Undergraduate Degree Requirements

The Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers undergraduate majors in anthropology, psychology, social science, and sociology.

Students may focus on a traditional program of inquiry or prepare for a specific career goal such as counseling, clinical research, or social work. In addition to traditional coursework, independent study, practicum, research, and supervised reading courses are also included in the curriculum.

In addition to the required courses in their major, the departmental faculty strongly encourage students to explore courses in our interdisciplinary programs (e.g., Human Rights, Women’s Studies, International Studies, Multicultural Studies, Ancient Studies, Environmental Studies, Latin American Studies, Practical and Interdisciplinary Ethics, Liberal Arts), language studies (writing, a second language, communications), and applied technology (computer skills, media, film).

Anthropology Major

Anthropology at its core is the study of human cultures, with a focus on the cross-cultural analysis of human groups and the diversity of peoples. Webster courses in anthropology will help you develop an understanding of the human experience, as well as the skills necessary for critically evaluating the diversity of human belief systems, both past and present. The research and analytical skills you acquire in the program will prepare you to tackle future career goals or advanced degree programs in the social sciences.

Psychology Major

Psychology is the study of human behavior as it relates to individuals. Webster's program in psychology stresses the blending of theory and application. By studying psychology at Webster, you will not only examine the specific issues, theories, and science underlying of this discipline – you will also attain a broader understanding of the complexity and diversity of human behavior. You’ll get the whole context for understanding the behavior of the individual.

Sociology Major

Sociology focuses on human behavior in larger group settings, covering issues such as conformity, leadership, prejudice, decision-making, and attitude influence. Webster courses in sociology will help you develop a multicultural understanding of the current human experience. Throughout history, human groups have employed a variety of methods to deal with the complexities of social life, social order, and social change. The research and analytical skills you acquire in the program will prepare you to tackle future career goals or advanced degree programs in the social sciences.

Social Science Major

The Social Science degree encompasses all the disciplines within Webster’s Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Students are required to take several classes from each discipline in order to gain a general understanding of the behavioral sciences. This interdisciplinary design allows students to study human societies from many perspectives such as culture, gender, evolution, and family structures. This major is popular for students who desire a broad social science understanding and can prepare students for a wide variety of post-graduate opportunities (e.g., law school, government, business, education, social service, museums, historical societies, non-profit organizations).

Behavioral and Social Science Minors

A minor in anthropology, psychology, or sociology requires a minimum of any 18 hours of formal coursework from that particular curriculum.

All courses for a minor must be completed at Webster University. Courses completed with a grade below a C- do not count toward fulfilling the requirements for a minor in anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Courses used to fulfill a requirement for a major may not also be used to fulfill a requirement for a minor. A student may earn two minors. The minor is formally acknowledged on the student's transcript.

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