Behavioral Sciences
I am a professor in behavior sciences because God has placed a passion in my heart to minister to the poor in spirit and those suffering from social injustice. I can do this by enabling and equipping them to live lives of abundance. The Asbury College community is a great place to work and grow in God's grace.
—Dr. Ike Adams, professor of social work
Who are We?
The Department of Behavioral Sciences prepares graduates for work in research, university education, social welfare, corrections, health care, public schools, child protective services, ministry, missionary service, law, government, human resources, industry, disaster relief, military social welfare, aging, and other fields of practice that assist individuals, organizations, and communities to resolve personal and social problems.
What is Sociology?
Sociology is primarily an academic pursuit studying human relations in all kinds of populations ranging in size from individuals to nations. Sociologists study patterns of social interaction, values, and attitudes as reflected in race relations, crime, urbanization, migration, organizations, and institutions such as religion, science, and the family.
What is Social Work?
Social work is primarily the application of theory and knowledge in working with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities to enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and creating favorable societal conditions. Sociology is to social work what biology is to medicine.
What Do We Study in Social Work?
Social work knowledge comes from many fields. Social workers must have knowledge of personality functioning and counseling, economics, law, research, political science, history, anthropology, sociology, personal finances, religion, organizational behavior, leadership theory, and administration. Social work is both an art and a science. Knowledge (science) comes from classroom study and observation in social work agencies. The art of social work comes from practice in social agencies where social work students learn the skill of helping clients increase their social functioning.