BS in Behavioral Health Science: Adolescence and Childhood Disorders Emphasis
BS in Behavioral Health Science: Adolescence and Childhood Disorders Emphasis
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The Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders gives you the opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge of childhood and adolescent development and behavior, and in particular, a thorough understanding of childhood and adolescent disorders.
Within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, you will explore the biological, emotional and environmental aspects that impact adolescent and childhood development, as well as theories related to physical and behavioral health. The behavioral science classes address the assessment, diagnosis, intervention and best practices for the behavioral health treatment of both children and adolescents. This bachelor’s degree does not lead to licensure.
Online: $485 per credit [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, March 8). Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 5). Children’s Mental Health Orders. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
If you have empathy for the challenges faced by children and adolescents and want to use your skills to help them address behavioral and mental health disorders, complete the form to get started.
GCU’s childhood and adolescent disorders emphasis is offered through online classes, allowing you to complete your degree on a more flexible schedule. Throughout this bachelor’s program, you will be able to connect with knowledgeable faculty in the behavioral health field and network with peers in the program. You will also have access to online learning resources, including student service counselors and the GCU library.
For careers in other areas of behavioral health science, GCU offers specialized focus in areas, such as:
The program concludes with a capstone project designed to be a culmination of your learning experiences. You will develop a proposal focusing on your area of specialty for a community-based behavioral health organization.
As a student, you will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of core competencies in child and adolescent mental health.
Topics covered in this program include:
Theoretical approaches to counseling
Addiction and substance use disorders
Ethics, legal standards and responsibilities in working with minors
Cultural diversity, social justice and spiritual values
Dynamics of trauma
Factors influencing mental health
Behavioral health treatments
Report writing and documentation
This bachelor’s program also lays the foundation for pursuing a graduate degree in child and adolescent behavioral health, counseling, criminal justice, clinical or forensic psychology or human services. You may also choose to pursue career advancement toward clinical psychology, licensed therapy or professional counseling.
As a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, you can use your skills in child and adolescent mental health to pursue career opportunities in fields such as government, social service and behavioral health.
Some positions that are related to this degree include:
Mental health service technician
Psychiatric aide
Correctional treatment specialist
Social or human service assistant
Learn more about this adolescence and childhood disorders emphasis by reading our answers to these frequently asked questions.
There is some overlap in the behavioral science classes and psychology courses. However, the bachelor’s in behavioral science focuses more on the study of broader influences on human behavior and mental health. Whereas psychology studies human behavior from an individual perspective. Although there are key differences between behavioral science and psychology, each requires a desire for understanding and interpreting human behavior.
If you want to work with children and adolescents who are experiencing behavioral or mental health challenges, earning a bachelor’s in behavioral science offers the foundational skills to help get started in this career path. By studying mental health disorders, you may also choose to further your education with a graduate degree in counseling, social work, psychology or another relevant field.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common adolescent and childhood mental disorders include:1,2
