B.A. in Behavioral Sciences

The Program of Study

This B.A. program in Behavioral Sciences that integrates the arts is built upon an understanding of the special connection between these fields and the reciprocal relationship between them in regard to the individual, society, and culture.

The program deals with human behavior as it manifests itself in the individual (psychology), the society (sociology), and the culture (anthropology). The study program combines theoretical, practical, and artistic courses.  The various art forms provide students with unique tools to deal with feelings and experiences that the developmental process may have inhibited.

The program aims to give students the tools to understand and process these feelings and experiences. Sociologists and anthropologists have discovered that this dynamic also operates at the societal level, and the use of the arts for these goals characterizes all societies.

The arts influence the way in which society relates to diverse subjects, including war, poverty, the environment, gender relations, etc.  In parallel, the arts, those who engage in them, and their attitudes are influenced by society. The combination of theoretical, practical, and artistic studies with the behavioral sciences creates a unique mix that gives graduates the creative tools to discuss the relevant subjects, research and analyze them, and act to apply them.

All this happens over the course of an academic, experiential, and unique journey of personal growth and professional development in order to create a significant contribution to the individual and to society.

Choice of Certification Programs

Students can choose one of two potential certifications to pursue during their studies: video therapy and therapeutic canine.

Studies include both theoretical and practical training.

What is Dog-Assisted therapy?

If you love dogs, then this is the place for you! After all, dog is not only man’s best friend – but also a partner in therapeutic processes that help children, teens, and adults deal with the distress they are experiencing. Dogs play important roles in treatment and counseling processes and help bring about change in people’s lives.

In this track, you will learn how to integrate a dog as a partner in care, acquire skills on how to build connections between a dog and patient, and learn how dog therapy helps in a variety of scenarios such as ADHD, social anxiety, coping emotionally with divorce, loss, failure, and more.

The studies include practical training with dogs at the Kfar Maas Kennel.

What are video therapy studies?

Do you want to help people in crisis? Do you believe that changes can be made for the better?

If so, a specialization in video therapy can be a powerful tool to reach those goals.

Students will learn how producing and watching movies creates significant changes in the emotional and functional space and can improve the quality of life in many cases.

Upon graduation, graduates of the Video Therapy specialization program will be able to mentor and guide groups through the use of video and filmmaking.

No prior knowledge of film is required to be successful in this specialization. Everything necessary to develop the skills and knowledge required for video therapy is incorporated within the framework of this unique program.

In this certificate program, screenwriting, filming, acting, and film production serve as therapeutic, educational, and social tools to assist in situations of distress, crisis, or difficulty.

The internship program will prepare students to integrate into education, care, and community settings.

Upon graduation, students will receive a professional certificate from the Sharon Israel Center and will be able to apply their studies in this innovative and developing field that is in growing demand.

The Sharon Israel Center is the oldest, largest, and most professional center in the field and serves as the hub of the video therapy professional community in Israel.

The Video Therapy Center operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, is an active partner in the National Program for Children and Youth at Risk 360, operates therapeutic and educational programs of the Ministry of Social Services and the Ministry of Homeland Security, and operates more than 200 video therapy groups each year.

Studies include hands-on classroom experience, learning key theories, and a field practicum.