The behavioral and social sciences include disciplines seeking to understand human nature and behavior. The disciplines that comprise the behavioral and social sciences at IU East (namely anthropology, criminal justice, human geography, political science, psychology, sociology and social work) all study human beings and human interactions.

Anthroplogy seeks to understand how human beings have changed and adapted to changes in their environment. Criminal justice seeks to explain how some individuals violate criminal laws and how police, court and correctional agencies operate to address issues of crime and deviance.

Human geography looks at diverse peoples and their adaption to diverse geographic locations. Political science addresses political systems and how they affect and are affected by citizens. Psychology is interested in describing, predicting and explaining behavior and mental processes, while sociology emphasizes the impact of social systems and structures on groups of people. Social work focuses on working with people to identify and resolve problems related to personal or social circumstance. All of these disciplines have an interest in the multifaceted aspects of human beings

The BSS division contains multiple programs that all seek to understand human beings as social entities. We offer bachelor and associate degrees, minors, and certificates. We offer students opportunities in practical learning, research, and student organizations.

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