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School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Experiential Learning

In the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, we believe learning in a hands-on environment equips our students for career success. Regardless of your choice of study, opportunities abound for our students to engage in real-world applications of their rigorous coursework.

Criminal Justice

Photo of students raising awareness for homelessness

Delta Chi Homelessness Awareness Event

Marist College students call attention to Youth homelessness through an event designed to simulate a night of homelessness. The event was held on the campus green. Students heard a talk that included facts about youth homelessness, listened to a guest speaker who was previously homeless, viewed a full length film, and spent the night outside. Students who participated raised awareness and donations for River Haven, a temporary housing program designed to address the immediate needs of runaway, homeless and other at-risk youth. The "sleep out" was organized by the College's School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Criminal Justice Honor Society as a way to mark National Homeless Awareness Month.

Education

Photo of Education students in Hawaii

Culturally Responsive Education Experience

Education students can participate in this Marist Abroad opportunity entitled "Culturally Responsive Education." Through a cultural immersion experience, education students learn how a family’s cultural background affects a schoolchild in Hawaii. The group visits destinations including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Oahu.

Psychology

Photo of students in laboratory conducting research

Laboratory Research Experience

Psychology majors are taught to use psychophysiological equipment in several lab courses and encouraged to involve these techniques in their own research. Students learn how to precisely record heart rate, temperature, and skin conductance (how much sweat is on the fingertips). We also have an EEG cap that measures electrical activity at the scalp. Typically, these measurements are made when participants are involved in a task like viewing faces or engaging in a stress reduction activity to better understand the emotional and cognitive responses associated with those tasks. Students use these methods not only for class assignments but for independent research projects often presented at academic conferences.

Social Work

Photo of social work students practicing self-defense

Self-Defense Training

Social work students engage in self-defense training. The training provides students with everyday tips on safety and alertness and hands-on knowledge about how to approach uncertain situations where one might feel unsafe or threatened. Students practice techniques for self-protection, avoiding unsafe situations, and remaining alert.