Chairperson: Dr. Grace Kelly
Email: behscience@ncu.edu.jm
Tel: 1-876-523-2199 or 2155

Introduction

The department of    Behavioural Sciences offers degrees and certificates in three distinct yet interrelated programmes namely, Psychology, Guidance and Counselling and Social Work.  Psychology is the systematic study of behaviour and mental processes. It investigates human behaviour and the factors that influence them.  The study of psychology prepares individuals to observe and interpret human behaviour and prescribe solutions.  Counselling as a field utilizes psychology to study the background of individuals in order to understand their current functioning and to predict the directions in which they may go in the future. Social Work is the professional activity of helping individuals, groups or communities to enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and to create social conditions favourable to their goals (National Association of Social Workers, 1982).

Objectives
The department aims to:

• Enables students to develop an awareness of and appreciation for current scientific studies of mental processes and behaviour.

• Foster the application of Counselling Techniques , social work methods and values and psychological principles to personal improvement,  welfare of others, and service to society.

• Promote  the application of Judeo-Christian values in Psychology and Counselling services.

• Adequately prepare students for service in the various social work entities, particularly those pertinent to the Jamaican/Caribbean setting.

Programmes Offered

• Master of Science in Counselling Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Guidance Counselling
• Bachelor of Science in Social Work
• Associate of Science in Social Work
• Associate of Science in Family Life Education
• Certificate in Family Life Education
• Minor in Psychology
• Minor in Guidance Counselling
• Minor in Social Work
• Minor in Family Life Education

Duration

The normal completion time for full-time students (16 credit hour per semester and 6-9 per summer) pursuing a bachelor degree in the Department of Behavioural Sciences is four years. However, trained applicants, with transferable credits, may take less.    

Matriculation Requirements

Each applicant for the Psychology, Guidance Counselling or Social Work degree must meet the matriculation requirements of the university. Biology or Human & Social Biology is required for full matriculation into the B.Sc. in Psychology. A passing grade in BIOL155 – Fundamentals of Biology I may satisfy this requirement. 

Acceptance into these programmes is based on successful performance at an interview by the department’s Prospective Student Interviewing Committee.  

All Bachelor of Science students are  expected to complete a minimum of six (6) personal counselling (individual & group) sessions and participate in a minimum of eight (8) sessions of professional development activities approved by the department. These counselling sessions may be done through the Counselling and Psychological Services Centre (CPSC). The professional development activities may include sessions coordinated or supported by the department. These may include: Professional Enhancement Training (PET) Peer Counsellor’s Training; Depression Recovery Training; Anger Management Training, Stress Reduction Training; Family Mediation Training, among others. 

Continuation in any of the department’s programmes is based on the periodic review of the student’s academic performance, and evidence of appropriate personal and professional growth.