Behavioral & Social Science, B.S.
Major
Online
Adult & Graduate Studies (AGS)
Bethel’s fully online Behavioral and Social Science degree prepares you for impact in human services. Gain the knowledge, skills and ethical foundation to advance your career, boost your earning potential and make a difference in your community.
7
week sessions
6
start dates each year
Aug 23
next start date for AGS programs
Behavioral & Social Science, B.S.
Bethel’s online Behavioral and Social Science degree program features a customizable curriculum grounded in Christian values. The degree requires 36 credit hours of general education classes, 36 elective credits and 48–49 credits in your behavioral and social sciences major. You’ll take innovative e-learning classes that immerse you in contemporary topics.
Major Courses (48-49 Credits):
Students may transfer credit from other accredited institutions, provided the courses are equivalent to required Bethel courses and the student earned a grade of C or better. CLEP testing is available for select courses.
- BSS 278: Introduction to the Human Service Profession (3)
- BSS 279: Introduction to Research (3)
- BSS 280: Introduction to Counseling Theories (3)
- BSS 302: Casework Methods and Writing in the Human Services Profession (3)
- BSS 371: Interviewing & People Helping Skills (3)
- BSS 375: Crisis Intervention (3)
- BSS 380: Group Facilitation in the Human Services Profession (3)
- BSS 410: Administration of Human Service Agencies (3)
- BSS 420: Research & Program Evaluation (3)
- BSS 498: Internship in Human Services (3)
- PSYC 288: Life Span Development (3)
- SOC 202: Racial & Cultural Minorities (3)
General Electives (36 Credits):
- ADC 301: Principles of Addiction (3)
- ADC 320: Motivational Intervention & Cognitive Behavior Therapy (3)
- ADC 330: Theories of Addiction Treatment (3)
- CRMJ 101: Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System (3)
- CRMJ 201: Juvenile Justice System (3)
- CRMJ 301: Criminal Law (3)
Graduates of Bethel’s Behavioral and Social Science program are prepared for a wide range of careers in human services, counseling and related fields. Potential career options include:
- Case Manager
- Human Services Professional
- Addiction Counselor (with additional certification)
- Social Services Coordinator
- Community Outreach Specialist
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
- Juvenile Justice Specialist
- Program Evaluator
- Nonprofit Administrator
- Probation or Correctional Officer
- Research Assistant
- Advocate
This degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in counseling, social work, psychology, criminal justice or related disciplines.
Through Bethel’s Behavioral and Social Science degree program, you will:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, counseling theories and the dynamics of addiction.
- Develop practical skills in interviewing, casework, crisis intervention and group facilitation.
- Practice group facilitation, crisis intervention, interviewing and people-helping skills in a collaborative classroom environment, gaining insight into real-world experiences.
- Learn to apply ethical decision-making and Christian values in human service settings.
- Acquire foundational research skills, including program evaluation and data analysis.
- Explore the impact of cultural, racial and societal factors on individuals and communities.
- Build leadership and administrative abilities for managing human service agencies.
- Participate in a 150-hour internship at an agency of your choice, where you’ll be exposed to new skills and professional experiences over 14–15 weeks.
- Apply your knowledge in real-world settings through hands-on internship experiences.
Still deciding?
Meet Our Faculty
Amber Beamer-Rohde, M.S.W.
Chair of Psychology Department, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Take the Next Step
Take the first step toward your Bethel University degree in behavioral and social science.