Social and Behavioral Sciences
Welcome to the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SOBL). We are home to baccalaureate programs in Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work and Sociology/Anthropology. We also have master’s programs in Counseling, Criminal Justice and Social Work, and interdisciplinary minors in Behavioral Neuroscience, Childhood Studies, Gerontology, and Victimology and Victim Services.
Mission
In a commitment to liberal arts education, the mission of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SOBL) at Stockton University is to prepare students for the breadth and depth of all Social and Behavioral Science disciplines and to produce well-informed, well-rounded, civically engaged and socially conscious graduates, and life-long learners. In addition to gaining disciplinary content knowledge and professional competence, specific learning goals include acquiring skills in critical thinking, empirical analysis, and quantitative reasoning, as well as developing aglobal perspective and an interdisciplinary commitment to understanding and advocating for economic and social justice. These goals are accomplished while maintaining high academic and ethical standards and embracing diversity for the inclusion of all.
Vision
The Stockton University School of Social and Behavioral Sciences envisions developing and supporting students in its undergraduate majors, minors, and graduate programs to produce scholars, practitioners, and well-informed members of society, applying their knowledge toward the social, political, economic, legal, and psychological needs of our community in a productive, vibrant, and inclusive manner.
Student Stories
Learn why these students chose the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SOBL).
For more student stories, click HERE.
Cutting-Edge Experience While Learning
Here are just a few of the many relevant and cutting-edge emphases our students are experiencing:
- Forensic investigation in Criminal Justice.
- Hands-on experience with the Philadelphia Federal Reserve through Economics.
- Preparing for and assisting a growing population of older adults through Gerontology.
- Helping local government and the community with energy audits and sustainability projects through Political Science.
- Measuring brain activity through state-of-the-art electroencephalography (EEG) equipment in our Psychology lab.
- Becoming first-rate practitioners in child welfare through our leading Social Work program.
- Learning how to write grants for nonprofit agencies through Sociology/Anthropology.
Alumni Success
Madison majored in Economics with a concentration in Economics Pre-Law. She graduated in Fall 2024 and was accepted into Drexel University Law School. While at Stockton, she worked as a Research Assistant with Dr. Ramya Vijaya, Professor of Economics and Program Chair. They worked together to analyze New Jersey labor market data to assess the rate of participation of immigrant workers in NJ.
She has described the opportunity as" incredibly valuable and enjoyable."
B.A. Economics, Pre-law
Liliana Morales graduated from Stockton University with both a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Class of 2022) and a Master of Social Work (Class 2023).After completing her MSW degree in 2023, Liliana decided to pursue a Ph.D program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) because of her strong desire "to create meaningful change that addresses the systemic challenges faced by underserved populations." Her decision was also deeply inspired by the continuous guidance and support she received from her mentor, Dr. Lisa Cox, Professor of Social Work.
MSW
Ashlee majored in Psychology, Mental Health. After graduating from Stockton University, she was offered a position at the Camden County Juvenile Detention Center working with adolescents of various ages. Currently, she works for the Center for Family Services, Services Empowering the Rights of Victims (SERV) program as a Domestic Violence Court Advocate in Gloucester County, NJ. Ashlee works in court at both the superior and municipal level across the county, providing options, support and accompaniment for domestic violence survivors throughout the legal process.
B.A. Psychology, Mental Health
Zach majored in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security. After completing an internship with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), he was offered a part time position while completing his degree. Zach continues to work for NJOHSP as a State Homeland Security Exercise Coordinator, developing training exercises for federal, state, local, and private sector agencies across New Jersey.
B.A. Criminal Justice, Homeland Security
Michael majored in Psychology and minored in Behavioral Neuroscience. He spent the next two years developing his research skills and interests as Project Coordinator in a health and social psychology lab at Carnegie Mellon University. Currently, he is a doctoral student in the Applied Developmental Psychology program at the University of Pittsburgh. His research focuses on using a mixed-method approach to better understand how mindfulness training impacts health and well-being in adolescents and young adults.
B.A. Psychology, Minor in Behavioral Neuroscience
Ava Roth graduated in spring 2025 with a B.A in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health. Upon graduating, Ava landed an exciting position as a Human Services Specialist for the Board of Social Services. The position has provided Ava with the opportunity to support people as they are achieving self-sufficiency. According to Ava, the position with the Board of Social Services requires the ability to continuously learn about the various resources available to best support the clients. "Effective communication skills, a strong moral and ethical foundation, as well as the ability to be empathetic and compassionate" are skills that are crucial to being successful in the position, all of which Ava firmly believes her degree in psychology and her personal life experience have equipped her with, "allowing me to achieve my goals of effectively helping others...the experience I had at Stockton, as well as the work experience I am getting right now are invaluable."
B.A Psychology, Mental Health
