Social and Behavioral Science as part of the core curriculum. Students at Galveston College will have the opportunity to sample the Behavioral Sciences through a variety of Sociology course options.

Careers

Salaries for individuals with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology with no experience begin at about $28,862. Those individuals who obtain a Masters Degree could start at $43, 731 while those with a Doctorate can expect $53, 912 to start. The overall growth in employment for careers within Sociology is projected to be about average, with variability depending on the specific occupation.

Two-year Degree

AA Associate of Arts in Sociology/Social Work

See the most recent college catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions. Additionally, online course options are available for local and distance learning students.