Department of Social Sciences

Adminsitered by the Department of Social Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences.

https://www.utpb.edu/academics/colleges/arts-sciences/departments/social-sciences/index

The UT Permian Basin Department of Social Sciences provides courses and programs covering social, cultural, political, and economic aspects of humanity. We offer a wide variety of courses that examine human behavior from different vantage points. Students research results in new and better ways to predict behavior and its social, cultural, and psychological implications. We teach quantitative and qualitative methods with a diverse array of programs, from criminology to political science to sociology.

Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies

Administered by the Department of Social Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Students who major in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies will obtain a Bachelor of Science degree. Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary behavioral science that includes the study of law, the causes of criminal behavior and the agencies of social control which society has established to prevent and control crime. The program at UT Permian Basin is committed to the personal, analytical and professional development of its students. Many will choose to continue their education in graduate studies or law school, while others will accept employment in criminal justice agencies such as law enforcement, courts, corrections or other social service organizations. The program is committed to developing the student's sensitivity to the human and social condition, coupled with an understanding and ability to participate constructively in the improvement of both.

Political Science

Administered by the Department of Social Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences.

The purpose of the Political Science program is to provide an in-depth study of American government and politics to give students a basic knowledge of political systems and how institutions of government operate to solve social and political problems. UT Permian Basin's Political Science program is oriented primarily toward the study of American government and politics and secondarily toward comparative government with supporting study in international relations. Students will be encouraged to develop a global perspective which will prepare them to assume leadership roles in shaping the future direction of society. A wide variety of career opportunities are open to students majoring in political science, including the U. S. Foreign Service, specialized work in foreign countries, the federal government, foundations, private organizations, city management and other types of public administration and public service as well as others less directly related to government. Pre-Law students find the study of political science appropriate preparation for law school. A major in political science is suitable for students planning to teach government or social studies. Graduates in political science earn a Bachelors of Arts (BA) degree with a major in political science and a minor in a secondary field of study.

Sociology

Administered by the Department of Social Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences, including a full Online Completion Program.

Sociology is the scientific study of human behavior within a society. It emphasizes human interaction within group settings, diversity of cultures and societies, factors that influence social behavior within institutions, formal and informal organizations, and the study of various social groups. The sociology program at UT Permian Basin is committed to the personal, analytical and professional development of its students. The faculty is committed to developing the student's sensitivity to the human and social condition, coupled with an understanding and ability to participate constructively in the improvement of both. In addition, practical applications of sociological knowledge are emphasized. Sociology offers numerous career fields: including secondary social science teaching, industrial sociology, voluntary organizations, private and government foundations, human resource management, consulting, social research, substance abuse counseling, aging, health and illness, law enforcement, ministry, consumer behavior, diversity training, demographic analysis, social work and other related social service organizations. Sociology majors will take course work in sociology or related cross-listed courses. The sociology advisor will assist in developing a degree plan that best suits the needs of the individual student

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