The Multidisciplinary Social Sciences Degree
Sociology is the study of human social interaction and includes a focus on structure, culture, interaction, stratification, institutions, and social change. Students with sociology backgrounds do well in areas such as human services, government research, education, and many other fields that require a good understanding of society and culture.
Graduates in Sociology can have an impact on their world through enabling people to understand their culture and society and by helping them experience the transforming love and power of God.
The program provides a good foundation for those considering people-helping or service-oriented work such as public service, Christian ministry, or social work. Compared to traditional sociology programs, this program is unique in that all students complete over 300 hours of field experience in the human services field as a certificate embedded within the degree. This gives students an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real life. It is a valuable learning tool to explore possible careers, gain experience, and establish contacts within the field.
Careers
The training and education received opens doors for work with individuals and communities experiencing emotional, cognitive or social problems. Examples of careers in this field are as follows*:
- Mental Health: child care worker, social worker/case manager
- Government: probation officer, public relations manager, urban/city planner
- Non Profit: development coordinator, fundraiser, teacher
- Medical: associate social worker, medical records clerk
- Education: teacher, professor
- Business: personnel recruiter, credit/loan manager, corporate trainer
- Ministries: ministry director, chaplain, fund raiser, teacher
*some organizations and/or positions may require an advanced degree
Courses within the Multidisciplinary Social Sciences degree:
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
SOCI 201 Introduction to Human Services
An examination of the basic philosophies and social influences which underlie the helping professions and a brief review of the history of professional human services workers. This course must be completed successfully before a student is assigned a field placement.
SOCI 400 Critical Issues in Human Services
This seminar explores critical issues which occur across the helping professions. Basic questions concerning human nature and the influence of society are examined. This course also serves as a key preparation and support for upper level field placement experience.
SOCI 221 Marriage and Family
A course designed from the viewpoint of a young adult considering basic patterns of dating, courtship, and marriage, and family relationships. Readings include references to various cultural patterns of family living. Class discussions and lectures emphasize issues relative to successful relationships within the family.
SOCI 252 Contemporary Social Issues
An examination of the complex nature of issues confronting individuals, groups, and society at large. An examination of the various situations which produce these issues, the social symptoms that result, and an evaluation of possible solutions to social problems.
SOCI 390 Selected Issues in Sociology
An examination of the issues of a particular theorist, school of thought, or conflicting theories within the behavioral sciences; or an examination of particular sociological issues from a theoretical or empirical perspective.
SOCI 355 Community Development
The goal of this course is to clarify thinking about the use of the term "community," to explore the role of community in contemporary society, and to consider societal and cultural factors that either promote or undermine the building of community.
PSYC 340 Interpersonal and Helping Skills
Skills for developing helping relationships from a Christian perspective. A problem-management approach to helping: helping theory and skills practice.
RELS 343 Current Issues in Biblical Theology
An examination of the topics currently being discussed in biblical theology, such as the possibility and methodology of a biblical theology, apocalyptic and eschatology, covenant and election, redemption and freedom, worship, church, the righteousness of God, history, society, law and gospel, faith, canon, life and death, suffering, creation, atonement and reconciliation, sin and guilt, wisdom and worldview.
PSYC 331 Theories of Counseling
A survey of selected theories of counseling and psychotherapy: their theoretical base, view of the nature of the person, key concepts, goals, roles of therapist and client, techniques, and overall effectiveness.
PSYC 440 Psychology of Religion
An application of the tools of empirical psychology to the study of the development and function of religious experience. An analysis of the role of religious experience in the human personality. Specific religious experiences (e.g., conversion, prayer, glossolalia, miracles) are examined with a view to understanding their function in the normal individual.
PSYC 342 Psychology of Adolescence
The physical and psychological processes that take place during adolescence. Issues of identity formation, moral development, physical development, changes in family relationships and development of independence, sexuality in adolescence, a perspective on peer relationships and pressures, and anticipation of vocational preparation.
PSYC 330 Leadership in Organization
Comprehensive understanding of leadership. Theories, models, facets of leadership, and characteristics of effective leaders. Leadership development and current issues.
PSYC 490 Personhood: An Interdisciplinary Examination of the Individual
A consideration of the function of world views, the meaning of a Christian world view, and the implications of a Christian world view for the understanding of persons and their role in modern society. Inasmuch as contemporary world views have been shaped extensively by developments in science, as well as by historical influences from philosophy and religion, an interdisciplinary approach is taken.
SOCI 320 Human Services Field Placement
A supervised practical experience with a community or social agency related to the student's interests and/or future plans. Readings, written assignments, and group meetings help students reflect on and integrate knowledge with practical experience.
SOCI 411 Human Services Field Placement
Supervised field placement in an approved social services setting.
PSYC 322 Research Methods
Issues and methods related to the conduct and analysis of psychological research. Internal and external validity, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, research ethics and analysis of variance. Projects involve both library and empirical research components.
PSYC 390 Field Placement-Special Topics in Psychology
An examination of selected issues, theories, or special topics within the field of psychology.
SOCI 420 Human Services Field Placement
Supervised field placement in an approved social services setting.
PSYC 497 Senior Thesis
Under supervision of the department faculty, students conduct a careful review of the literature on a topic of their choice as well as an empirical study of some portion of the topic. The final written result is submitted in thesis form.
It has given me so many tools for my professional and personal life. Class is the highlight of my week.
~ Admin. Assistant (Communications Co.) more
The classes are relevant. I am able to apply the knowledge immediately.
~ Payroll Analyst, (Health Services) more
What is a "cohort"?
It's a learning team. You begin and end the program in this supporting and enjoyable learning environment of like-minded learners in similar positions - balancing busy life schedules at home and work. Find out more.
Tell Us About Yourself Receive more information about TWU Bellingham adult degree completion programs.