BS in Behavioral Health Science (BHS) Degree

Female BS in BHS majors smiling during science of behavior camp
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Overview

Examine the Relationships Between Human Behavior and Quality of Life

Behavioral health science encompasses mental health issues, substance use disorders and the physical health issues that may arise from mental or behavioral health issues.1 At Grand Canyon University, the Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science degree includes an in-depth look at the approaches, techniques, current trends, history, research and best practices in behavioral health.

Students who pursue an education in this field can prepare for careers that center on helping clients improve their quality of life. Graduates of this bachelor’s program at GCU may go on to help people with addiction and substance use disorders, family dynamics and trauma.

Group of male and female BS in BHS majors holding hands in circle
Why GCU

Earn Your BHS Degree From GCU

As you work toward your BS in behavioral science, you will be introduced to a broad perspective on each of the specific areas of this field. The goal of the behavioral science courses is to help you analyze human behavior within a Christian values-oriented environment, so that you may emphasize compassion and ethics in your own practice. This degree does not lead to licensure, but it may meet requirements for more advanced degree programs in various healthcare fields.

Male BS in BHS graduate smiling with arm in air at GCU commencement

Flexible Learning Options to Fit Your Lifestyle

To accommodate all our students, GCU offers multiple formats for you to earn your BHS degree. View our modalities below to choose which one best suits your lifestyle and commitments.

Earn Your Behavioral Health Science Degree Online

GCU’s interactive digital platform allows you to access course materials from virtually anywhere as you explore ways of improving quality of life for your future clients. By taking online behavioral sciences courses, you can continue to work and make college fit around your schedule.

Take Behavioral Science Courses on Campus

As an on-campus student, you can benefit from face-to-face interactions with your peers and instructors, plus enjoy all that campus life has to offer while you examine counseling theories, human development and cultural diversity in the behavioral health field.

Coursework

Behavioral Health Science Courses

As you pursue your health science degree online or on campus, you’ll be introduced to counseling theories, treatments for addiction and substance use disorders, and you’ll examine group dynamics and processes. As you progress through this program, you will take courses in human development, abnormal psychology, and probability and statistics.

A capstone project completes the program. This course allows you to prepare a proposal for a community-based behavioral health organization on your area of focus.

Behavioral science course topics include:

  • Ethics of BHS, including legal standards and professional responsibilities
  • Cultural and social diversity, encompassing matters pertaining to social justice, advocacy and self-awareness
  • Applied clinical research and information literacy
  • Introduction to family dynamics, including roles, communication styles, cultural influences and parenting dynamics
  • Understanding trauma and its effects on a person’s emotional, sociological, cognitive and spiritual well-being

Delve Into Behavioral Health Science Concepts

Review some of concepts and skills you will be taught throughout this program.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences designed this BS in behavioral science around the following core competencies:

Professional Network

BHS degree students can benefit from understanding the importance of a professional network in the behavioral health field. This promotes active engagement in professional communities.

Behavioral Health Skills

Using tools such as the DSM manual and ICD codes, along with emerging brain technology, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate competency in the scope of practice, including assessment, diagnosis and treatment for clients. Clinical and documentation skills, and laws and rules are also a focus.

Cultural Competency

Examining the impact of culture, diversity and social justice on the behavioral health field may help you to better connect with future clients and patients.

Behavioral Health Information Technology

You will use diverse technology for behavioral health, such as electronic medical and health records and record keeping. The importance of privacy, security and confidentiality with patient records is emphasized.

Concepts of Behavioral Health

You will analyze behavioral health concepts such as history, current trends, theories, approaches, research and best practices.

Female behavioral health scientist smiling in conference room with doctors
Careers

Career Paths for Graduates With a BHS Degree

Additionally, this degree may help you prepare for a master’s degree program in an area such as clinical psychology, counseling, criminal justice or social work.

Graduates with this degree may pursue work in government, private and public entities, or in the following areas or positions:

Behavioral health

Health technician

 Psychiatric technician

Psychiatric aide

Accreditation

Pursue Your BHS Degree From an Institutionally Accredited University

As an accredited university through the Higher Learning Commission, GCU emphasizes quality of instruction in order to help graduates prepare for a variety of careers in the field. Whether you choose to earn your behavioral health science degree online or on campus, your instructors will challenge you to develop critical thinking, communication, collaboration and other important skills.

FAQ

Behavioral Health Science Degree FAQs

Before making the decision to enroll in behavioral science courses, you may wish to explore the field further. Use the following FAQs and answers to get started.

Family and dog smiling and holding hands while walking in field

Help Others Lead Healthy Lives

If your dream is to make a difference in people’s lives, consider pursuing a behavioral health science career. Learn more about the BHS degree at GCU by filling out the form on this page.

Apply Now

1 American Medical Association. (2022, Aug. 22). What Is Behavioral Health? American Medical Association. Retrieved Oct. 5, 2023.

2 Learn.org. (n.d.). What Is Behavioral Science? Learn.org. Retrieved Oct. 5, 2023.

3 Addiction Counselor. (n.d.). Behavioral Health Specialist Careers – Job Duties and Requirements. Addiction Counselor. Retrieved Oct. 5, 2023.

4 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors as of May 2023, retrieved on May 2, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.

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