School of Behavioral Sciences

Mission

The mission of the School of Behavioral Sciences is to provide an academically challenging education, innovative instruction, pioneering research, and impactful community engagement. We merge theory and practice to create high-impact programs which celebrate diversity, inspiring students to build inclusive communities. We equip students with lasting, transferable skills that prepare them for diverse and meaningful careers. 

Vision

The vision of The School of Behavioral Sciences is to advance the application of psychological and sociological science and knowledge, by offering high-impact programs with resonance. We will be leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and scholarship as we serve our professions and communities. We advance innovative solutions to local and global social problems through cutting-edge research and practice and seek to motivate future generations to elevate the public’s understanding of human behavior.

Organizational Structure

The School of Behavioral Sciences consists of the Division of Sociology, the Division of Child and Family Studies, and the Department of Psychological Sciences- which offers flexible degree plans at undergraduate and graduate levels as follows:

Master's degree

• M.S. in Applied Psychology
• M.S. in Child and Family Studies

Undergraduate degrees

• B.S. in Psychology
• B.S. in Applied Sociology
• B.S. in Child and Family Studies

Minor programs (this consists of 18-hours in any one of our programs below)

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Child and Family Studies

Department of Psychological Sciences

The Department of Psychological Sciences is committed to providing exciting and challenging ways to develop bright new leaders in the field of psychology. Our program is tailored to meet the needs of traditional undergraduates seeking a bachelor’s degree in psychology at our Stephenville campus, as well as those students attending our satellite campuses in Fort Worth and Waco. 

This Bachelor of Science degree at Tarleton State University is available through three program formats. Courses are offered face-to-face, hybrid (combination of face-to-face and online), and online. All psychology course requirements are available at all four campus locations. The program offers three concentrations, including General Psychology, Pre-Clinical and Educational Psychology.

The department offers student research opportunities working with our faculty. Our undergraduates have joined faculty at professional meetings including the Southwestern Psychological Association and the Association of Psychological Science, among others.

For more information about Psychological Sciences, please reach out to the Department Head, Dr. Tom Faulkenberry at faulkenberry@tarleton.edu 

Division of Sociology

Auguste Comte first realized the need for a science of society while writing during the French Revolution. Those revolutionary days cried out for sociological analysis to answer how and why such events occurred. Today, sociology is a diverse field where researchers use scientific tools to understand and improve society. Sociologists study things like racial inequality, the healthcare system, environmentalism, gender inequality, religion, economic inequality, and popular culture.

The Bachelor of Science degree at Tarleton State University equips students with the lasting skills employers seek. Our programs show students how to think critically, understand and conduct research, communicate effectively, and adapt to the ever-changing social world. The program offers three concentrations, including General Sociology, Social Justice and Educational Sociology.

For more information about Sociology, please reach out the Division Director, Dr. Derek Lehman at lehman@tarleton.edu 

Division of Child and Family Studies

The Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Studies is designed to train professionals who are dedicated to the well-being and development of children and families. The child and family studies courses are offered completely online. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum with three distinct concentrations, allowing students to tailor their studies to align with their specific interests and career aspirations. 

The Child Life concentration equips students with specialized skills in supporting children facing medical challenges, fostering resilience and emotional well-being in healthcare settings. The Early Childhood Education concentration provides a strong foundation in pedagogy and child development, preparing graduates for impactful roles in early learning environments. Finally, the Family Life concentration delves into the complexities of family dynamics, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to provide meaningful support and resources for families across diverse contexts. 

For more information about Child and Family Studies, please reach out the Division Director, Dr. Kristina Higgins at higgins@tarleton.edu