BS in Behavioral Health Science: Family Dynamics Emphasis
Focus on Skills in Family Dynamics and Behavioral Health
Behavioral health technicians and specialists are important members of any psychiatric care team. They provide therapeutic care, assistance with daily activities and patient monitoring to support patients as they work toward maximum functioning.(See disclaimer 1)
If you feel called to serve others who are struggling with psychiatric or developmental issues, then a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Family Dynamics may be right for you. Grand Canyon University offers this degree for students who are keenly interested in family dynamics and behavioral health and may also want to pursue a master’s degree in counseling.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this degree is a comprehensive survey of family dynamics and behavioral health science principles. You will have opportunities to gain a strong foundation in:
The principles covered in the family dynamics courses are informed by the competencies outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Code of Ethics.
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)
- 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).
Earn Your Degree in Behavioral Health Focusing on Family Dynamics From GCU
This BS in Behavioral Health Science: Family Dynamics emphasis seeks to instill a strong sense of ethical responsibility, Christian servant leadership and professionalism within you. As you complete the family dynamics and behavioral health coursework, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your written and oral communication skills through informative interactions with peers and instructors.
Take Family Dynamics and Behavioral Health Courses Online
With GCU’s modern e-learning platform, you don’t have to live near our campus in Phoenix or relocate in order to earn your degree in behavioral health focusing on family dynamics. Enroll as an online student and access your course materials from virtually anywhere. Interact with your fellow learners and instructors online, and enjoy the convenience of digital school while benefiting from the same quality of education as our on-campus students. Most online classes for this program are seven weeks long.
New online and evening undergraduate psychology or behavioral health science students may be eligible for up to 32% off tuition scholarship.(See disclaimer †)
Family Dynamics and Behavioral Health Courses and Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science: Family Dynamics emphasis requires 120 credits for completion.
You’ll have opportunities to examine a diverse range of topics throughout this degree program, including:
Foundational knowledge of disorders
As it relates to addiction and substance use disorders, including biopsychosocial dynamics, stages, processes and effects
Techniques and processes
For prevention, intervention, relapse prevention and aftercare
Theoretical approaches to counseling
Including psychodynamic, Gestalt, person-centered, family systems and cognitive behavioral
Working with multicultural populations
Developing competencies in cultural diversity and social justice
Family dynamics and systems
Examining roles, communication styles, boundaries and generational patterns
Examine Core Competencies in the Behavioral Health Science Field
This degree can prepare you to pursue advanced degrees or practical work experience in fields such as:(See disclaimer 2)
These courses are designed to instill a framework of foundational knowledge in counseling and family dynamics. Some of the core competencies of this degree include the following:
Additionally, you will complete an extensive capstone project in your senior year. This is a written proposal for a community-based behavioral health organization in your particular area of interest. The capstone project is your opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve been taught throughout the degree program.
Careers for Family Dynamics Emphasis Graduates
Students who choose the behavioral health field may do so because they have a desire to help others through behavioral therapy or counseling. This degree is designed to instill a foundation of competencies that may allow you to pursue specialist or paraprofessional positions in the behavioral health field.
As a behavioral health specialist, you may pursue work in any of the following settings:(See disclaimer 2,3)
Governmental agencies
Community outreach programs
Youth centers
Geriatric centers
Special needs centers
Criminal justice facilities
Social services departments
Social work agencies
Opportunities After Graduation
Some of the jobs that may be related to family dynamics and behavioral health include the following:
This degree does not lead to licensure. It may serve as a steppingstone for students who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in counseling, human services, criminal justice or clinical psychology.
Graduate From an Institutionally Accredited University
At GCU, we are proud to maintain a longstanding tradition of striving toward academic excellence and embracing high standards of instructional quality across all our degree programs. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
BS in Behavioral Health Science: Family Dynamics Emphasis FAQs
Before enrolling in family dynamics and behavioral health science coursework, it can be helpful to learn more about the field. GCU has compiled the following FAQs and answers to guide you in your career research.
Is a BS in Behavioral Health Science: Family Dynamics emphasis worth it?
What are examples of family dynamics?
Does family counselor education help equip someone to improve family dynamics?
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Core Courses
Combine your passion for behavioral health and serving others with purpose for the future. Apply today at GCU to earn your degree in behavioral health focusing on family dynamics.
(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.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). What Psychiatric Technicians and Aides Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved November 2023.
- Indeed. (2023, March 10). 15 Jobs You Can Do With a Behavioral Health Science Degree. Indeed. Retrieved November 2023.
- Learn.org. (n.d.). What Can I Do With a Behavioral Health Services Degree? Learn.org. Retrieved November 2023.
- Perry, E. (2021, Dec. 10). Family Dynamics Can Lift You Up (or Drag You Down). BetterUp. Retrieved November 2023.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved November 2023.