The disciplines comprising the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences offer the bachelor of arts degrees in history, Mexican-American studies, political science, psychology and social science. Master of arts degrees are offered in history, political science and psychology.

Anthropology and sociology are offered as minor fields of study only. In addition, limited course work is offered in geography and philosophy.

The range of research conducted in the department is as diverse as the disciplines in the department. In some disciplines there has been a tradition of research focusing on the border area of the Big Bend/Trans-Pecos, as well as cross-cultural research in Mexico. Research is often conducted in conjunction with the Center for Big Bend Studies.

The Texas state legal requirements of course work in United States history and federal and Texas government are met in a variety of ways indicated in the course descriptions for the appropriate discipline.

The department sponsors a number of honorary societies and clubs, including:

• Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honorary society.
• Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.
• Pre-Law Association, a group which furthers the interests of those students pre-preparing for law school.
• Psi Chi, the national psychology honor society.
• Psychology Association, a student organization for psychology majors.