BS in Behavioral Health Science: Infancy and Early Childhood Studies Emphasis

Q: What is early childhood studies?

The infancy and early childhood studies concentration at GCU examines factors that strongly influence a child’s development, such as behavioral health, psychology, trauma and family dynamics. This academic program focuses on children from birth to eight years old.

Overview

Advocate for Young Children in Diverse Care Systems

Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies offers a comprehensive introduction to behavioral patterns and milestones in infant and toddler development. This program can equip students with key concepts and skills to support and advocate for young children with family systems and caregiving environments.

Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Online: 7 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

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).

Why GCU

Earn Your Degree on a Flexible Schedule

The online^{(See disclaimer 1)} BS in behavioral health science infancy and early childhood studies degree can provide the ability to balance your education with personal and professional commitments. Throughout your studies you will have access to experienced faculty and student resources.

All Behavioral Health Emphases

Childhood & Adolescence Disorders

Family Dynamics

Substance Use Disorders

Trauma

Up to 32% Off Tuition Scholarship

New online and evening undergraduate psychology or behavioral health science students may be eligible for up to 32% off tuition scholarship.^{(See disclaimer †)}

Apply Today!

Coursework

Grow Your Knowledge Base and Skills With Behavioral Health Courses

In this program you will explore topics such as early childhood intervention, developmental milestones, parenting, attachment and the socio-emotional growth of young children. The program covers cognitive development in infancy, childhood trauma and resilience and emotional regulation, while examining neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder.

You’ll also be introduced to practical approaches like applied behavior analysis and behavioral interventions. Additionally, the behavioral health science infancy and early childhood studies curriculum emphasizes diversity in behavioral health, which can equip you to support children and families from various cultural backgrounds with empathy and informed care.

Behavioral Health Academic Domains

Each of the core classes, including the capstone project, uphold the following six academic domains specific to behavioral health science and early childhood studies:

Concepts of Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Skills

Cultural Competency

Behavioral Health Information Technology

Professional Network

Infancy and Early Childhood Studies

Careers

Common Behavioral Health Science Careers

This degree can prepare you for career opportunities supporting young children and their families’ developmental and emotional needs. It can equip you with skills to address behavioral challenges and promote health development.

Graduates of this bachelor’s program may pursue career options in the public and private sectors, including positions in:

Behavioral health

Social services and government

Early intervention programs

Educational support services

Accreditation

Earn Your BHS Degree at an Accredited University

Grand Canyon University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a recognized body that upholds rigorous academic standards. This accreditation demonstrates GCU’s ongoing commitment to providing quality education and maintaining excellence.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are interested in learning more about infancy and early childhood studies and considering earning a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science, explore our answers to these frequently asked questions.

What is early childhood studies?

Is a degree in behavioral health science worth it?

The Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies program can be a valuable investment for those passionate about supporting the mental, emotional and developmental needs of young children. Focusing on behavioral health, trauma and family dynamics, the program can equip you with the skills to pursue early intervention, child advocacy and social services careers. It can also provide a foundation for advanced counseling, psychology or education studies.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major56 credits

Open Elective Credits24-30 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Core Courses

PCN-100

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides foundational knowledge regarding addiction and substance use disorders. Topics studied include biopsychosocial dynamics; stages, processes, and impact of addiction and substance use; and the role of the addiction professional in prevention, intervention, relapse prevention, and aftercare. In addition, the course provides overviews of the substance abuse counselor's code of ethics, HIPAA, and legal issues involved in counseling.

PCN-107

4 Total Credits

BHS-240

4 Total Credits

BHS-320

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course provides a broad understanding of ethics, legal standards, and responsibilities in behavioral health. Students explore basic ethical concepts, legislation, and current trends in behavioral health ethics. This course pays special attention to technology and its effects on lawmaking and ethics in behavioral health. Important goals of this course are to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of the history and current application of ethics in the behavioral health field.

BHS-330

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive foundation through exploring the content areas of cultural diversity, social justice, and religious and spiritual values. Examination of these areas strives to offer an overarching framework to guide students and gain perspectives for working with multicultural populations in the behavioral health field. This course assists students with developing knowledge and application of cultural diversity, cultural competency, and the importance of self-awareness, social justice, and advocacy. In addition, this course provides students a blended approach of the beliefs and values associated with religion and spirituality as a component of cultural competency.

BHS-420

4 Total Credits

PSY-470

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This is a writing intensive foundation course in the science of abnormal behavior that offers students the opportunity to study the origin and development of abnormal patterns and disorders. This course is designed to assist students in recognizing and understanding mental illness through increased awareness of emotional, functional, and physiological factors influencing mental health. Specific topics include symptoms, diagnoses, etiology, epidemiology, and treatment of various psychological disorders and syndromes.

PSY-380

4 Total Credits

BHS-350

4 Total Credits

BHS-430

4 Total Credits

BHS-440

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course offers an overview of various types of trauma and effects of traumatic experiences within the physical, emotional, sociological, cognitive, and spiritual domains of a human being. It studies the dynamics of trauma throughout the human life-span development. It offers a brief overview of trauma, informed care assessment and treatment, and ethics associated with working with trauma victims.

BHS-480

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the cognitive, physical, and socioemotional developmental stages and sensitive periods of early human development. The course addresses the critical influence the care-getting environment has on brain development and how relationships change the structure of the brain both positively and negatively. The stages of human attachment and a brief overview of styles of attachment as they relate to development throughout the lifespan are also reviewed. Additionally, the course addresses the effects of prenatal maternal care, environment, and premature birth on developmental stages. Students understand how culture and socioeconomic status affects development.

BHS-485

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an overview of a variety of assessments commonly used to diagnose disorders in early childhood. Students learn the importance of ongoing assessment, assessment in a variety of settings, and the importance of the caregiver-child relationship in assessment. Students are provided an overview of common disorders found in early childhood, and how the DC: 0-5 is used to accurately identify early childhood disorders. Students understand the role of cultural and familial influence on assessment and diagnosis. Prerequisite: BHS-480.

BHS-490

4 Total Credits

Course Description

The capstone project is a culmination of the learning experiences while a student is within the behavioral health science program at Grand Canyon University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students prepare a written proposal for a community-based behavioral health organization related to the student's specific area of focus. The proposal includes the name, geographical location, identified service gap, target populations, types of service/treatments, potential challenges, ethical considerations, and supervision/oversight considerations. The professional capstone project proposal needs to reflect synthesis and integration of course content. This capstone course needs to be completed at the end of program. Prerequisite: BHS-350.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

More Resources

Learning Goals

Financial

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Tuition & Financing

Scholarships & Grants

Information

Admission

Start Your Journey in Behavioral Health Today

Discover how a focus on infancy and early childhood studies can empower you to make a difference.

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^{(See disclaimer †)} MOU 10324: This scholarship is only valid for new student applicants who submit a complete application, meet all requirements for acceptance and start an online or evening Bachelor of Science in Psychology or Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science beginning on or after Feb. 1, 2026. GCU will award eligible applicants a scholarship of 32% off tuition per course for your program. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship/awards. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.

Excluding residencies, practicums, internships and field experience.

BS in Behavioral Health Science: Infancy and Early Childhood Studies Emphasis

Step 1: Educational Interests

Advocate for Young Children in Diverse Care Systems

Earn Your Degree on a Flexible Schedule

Grow Your Knowledge Base and Skills With Behavioral Health Courses

Behavioral Health Academic Domains

Common Behavioral Health Science Careers

Earn Your BHS Degree at an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

General Education Requirements

Core Courses