Mar 12, 2026  
College Catalog 2026-27 
    
College Catalog 2026-27

Behavioral Health, Mental Health & Social Work Emphasis, AAS


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The AAS degree in Behavioral Health with an emphasis on Mental Health and Social Work focuses on preparing students for careers in the mental health and social services sector. Coursework provides foundational behavioral health knowledge as well as the ability to apply a wide array of concepts and skills within diverse behavioral health settings with a particular emphasis on understanding and addressing mental health issues. Graduates are prepared to work in various mental health settings, such as clinics, hospitals, community centers, and social service agencies.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to make a positive impact on individuals and communities facing behavioral health challenges. This program blends academic coursework with applied training to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the field of behavioral health and provide a solid foundation for further education in related fields.

Program Outcomes: Students majoring in Behavioral Health will gain the following knowledge and skills upon completion of their degree:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to assess the behavioral health needs of individuals, taking into consideration cultural, social, and environmental factors.
  2. Exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with individuals, families, and interdisciplinary teams.

3.    Apply crisis intervention techniques and strategies to support individuals in times of distress.

4.    Recognize and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives of individuals and      integrate cultural competence into behavioral health practice.

5.    Adhere to ethical and legal standards in behavioral health.

6. Maintain accurate and confidential client records in compliance with industry standards.

 

1st Semester

 

Class

Credit hours

BEH 1001  Mental Health Crisis and Intervention

3

PTE 1010  Intro to Behavioral Health

3

BEH 1030  Case Mngmt & Clinical Documentation

1

BEH 2030 Applied Therapeutic  Comm Skills

3

PSY 2440 Human Growth and Development

3

PSY 1001 Intro to Psychology

3

 

1

Total

16

 

2nd Semester

 

Class

Credit hours

SOC 2018 Sociology of Diversity

3

SWK 1100 Social Welfare and Community Agencies with Service Learning

3

ENG 121 Composition 1

3

SOC 1001 Sociology I

3

BEH 2001 Advanced Communication Skills

3

COM 2063 (online) Conflict Resolution

1

HPR 1038 (online) Intro Medical Terminology

1

Total

17

 

3rd Semester

 

Class

Credit hours

MAT 1260 Intro to Statistics

3

BEH 1020 Cultural Competence in BH

1.5

BEH 1040 Child, Family, Adult Advocacy

1.5

HPR 1000 (online) Intro to Health

3

SWK 1000 (online) Intro to Social Work

3

BEH 1060 Reg Beh Technician

4

 

 

Total

17

 

4th Semester

 

Class

Credit hours

SOC 2031 (online) Sociology of Deviance

3

PSY 2552 Psychopathology

3

PSY 1002 Psychology 2

3

PTE 1020 Applied Psychiatric Skills

5

HPR 1008 (online) Law and Ethics for HP

2

PTE 1017  Theoretical Concepts for Psych Care

2

 

 

                                                                                      Total

18

 

 

Total Mental Health and Social Work Emphasis Credits 17


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