Behavioral Science (A.S.) +

About the Degree
Career Information
General Education Requirements  
Program Requirements  

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The Behavioral Science program will provide you with foundational knowledge required by those who enter careers in social work, addiction treatment, criminal justice, or psychology. You will gain the skills needed for work in a variety of community settings from human service/mental health programs to law enforcement and related agencies. This flexible program lets you tailor your studies to fit your career goals. The broad common base of behavioral science courses roots you in sound theory and ethical practice, while those who wish to may delve more deeply into focus areas, such as Human Services, Criminal Justice, Substance Use Disorders, and Psychology. Many participants in this program choose to continue their education at the baccalaureate level and beyond. 

Behavioral Science Semester Map

Students in the Behavioral Science degree program may choose to pursue the following certificate while obtaining their degree:

• Community Health Certificate +
• Community Health to Behavioral Science - Certificate to Degree Map

 +This program can be completed fully online.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Behavioral Science program will be able to:

• apply fundamental theories of behavioral science to the study of individuals and social structures; 
• analyze research and data in the behavioral sciences that support interventions and strategies in interdisciplinary fields of service; 
• demonstrate legal, ethical, and professional conduct in a field setting related to the behavioral sciences; 
• demonstrate effective interpersonal communication techniques with a variety of populations;
• demonstrate academic skills required of all CCV graduates including competency in writing, information literacy, oral communication, and quantitative reasoning; and
• explore pathways and demonstrate preparedness for educational and career development in the student’s field of study.

The Behavioral Science program is great for you if:

• you care about making a difference in the lives of others and want to serve your community; 
• you are interested in working with diverse groups of people and helping others who are experiencing difficult situations; 
• you are prepared for a rigorous career and can effectively manage stressful situations; 
• you are interested in learning effective interpersonal communication techniques with diverse populations; 
• you are willing to reflect on your experiences and assess the impact of those experiences in working with others; and
• you want to gain practical and theoretical experience that will help you clarify your career path in a behavioral science field. 

Key information and advice for students in the Behavioral Science program:

• This degree provides a sound foundation for those wishing to continue towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminal justice, human services, social work, substance use disorders, or psychology.
• Students pursuing public service careers will benefit by using electives from related disciplines in the behavior sciences. 
• The Professional Field Experience  requirement in this program connects students to employment settings and can provide valuable employment references. 
• Background checks are common in some behavioral science fields. Those with prior justice system involvement are encouraged to research employment exclusions that may arise depending on role, employer, and/or licensing criteria.

The Behavioral Science program prepares you for careers such as:

• Criminal Justice careers: State, local, and county law enforcement; corrections; corporate security; private investigations; courtroom workgroup; victim services; or restorative justice. With an advanced degree, there are career opportunities in federal law enforcement; legal and para-legal services; forensics; and criminology. 
• Human Services careers: Personal care aid, Respite Care Worker, Advocate, Community Organizer, Social Services assistant. With an advanced degree, students may seek careers as a paralegal, social worker, case manager, counselor, or substance abuse counselor.

Job outlook in Behavioral Science in the state of Vermont:

For up-to-date Vermont labor market information, including salary information and growth projections, please visit the Economic and Labor Market Information at the Vermont Department of Labor Website: http://www.vtlmi.info/

Transfer Options:

CCV programs are designed to make transfer to a bachelor’s degree program seamless, easy, and affordable for graduates. CCV has agreements and 2+2 transfer pathways within the Vermont State College System (VSCS) and other institutions in Vermont and the region. Early planning can help you follow a clear transfer path.

Visit our transfer page for additional information.