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Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Academics

Transforming Lives Through Scholarship and Service

At Malone, the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences prepares students to understand human behavior, advocate for renewal, and serve with compassion – all from a faith-based perspective. Rooted in Christian principles, our programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to serve in the fields of psychology, counseling, criminal and restorative justice, and social work. Whether pursuing research, policy, or direct service to the community, graduates lead with wisdom, integrity, and a heart for others.

Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Academic Programs

Undergraduate

  • Undergraduate
  • On-campus
  • Online

Applied Psychology

  • Major
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Applied Psychology

Explore the complexities of the mind and emotions through a biblical lens, gaining a unique perspective that sets you apart in the job market.

Learn More About Applied Psychology
  • Undergraduate
  • On-campus

Chemical Dependency Counseling

  • Minor
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Chemical Dependency Counseling

Our program in chemical dependency counseling will prepare you to embrace and deliver compassionate care to clients through a diverse curriculum and hands-on learning experiences.

Learn More About Chemical Dependency Counseling
  • Undergraduate
  • On-campus

Criminal and Restorative Justice

  • Major
  • Minor
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Criminal and Restorative Justice

Our CRJ program equips you with knowledge, skills, and an ethical foundation to help you in diverse justice-related careers.

Learn More About Criminal and Restorative Justice
  • Undergraduate
  • On-campus

Psychology

  • Major
  • Minor
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Psychology

Our psychology program lays a firm foundation for career preparation, whether you want to enroll in graduate school or enter the workforce after graduation.

Learn More About Psychology
  • Undergraduate
  • On-campus
  • Online

Psychology to Counseling

  • Accelerated B.A. to M.A.
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Psychology to Counseling

This integration of undergraduate and graduate coursework provides you with a chance to earn both degrees in less time.

Learn More About Psychology to Counseling
  • Undergraduate
  • On-campus
  • Online

Social Work

  • Major
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Social Work

With an in-person or online degree in social work from Malone, you’ll be encouraged to lean into your natural giftings to help others and transform lives.

Learn More About Social Work
  • Undergraduate
  • On-campus

Social Work to Counseling

  • Accelerated B.A. to M.A.
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Social Work to Counseling

With in-person or online degrees in social work and counseling, you’ll be encouraged to lean into the gifts God has given you and transform lives.

Learn More About Social Work to Counseling
  • Undergraduate
  • On-campus

Sociology

  • Minor
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Sociology

Our sociology program welcomes you to be a part of a vibrant sociological community where you will learn to apply evidence-based understanding of how certain social contexts affect behavior and social patterns across several communities. 

Learn More About Sociology
  • Undergraduate
  • On-campus

Spanish for Service and the Professions

  • Minor
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Spanish for Service and the Professions

Spanish for service and the professions enables you to go beyond basic language-learning so that you’re ready to bridge the gap in contexts like business, ministry, social work, and education. 

Learn More About Spanish for Service and the Professions
  • Undergraduate
  • On-campus

Urban Studies

  • Minor
  • Secondary Major
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Urban Studies

By choosing a secondary major in urban studies you will learn to develop solutions that promote justice, community well-being, and environmental stewardship, all while reflecting Christ’s love for those who are marginalized and underserved.

Learn More About Urban Studies

Graduate

  • Graduate
  • Online

Master’s programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling

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Master’s programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling

If you’re driven by a desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives, especially in the realms of mental health and emotional well-being, then this program is tailor-made for you!

Learn More About Master’s programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling

Graduate Level Certificate

  • Graduate Level Certificate
  • Online

Certificate in Addictions Counseling

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Certificate in Addictions Counseling

Malone offers a holistic approach to addiction counseling that integrates evidence-based practices with faith-based perspectives.

Learn More About Certificate in Addictions Counseling

From the Dean

“A Malone education in the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences is distinctive, offering rigorous learning and training opportunities infused with biblical truth. We are reminded in Philippians 4:19 that God has called us to defend and uphold those who are weak, the fatherless, the poor, and mistreated among many others, and that He will meet our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

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Faith integration: Social and behavioral sciences

We believe that academic excellence and biblical truth go hand in hand. Grounded in the wisdom of Scripture, we are called to champion the cause of the vulnerable and serve with compassion. Through rigorous study and faith-driven inquiry, our students develop the knowledge and conviction to be Christ-centered advocates, equipped to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

Faith Integration: A message from the Dean

Social and Behavioral Sciences Programs

Malone’s Social and Behavioral Sciences division is central to the University’s mission of “serving the church, community, and world” through academic programs that encompass the study of human behavior and society, including disciplines like psychology, sociology, and counseling, aiming to understand and explain social phenomena and human interactions in the context of biblical faith.

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The Center for Intercultural Studies oversees and facilitates service-learning trips, semester-away opportunities, related extracurricular activities and interdisciplinary co-majors. Its mission is to provide students with empowering intercultural learning opportunities that prepare them to live out Malone’s mission to serve the church, community, and world.

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The Criminal and Restorative Science program at Malone prepares students to think critically about the criminal justice system and how they can help shape a future where rehabilitation, community healing, and positive change can thrive alongside law and order. Students learn and develop skills to help empower them toward the full spectrum of justice-related careers.

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Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), Malone’s Graduate Counseling program has a reputation as one of the top programs in Northeast Ohio for this important and desirable career field. Experienced faculty work with students to understand advanced theory and to secure opportunities for hands-on practicum and internship opportunities. Christian faith is integrated into every aspect of the program.

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The Psychology program seeks to promote the development of students who understand a broad range of areas within psychology and to make connections among Christian faith, learning, and living. Faculty are committed to deep and compassionate understanding of human beings and believe that this understanding will support practitioners as they provide care for people in a variety of fields and settings.

Bekka Russell and female student arranging canned goods on shelving

The Social Work program at Malone draws on its context as an Evangelical Friends institution with access to urban, rural, and international practice opportunities to prepare generalist social work practitioners who are capable of service across diverse populations. Coursework with a biblical foundation encourages students to promote social justice and integrate sincere Christian faith within ethical social work practice.

Meet Our Faculty

Social and Behavioral Sciences Faculty

Alumni Success

Bob Hurless March 3, 2020
Compassion for others leads to social work award
“When I first had Bob as a student, I could tell that his heart was easily broken for the needs around him,” she said. “He embraces every opportunity for learning and service by living out our social work knowledge, values, and skills in practical ways on campus and in the community.”
Headshot of Elizabeth Patterson Roe Elizabeth Patterson Roe, about Bob Hurless ’20
All Alumni News