About the Program

Behavioral Sciences Specialization

The Behavioral Sciences specialization focuses upon the analysis of human behavior, social organization, culture, social institutions from different academic traditions that collectively embrace a commitment to theory, basic and applied research, and social action and commentary.  The curricular flexibility of the program affords opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration of human and societal problems and social realities and inequities from multiple disciplinary perspectives.  The acquisition and conceptualization of knowledge from multiple perspectives is designed to facilitate critical thinking and integration which may result in more creative solutions for human and social ills.  The program can be individually tailored to support further graduate training in counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, education, law or organizational behavior. The objectives of the BLS degree with a specialization in Behavioral Sciences are:

• To provide students with a basic introduction to the methods of inquiry and research traditions of at least three different behavioral sciences disciplines
• to offer a critical analysis of human and societal assets and problems and the theoretical and philosophical assumptions that define and structure different behavioral science disciplines
• to offer an appreciation of the diversity of experience and differing opportunities afforded to social groups defined by gender, social class, race-ethnicity, age and collective identity
• to provide a basis for advanced training and education beyond the baccalaureate level and a desire for lifelong learning
• to help students develop effective critical thinking and  communication skills, and sensitivity to and knowledge of  cultural, social, and ethical issues as they pertain to our  understanding of human behavior, social organizations, social  institutions, and social inequalities
  

Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) 

The Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree program is designed for students who choose to pursue a liberal arts program of study.  The degree is flexible in its design and thereby responds to diverse student needs and interests.

Students in this degree program are required to complete a specialization. Students may choose both to earn a specialization and to submit a portfolio.

To earn a specialization students select a specialization in one of the following:  Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, Legal Studies, Psychology/Human Services, or Social Welfare.  Curriculum for each of these areas and University policies follow in this bulletin.

Students who also want to earn credit for college-level learning acquired through professional work experience must submit a portfolio. The portfolio provides the mechanism for translating documented learning experience into Barry University credit.  Students are expected to submit their portfolios before completing 90 credits.
Students must attend a portfolio seminar during the first three semesters of enrollment.  It is advisable to have portfolios submitted within one year of seminar attendance.  If more than one year elapses from attendance at the first seminar, students must attend a second seminar.

Students must meet all of the following criteria at the time of portfolio submission:

1. Students have been fully accepted (see criteria for full acceptance in this bulletin/catalog).

2. Students must have completed English 302 with a grade of at least C or have demonstrated proficiency on the English exam.

3. Students must be in good academic standing (cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all Barry University coursework).

4. Students are able to document at least five years of full time professional work experience and/or community service.

If students do not meet the above criteria, the portfolio may not be submitted. Students must submit their near-completed portfolios to their directors/advisors in sufficient time to allow for revisions.  Completed portfolios must be submitted to the Miami campus in accordance with published deadline dates in the Semester schedules.  Meeting these deadlines is the responsibility of the student. The portfolio administrative fee must be paid when submitting the portfolio for evaluation.