Behavioral Health
Overview
Degrees Offered: BAS
Program Begins: Fall, Spring, Summer
Delivery Method: Online, On Campus
Phone: 701-224-5486
Email: bsc.has@bismarckstate.edu
Description
The BAS in Behavioral Health prepares students for careers in human and social services. This hands-on program covers topics in applied psychology, counseling, human development, crisis intervention, sociology, research, and ethical practices. Students will learn practical skills to support individuals and communities, with a focus on evidence-based care and cultural competency.
Graduates can work in state agencies, mental health centers, hospitals, rehabilitation programs, non-profit organizations, or pursue further studies in counseling, social work, sociology, or psychology. This program is ideal for those passionate about helping others, promoting well-being, and making a difference in behavioral health settings.
Preparation
This program is designed to allow a student to be admitted as either a transfer applicant or as a direct enrolled applicant. Refer to the Program Admission tab for additional admission requirements.
Students should have an interest in human and social services, psychology, counseling, nursing, or other health or human service-related areas.
Requirements
Students who complete the requirements will earn a Bachelor's of Applied Science in Behavioral Health.
Career Opportunities
The BAS in Behavioral Health provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work in a variety of human service careers. Graduates are prepared for positions in a variety of healthcare, non-profit, and state agencies focused on human services careers, such as: social and community service managers, client advocates, psychiatric technicians, client advocates, care coordinators, and case managers.
Market research identifies a growing interest in behavioral health, psychology, and human services, driven by increased public awareness of mental health issues and the importance of psychological and human services in various sectors, such as healthcare, education, corporate, and social services. Behavior health-related occupations are projected to grow in response to the demand for mental health support, workplace wellness, and educational counseling, with roles for psychologists, counselors, education, human resources, and social workers seeing consistent growth.
College Admission
Review BSC's How to Apply page and complete the college admission requirements.
Program Admission
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Health is designed for qualified students to be directly admitted.
In addition to being admitted to BSC, students must meet program requirements based on their status:
First-Year Applicant
A student who has no prior postsecondary experience or who has earned less than 24 semester credits or 36 quarter credits. Students who earned college credits while still in high school are considered first-year applicants.
Students must apply and be accepted at BSC as degree seeking, in addition to the following requirements:
- Minimum high school cumulative grade point average – 2.00+
- Completion of high school core course requirements:
- English: four units
- Mathematics: Algebra I or above – three units
- Laboratory Science: three units
- Social Science: three units
Notes:
- Successful completion of a GED exam meets the qualifications for both #1 and #2 above.
- Applicants 25 years of age or older on the first day of class are exempt from the high school core requirements.
- Students who don’t meet requirements #1 and #2 will begin their college career in Integrated Behavioral Sciences AAS.
- After the completion of one semester of BSC enrollment with a 2.00 cumulative GPA, a student may request a program change into the Behavioral Health Bachelor of Applied Science program.
Transfer Applicant
A student who has earned 24 semester credits or 36 quarter credits from an accredited post-secondary institution.
Students must apply and be accepted at BSC as degree seeking, in addition to the following requirements:
- Cumulative grade point average – 2.00+ on all accredited post-secondary institutions attended.
- Student must not be on dismissed or suspension status at their most recently attended institution.
Notes:
- Students who don’t meet requirements #1 and #2 will begin their college career in Integrated Behavioral Sciences AAS.
- After the completion of one semester of BSC enrollment with a 2.00 cumulative GPA, a student may request a program change into the Behavioral Health Bachelor of Applied Science program.
Returning Applicant
Returning to BSC following a break in enrollment or graduation.
Students must apply and be accepted at BSC as degree seeking, in addition to the following requirements:
- Cumulative grade point average – 2.00+ on credits from all prior accredited post-secondary institutions attended, including BSC.
- Student must not be on dismissed or suspension status.
Notes:
- Students who don’t meet requirements #1 and #2 will begin their college career in Integrated Behavioral Sciences AAS.
- After the completion of one semester of BSC enrollment with a 2.00 cumulative GPA, a student may request a program change into the Behavioral Health Bachelor of Applied Science program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, Behavioral Health students will be able to:
- Understand key behavioral health concepts, including trends, theories, and best practices.
- Perform screenings, assessments, and treatment planning with consideration of cultural and social factors.
- Effectively analyze, evaluate, and conduct behavioral health research.
- Adhere to ethical and professional standards, including confidentiality and cultural sensitivity.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with clients, families, and healthcare teams.