What are the Basics of a Behavioral Health Sciences Degree?

<p>A behavioral <a href="http://learn.org/articles/Health_Sciences_Bachelors_Degree_Programs.html">health sciences</a> degree program is designed to educate people pursuing a career in behavioral sciences to develop intervention strategies that are both treatment- and prevention-oriented. This strategy helps the student develop the skills necessary to change behaviors for a healthier lifestyle and positive family relationships. With a degree in behavioral health science, a graduate is prepared to develop and administer preventative and rehabilitative intervention strategies. Behavioral health science graduates may become counselors, behavioral health technicians, parent aides or case managers. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Degree Levels </td><td> Bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctorate</td></tr> <tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Some fully online programs are available</td></tr> <tr><td> Concentrations</td><td> Options may include health studies, public health education and health assessment and promotion</td></tr> <tr><td> Common Courses </td><td>Psychology, abnormal psychology, human growth and development, substance abuse counseling</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $81,040 (<i>for psychologists</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 6% (<i>for psychologists</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---M.P.H.ProgramBehavioralSciencesAndHealthPromotion">M.P.H. Program - Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion</h3> <p>Multiple universities offer a behavioral health specialization or concentration with their Master of Public Health degree programs. These programs are designed to further the education of established health professionals, such as doctors and nurses, who wish to further their careers. Course content will vary from school to school, but some common topics that students might encounter include: </p> <ul><li>Public health communication </li><li>Health issues in LGBT populations </li><li>Social approaches to health issues </li><li>Environmental influences on human health </li></ul><h3 id="section---Competencies">Competencies</h3> <p>To graduate from an M.P.H. degree program with a focus in behavioral sciences and health, the student must demonstrate their proficiency by satisfying a number of competencies. For example, a graduate may be required to describe the techniques and theories that address lifestyle health behaviors. </p> <p>Additionally, the graduate may need to explain the steps and procedures involved in the planning, evaluation, and implementation of public health policies and programs. The graduate must be able to effectively communicate research findings to both laypersons and professionals.</p>