BS in Behavioral Health Science: Trauma Emphasis
BS in Behavioral Health Science: Trauma Emphasis
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At GCU, our mission is to provide thoughtfully designed, well-rounded academic programs that empower our graduates to effect positive change in their communities. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our accreditation.
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.
1 Tello, M., MD, MPH. (2018, Oct. 16). Trauma-informed Care: What it is and Why it’s Important. Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2023.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). Psychiatric Technicians and Aides: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2023.
3 Learn.org. (n.d.). What is Behavioral Science? Learn.org. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2023.
4 Gillette, H. (2023, March 28). What’s the Difference Between Mental Health and Behavioral Health? Healthline. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2023.
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How to Become a Psychiatric Technician or Aide. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2023.
6 Resilient Educator. (2019, Dec. 20). Trauma-informed Specialist: Education, Salary, and Outlook. Retrieved Nov. 6, 2023.
Trauma-informed care is a model of delivering behavioral healthcare that treats the whole person. It assumes that every patient is more likely than not to have a history of trauma, and it recognizes that individuals with a history of trauma need to feel safe and empowered.1 This is an approach that requires the insights of professionals who have an academic background in trauma. If you feel called upon to assist survivors and help them work through difficult times in their lives, Grand Canyon University invites you to explore our trauma courses.
The Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Trauma, offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, focuses on the biopsychosocial effects of trauma, including the dynamics throughout the different life stages. You will be taught best practices in working with client populations affected by trauma. These include informed care assessments, interventions and ethics.
Trauma is something that could happen to anyone. In fact, one in four women in the U.S. has suffered from domestic violence. One in five women and one in 71 men have been victims of sexual assault.1 Other types of trauma — from natural disasters to serious medical diagnoses — are also common.
The goal of this Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science degree program is to enable you to empower victims of trauma to work toward healing and to cope with their past in healthy ways. GCU strives to graduate practice-ready professionals who are eager to make a positive difference in the lives of others in their communities.
As a Christian school, GCU and our behavioral trauma courses emphasize the role of Christian ethics and principles in the professional space. The guiding beliefs and worldview of Christianity are integrated into the coursework. You will be encouraged to bring the qualities of compassion and empathy to your professional careers.
Working in the trauma field is a calling that requires strength of character, compassion and empathy. With competencies in the behavioral health field, you may be prepared to pursue a position as a trauma specialist, behavioral health technician or paraprofessional. Trauma specialists are needed in a variety of situations. They work with clients of all ages who have suffered trauma as a result of acts of violence and neglect, medical catastrophes, natural disasters or geopolitical unrest.
As a graduate with this degree, you may position yourself to work in the following settings:2
The BS in Behavioral Health Science does not lead to clinical licensure. Some individuals who go into this field decide to enhance their qualifications and career opportunities by pursuing further education. A graduate degree in counseling or psychology might pave the way for you to pursue a career as a clinical trauma psychologist.
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).
Earning a degree in behavioral trauma can provide the pathway toward pursuing a career you may find meaningful. Before making a decision for your future, you can explore the mental health field further in the following FAQs and answers.
If you’re struggling to choose between a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science or a degree in psychology, it can be helpful to know the differences between them. Behavioral health science is a broader field that encompasses psychology.3 Whereas psychology explores how a person’s mental health affects them, behavioral health considers how a person’s actions can affect their mental wellness. Your mental health (psychology) includes aspects such as identity, perception, resilience and personality. Your behavioral health includes issues such as lifestyle, habits, social interactions and cultural practices.4
The education required to work in a behavioral health clinic can vary considerably, depending on the particular position you’re pursuing, its seniority level, the requirements and preferences of the employer, and any applicable state-imposed requirements. Some states, for example, require psychiatric technicians to obtain licensure. Some employers prefer to hire job candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree.5 Regardless of where you wish to work or which type of position you’re interested in, earning a bachelor’s degree can allow you to develop the foundational behavioral health competencies that can help position you for a role on a care team.
A trauma specialist can hold many different job titles, including social worker, mental health counselor, trauma-informed coordinator or other healthcare professional who provides trauma-informed care. Regardless of job title, trauma specialists focus on supporting victims of trauma and helping them heal.6 Becoming a trauma specialist may be ideal for you if you care deeply about others and wish to effect meaningful change.
One of the goals of this Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science degree program is to empower you to become an effective communicator who can connect with clients and co-workers in a professional manner.
This program provides opportunities to develop critical thinking and ethical problem-solving abilities, along with teaching behavioral health science competencies in areas such as:
The fundamentals of addiction and substance use disorders, including biopsychosocial dynamics
Physical, cognitive and socioemotional development across the human lifespan
The origin and development of abnormal patterns and disorders
Physiological factors that may influence mental health
Types of trauma and the effects of traumatic experiences
Trauma-informed care assessments and treatments
Find your purpose at Grand Canyon University and pursue a future dedicated to serving and uplifting others in your community. Fill out the form on this page to request more information about the behavioral trauma emphasis.
GCU is committed to providing flexible, accessible options for those pursuing higher education. You can earn your BS in Behavioral Health Science with online trauma courses. As a member of our online student community, you can benefit from our intuitive, interactive e-learning platform, which allows easy access to all your course materials. Although you’ll work through the curriculum on your own, you are able to engage in discussions with your peers and instructors on our digital platform.
You will examine the following key concepts in behavioral health and trauma-informed care:
You will conclude your trauma studies with a capstone course. It requires the development of a written proposal that focuses on an aspect of trauma or trauma care for a community-based behavioral health organization. This is an opportunity for you to synthesize previous coursework and demonstrate the skills you’ve been taught.
All Behavioral Health Science Emphases
