Mission of the Department of Behavioral Sciences

The mission of the Department of Behavioral Sciences is to contribute to meeting the educational and research needs in psychology, sociology, anthropology, and the related fields; contribute to meeting the career needs in psychological and social services and social sciences, as well as contribute to training for careers in education, engineering, physical and biological sciences, medicine, and other science fields; contribute to meeting the need for secondary school teacher certification in sociology and/or anthropology; and, to provide psychological and socio-cultural service and expertise for the region, as well as the greater global community.

The department offers undergraduate programs in psychology, sociology, anthropology, and criminal justice at Farmington Center only.

Faculty

BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

• Gloria Garcia   Department Secretary
• Agnes Montoya   Administrative Secretary

Anthropology

• Mario Gonzales   Assistant Professor Anthropology
• Robert Mishler   Professor Anthropology
• Orit Tamir   Professor of Anthropology-Sociology/Anthropology Undergraduate Coordinator and Anthropology Graduate Coordinator

Psychology

• Camea Gagliardi-Blea   Assistant Professor fo Clinical Psychology
• Jean Hill   Professor Psychology Coordinator of Psychology
• Linda LaGrange   Prof., Psychology, Assoc. Dean of Graduate Studies
• Gerald Russell   Associate Professor of Psychology
• Ian T Williamson   Assistant Professor, Psychology

Sociology

• Erika Derkas   Associate Professor Sociology/Graduate Coordinator for Public Affairs-Applied Sociology
• Arlie Tagayuna   Assistant Professor of Sociology/Criminology
• Tom Ward   Department Chair/Professor of Sociology

 View the complete department directory listing here.

Resources and Facilities

The human riches of northern New Mexico provide an outstanding context for psychological, social, and cultural studies at New Mexico Highlands University. Students engage in field archaeological digs, ethnographic, psychobiological research, and clinical practicum. Each student has the opportunity to conduct research in three well-equipped discipline facilities: psychobiology lab, Gabino Rendon Socio-cultural Research Center, and anthropology lab. Studies of human behavior emphasize field data and computer applications for analysis and interpretation. The department provides computer laboratories for student use. Students have access to word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical packages, as well as the Internet. Student professional societies and organizations, such as Psi Chi, Sociology and Anthropology Club, provide opportunities for student participation and program enrichment beyond the classroom.

Department Majors

ANTHROPOLOGY & SOCIOLOGY | PSYCHOLOGY

Available Minors

Sociology
Anthropology
Psychology