Find Your Purpose with a Behavioral Health Trauma Bachelor of Science Degree

Trauma-informed care is a model of delivering behavioral health care that treats the whole person. It assumes that every patient is more likely than not to have a history of trauma. This is an enlightened approach to healthcare that requires the insights of professionals and paraprofessionals 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 the BS in trauma.

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 of trauma throughout the different life stages of an individual. Students learn best practices in working with client populations affected by trauma. These include informed care assessments, interventions and ethics.

As a Christian school, GCU and our trauma degree program emphasize the role of Christian ethics and principles in the professional space. The guiding beliefs and worldview of Christianity are integrated into the coursework. Students are inspired to bring the qualities of compassion and empathy to their professional careers.

Gain a Foundation in Trauma-Focused Behavioral Health

Graduates with a BS in trauma will become effective communicators who can connect with clients and their co-workers in a professional manner. Students will gain a firm understanding of the key concepts in behavioral health and trauma-informed care. These include the physical, psychological and interpersonal effects of traumatic situations. There is a focus on identifying, assessing and treating the short-term and long-term consequences of trauma in childhood. Some of the courses included with this trauma degree program include:

• Cultural and Social Diversity in Behavioral Health
• Understanding Trauma
• Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care
• Overview of Assessment and Treatment of Trauma
• Ethics of Behavioral Health Science

Students will conclude their studies with the Professional Capstone Project. 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 students to synthesize previous coursework and demonstrate their skills and competencies.

Pursue a Future with a Trauma Bachelor’s Degree

Working in the trauma field is a calling that requires strength of character, compassion and empathy. A BS in trauma may prepare you 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 a trauma degree, you may pursue work in the following settings:

• Hospitals or clinics
• Community health programs
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Social and human service agencies

The BS in trauma 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 can pave the way for specialists to pursue a rewarding career as a clinical trauma psychologist.