The Applied Behavioral Sciences (ABS) major provides students with fundamental courses in psychology as well as specific courses in related disciplines that fit with the student’s interests and career aspirations. Students learn research and writing skills through courses in statistics and research methods, and the major culminates with a portfolio project in which the student creates an artifact that integrates and summarizes the information and skills he or she learned throughout the program.
Students enrich their understanding of the applied nature of the behavioral sciences by selecting additional electives from related disciplines, such as education, early childhood, communications, business, the health sciences, or social work. These electives are selected with help from the student’s advisor in order to maximize the student’s preparedness for the particular occupations the student wishes to pursue upon graduation.
The major consists of 36 credit hours of required courses. Many of the courses can be completed in evening or online formats. Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale from all colleges/universities attended as well as a GPA of a 2.5 in major courses for acceptance into the major, to remain in the program, and for graduation. All courses for the major must be completed with grades of C- or above.
Baccalaureate Degree and Residency Requirements
All requirements for an undergraduate degree are listed under academic policies and regulations in the introductory section for undergraduate programs in this catalog. These requirements include a graduation requirement of at least one course in religion or theology.
Major Approval
Major approval is required during the second semester of the sophomore year, or after the completion of 45 credit hours at Fontbonne. For transfer students, major approval is required after completing the equivalent of one full semester (a minimum of 12 credits) at Fontbonne.
General Education Requirements
The 42 credit hours of general education requirements are presented in the academic information section in this catalog. A course that meets a general education requirement may also meet a course requirement in the major or a course requirement in another discipline.
