Pirate Career Plan: Social and Behavioral Sciences (SOBS)

What is Social and Behavioral Sciences (SOBS)?
SOBS is a multi-disciplinary degree that examines the human experience and actions within society. SOBS studies the different systems that are used to explain society such as cultural development (anthropology), social conduct (criminal justice), commerce (economics), government frameworks (political science), human behavior (psychology), social problems (social work), and societal systems (sociology).

What advantages does SOBS offer?
SOBS offers students the ability to explore and incorporate a diverse range of classes tailored to their long-term career interests. Through this structure, students can focus their studies on a specific topic across multiple disciplines while developing their analytical, writing, research, problem solving, and communication skills. This personalized approach, combined with career related experience, develops emerging human service/behavior professionals who are strong candidates for a wide range of careers and graduate studies.

• Complete the Career Assessments in MyPlan (via the Career Center tab in Portal)
  Career Interests / Personality / Skills Profile / Values
• Meet with your Career Advisor to review results and develop a career plan

• Explore internships in Navigator (Career Center online job/internship/event site)
• Interview 3 people you know or SHU alumni to learn about their careers
• Join student organizations related to your interests
• Create a resume with your Career Advisor
• Attend networking events and Career Fairs to learn about different careers
• Use online resources to gain more knowledge about potential career fields/jobs
  • O*Net 
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook 
  • Candid Careers (via the Career Center Tab in Portal)
    What Can I Do With This Major?
    • Univ. of Georgia 
    • Univ. of North Carolina at Wilmington 
    • Univ. of Tennessee 

• Review courses in the Undergraduate Catalogue 
• Make a list of courses in each of the seven (7) SOBS minors that interest you
• Discuss courses and register for classes with your SOBS Academic Advisor
• View the SOBS Homepage 

• Meet with your Career Advisor to develop an action plan
• Adapt your resume and cover letter for each position
• Attend workshops to enhance your interviewing skills
• Create and maintain a LinkedIn profile
• Start early to put yourself in the best position to be successful in finding career related experiences

• Seek leadership roles within student organizations
• Participate in SHU sponsored volunteer and community service opportunities
• Attend on-campus career events and programs (at least 1-2 per semester)
• Ask Faculty if you can assist with their research and/or projects

• Obtain 1-2 internships to develop skills and professional connections
• Meet with your Career Advisor to discuss search strategies
• Connect with professional contacts in your field
• Attend off-campus career related and professional development events
• Shadow professionals in your field (required for some graduate programs)
• Look at part-time/summer positions related to your interests
• Utilize Career Center online resources (via the Career Center Tab in Portal)
  • Navigator - The Career Center online job/internship/event site
  • CareerShift - Job Search/Employer contact site
• Apply for full-time positions at the beginning of your last semester

(May be required for your chosen career - Ask your Career Advisor or SOBS Academic Advisor)

• Meet with Faculty and professionals to learn more about potential graduate programs and any licensure/certification requirements in your field
• Search for graduate programs with a focus that matches your career interests
• Research specific programs during your second semester junior year
• Identify program requirements and application deadlines; give yourself 1-2 months to prepare your applications
• Take required graduate admission exams the summer before your senior year
• Have Faculty and Career Advisors review your application materials
• Utilize online resources such as:
  • GradSchools.com 
  • Peterson’s 
  • US News & World Report 

Need more infomrtaion?

Visit us at: Bayley Hall, Second Floor, Rm. 209 (Monday - Friday 8:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.)
Email us: [email protected]
Call us: (973) 761-9355