DIVISION OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
Behavioral Health, B.S. (Online)
Understand people. Strengthen communities. Move your career forward.
Earn an online behavioral health degree from Saint Francis University.
Human behavior is shaped by relationships, communities, cultures, and experiences—and understanding those connections can help you make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Saint Francis University’s online B.S. in Behavioral Health is designed for adult learners ready to build on the college credits and experience they’ve already earned.
Program Snapshot:
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Admission Deadline: Multiple Start Dates Per Year
- Flexible: Degree Completion, Transfer-Friendly
- Tuition: $485 per credit
26/27 Division of Professional Studies Rate Details - Scholarships & Aid: Ask us about our affordability initiatives, including Credit for Prior Learning and Employer Partner Discounts. More than 95% of our Division of Professional Studies students receive a tuition discount/scholarship.
Designed for returning adult students
Degree completion
Full- or part-time studies tailored for busy schedules
CURRICULUM & COURSES
What You'll Learn in the Behavioral Health Program
The Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health is an online degree completion program for adult students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree in behavioral sciences or human and social services. Students will have the opportunity to maximize their prior college-level coursework or associate’s degrees in psychology, human or social services, or related field. Additional college coursework or military credits may also be evaluated for potential transfer into this degree. This interdisciplinary degree combines a psychology, sociology, and social work core with a liberal studies curriculum reflecting the goals of Franciscan Higher Education. Completion of this program will aid in preparing students to pursue graduate school in a related field or to enter the workforce in human/social services, administration, or related field.
Degree Awarded
Behavioral Health, B.S.
Plan of Study | Course Catalog -26/27
Estimated Completion Time
Typically 3-5 years of part-time study
Total Credits Required
128 credits
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Articulate the importance of the positive value of human diversity and knowledge of special populations who are at risk of, and/or victims of prejudice and discrimination.
- Illustrate through written and oral presentation a theoretical and applied understanding of the major functions involved in interactions between individuals, families, groups, and their environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to use current technology and statistical methods in the processes of researching, problem-solving, and applying solutions to issues in the behavioral health.
- Possess a functional understanding of professional ethics.
- Adopt a global perspective in the evaluation of human needs and the different ways in which these needs are addressed.
- Analyze and assess the impact of policy, programs, and services on various populations.
Division of Professional Studies Faculty
Degree and certificate programs offered through the Division of Professional Studies are taught by an advantageous mix of accomplished SFU faculty and industry experts who are passionate about teaching adult learners.
In our bachelor of science degree online courses, you will find faculty who:
- Bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
- Tailor their online courses to best deliver the subject matter.
- Are trained in effective online teaching styles and technology tools.
Career Outlook in Behavioral Health Studies
With a behavioral health online degree, you can advance to acquire positions in the human services field, law enforcement or correction positions. Those that have earned a behavioral science degree have gone on to be:
- Case Managers
- Advocates
- Counselors
- Directors
- Youth Workers
- Specialists
- Public Welfare Workers
- Corrections Officers
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the Behavioral Health Program at Saint Francis University
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Behavioral Health program goals include the following:
- To ground students in the theories, concepts, knowledge, and skills in the applied behavioral sciences which are essential in the understanding and analysis of the interconnectedness of human behavior and the environment.
- To assist students to understand and respect complexities of human interaction among diverse populations and the impact of the cultural environment of family, workplace, and community.
- To prepare students for employment or graduate studies.
- To foster professional and personal growth through understanding and addressing ethical and moral issues.
- To challenge students to become self-aware through reflective thinking and constructive analysis in an effort to problem solve and improve the quality of life of various populations.
- To encourage students to creatively contribute to their communities through policies, programs and services.
-
Yes. Saint Francis University provides generous transfer credits for previous coursework, with a complimentary credit audit available. The behavioral science degree program offers a degree completion format, which allows transfer credits from your associate degree (including criminal justice) earned at other institutions.
Additional college coursework or military credits may also be evaluated for potential transfer into this degree.
-
The Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Health through Division of Professional Studies provides a strong Behavioral Health core. The core includes courses in psychology, sociology, and social work.
The core develops the necessary knowledge and competencies for students to enter into the workforce or to apply to graduate school.
-
Some of the organizations that hire our graduates include:
Social Service Organizations
Counseling Centers
Advocacy Groups
Hospitals
County, State, and Federal Agencies
Law Enforcement Agencies
-
Completion of the behavioral health degree program will aid in preparing students to pursue graduate school in a related field or to enter the workforce in human/social services, administration, or related field.
Behavioral Health program goals include the following:
- To ground students in the theories, concepts, knowledge, and skills in the applied behavioral sciences which are essential in the understanding and analysis of the interconnectedness of human behavior and the environment.
- To assist students to understand and respect complexities of human interaction among diverse populations and the impact of the cultural environment of family, workplace, and community.
- To prepare students for employment or graduate studies.
- To foster professional and personal growth through understanding and addressing ethical and moral issues.
- To challenge students to become self-aware through reflective thinking and constructive analysis in an effort to problem solve and improve the quality of life of various populations.
- To encourage students to creatively contribute to their communities through policies, programs and services.
Yes. Saint Francis University provides generous transfer credits for previous coursework, with a complimentary credit audit available. The behavioral science degree program offers a degree completion format, which allows transfer credits from your associate degree (including criminal justice) earned at other institutions.
Additional college coursework or military credits may also be evaluated for potential transfer into this degree.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Health through Division of Professional Studies provides a strong Behavioral Health core. The core includes courses in psychology, sociology, and social work.
The core develops the necessary knowledge and competencies for students to enter into the workforce or to apply to graduate school.
Some of the organizations that hire our graduates include:
Social Service Organizations
Counseling Centers
Advocacy Groups
Hospitals
County, State, and Federal Agencies
Law Enforcement Agencies
Completion of the behavioral health degree program will aid in preparing students to pursue graduate school in a related field or to enter the workforce in human/social services, administration, or related field.
Ready to take the next step?
We’re here to help you succeed. Our team is happy to answer your questions, review your prior college credits, walk you through the application process, or just chat about your goals.
Reach out today — we’d love to hear from you!

Dr. Julie Warnick
Dean, Division of Professional Studies
814-472-2846
jwarnick@francis.edu

Ms. Shawniece Patterson
Enrollment Advisor
spatterson@francis.edu
Call/Text: 814-379-0303
Division of Professional Studies
professionalstudies@francis.edu
1-800-457-6300