Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
FACULTY
CRAIG BISHOP, Chair, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences; Professor of Criminal Justice Studies, 2020—
BS, Criminal Justice Science; MOL, Olivet Nazarene University; EdD, Olivet Nazarene University.
ALLISON BUZARD, Director of Social Work Program, Assistant Professor of Social Work, 2018—
BASW, Asbury University; MSW, Saint Louis University.
RANDY L. CARDEN, Professor of Psychology, 1981—
BS, Trevecca Nazarene University; MA, Middle Tennessee State University; EdD, Tennessee State University.
BRYCE E. FOX, Professor of Psychology, 2002—
BA, Olivet Nazarene University; MA, Asbury Theological Seminary; PhD, Indiana University.
ERICA R. HAYDEN, Associate Professor of History, 2014—
BA, Juniata College; MA, Vanderbilt University; PhD, Vanderbilt University.
LAURA A. HOHMAN, Associate Professor of History, 2015—
BA, Gordon College; MA, The Catholic University of America; PhD, The Catholic University of America.
AMY SHELTON, Assistant Professor of Psychology, 2022—
BS, Middle Tennessee State University; MA, Middle Tennessee State University; PhD, Trevecca Nazarene University.
AMY J. SMITH, Assistant Professor of Psychology, 2022—
BS, Trevecca Nazarene University; MA, Wheaton College.
ARIELL TILLMAN, Assistant Professor of Social Work, 2022—
BS, Tennessee State University; MSW, Tennessee State University.
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences General Information
The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers majors in the following areas: Behavioral Sciences; History; History Education; Social Work; Criminal Justice Studies; Sociology; and Psychology. Several minors are also available: History, Public Policy, Social Science, Behavioral Science, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Criminal Justice Studies, and Family Studies.
History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences have always been important areas of study at Trevecca Nazarene University. Historians and social scientists alike believe that the perceptions of people different from us in time, space, and life-expressions are built upon our understanding of our own social and political experience. The department’s goal, therefore, is to promote understanding of modern societies through the methods of the historian, the social scientist, and the behavioral scientist. Students desiring to enter the professional fields of teaching, historic preservation, museum-related work, law enforcement, social work, criminal justice, personnel management, behavioral research, and all levels of government service select history, social work, criminal justice studies, sociology, psychology or behavioral science as major fields. In addition, minors in art therapy, history, public policy, psychology, counseling, behavioral science, social science, social work, sociology, criminal justice, and family studies may be selected to back up work in any area of study.
The program in History offers Pre-Law advising, which is often (but not necessarily) organized around a history major and a public policy minor. Each student is counseled to choose a course of study tailored to meet his or her particular interests, which will maximize his or her chances of gaining admittance to law school and successfully completing graduate work in public policy. Students planning to do graduate legal studies should consider a public policy minor.
The BS in Psychology is designed to assist all students in acquiring an interpretation of human behavior which is in harmony with a Christian view of people and is substantiated by the empirical information of a solidly scientific psychology. The psychology major will give students a solid base of preparation for graduate study or for the post-baccalaureate work world.
The BSSW in Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and prepares students for beginning generalist social work practice from a Christian perspective. Students who feel called to work with individuals, groups, families, communities or organizations and help them develop their strengths, to make the world a better place, to create social and economic justice, or help people achieve a higher level of functioning, may want to consider social work as a major. The curriculum emphasizes the foundations of beginning generalist social work practice by including content on human behavior; social welfare policy; at-risk populations; social work research; social work practice with individuals, groups, families, large organizations and communities; field practicum skills; social work values and ethics; cultural diversity; and social and economic justice.
Within the curriculum are incorporated both classroom learning and a supervised field practicum. It is required that a student complete a 400-hour field practicum. A broad spectrum of private and public settings are utilized for the field practicum, including child welfare agencies, nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, substance abuse programs, mental health services, family service agencies, services to older people, residential treatment programs, adult day care centers, domestic violence programs, shelters, criminal justice agencies, public schools, and public social services. Upon graduation it is expected that Trevecca social work majors will be competent for entry-level generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities, community service, and/or graduate work.
The BS in Criminal Justice Studies is designed for those who have an interest in understanding the theories associated with the causes of crime, the work performed by criminal justice professionals, and the impact public policy decisions have on the operation of the criminal justice system. The relationship of race, ethnicity, poverty and other factors relative to criminal behavior, criminal prosecution, and crime victimization are explored. Coursework and practicum experience prepare students for a variety of careers in the law enforcement community, emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership with a Christian worldview.
The program in Sociology provides students with insights into social factors that influence individuals, families, organizations, communities and society at large. Emphasis is placed on the impact of race, ethnicity, gender, age, and socioeconomic status as they pertain to the interaction among members of society and social change. Study in sociology encourages an appreciation of diversity and an understanding of how humans interact with each other, with their own cultures, with the environment, and with the global society.
The BS in Behavioral Science is offered to allow students who wish a broad background in Sociology, Psychology, and/or Social Work to obtain such study which is applicable to a variety of career fields as well as graduate work in the behavioral sciences. Students interested in behavioral science research, personnel management, social services, and secondary level teaching might choose a behavioral science major.
History Major
Mission Statement
The mission of the Program in History is to equip graduates to be competent in the field of History, responsible and compassionate leaders, and oriented toward service.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a major in History will be able to:
- Examine cause and effects throughout the course of world history by analyzing significant patterns and themes.
- Examine cause and effects throughout the course of United States history by analyzing significant patterns and themes.
- Conduct original, scholarly historical research.
- Apply historical perspective to contemporary issues and events.
- Integrate a Christian perspective with the study and interpretation of the past.
Teacher Licensure Programs in History with Endorsement in Government, Economics, or Geography:
Majors preparing for teacher licensure in the Social Studies declare as History Education majors. They are advised jointly by an education advisor and a history advisor. It is strongly recommended that they add an endorsement in Government, Economics, or Geography. The student learning outcomes for those discipline areas apply in those fields. The teaching majors are approved by the Tennessee Board of Education and are part of the unit accredited by NCATE.
Psychology Major
Mission Statement
We intend for our graduates to be persons who are holistically developed and are of strong Christian character. We expect that they will be competent in their subject field and be responsible and compassionate leaders who have an orientation toward service.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a major in Psychology will:
- Score competitively on a standardized test covering the foundational knowledge base of psychology in the following areas: Abnormal, Developmental, Personality, Physiological, Statistics, and Research Methods.
- Conduct original research according to APA guidelines.
- Demonstrate competitive graduate school preparation (for those applying).
- Integrate psychological theory, concepts, and practice with Christian principles.
Social Work Major
Mission Statement
The mission of the Social Work major at Trevecca Nazarene University is to provide an integrated, generalist social work education based on Christian values. Our program promotes rigorous scholarship and deep personal growth for students in preparation for lives of leadership and service. The social work program intends that its graduates be persons who are developing holistically in the cognitive, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual areas of being. As the program seeks to integrate faith and learning in social work practice, students will strive to uphold the core social work values, which include service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
Student Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Social Work Competencies (Student Learning Outcomes) in the Social Work Program section of this Catalog.
Sociology Major
Mission Statement
The major in Sociology at Trevecca Nazarene University is designed to prepare graduates for careers in many different social science-related fields. A Christian perspective with emphasis on service to the community will assist graduates as they narrow their focus for future pursuits. A person with a degree in Sociology can expect to enter many different careers, all with a worldview that encourages meaningful Christian interaction with members of society.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a major in Sociology will:
- Be competent in their understanding of sociological theory and how those theories pertain to today's society.
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct sound sociological research.
- Be able to integrate Christian faith into a chosen field of endeavor.
- Be adequately prepared for further studies in graduate school, law school, or other advanced academics.
- Demonstrate Christian love and compassion toward other human beings, as well as an understanding of human differences.
Criminal Justice Studies Major
Mission Statement
The Criminal Justice Studies major at Trevecca Nazarene University seeks to develop competent and caring criminal justice professionals who exhibit the qualities of leadership and service from a Christian perspective in their chosen areas of community service.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a major in Criminal Justice Studies will:
- Be competent in the knowledge base of the various content areas within criminology, including law enforcement, corrections, and the criminal justice system.
- Gain an understanding of legal and justice issues and the application of Christian principles to those questions and issues.
- Demonstrate a comprehension of the connection between the field of criminal justice and contemporary social issues.
- Be adequately prepared for entry-level employment in criminology, criminal justice, or a related field.
- Be adequately prepared for graduate study in criminology, criminal justice, or a related field.
- Demonstrate Christian compassion toward individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, regardless of their social circumstances.
Behavioral Science Major
Mission Statement
The Behavioral Science major at Trevecca Nazarene University seeks to assist graduates in developing a Christian worldview, a compassionate spirit, and holistic perspective that will prepare them for meaningful service in the behavioral sciences or related field.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a major in Behavioral Science will:
- Be competent in the knowledge base of the discipline of behavioral science.
- Gain an understanding of research methodology in the behavioral sciences and be capable of conducting research and interpreting research findings.
- Be adequately prepared for graduate study in the behavioral sciences or related field.