BS in Behavioral Health Science: Infancy and Early Childhood Studies Emphasis
BS in Behavioral Health Science: Infancy and Early Childhood Studies Emphasis
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At Grand Canyon University, the Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies program provides you with an introductive study on the development and behavior of infants and young children. You will be taught key concepts that are necessary in working with and advocating for young children through the the family structure and other caregiving systems.
If you are interested in learning more about early childhood studies and earning your Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science, read our answers to these frequently asked questions.
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.
Graduates of the BS in Behavioral Health Science with early childhood studies emphasis program are taught foundational skills that can be beneficial in a variety of fields, including education, human resources, counseling, psychology, social services and healthcare. Many positions in these fields do require advanced degrees or licensure to practice. It will serve you well to research the educational requirements for your areas of interest and work with your university counselor to ensure you are on the right path.
Depending on your career goals, you may need to pursue a master’s degree once you have received your bachelor’s in behavioral health science. A few graduate programs to consider are a master’s degree in mental and behavioral health, education, criminal justice, psychology, social work and human resources.
Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor about this early childhood studies emphasis.
Additionally, each of the core classes, including the capstone project, uphold the following six academic domains specific to behavioral health science and early childhood studies:
Analyze various concepts of behavioral health, such as the history and current trends, theories, approaches and techniques, along with research and best practices.
Study key behavioral health skills, such as the DSM manual and ICD codes, emerging brain technology, clinical and documentation skills, along with ethics and specific laws and rules. Discuss the role of assessment, diagnosis and treatment for clients and analyze the scope of practice for behavioral health paraprofessionals and technicians.
Discuss how culture, diversity and social justice impact the behavioral health field. Define the role of religion and spirituality in providing behavioral health services and examine the values and belief systems of behavioral health disorders among cultures.
Evaluate the use of diverse technology for behavioral health, such as electronic medical and health records, record keeping and other related software. Analyze the importance of privacy, security and confidentiality with patient records.
Examine the importance of a professional network in the field of behavioral health, such as roles and expectations, internal and external multidisciplinary teams, along with local and national service entities. Discuss the role of managed care and integrated health system.
Identify various concepts of infancy and early childhood behavioral health and development, different assessment and treatment approaches and the DC: 0-5 disorders affecting young children. Describe how culture and environment, early risk and protective factors and the caregiving system contribute to the development and well-being of young children.
The behavioral health science degree with a focus in early childhood studies is offered online. Earn your bachelor’s degree on a more convenient and flexible schedule while having access to experienced faculty and student resources throughout the program.
Graduates of this bachelor’s program may pursue career options in the public and private sectors, including positions in:
Additionally, this curriculum offers a strong foundation for you to pursue a master’s degree in:
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).
This undergraduate program addresses GCU’s five critical competencies, including:
