Online Behavioral Health Science Degrees
journey today.
Grand Canyon University’s online1 behavioral health science degrees offer students insights into the factors that influence human behavior and well-being. Through a curriculum rooted in research and practical application, you can explore the intersections of behavioral, emotional, psychological and physical health, fostering positive change in individuals and communities.
Our online behavioral health science degrees are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field, allowing you to specialize in specific areas. The core bachelor's program encompasses essential topics, including psychology, healthcare ethics and research methods.
As a student, you can choose from specialized emphases like childhood and adolescence disorders, trauma, substance use disorders, family dynamics and early childhood studies. This allows you to customize your education to address the social and developmental challenges faced by individuals and families.
Broaden Your Focus With Related Health Science Fields
In contrast with behavioral health programs, health science programs offer a broader perspective on the healthcare industry, covering areas such as healthcare administration, risk management and ethics in patient care. The curriculum emphasizes understanding healthcare systems and the policies governing patient services, appealing to those interested in system-wide healthcare functions.
Students with a passion for individual well-being may lean toward behavioral health science, while those drawn to the complexities of healthcare systems may prefer health sciences.
With a solid academic foundation in behavioral health studies and human development, graduates may be prepared to explore non-clinical roles focused on assisting individuals and families facing behavioral, emotional or psychological challenges. Although these degrees do not lead to licensure, they provide an educational foundation for pursuing advanced degrees in related fields, such as counseling, psychology or social work.
Graduates of GCU’s online behavioral health science programs may find opportunities in the following positions:
Health education specialist
Social and community service manager
Substance use counselor
Estimated growth for social and community service managers expected from 2023 to 20332
Median annual wage for social and community service managers in May 20243
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a degree in behavioral health science is a meaningful step. As you explore your options, you may have questions about the focus of this degree, its potential outcomes and how it compares to other areas in the health sciences. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to guide your decision-making process.
Behavioral health science degrees are academic programs that examine the relationship between behavior and well-being. These programs cover topics such as trauma-informed care, group dynamics, addiction counseling and human development. Students can learn how psychological, emotional and social influences affect behavior and how to address these factors in non-clinical support settings.
Graduates with a degree in behavioral health science can pursue roles in various support and service-based environments. These include community health centers, social services agencies, youth and geriatric programs, rehabilitation and recovery facilities or criminal justice institutions. Common positions include health education specialist, social services manager, substance abuse counselor and social services assistant. Some graduates may choose to further their education by enrolling in graduate programs related to counseling, social work or psychology.
Mental health programs often focus more specifically on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, sometimes preparing students for clinical licensure. In contrast, behavioral health science programs provide a broader perspective on how behavior impacts overall wellness. They explore a wide range of issues, including substance use, family and community health, childhood development and ethics in healthcare. Typically, behavioral health programs are non-clinical and emphasize prevention, education and support rather than diagnosis or treatment.
We emphasize accessible, values-based education with online learning options that support flexibility and connection. Students studying behavioral health science can engage with knowledgeable faculty, participate in interactive coursework and grow within a supportive academic environment.
The commitment to ethical practice and compassionate care is woven throughout the curriculum, aiming to prepare graduates to address the diverse needs of individuals and families.
Grand Canyon University's admission process is straightforward and student-focused, whether you're entering college for the first time or transferring from another institution. Requirements may vary depending on your chosen degree program and learning format, so we encourage all applicants to review the specific criteria for their pathway.
University counselors are available to provide support throughout the application process. For complete details, please visit our admission requirements page.
GCU is dedicated to delivering academic programs that reflect our commitment to quality, integrity and continuous improvement. We have been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. Our College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which offers degrees in behavioral health science, upholds the same values of academic excellence and accountability.
As a GCU online student, you will engage with your courses through a user-friendly online learning platform designed to support interaction and collaboration. The online classroom provides a space for discussion and access to course materials and tools that can help you stay organized. Students can connect with faculty, collaborate with classmates and access resources that include academic support and technical assistance. This digital environment fosters a sense of community while offering the flexibility to pursue your education on your schedule.
GCU provides online learners tools and services to enhance your experience. From academic assistance to financial guidance, you can access resources to help you connect and stay on track. These resources assist you in managing your online coursework, exploring tuition options and seeking scholarships, offering support throughout your program.
Prepare to make a difference in the lives of others with a behavioral health science degree from GCU.
Excludes programs with residencies and practicums.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers, retrieved June 19, 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Social and Community Service Managers as of May 2024, retrieved June 19, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as social and community service managers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.