Applied Behavioral Sciences (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Studies degree from the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) is an accelerated, inter-disciplinary, 2-year degree completion program for adult students. This degree is offered at the Loop campus and online.

This course-based major is for graduates of community colleges with an Associate's degree who seek broad interdisciplinary preparation for a career in human services, social work, nonprofit management and other related fields.

Applicants to the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences need an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science (from IL schools; other degrees to be evaluated), or have earned 66 semester credit hours, applicable to the program based on review and evaluation.

The major consists of courses from the Department of Psychology, the College of Communication, and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, which offers the majority of courses, including a unique series of Adult Learning Seminars. The courses in the major provide students with multiple perspectives on human behavior, interaction and communications.​

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Analyze and apply knowledge and theories of behavioral sciences.
• Investigate problems using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Apply ethical principles in context.
• Explain the value of social justice in behavioral settings.
• Utilize principles of reflective practice in behavioral science.
• Analyze and apply different liberal arts perspectives.

Major Requirements (94 quarter hours)

Understanding Human Behavior (16 credit hours)

Life Cycle in Context (8 credit hours)

 Community and Social Justice (12 credit hours)

Methods (14 credit hours)

Effective Workplace Dynamics (12 credit hours)

Leadership Theories and Skills (12 credit hours)

Adult Learning Seminars (20 credit hours)