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New Behavioral Sciences Degree Start This Fall Semester

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has announced the start of a new online program, the Associate of Arts in Behavioral Sciences degree. This exciting opportunity will be available for enrollment starting with the Fall 2024 semester. Students can pursue this degree and their academic goals conveniently and flexibly, with the added advantage of it being in a 100 percent online format.

The Behavioral Sciences degree provides an in-depth understanding of human behavior and the underlying psychological and social mechanisms that drive it. This program integrates concepts from psychology, social work, and criminology, enabling students to develop a comprehensive perspective on individual and societal actions.

“The new behavioral sciences degree at Penn Highlands is designed for students who are interested in the helping professions, like psychology, social work, criminal justice, and education, but may not be sure in which area to focus,” stated Daniella Cope, Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Program Coordinator at Penn Highlands.

“Students have the option to concentrate coursework in one of these areas, take a little bit of everything, and transfer applicable prior credits into the degree. The program’s delivery is online for the student who needs flexibility to balance work, family, and educational advancement. With an associate degree in behavioral sciences, graduates can begin working in the field or transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.”

To earn the degree, students must complete 62 credits under four sections, including General Education Requirements (23 credits), Major Requirements (12), Major Electives (22), and Free Electives (6).

The program is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution with the goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in a social science field. It is also suitable for those seeking entry-level positions in various human service roles after graduation.

Graduates will be prepared for entry-level employment in social and behavioral sciences. Positions include Human Resources intern, pharmacy technician, home health aide, law enforcement officer, office administrator, assistant counselor, teacher’s aide, and social worker assistant.