Penn State BEHRENDSCHOOL OF HUMANITIES

AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

behrend.psu.edu/hss

Developing skills for success in a diverse worldABOUT THE SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCESExplore the world through travel, writing, film, literature, politics, history, psychol-ogy, digital media, the arts, communication, and languages. Develop valuable communication skills, expand analytical-thinking skills, explore culture and his-tory, and critically examine diverse societies and political systems. In the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, students are taught by highly accomplished faculty: scholars with international reputations for research, award-winning writers, and skilled teachers with years of practical professional experience.

The school provides students with the chance to study abroad, to publish in cre-ative and professional journals, to research human behavior in a laboratory, and to participate in archaeological digs in other countries. Working on the produc-tion of films, television and radio shows, a literary journal, and a campus newspa-per are also options.

Undergraduate ResearchPenn State Behrend annually awards nearly $350,000 in undergraduate research grants to fund hands-on learning opportunities for its students. Every Behrend student is eligible for a grant (typically $1,200 a semester) after completing an application process that includes selecting a faculty mentor, developing a research project, and writing a formal proposal. Each spring the college hosts a regional undergraduate research conference where university students publicly present their research and creative work.

Political Science, B.A. Political Science majors study American politics, compara-tive politics, international relations, political theory, public administration, public policy, and public law. The program emphasizes the skills of questioning, debating, and shaping persuasive arguments.

Psychology, B.A., B.S. Options for B.S.: Human Factors and Design; Psychology in the Workplace; SciencePsychology majors use science-based approaches to understanding human behavior, thought, and emotion. Students work closely with faculty on original research projects and have opportunities to get hands-on experience in a variety of settings.

Letters, Arts, and Sciences, A.A.Letters, Arts, and Sciences is a two-year associate degree pro-gram with electives to allow specialization according to indi-vidual career goals and educational plans. Graduates seeking later admission to four-year bachelor’s degree programs may apply associate degree credits toward the new degree.

MinorsCivic and Community EngagementCommunication Arts and Mass

MediaEnglishGame DevelopmentHistoryPolitics and GovernmentPsychological ScienceSpanishTransnational PerspectivesWomen’s Studies /Gender Studies

Special ProgramsPrelaw

Certificates AdvertisingAsian StudiesBehavioral Health and Counseling

PsychologyChild Development Consumer Psychology Crime, Psychology, and Public PolicyGame DevelopmentGerman StudiesGlobal Awareness Human FactorsLegal StudiesMiddle Eastern StudiesPublic RelationsSocial MediaSocial Studies Teacher CertificationTrauma Studies

DEGREE PROGRAMSArts Administration, B.A.This interdisciplinary degree combines broad arts exposure with intensive business training in marketing, management, event planning, and development. Graduates are able to fa-cilitate the day-to-day operations of businesses and nonprofits such as auction houses, art galleries, theatres, and museums.

Childhood and Early Adolescent Education, B.S.Childhood and Early Adolescent Education (PK-4 Option) meets or exceeds certification expectations for any state that requires a bachelor’s degree. Education majors have oppor-tunities to work in the on-campus Early Learning Center.

Communication, B.A.A major in Communication helps to prepare students for careers in corporate communication, print and broadcast journalism, advertising, public relations, and media produc-tion. Students develop written and oral communication skills from both theoretical and practical perspectives and gain valuable hands-on experiences.

Creative Writing, B.F.A. One of only a few creative writing undergraduate programs in the country, this major features classes in literature and theory supported by workshops that provide personal attention to student writing, readings by writers of national stature, and the opportunity to serve on the editorial staff of an international literary journal, Lake Effect.

Digital Media, Arts, and Technology, B.A.This interdisciplinary degree combines the liberal arts’ broad perspective and critical analysis with technical skill in the use of the newest programing languages, computer systems, and software tools.

English, B.A.Options: Literature, Film, and Culture; Professional WritingEnglish majors at Penn State Behrend learn to reason criti-cally, write cogently, construct and deconstruct ideas and arguments, and articulate opinions and judgments. Graduates pursue a wide range of careers, working in fields such as law, publishing, public service, technical writing, and education.

General Arts and Sciences, B.A.Options: Humanities; Liberal Studies; Science/Mathematics; Social and Behavioral SciencesStudents who choose this major generally feel that their ca-reer goals may not be met by a traditional degree program. In return for the flexibility, students accept greater responsi-bility for the planning of their education.

History, B.A. History majors learn to think critically, explore the fundamen-tal determinants of human behavior, and develop effective research and writing skills. The program stresses both tradi-tional and innovative methods of research, with an emphasis on analyzing written records. Students build a foundation for success in graduate or law school or careers in business and other fields.

AVERAGE JUNIOR/

SENIOR-LEVEL CLASS SIZE:

14

READY TO LEARN MORE?If you’re ready to explore your options in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Penn State Behrend, visit behrend.psu.edu/hss.

To arrange a campus visit, contact:

Office of Admissions and Financial AidPenn State Erie, The Behrend College4701 College DriveErie, PA 16563

866-374-3378 (toll-free) 814-898-6100behrend.admissions@psu.edufacebook.com/pennstatebehrend

ABOUT PENN STATE BEHRENDAt Penn State Behrend, students benefit from the resources and opportunities of a major research university provided in a welcoming environment. Students can choose from more than forty degree programs and enjoy campus life enriched by 110 student clubs and organizations, twenty-two NCAA Division III men’s and women’s sports, and a thriving intramural program. Penn State Behrend is consistently among the top public colleges in Pennsylvania on a number of academic measures and is part of the University ranked Number 1 in a Wall Street Journal survey of corporate recruiters that asked who best prepares students to succeed in the workplace.

FACILITIESThe School of Humanities and Social Sciences is located in Irvin Kochel Center, where students enjoy technology-enhanced classrooms and close proximity to the John M. Lilley Library. A new, state-of-the-art digital editing lab provides hands-on experience for students in Communication. In nearby Turnbull Hall, laboratories for the Psychology program are dedicated to cognitive neuroscience, perception, and cognition. The Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Community, Outreach, Research, and Evaluation (CORE) and the Prevention of Aggression Resource Center (PARC) offer research and internship opportunities.

This publication is available in alternative media upon request.Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other protected groups. http://guru.psu.edu/policies/AD85.html U.Ed. EBO 16-105