Grand Canyon University | BS in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies program at Grand Canyon University is designed to help students build counseling skills and an understanding of child development stages and concepts. Read here for more details about this online undergraduate program.

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Official Program Name:

Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies

School Offering Program:

Grand Canyon University

Degree Level:

Bachelor's

Program Prerequisites:

Students considering enrolled in the BS in Behavioral Health Science - Infancy and Early Childhood Studies program might have an academic background in psychology or social sciences. Strong analytical and communication skills are important, as some courses will focus on the assessment of early childhood disorders, counseling practices, and communication styles in family structures. Applicants to Grand Canyon University should have a high school diploma or equivalent; some programs may have additional requirements.

Program Description:

What are the cognitive, physical, and socioemotional developmental stages in early child development? Which assessment methods are employed to diagnose early childhood disorders? How does family influence and impact the diagnosis of disorders in young children? These are examples of questions that would be answered in the curriculum of Grand Canyon University's Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies program. Students could also learn about types of and treatment for trauma, family systems and parenting dynamics, human development across the life span, and ethics and legislation in behavior health. Other courses address counseling theories, group counseling practices, and group dynamics. The capstone enables students to integrate theories and concepts studied throughout the program into a culminative proposal addressing, among other topics, treatment planning, ethics, and a service gap within a particular health organization.

Learning Format:

Online

Program Length:

120 credits.

Financial Aid Available:

Eligible students could be able to receive financial aid in the forms of grants, loans, and scholarships. Contact Grand Canyon University's financial aid office for more information.

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Required Courses for a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies:

The 120 credits needed to earn this bachelor's degree reflects 56 credits in the major course of study, 34-40 general education credits, and 24-30 credits in elective courses. Degree program and course requirements are subject to change. Contact Grand Canyon University to confirm the most accurate information before enrolling in a program.

General Education Courses (34-40 credits)

Students choose courses from the following competencies:
- University Foundations
- Effective Communication
- Christian Worldview
- Critical Thinking
- Global Awareness, Perspectives, and Ethics

Major Courses (56 credits)

Foundations of Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
Introduction to Counseling Theories
Group Dynamics and Process
Ethics of Behavioral Health Science
Cultural and Social Diversity in Behavioral Health
Human Development
Abnormal Psychology
Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Report Writing, Research, and Information Literacy in Behavioral Health
Introduction to Family Dynamics
Understanding Trauma
Infancy and Early Childhood Development
Infancy and Early Childhood Disorders and Assessment
Professional Capstone Project

Open Elective Courses (24-30 credits)

Students choose from any available GCU courses

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Furthering Your Education:

Earning the Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies could lead graduates to pursue entry-level or assistant jobs in human or health services; however, those who intend to pursue higher-level counseling positions or academic careers might continue their studies in a master's degree program. Master's degree students are likely to delve deeper into clinical diagnostic and assessment practices, treatment planning, and counseling strategies and in many cases could participate in a counseling internship.

Some of the master's degree programs that would be applicable for graduates of this BS program include:

Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Family Dynamics
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders

Career Paths:

After completing the BS - Behavioral Health Science: Infancy and Early Childhood Studies program, graduates could be prepared to assist in the clinical assessment and treatment of young children and families facing various types of crises. They might work in community health centers, trauma centers, health services agencies, government agencies, juvenile detention centers, or family crisis centers.

Career options open to graduates include:

Behavior interventionist
Behavior specialist
Mental health aide
Social service program coordinator