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Applied Human Behavior 90-30, Bachelor of Science
The Applied Human Behavior Program at Northern Arizona University is a unique and timely 90-30 degree that prepares you to work in a range of behavioral health fields including working with individuals and families, substance abuse, mental health, community development, public policy, and human resources. The Applied Human Behavior Program examines operational aspects of social systems, and how they impact behavior, and it engages students in real-world problem-solving of community challenges. The curriculum emphasizes developing critical thinking to create solutions to social issues through empowering individuals and communities in professional direct practice and administrative roles.
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
- All of Northern Arizona University's , .
- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
- At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
- At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.
The full policy can be viewed .
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Students may transfer up to 90 units of community college and/or university credit from regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
- 30 units of major requirements.
- Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
- Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link |
Purpose Statement
The purpose of Northern Arizona University’s Applied Human Behavior Program is to provide students with a broad understanding of the history and perspectives on human behavior and the applicable skills necessary for competent direct practice working with individuals, families, organizations, and communities in human services. The curriculum explores what motivates behavior, and how micro, mezzo, and macro systems shape individuals. Coursework emphasizes a person-centered approach to working with diverse socioeconomic populations and empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to reach optimal functioning through establishing client resiliency and goal-directed agency. Students are challenged to explore personal value systems and develop an understanding of how social justice and citizenship shape ethical practice. Program content prepares students for working in professional roles that require a four-year degree in a wide range of professional positions including the fields of behavioral health, community development, and human resources, as well as entering graduate and doctoral studies.
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Student Learning Outcomes
- Human Systems & Diversity
- Understand the nature of human systems and apply historical perspectives to analyzing and solving current social conditions that limit the highest level of individual or community functioning.
- Understand multiple perspectives on diversity and implement strategies to encourage multicultural environments that support clients, communities, and professional environments.
- Recognize current ethics and laws related to primary and secondary characteristics of diversity.
- Apply the concept of resiliency to support client success when working with diverse populations.
- Practice & Intervention
- Understand and apply a variety of Psychological, Social Work, Sociological, and Urban Planning theories to promote the optimal functioning of individuals and communities.
- Understand the nature of human systems using the biopsychosocial model including the biological, environmental, and social impacts on human behavior.
- Explain aspects of human development, the life cycle, familial and relationship dynamics, and how they affect individual growth and success.
- Awareness of a variety of community settings and resources and the ability to select appropriate services and referrals that support client well-being.
- Apply skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating direct practice techniques when working with individuals, families, communities, and groups to promote growth and goal attainment.
- Recognize the scope of practice and apply ethical decision-making to direct practice and intervention using legal knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking.
- Develop urban and rural community planning skills that use interpersonal communication and advocacy to empower stakeholders to create sustainable, successful community systems.
- Community Engagement & Responsibility
- Identify the impact that socioeconomics, public policy, community development, and global issues have on individuals' and communities’ ability to resolve psychological or social issues and develop new strategies for success.
- Understand how globalization and internationalism impact citizenship, participation, and social responsibility in mezzo and macro environments and apply this knowledge to resolving issues of social responsibility and citizenship.
- Professional Preparedness
- Develop professional process skills including documentation, assessment, care planning, administrative documentation, and personal communication to apply in a variety of human behavior career settings.
- Recognize and apply professional leadership skills in a wide variety of careers and professional positions.
- Understand the importance of Social Science research and apply research to select solutions or implement best practices.
- Awareness and capacity to apply the most prevalent ethical, legal, and safety guidelines for direct practice and intervention with clients.
- Personal Values and Development
- Explore personal and professional values, ethics, and career-driven dilemmas through participation in self-reflection and professional exploration exercises, self-critique, discussion, and group activities.
- Develop personal experiences, and critical thinking skills, and challenge current worldviews through teamwork, self-assessment, course projects, service learning, and community internship experience.
Details Accordion Closed
Transfer Block
- Students may transfer up to 90 units of community college and/or university credit from regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
Liberal Studies Requirement
- Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
- Students who have completed the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) from an Arizona public or tribal community college, the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC), or California State University General Education (CSUGE) from a California public community college are considered to have satisfied NAU’s Liberal Studies Distribution Blocks and Foundation requirements as well as the US Ethnic and Global Diversity requirements.
Major Requirements
All major requirements must be completed at Northern Arizona University.
Take the following 30 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
- , , , , , , , , , Ìý(30Ìýunits)
General Electives
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Additional Information
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Locations Accordion Closed
- Glendale Community College
- Mesa Community College
- South Mountain Community College
- OnlineÌý