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COLLEGE OF BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (BSOS)2148 Tydings Hall, 301-405-1697www.bsos.umd.edu bsosadvising@umd.edu Dean: John Townshend Associate Dean(s): Katherine Pedro Beardsley, Wayne McIntosh Assistant Dean(s): Ann Holmes, Lucy Miller, Kim Nickerson The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences is comprised of a diverse group of disciplines and fields of study all of which emphasize a broad liberal arts education as the foundation for understanding the environmental, social, and cultural forces that shape our world. At the heart of the behavioral and social sciences is the attempt to understand human beings, both individually and in groups. Disciplines in the behavioral and social sciences use approaches that range from the scientific to the philosophical, from the experimental to the theoretical. Integral to all the disciplines, however, is the development and application of problem solving skills, which in combination with other academic skills, enable students to think analytically and to communicate clearly and persuasively. Students interested in human behavior and in solving human and social problems will find many exciting opportunities through the programs and courses offered by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Undergraduate Degree Requirements/Degree Options
Advising
The BSOS Advising Center, located in 2148 Tydings Hall, coordinates undergraduate advising and maintains student records for behavioral and social science students. Advisors are available to provide information concerning University requirements and regulations, transfer credit evaluations, and other general information about the University by appointment from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Undergraduate advisors for each undergraduate major are located in the department offices. These advisors are available to assist students in selecting courses and educational experiences in their major area of study consistent with major requirements and students' educational goals. For additional information please visit www.bsos.umd.edu or call 301-405-1697. Students not enrolled at the University of Maryland for less than five years, and are readmitted through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions may return to their original major in BSOS (assuming they had not been dismissed or subject to dismissal from their major previously). Returning students, with an absence of less than five years, are not subject to changes in the requirements for major, general education, or benchmarks. Students not enrolled at the University of Maryland for more than five years and wish to return to a BSOS major may be subject to changes in requirements for major, general education, limited enrollment programs, and benchmarks. If students are readmitted/reinstated through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, they should check with the BSOS College Advising Office for an evaluation on the status of their return to their original major. Depending on the length of separation, there may be additional coursework to update the rigor of a student's degree. If a student did not leave the Univeristy in good academic standing, reinstatement/readmission to the University is not a guarantee that a student may return to their original major in BSOS. Departments and Centers The college is composed of the following departments, each offering a major program that leads to the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree, as appropriate: Department of African American Studies* Department of Anthropology Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Department of Economics Department of Geographical Sciences Department of Government and Politics Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences Department of Psychology Department of Sociology
In addition, the college is a major contributor to the Environmental Science and Policy Program and sponsors several of its areas of concentration. Minors
Several departments within the
Living-Learning Programs
CIVICUS Living and Learning Program CIVICUS is a two-year living and learning program in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. This academic citation program is centered on five themes of civil society: citizenship, leadership, community service-learning, community building in a diverse society, and scholarship. About 130 diverse and energetic CIVICUS Associates take a common core of classes, live together in Somerset Hall, and participate in civic, community service, experiential, and other activities and projects on and off campus. CIVICUS was founded on the belief that to be engaged members of civil society we have an obligation to be aware of the world outside of the classroom and to act upon issues that affect the world in which we live. Our courses and activities are intricately linked with each other and our communities. CIVICUS Associates enrich their academic work and explore career opportunities by volunteering with non-profit organizations and governmental agencies and programs, creating their own community service projects, and interacting with faculty and community leaders. They are among the most involved students at Maryland. CIVICUS Associates complete a Capstone internship on campus or in the DC metropolitan area as second semester sophomores. Selected students from all majors are invited to participate in the CIVICUS Living and Learning Program when they apply to the university as first year students, based on their letters of recommendation, involvement in high school and the community, admissions essays, and academic transcripts. CIVICUS looks to invite students who will continue to strengthen and broaden their leadership skills within the University and local communities. For more information, please visit: www.CIVICUS.umd.edu.
One of twelve College Park Scholars living-learning programs, the International Studies Program brings together undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines who share an interest in global issues, politics, and events. Each entering class of approximately sixty-five students takes courses together during the freshman and sophomore years. The majority of International Studies Scholars reside in Centreville Hall.
International Studies was one of the original four College Park Scholars programs launched in 1994, sponsored by the The International Studies Program welcomes students who wish to live and learn together and who have an interest in exploring international political, economic, and cultural issues. Our program offers an opportunity to build global understanding and global awareness through academic and experiential learning. For more information, please visit: www.scholars.umd.edu/is/
Global Communities Global Communities is a two-year living-learning program sponsored by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS). Students participate in a combination of courses, extracurricular opportunities, and residential living organized around the theme of globalization, its challenges and opportunities. The program enriches student understanding of the causes and consequences of the world's interconnectedness, and provides academic and intercultural skills to help them address the issues it raises. Global Communities provides a foundation for a variety of academic majors and an entry point to the Global Studies Minors. Students take two three-credit courses on a theme related to globalization in their first year. These interdisciplinary courses are designed and taught by leading scholars in the social sciences, and explore significant issues through simulations, case studies, and research. The second year of the program requires experiential learning through either a short-term study abroad opportunity, service-learning course, or internship. There is a final one-credit capstone course in the second year. Upon completion of the 10-credit program, students receive a notation on their transcript. The program recognizes that significant learning occurs outside the classroom. Courses are complemented by regular field trips to museums, international organizations, embassies, and other sites that take advantage of our location in the greater Washington, DC area. A variety of events and activities on campus bring the issues to life. Students from all corners of the world live together in the residence hall, fostering intercultural communication skills and building a diverse and supportive community. Global Communities is a selective invitation-only program for entering freshmen. It aims to enroll a class of 60-75 students each year. The program seeks academically strong students who express interest in international affairs, have international or intercultural experience, or simply are open to the kind of experience we offer. For more information, please visit: www.globalcommunities.umd.edu Specialized Academic Programs
Atlantic Coast - Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AC-SBE Alliance) College Honors Program Undergraduate honors are offered to graduating students in the departments of African American Studies, Anthropology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, Government and Politics, Psychology, and Sociology. Dean's List. Any student who has passed at least 12 hours of academic work under the regular grading method in the preceding semester, without failure of any course, and with an overall average grade of at least 3.5, will be placed on the Dean's List. The Distinguished Dean's List consists of students who have completed successfully a minimum of 12 credit hours in a semester with a 4.0. Honor Societies. Students who excel in their academic discipline may be selected for membership in an honorary society. Honoraries for which students in BSOS are chosen include:
Approved Student Societies and Professional Organizations Students who major in the Behavioral and Social Sciences have a wide range of interests. The following is a list of student organizations in the disciplines and fields of the Behavioral and Social Sciences:
For more information about these student organizations or starting a new student group, please contact the Office of Campus Programs, Adele H. Stamp Student Union, 301-314-7174. Financial Assistance The college offers several scholarships to its students (see below). Each scholarship has eligibility criteria. Scholarship information and applications are made available each fall semester. Scholarship awards are granted for the following fall semester. The college offers the following scholarship awards:
For more information, please visit: www.bsos.umd.edu Scholarships are sometimes given at the department level. Check with your departmental advisor or your director of undergraduate programs for more information regarding scholarship opportunities that may be available to you. The National Scholarship Office at the University of Maryland provides information on nationally competitive scholarships at the undergraduate (and graduate) level. For more information, please visit: www.scholarships.umd.edu The Office of Student Financial Aid (OFSA) administers all types of federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs and, in cooperation with other University offices, participates in the awarding of scholarships to deserving students. For more information, visit: www.financialaid.umd.edu Research Units
The Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR)
4321 Hartwick Rd. Ste. 501, College Park, MD 20740 Maryland Population Research Center (MPRC)
0124N Cole Student Activities Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
Office of Academic Computing Services (OACS) The College believes strongly that the study of behavioral and social sciences should incorporate both quantitative and computational skills. Consequently, curricula in most departments require some course work in statistics, quantitative research methods, and information technology. The BSOS Office of Academic Computing Services (OACS) provides undergraduate students in the College with facilities to satisfy a broad range of computer-related needs. OACS operates five 20-seat instructional computer labs that offer a wide variety of popular software, including statistical and GIS packages. The labs also offer color and black-and-white printing through the campus’ pay-for-print system. Public Safety, Training and Technology Assistance (PSTTP)
9001 Edmonston Rd. Ste. 300, Greenbelt, MD 20770 Established in 1997, PSTTAP’s mission is to partner with clients to solve their most important and complex problems. To accomplish this, PSTTAP provides the highest quality managerial, operational and technical support and training to combat drug trafficking and drug abuse; reduce violent crime; reduce gang activity; provide action-oriented criminal intelligence; support Maryland’s Department of Public Safety and Correctional Service’s distributed database development; and offer internships and jobs to University students. PSTTAP is funded entirely through research and development awards. The following grant projects illustrate the breadth and reach of PSTTAP. HIDTA The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) funds the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (W/B HIDTA) Program designed to coordinate drug law enforcement, treatment and prevention efforts in Central Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and Richmond areas. This intelligence-led program relies on its Investigative Support Center to develop and share actionable, real-time intelligence to all participating members and the 27 other HIDTAs nationwide. Over 700 federal, state and local law enforcement agents and officers work together in W/B HIDTA task forces to implement HIDTA’s strategy for reducing drug trafficking by targeting drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and violent street gangs. W/B HIDTA treatment services target hard-core drug abusers in the HIDTA region using a coerced treatment model. W/B HIDTA prevention resources focus on at-risk youth in Baltimore, Northern Virginia and Richmond by offering afterschool and summer activities to the most disadvantaged youth. Core Competencies The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) funds the Core Competencies Project designed to improve services provided by the DPSCS to its customers. These improvements are being brought about through five major information technology (IT) projects currently underway in the Information Technology and Communications Division (ITCD). These IT projects are: Statewide Secure WAN and LAN; Offender Case Management System (OCMS); ID Maryland; Offender Case Management System Support Systems and Criminal Justice Information Sharing. Each of these projects requires that ITCD develop additional core competencies in order to develop, implement and support them. Over the past ten years, the University of Maryland’s Public Safety Training and Technical Assistance Program (PSTTAP) has assigned researchers to assist with the design, development, implementation, and operational stabilization of portions of each of these projects. Prince George’s and Montgomery County Gang Initiative The Prince George’s and Montgomery County Gang Initiative (PGMCGI) is funded by the Department of Justice. The PGMCGI is a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary, regional approach to combat gang crime. An Executive Steering Committee composed of executives and subject matter experts from 11 agencies meet regularly to provide project oversight. Three subcommittees (Suppression, Intelligence and Information Sharing, and Intervention/Prevention) collect data to evaluate project performance. The information and intelligence sharing component facilitates an intelligence-led approach for suppression and for gang prevention/intervention activities. Technical Assistance in Grant Services (TAGS) The Technical Assistance with Grants (TAGS) initiative provides public safety agencies and community organizations with opportunities to obtain grant and foundation funding they may not have the resources to pursue otherwise. TAGS avails its clients of the University’s exceptional applied research resources, expedited procurement procedures, strong fiscal management, and its principals’ extraordinary practical experience. TAGS personnel have the proven capability and expertise to handle all of the fiscal responsibilities related to grant implementation for their clients, so that they can do what they do best—deliver services that enhance public safety. Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center Established in 2003, the Maryland Coordination Analysis Center (MCAC) expanded its mission in 2006 from an anti-terrorism approach to an all crimes approach and regionalized efforts by establishing three Regional Information Centers. Grant funding awarded to PSTTAP is used to hire analysts who support law enforcement, fire, emergency medical and response services, public health and welfare, public safety and homeland security agencies in this all crimes, all hazards environment. Student Engagement and Service Units Dean's Student Advisory Council The Dean's Student Advisory Council (DSAC) was formed in the fall of 2002. This council is charged with advising the dean on various topics affecting students and their educational and social experiences at the University of Maryland. Each academic year, the group takes on the responsibility of allocating the college's portion of the approved student technology fee. DSAC was assigned the primary role of deciding where those fees would be best applied in the college. DSAC also led the charge in the formation and founding of the college's Ambassadors Program, which has proven to be a successful addition and support system for the college and advising center. Moving forward, DSAC plans on developing systems to help the college have a more community-like feel, and creating better relationships with each academic department in hopes of being able to better address students' issues and concerns. During the 2007-2008 academic year, DSAC held its first student-faculty dinner with great success—more than 150 students and faculty from the college attended the dinner. Plans are currently underway for the implementation of next year's student-faculty dinner, which is an annual event for the college. This council consists of representatives from each department in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the living/learning programs in the college, the Student Government Association, University Senate representatives for the college, and a peer advisor. Contact the Dean's Student Advisory Council: bsosdsac@umd.edu BSOS Ambassadors Ambassadors assist with the planning, coordination and execution of special events hosted by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Ambassadors build a strong knowledge base of the behavioral and social science academic disciplines as well as other programs offered by the college so that they may inform prospective students and the public during special events. Additionally, by working with other ambassadors, faculty, staff and various campus professionals, ambassadors will have the opportunity for valuable leadership, networking and communication experience. Ambassadors receive two (2) course credits for the successful completion of a semester of duty and the fulfillment of the accompanied course, BSOS288B). Additionally, after the successful completion of one semester of duty, students may continue serving as an ambassador and earn additional credit for each full semester of service thereafter, assuming they maintain the necessary requirements set forth to be a college ambassador. For more information contact the College Advising Office 301-405-1697 or bsosadvising@umd.edu . BSOS Peer Mentors
The Peer Mentor Program gives students an opportunity to serve the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. The primary role of a Peer Mentor is to teach other students about their degree requirements during graduation planning workshops. Students gain public speaking, teaching, and leadership skills as well as 1-2 credits per semester of service. |