Behavioral Sciences
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Behavioral Sciences provides students with an advanced study of human behavior and the skills necessary to develop and implement specialized and comprehensive behavioral health and social services to individuals and families dealing with mental illness, substance use disorders and addiction, trauma, developmental disabilities, comorbid medical conditions, and challenging behaviors.
The Bachelor of Science degree is intended to meet the academic requirements for the Registered Behavior Technician and other micro-certifications. It is also intended to meet the qualifications for the Licensed Substance Abuse Technician through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Certificates of Completion (CCL) in Foundations of Behavioral Sciences and Advanced Behavioral Sciences, as well as the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Behavioral Sciences are also available and embedded within this degree.
This program is designed to meet education requirements for licensure or certification in the State of Arizona. Granting licensure and certification is the sole responsibility of the state board or approval agency. This program is only offered and available to students located in the State of Arizona. The Maricopa County Community College District and colleges define student location within Administrative Regulation 2.2.3(7).
Details
Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Academic Plan
Behavioral Sciences (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
9300
Total credits required
120
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
The following courses will be considered an equivalent substitute if successfully completed by a student in a previous associate degree or certificate program before entering the bachelor’s degree program. These substitutions apply only to this degree, 9300, and should not be taken in lieu of the required BHS, Behavioral Health Services, course.
ASD102 for BHS165
ASD120 for BHS160
ASD161 for BHS170
ASD250 for BHS215
CAP120 for BHS205
CAP220 for BHS185
CAP240 for BHS165
PSY132 for BHS185
SWU130 for BHS210
SWU171 for BHS150
SWU183 for BHS160
Course credits for the identified substitutes may vary, requiring a student to complete additional general elective coursework to achieve the degree minimum of 120 semester credits.
What You'll Learn
- Compose academic and professional materials as well as clinical documentation utilizing advanced writing and communication skills. (FYE101, FYE103, BHS150, BHS155, BHS160, BHS165, BHS170, BHS175, BHS180, BHS185, BHS190, BHS205, BHS210, BHS215, BHS300, BHS310, BHS320, BHS340, BHS385, BHS400, BHS410, BHS420, BHS430, BHS490, ASD+++, BHS+++, PSY+++, BIO160, PSY101, PSY230, (COM), [FYC], [HU], [L], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Develop therapeutic alliances utilizing interpersonal, communication, critical thinking, and microcounseling skills. (BHS150, BHS155, BHS160, BHS165, BHS170, BHS175, BHS180, BHS185, BHS190, BHS205, BHS210, BHS215, BHS300, BHS310, BHS320, BHS340, BHS385, BHS400, BHS410, BHS420, BHS430, BHS490, ASD+++, BHS+++, PSY+++, BIO160, PSY101, PSY230, (COM), [FYC], [HU], [L], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Synthesize theories, knowledge, and skills through a critical examination of literature and research to address diverse behavioral health needs using evidence-based practice. (FYE101, FYE103, BHS150, BHS155, BHS160, BHS165, BHS170, BHS175, BHS180, BHS185, BHS190, BHS205, BHS210, BHS215, BHS300, BHS310, BHS320, BHS340, BHS385, BHS400, BHS410, BHS420, BHS430, BHS490, ASD+++, BHS+++, PSY+++, BIO160, PSY101, PSY230, (COM), [FYC], [HU], [L], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Develop a code of ethics and behavior consistent with legal and professional standards and requirements. (BHS150, BHS155, BHS160, BHS165, BHS170, BHS175, BHS180, BHS185, BHS190, BHS205, BHS210, BHS215, BHS300, BHS310, BHS320, BHS340, BHS385, BHS400, BHS410, BHS420, BHS430, BHS490, ASD+++, BHS+++, PSY+++, BIO160, PSY101, PSY230, (COM), [FYC], [HU], [L], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Evaluate patients’ diverse needs through an understanding of health, wellness, and psychopathology within and across cultures. (FYE101, FYE103, BHS150, BHS155, BHS160, BHS165, BHS170, BHS175, BHS180, BHS185, BHS190, BHS205, BHS210, BHS215, BHS300, BHS310, BHS320, BHS340, BHS385, BHS400, BHS410, BHS420, BHS430, BHS490, ASD+++, BHS+++, PSY+++, BIO160, PSY101, PSY230, (COM), [HU], [L], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Collaborate on multidisciplinary teams to meet individual, family, and community needs in a variety of behavioral health and social service settings. (FYE101, FYE103, BHS150, BHS155, BHS160, BHS165, BHS170, BHS175, BHS180, BHS185, BHS190, BHS205, BHS210, BHS215, BHS300, BHS310, BHS320, BHS340, BHS385, BHS400, BHS410, BHS420, BHS430, BHS490, ASD+++, BHS+++, PSY+++, BIO160, PSY101, PSY230, (COM), [FYC], [HU], [L], [SG], [SQ])
- Compare and contrast approaches to trauma and recovery with an emphasis on fostering health, wellness, and resilience. (FYE101, FYE103, BHS150, BHS155, BHS160, BHS165, BHS170, BHS175, BHS180, BHS185, BHS190, BHS205, BHS210, BHS215, BHS300, BHS310, BHS320, BHS340, BHS385, BHS400, BHS410, BHS420, BHS430, BHS490, ASD+++, BHS+++, PSY+++, BIO160, PSY101, PSY230, (COM), [FYC], [HU], [L], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 65-67 | |
| BHS150 | Introduction to Behavioral Health and Social Services | 3 |
| BHS155 | Professional Resiliency and Well-Being | 3 |
| BHS160 | Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling Services | 3 |
| BHS165 | Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills | 3 |
| BHS170 | Case Management and Clinical Documentation | 3 |
| BHS175 | Trauma-Informed Care and Recovery Treatment | 3 |
| BHS180 | Child, Family, and Adult Advocacy | 3 |
| BHS185 | Cultural Competence in Behavioral Health | 3 |
| BHS190 | Supervised Practice in Behavioral Health and Social Services | 1 |
| BHS205 | Introduction to Individual Counseling Theories | 3 |
| BHS210 | Addictions, Substance Use Disorders, and Recovery | 3 |
| BHS215 | Introduction to Group Therapy | 3 |
| BHS300 | Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice | 4 |
| BHS310 | Fundamentals of Family Systems Counseling | 3 |
| BHS320 | Behavioral Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| BHS340 | Psychopathology Across Cultures | 3 |
| BHS385 | Multicultural Approaches to Behavioral Health Care | 3 |
| BHS400 | Biological and Environmental Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| BHS410 | Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Disorders | 3 |
| BHS420 | Relational Approach to Trauma | 3 |
| BHS430 | Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| BHS490 | Advanced Supervised Practice in Behavioral Health and Social Services | 2 |
| FYE101 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR | |
| FYE103 | Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) | 1-3 |
Course Sequence by Term
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 6 | |
| Complete six (6) credits from the following prefixes. Selected courses will not apply in both Required Courses and Restricted Electives areas. Students should consult with their college’s Program Director or their faculty or academic advisor to select courses that best align with academic and professional goals. | ||
| ASD+++ Any ASD Addictions and Substance Use Disorders course(s) | ||
| BHS+++ Any BHS Behavioral Health Services Technology course(s) | ||
| PSY+++ Any PSY Psychology course(s) | ||
Course Area Key
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 9-17 | |
| Select courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 120 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals. | ||
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.