Behavioral Sciences
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Behavioral Sciences provides a general education as well as focused coursework in human behavior to prepare students to assist, as part of a clinical team, in the care of individuals and families dealing with mental illness, addictions and substance use, trauma, developmental disabilities, comorbid medical conditions, and challenging behaviors. Focuses on the skills necessary to deliver specialized and comprehensive behavioral health and social services. This program prepares students for industry certification and is embedded in the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Behavioral Sciences available at MCCCD.
Details
Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Behavioral Sciences (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3067
Total credits required
63-71
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
What You'll Learn
- Distinguish the role, function, and responsibilities of various mental health professions.
- Assess the comprehensive bio-psycho-social needs of diverse client populations in behavioral health and social service settings.
- Evaluate evidence-based behavioral health interventions using assessment and outcome measures.
- Demonstrate ethical interpersonal and communication skills important in establishing and maintaining relationships.
- Assist clients with substance use and co-occurring disorders in their recovery.
- Apply the principles of trauma-informed care with diverse client populations.
- Practice methods to resolve current symptoms and prevent future effects of burnout, traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue.
- Manage crisis/trauma situations while engaging in appropriate self care to promote professional resilience and personal safety.
- Manage individual cases as part of a multidisciplinary team, in a fashion that best serves the patient and simultaneously protects the practitioner.
- Implement treatment plans developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 35-37 | |
| 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 |
| BHS180 | Child, Family, and Adult Advocacy | 3 |
| Note: The above courses are required in the Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Foundations of Behavioral Sciences (5522) | ||
| BHS175 | Trauma-Informed Care and Recovery Treatment | 3 |
| BHS185 | Cultural Competence in Behavioral Health | 3 |
| BHS190 | Supervised Practice in Behavioral Health and Human Services | 1 |
| BHS205 | Introduction to Individual Counseling Theories | 3 |
| BHS210 | Addictions, Substance Use Disorders, and Recovery | 3 |
| BHS215 | Introduction to Group Therapy | 3 |
| Note: The above courses are required in the Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Advanced Behavioral Sciences (5521) | ||
| FYE101 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR | |
| FYE103 | Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) | 1-3 |
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credits: | 6 | |
| Students must choose six (6) credits from one of the following specializations: | ||
| Specialization 1: Trauma and Crisis Stabilization | ||
| BHS230 | Crisis and Trauma Stabilization | 3 |
| BHS235 | Emergency Mental Health Crisis Response and Recovery | 3 |
| Specialization 2: Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health | ||
| BHS275 | Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (3) OR | |
| CFS177 | Parent-Child Interaction (3) | 3 |
| BHS272 | Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Interventions | 3 |
| CFS235 | Developing Child: Theory into Practice, Prenatal to Age Eight | 3 |
| EED210 | Creative and Cognitive Play | 3 |
| (If EED210 is selected, CFS235 will need to be selected unless another requisite option has been met) | ||
| Specialization 3: Addiction and Substance Use Disorders | ||
| ASD110 | Pharmacology of Substances of Abuse and Dependency | 3 |
| ASD245 | Co-Occurring Disorders (2) AND | |
| ASD120 | Professional Ethics in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders (1) OR | |
| ASD145 | AIDS and Addiction (1) | 3 |
| BHS251 | Harm Reduction in Addiction, Substance Use, and Social Services | 3 |
| Specialization 4: Developmental Disabilities | ||
| BHS271 | Developmental Disabilities Assistance Training | 3 |
| PSY241 | Understanding and Changing Behavior | 3 |
| PSY243 | The Psychology of Developmental Disabilities | 3 |
| Specialization 5: Criminal Justice and Forensic Science | ||
| PSY267 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| AJS101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice (3) OR | |
| AJS200 | Current Issues In Criminal Justice (3) OR | |
| AJS225 | Criminology (3) | 3 |
| Specialization 6: Mental Health | ||
| BHS230 | Crisis and Trauma Stabilization (3) OR | |
| BHS235 | Emergency Mental Health Crisis Response and Recovery (3) | 3 |
| BHS251 | Harm Reduction in Addiction, Substance Use, and Social Services | 3 |
| BHS255 | Health and Wellness Coaching in Professional Resiliency | 3 |
| BHS262 | Behavioral Health Service Techniques for the Elderly | 3 |
| BHS266 | Violence and Abuse Services | 3 |
| BHS269 | Grief Support Techniques | 3 |
| BHS271 | Developmental Disabilities Assistance Training | 3 |
| BHS272 | Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Interventions | 3 |
| BHS275 | Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health | 3 |
| CPD180 | Human Resilience: Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Applications | 3 |
| PSY266 | Psychological Disorders | 3 |
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.
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