BS in Behavioral Health Science: Adolescence and Childhood Disorders Emphasis

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Overview

Make an Impact on Families With Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health

The Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders gives you the opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge of childhood and adolescent development and behavior, and in particular, a thorough understanding of childhood and adolescent disorders.

Within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, you will explore the biological, emotional and environmental aspects that impact adolescent and childhood development, as well as theories related to physical and behavioral health. The behavioral science classes address the assessment, diagnosis, intervention and best practices for the behavioral health treatment of both children and adolescents. This bachelor’s degree does not lead to licensure.  

Message from the Dean | GCU College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Why GCU

Earn Your BS in Behavioral Health Science Online

GCU’s childhood and adolescent disorders emphasis is offered through online classes, allowing you to complete your degree on a more flexible schedule. Throughout this bachelor’s program, you will be able to connect with knowledgeable faculty in the behavioral health field and network with peers in the program. You will also have access to online learning resources, including student service counselors and the GCU library.


This Degree Is Offered Online

Coursework

Take Behavioral Science Classes With a Childhood and Adolescence Disorders Emphasis

As a student, you will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of core competencies in child and adolescent mental health. 

Topics covered in this program include:

Theoretical approaches to counseling

Addiction and substance use disorders

Ethics, legal standards and responsibilities in working with minors

Cultural diversity, social justice and spiritual values

Dynamics of trauma

Factors influencing mental health

Behavioral health treatments

Report writing and documentation

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Program Capstone

The program concludes with a capstone project designed to be a culmination of your learning experiences. You will develop a proposal focusing on your area of specialty for a community-based behavioral health organization.

All Behavioral Health Science Emphases

For careers in other areas of behavioral health science, GCU offers specialized focus in areas, such as:

Careers

Career Paths for Graduates With an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescent Disorders 

This bachelor’s program also lays the foundation for pursuing a graduate degree in child and adolescent behavioral health, counseling, criminal justice, clinical or forensic psychology or human services. You may also choose to pursue career advancement toward clinical psychology, licensed therapy or professional counseling.

As a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, you can use your skills in child and adolescent mental health to pursue career opportunities in fields such as government, social service and behavioral health

Some positions that are related to this degree include:

Mental health service technician

Psychiatric aide

Correctional treatment specialist

Social or human service assistant

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about this adolescence and childhood disorders emphasis by reading our answers to these frequently asked questions.

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Start Your Journey Today

If you have empathy for the challenges faced by children and adolescents and want to use your skills to help them address behavioral and mental health disorders, complete the form to get started.

Apply Now

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, March 8). Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health. Retrieved June 21, 2023. 

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 5). Children’s Mental Health Orders. Retrieved June 21, 2023. 

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