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Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Your Career Path

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences prepares students for critical thinking and purposeful vocation in the global economy. Students complete internships and field experiences at companies such as  the City of Newberry, Newberry County Public Defender's Office, Lexington County Family Court, and many more.

Criminal Justice

The study of Criminal Justice encompasses a broad array of disciplines ranging from psychology, sociology, science, law and human services. If you have a strong desire to help people and serve the public, have a high standard of ethics and excellent interpersonal communications skills, Criminal Justice may be the right major for you.

Available Majors, Minors and Concentrations

Majors:

Criminal Justice

 

Minors:

Criminal Justice

Career Possibilities

  • Animal Cruelty Investigator
  • CIA/FBI Agent
  • Correctional Counselor
  • Federal Probation Officer
  • Loss Prevention Officer
  • Security Analyst
  • Bounty Hunter/Bail
  • College Professor
  • Criminal Profiler
  • Game Warden
  • Park Ranger
  • Security Guard
  • Border Patrol Agent
  • Computer Forensics
  • Federal Air Marshal
  • Homeland Security
  • Police Office/State Trooper
  • Victims Advocate

Overview

The Criminal Justice major at Newberry College is grounded in the liberal arts. It shares foundational courses with the social sciences to help you become a well-rounded professional equipped to interact with the ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse populations you will encounter on the job.

 

Research

Criminal Justice majors will conduct independent research and present their findings at various regional conferences, such as the Carolina Undergraduate Social Science Symposium. Students participate in the research paper and poster presentation competitions with other students from more than a dozen colleges and universities throughout the state. Newberry College students consistently bring home awards from such competitions.

 

Internship

Criminal Justice majors will complete an internship as part of their program. The internship experience allows you to explore career options in your chosen area of specialization and can open up career opportunities after graduation. During your internship, you will work under the supervision of an experienced professional, network with professionals in your field and increase your knowledge of and exposure to your area of interest.  In a highly competitive marketplace, this type of relevant, hands-on experience gives you an advantage in your job search after graduation.



Requirements

Criminal Justice Major

Criminal Justice majors are required to complete a total of 54 credit hours (27 hours in Criminal Justice, including internship approved by program chair, 27 hours in Social Sciences); at least 6 credit hours of a single foreign language. 


Criminal Justice Minor

Criminal Justice minors are required to complete 18 credit hours distributed among required and elective courses within the major, and internship approved by program chair. 


Coming Soon!

  • Patrick Beatty

    • Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice


      Office: McClurg 303

      Office Phone: 803-321-5216

      Email:

      patrick.beatty@newberry.edu

      Bio:

      Dr. Patrick Beatty received his Ed.D in Educational Leadership Management & Policy from Seton Hall University in 2014. His dissertation work focused on the post-secondary education of New Jersey foster youths. He has served more… Read More

  • Vinetta Goodwin Witt

    • Chair, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Professor of Sociology


      Office: McClurg 207

      Office Phone: 803-321-5209

      Email:

      vinetta.witt@newberry.edu

      Bio:

      Dr. Witt received her B.A. in Sociology with a cognate in Psychology from South Carolina State University, her M.A. in Sociology from Clark-Atlanta University, her Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Ph.D. in Sociology from the… Read More

  • Sara Peters

    • Assistant Professor of Psychology


      Office: SCM 119F

      Office Phone: 803-321-5242

      Email:

      Sara.peters@newberry.edu

      Bio:

      Sara Peters received her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology with a Quantitative Area of Emphasis from the University of South Carolina in 2013. Her early work focused on cognition and language processing, and her dissertation work… Read More

  • Steven L. Schweizer, Ph.D.

    • Professor of Political Science & Pre-Law


      Office: McClurg 317

      Office Phone: 803-321-5214

      Email:

      steven.schweizer@newberry.edu

      Bio:

      Prior to joining the Newberry College faculty, Dr. Schweizer taught at Cornell College (Iowa), Benedictine College (Kansas), and Francis Marion University (South Carolina). His research focuses on world political theory, democratic… Read More

Academic Catalog
Criminal Justice Section


Download the 2016-2017 Academic Catalog

Download the 2015-2016 Academic Catalog

Download the 2014-2015 Academic Catalog

Download the 2013-2014 Academic Catalog



Political Science

Primed for Success

Political Science is the study of political institutions and policies, political philosophies and theories, public policy and political research methodology. Students in this major often aspire to careers in the law, public affairs or political office. 

Available Majors, Minors and Concentrations

Majors:

Political Science

 

Minors:

Political Science 

 

Pre-Professional Studies:

Law

Career Possibilities

  • Lawyer
  • Paralegal
  • Lobbyist
  • Local, State or National Elective Office
  • Urban Planner
  • Political Consultant or Campaign Manager
  • Political Communications
  • Political Editor or Blogger
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Public Affairs Advisor
  • Journalist
  • International Agency or UN Officer
  • Corporate or Government Administration
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • CIA/FBI Analyst or Agent
  • College Professor or High School Teacher

Overview

Political Science professors are committed to preparing you for a successful career and meaningful life beyond your studies at Newberry College. We will help you to cultivate the knowledge, intellectual and social skills, and moral discernment to realize your personal and professional goals. The classroom is your point of departure to entering the fascinating world of politics and law. In studying these subjects, we encourage you to apply your knowledge through participation in Mock Trial, South Carolina Student Legislature, as well as political and legal internships. 



Requirements

Political Science major (42 hours)

  • 15 hours: American Government, Comparative Politics, Political Thought I and II, and Capstone
  • 3 hours: At least one of the following World Politics or Public Policy
  • 3 hours: Introduction to Social Statistics
  • 15 hours: Political Science course electives
  • 6 hours (or equivalent): Spanish or another foreign language

Political Science minor (18 hours)

  • 3 hours: American Government
  • 3 hours: Comparative Politics
  • 12 hours: Political Science course electives

New Freshman Seminars Offered by the Political Science Program!

This year, Professor Schweizer offered a new freshman seminar (INQ 101) called Tyrants and Democrats. Films like "The Killing Fields", "The Last King of Scotland", "Lincoln", "Evita", “Coriolanus—the Play”, and “All the King’s Men” explore the fragility of democracy and how tyrants come to power and stay in power. The course explores the psychological motivations of tyrants like Hitler of Germany, Eva Peron of Argentina, Pol Pot of Cambodia, Idi Amin of Uganda, and others. The serious-but-lighthearted Dictator’s Handbook: A Practical Manual for the Aspiring Tyrant will serve as the basic text of the class. This is a class that is edgy and inspiring. Dr. Sillay offered a new freshman seminar (INQ 101) this year called Achieving the Impossible: Leadership and Politics. The theme for this course is inspired by the late Nelson Mandela who said, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” Reflecting on the lives of inspiring leaders raises exciting and important questions about how some individuals are able to marshall the courage to confront seemingly insurmountable challenges, motivate others to follow, and change the world. In this course, films and popular media sources supplement course readings in innovative ways, as we explore a variety of American and world leaders.

Alumni News

South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond (1986) was re-elected last November. He has served as Secretary of State since 2002. His initiatives include charity and telemarketing abuse reform, Business One Stop to facilitate business in the state, seizing counterfeit merchandise, and charity transparency. Hope Walker (2011) moved from State Director of the South Carolina Republican Party to State Director of the Gov. Mike Huckabee presidential campaign. Prior to that she was involved in campaigning, fundraising, event planning, and constituency service. Julia Danesfhar (2013) is attending law school at Southern Methodist University and studied comparative law at Oxford University last summer. Josh Brown (2014) is attending law school at the University of South Carolina.

Department Honors Awards

The Social and Behavioral Science Department held the seniors’ reception at the Dufford Alumni House on April 29, 2015.  During the reception 4 students received departmental honors: Tessa Davis, James Christian Gilchrist, Jessica King, and Alex Roberts.  These students were selected for departmental honor because of their academic achievements, community and campus involvement, internships, and research presentations at conferences.

  • Steven L. Schweizer, Ph.D.

    • Professor of Political Science & Pre-Law


      Office: McClurg 317

      Office Phone: 803-321-5214

      Email:

      steven.schweizer@newberry.edu

      Bio:

      Prior to joining the Newberry College faculty, Dr. Schweizer taught at Cornell College (Iowa), Benedictine College (Kansas), and Francis Marion University (South Carolina). His research focuses on world political theory, democratic… Read More

Academic Catalog
Political Science Section


Download the 2016-2017 Academic Catalog

Download the 2015-2016 Academic Catalog

Download the 2014-2015 Academic Catalog

Download the 2013-2014 Academic Catalog



Psychology

A Deeper Understanding

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Psychological knowledge can be applied to many issues of everyday life.  Examples include communication and teamwork as well as mental functions such as thinking and language, and physiological processes such as development and aging.  The Psychology major provides a solid foundation in psychological principles and scientific inquiry, and prepares students for a wide variety of careers and/or for graduate school.

Available Majors, Minors and Concentrations

Majors:

Psychology 

Psychology with Experimental Psychology concentration 

Psychology with Forensic Psychology concentration

 

Minors:

Psychology

Career Possibilities

  • Juvenile Justice
  • Caseworker
  • Social Services
  • Youth Program Director
  • Child Care Specialist
  • Research Assistant
  • Advertising Agent
  • Marketing Researcher
  • Insurance Adjustor
  • Insurance Agent
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Sales Representative
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Probation and Parole Officer
  • Human Resources
  • Training Specialist
  • Behavior Analyst
  • Residential Youth Counselor

Career Links

Overview

Psychology majors are well prepared for a number of careers with a baccalaureate degree.  Skills common to Psychology majors that employers value are critical thinking, written and oral communication, the ability to analyze and interpret data, and the ability to work well with others.  The Psychology major provides broad applications to careers in business, industry, management, the ministry, human resources, rehabilitation, teaching, and other fields. It also offers a useful foundation for a variety of graduate school career paths.

 

For those graduates who seek careers as practicing psychologists, graduate and professional schools of psychology offer preparation for professional counselors and licensed psychologists as well as for careers in teaching and research.  Our graduates have earned graduate degrees in child therapy, marriage and family counseling, and career counseling. Other graduates have pursued professional and graduate degrees in school psychology, juvenile justice, social services, speech therapy, business, and the ministry.



Requirements

Psychology Major (39-45 hours)

Students majoring in Psychology must complete PSY 120, 220, 230, 231, 236, 300, 370, 400, and 402 (24 hours); PSY 350 or 360 (3 hours); 9 additional hours in Psychology depending on the student’s interests; Social Sciences 230 (3 hours); and 6 hours or the equivalent proficiency of a foreign language for a total of 39–45 hours.


Psychology major with Experimental Psychology concentration (48-54 hours)

Students majoring in Psychology with an Experimental Psychology Concentration must complete PSY 120, 220, 230, 231, 236, 300, 325, 350, 360, 370, 400, and 402 (33 hours); PSY 493 and 494 (6 hours); 6 additional hours in Psychology depending on the student’s interests; Social Sciences 230 (3 hours); and 6 hours or the equivalent proficiency of a foreign language for a total of 48–54 hours.


Psychology major with Forensic Psychology concentration (57-63 hours)

Students majoring in Psychology with the Forensic Psychology Concentration must complete PSY 120, 220, 230, 231, 236, 300, 312, 325, 360, 370, 400, and 402 (33 hours); a combination of  PSY 491, 492, or PSY 495, 496, or Independent Study & Internship hours (6 hours); SOC 102, SOC 246, POS 121, POS 343, and FSC 211 (15 hours); Social Sciences 230 (3 hours); and 6 hours or the equivalent proficiency of a foreign language for a total of 57–63 hours.


Psychology minor (18 hours)

The Psychology minor requires 18 hours, including PSY 120 and five additional Psychology courses (excludes PSY 400 and PSY 402.) 


Faculty Achievement & Honors

Dr. Sara Peters presented a paper at the 61st Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association in March at Hilton Head, SC. Her paper was titled “Creating the Sound of Sarcasm.” In addition, her work has earned her the distinction of being named an Early Career Research Award Finalist. Congratulations, Dr. Peters!

Student Accomplishments

A May 2015 graduate, Alex Roberts presented a poster on “Discourse Processing” with Dr. Sara Peters in March at the Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association held in Hilton Head, SC. Congratulations, Alex! Alex and Dr. Peters are also working on a manuscript together on “Sarcasm: Do You See It Now?” Alex will begin graduate studies at the University of South Carolina this fall in the Ph.D. School Psychology program.

Faculty Research and Publication

Dr. Sara Peters has received notification that her paper on the processing of sarcasm has been accepted for publication. “Do You Hear It Now? A Native Advantage for Sarcasm Processing” was published in March 2015 in the peer-reviewed journal Bilingualism: Language and Cognition.

More Research News

Dr. Marilyn Schroer will be presenting her research findings on “Given Names” at a Faculty Round Table at the College in October. She will discuss given names based on information from the Social Security Index as well as her findings on who typically names a child, what history is known of how the name was chosen, and the person’s overall satisfaction with his or her given names. Dr. Schroer worked on this project during her sabbatical leave in 2014.

Department Honors Awards

The Social and Behavioral Science Department held the seniors’ reception at the Dufford Alumni House on April 29, 2015.  During the reception 4 students received departmental honors: Tessa Davis, James Christian Gilchrist, Jessica King, and Alex Roberts.  These students were selected for departmental honor because of their academic achievements, community and campus involvement, internships, and research presentations at conferences.

  • Sara Peters

    • Assistant Professor of Psychology


      Office: SCM 119F

      Office Phone: 803-321-5242

      Email:

      Sara.peters@newberry.edu

      Bio:

      Sara Peters received her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology with a Quantitative Area of Emphasis from the University of South Carolina in 2013. Her early work focused on cognition and language processing, and her dissertation work… Read More

  • Laura Ringer

    • Adjunct Instructor of Psychology


      Office: SCM 119G

      Office Phone: 803-321-5630

      Email:

      laura.ringer@newberry.edu

      Bio:

      Ms. Ringer received her B.A. in English with a minor in Psychology from Newberry College, her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina, and has completed 57 hours of doctoral coursework in Educational… Read More

  • Marilyn Marek Schroer

    • Associate Professor of Psychology


      Office: SCM 105

      Office Phone: 803-321-5256

      Email:

      marilyn.schroer@newberry.edu

      Bio:

      Dr. Marilyn Marek Schroer received her baccalaureate degree from Graceland University with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Music. Her graduate degrees are both from Texas A&M University. Her M.S. is in Educational… Read More

Academic Catalog
Psychology Section


Download the 2016-2017 Academic Catalog

Download the 2015-2016 Academic Catalog

Download the 2014-2015 Academic Catalog

Download the 2013-2014 Academic Catalog



Sociology

Expanding Social Consciousness

Sociology is the study of human interactions in groups and societies. Are you interested in researching people’s behaviors and opinions? Are you concerned about social issues such as inequality, poverty, the environment, population changes and justice? You can explore these issues with a major in sociology. 

Available Majors, Minors and Concentrations

Majors:

Sociology 

 

Minors:

Sociology

Social Work

Career Possibilities

  • Social Policy Analyst
  • Community Housing Specialist
  • Case Worker
  • Human Resources
  • Educator
  • Research Assistant
  • Diversity Trainer
  • Public Health Advisor
  • Patient Representative
  • Law Enforcement
  • Probation Officer
  • Corrections Officer
  • Juvenile Justice Officer
  • Game Warden
  • Victim Advocacy Trainer
  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Retention Counselor
  • Retirement Center Director

Overview

Sociology majors are encouraged to complete one or more internships with organizations that will provide relevant experiences, such as Juvenile Justice, Department of Social Services, Council on Aging, Law Enforcement agencies and local schools.



Requirements

Sociology Major

Sociology majors are required to complete 36 hours in Sociology and 3 hours in Social Sciences 230. The 36 hours must include SOC 101, SOC 208, SOC 301, SOC 302, SOC 403 and 7 additional courses in Sociology, two of which must be 300-400 level courses. Sociology majors also are required to complete 6 hours of foreign language studies.


Sociology Minor (18 hours)

To earn a Sociology minor, students must complete a total of 18 hours in Sociology including: SOC101, SOC 208 and 4 additional courses in Sociology.


Social Work Minor (21 hours)

To earn a Social Work minor, students must complete a total of 21 hours in Social & Behavioral Sciencese courses, including six (18 hours) required courses and one (3 hours) elective. A research course (SOC 302 or PSY 402) is strongly recommended. Two of the required courses for the minor (PSY 120 and SOC 101) fulfill Core requirements. 


Keynote Speaker

Mr. James Christian Gilchrist, sociology major and criminal justice minor, was one of the keynote speakers for commencement.  In his speech entitled “The Period of Maximal Growth”, he compared the development of college students to the wolf.  He explained how the wolf pup transitions to a wolf and likewise how Freshmen transition to graduates.

Winners of Research Awards at the Carolina Undergraduate Social Science Symposium

Newberry College students presented their research at the Carolina Undergraduate Social Science Symposium at the College of Charleston. Two of the five students won prizes for their Poster presentations. Tessa Davis, psychology major and sociology minor, won 1st place for her research entitled "Eye Witness Testimony". Briana Juarez, double major in psychology and sociology, won 2nd place for her research entitled "Stress Levels of Athletes by Gender." Jessica King, Christian Ortiz, and Sarah Sager presented their research at the symposium as well.

Departmental Honors Awards

The Social and Behavioral Science Department held the seniors’ reception at the Dufford Alumni House on April 29, 2015.  During the reception 4 students received departmental honors: Tessa Davis, James Christian Gilchrist, Jessica King, and Alex Roberts.  These students were selected for departmental honor because of their academic achievements, community and campus involvement, internships, and research presentations at conferences.

Students Complete Internships

Eleven students completed internships at various agencies.  The internship supervisors and the students were recognized and presented a gift at the celebration for seniors.  Students completed internships at the following agencies: Department of Social Services, Probation and Parole, Newberry County Council on Aging, Newberry Elementary School, Newberry Police Department, Sheriff Department, Sexual Trauma Center, and Westview Behavioral Center.

  • Naomi R. Simmons

  • Vinetta Goodwin Witt

    • Chair, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Professor of Sociology


      Office: McClurg 207

      Office Phone: 803-321-5209

      Email:

      vinetta.witt@newberry.edu

      Bio:

      Dr. Witt received her B.A. in Sociology with a cognate in Psychology from South Carolina State University, her M.A. in Sociology from Clark-Atlanta University, her Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Ph.D. in Sociology from the… Read More

Academic Catalog
Sociology Section


Download the 2016-2017 Academic Catalog

Download the 2015-2016 Academic Catalog

Download the 2014-2015 Academic Catalog

Download the 2013-2014 Academic Catalog