Flexible Online Classes With Schedules Designed For A Busy Life
Join CalSouthern’s School of Behavioral Sciences
The School of Behavioral Sciences strives for excellence in the advancement of the behavioral sciences and in promoting mental health and service to society. The goal is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the lives of people in diverse communities around the world. The School is committed to a pursuit of humanistic thought and action, multicultural understanding, academic excellence, and lifelong learning.
Degree & Certificate Programs
Dean
Dr. Melissa Noya, PsyD
Dr. Noya is the Dean of Behavioral Sciences. She oversees the undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology. She is an accomplished educator and leader in higher education. She earned her Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Albizu University with a specialization in child psychology. She has been in higher education for over 13 years as a faculty member and has served as a psychologist conducting psychological evaluations and therapy with children and adults. Prior to joining California Southern University, she was the Director of Clinical Training for Albizu University Miami and served as Associate Dean and Program Director at Keiser University Miami Campus..
Dr. Noya’s leadership experience includes the APAGS Advocacy Coordinating Team Chair. She also served as the Chair for the FPAGS. Dr. Noya has received numerous awards, including the APAGS 20th Anniversary Future Pioneers of Psychology Award, and the APASociety for Clinical Psychology Distinguished Student Service Award. Her research interests center around evidence-based approaches to assessment. Dr. Noya has been supported by funding from the National Institutes of Mental Health.
Department Chair
School of Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Kristen Newberry, PsyD
Dr. Kristen Newberry received her Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Wheaton College and is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Illinois. Dr. Newberry has over 13 years of experience in clinical training and higher education administration. Her areas of clinical specialty include the treatment and diagnosis of co-morbid chronic medical conditions, particularly auto-immune, thyroid, and inflammatory conditions and mental health, infertility and women’s issues, as well as psychological testing for medically related concerns such as bariatric surgery, pre-surgical screenings, and egg donor and surrogacy evaluation. She conducts research related to graduate student self-care, wellness, and coping, and has presented on this topic with her students across the country. She has more recently developed new research in the area of coping as it relates to women’s identity and infertility diagnoses.
Before joining California Southern University, Dr. Newberry served as the Program Dean at Argosy University Schaumburg, Program Director for The Illinois School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University and Director of Clinical Training for The Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She has taught courses in psychodynamic theory and therapy, integrative assessment, self-care for mental health professionals, consultation and supervision, Advanced Qualitative Research Methods, and practicum seminars. Currently, Dr. Newberry owns a psychology practice with her husband in the Chicago suburbs which provides therapy and testing for a variety of presenting concerns.
Faculty Mentors
The faculty mentors in CalSouthern’s School of Behavioral Sciences are skilled and experienced clinicians as well as dedicated, responsive, and highly qualified educators.
They are available to support your learning and mastery of the course content. And, equally important, they will help you utilize the concepts you learn and apply them to resolve challenges commonly faced in clinical practice today.
Learn more about this group of professionals dedicated to your success. View faculty directory.
I especially appreciate how CalSouthern understands that students like me, a single parent with a full-time, demanding career, may have difficulty keeping up with assignment deadlines. They are understanding and supportive and allow course extensions. I truly would not want to complete my PsyD degree anywhere else.
– Lori V., PsyD Program
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From the School of Behavioral Sciences
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Behavioral Sciences?
The field of Behavioral Sciences includes the discipline of psychology and the study of human behavior
What will I study in a Behavioral Sciences Program?
In a Behavioral Sciences Program, learners will study the psychological principles, theories, research, ethics, and the potential impact of culture, in combination to form an understanding of the mind and what motivates people to behave in certain ways. The potential to pursue clinical and nonclinical career paths varies by program
When can I begin a Behavioral Sciences Degree?
Classes begin monthly. Connect with a CalSouthern Admissions Advisor by phone (1-800-477-2254, ext. 47822), by email through Admissions@calsouthern.edu, or request information online at How to Apply – California Southern University (calsouthern.edu). Start your journey today!
Why should I pursue a degree in Behavioral Sciences at CalSouthern?
The goal of the CalSouthern School of Behavioral Sciences is to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve lives and to positively impact communities. Our degree and certificate programs offer a holistic approach to the behavioral sciences, through the application of psychological principles to a vast array of contexts and fields. Whether your goal is to apply psychology to business settings or to help you prepare to work with individuals, couples, families, or groups in a clinical setting, we have program options for you. Our online programs are designed to fulfill the needs of working adults today. Contact CalSouthern Admissions for more information.
Ready to pursue your educational goals? We can help!
Accreditation
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.