BS in Behavioral Health Science: Trauma Emphasis
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Overview

Delve Into Behavioral Trauma With This Bachelor’s Program

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.

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Why GCU

Explore Foundational Competencies in Behavioral Trauma at GCU

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.

Take Trauma Courses Online

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. 

Coursework

Behavioral Trauma Courses Enable Specialized Training

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

Develop Your Skills for Trauma-Informed Care

You will examine the following key concepts in behavioral health and trauma-informed care:

  • The physical, psychological and interpersonal effects of traumatic situations
  • The short-term and long-term consequences of childhood trauma
  • Advocacy on behalf of diverse clients
  • Applied clinical research and established behavioral health documentation styles

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.

Careers

Career Paths With a BS in Behavioral Health Science: Trauma Emphasis

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

  • Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals or clinics
  • Government agencies
  • Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
  • Outpatient mental health and substance abuse facilities

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. 

Accreditation

Earn Your Degree From an Institutionally Accredited University

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.

FAQ

Behavioral Health Science: Trauma Emphasis FAQs

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.

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Start Your Journey Today

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.

Apply Now
  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.

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