Message from the Dean
Message from Dean Cindy Berg
Today’s big challenges require solutions where disciplines work together to meet human needs. Race relations are in tension. Global economies are changing. Climate change is creating challenges to our way of life. Chronic health problems like diabetes and obesity are nearing epidemic levels.
These challenges require a new way of thinking that involves understanding human solutions to these challenges from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Our seven departments, two interdisciplinary programs, and multiple centers train students to understand that human solutions involve an understanding of the economic, political, and cultural conditions that influence human thought and behavior.
We take an integrated three part approach to these interdisciplinary solutions by 1) creating cutting edge research that cross-cuts disciplines, 2) providing novel instruction in the classroom that connects these disciplines for students, and 3) outreaching students to community partners and policy makers that moves this research and knowledge into policies and action. By bringing a community of faculty scholars, graduate and undergraduate students, community partners and policy makers together, we are producing knowledge and training that will provide lasting solutions to today’s challenges.
Degrees to everywhere
Our degrees are degrees to everywhere as our alumni like to say. As you can see in our alumni spotlights, our students go onto careers in public service and policy analysis, law, medicine, economic consulting, business, environmental consulting, mental health services, criminology, and more. Our alumni tell us that their degrees in understanding human behavior have been essential in their careers.
If you are considering a Social and Behavioral Science major, please stop by our office for information or to talk with an advisor. If you are already one of our majors, I want to extend my warmest welcome to the CSBS family and encourage you to become involved in one of our transformative educational experiences (e.g., research, community engagement, and internship opportunities).
Sincerely,
Cindy Berg
Dean, College of Social and Behavioral Science