The online A.S. in Behavioral Science provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior within a global world view.
Credit Hours: 60 | | Tuition Cost
What is the Criminal Justice Option in Behavioral Science?
The Associate in Science in Behavioral Science provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior within a global world view. Foundation courses at an associate level introduce behavioral science students to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural variables of human behavior. This degree prepares students for a smooth transition to the B.S. in Applied Psychology, Health & Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice. The criminal justice option introduces students to the justice system as well as the rights and behaviors of people in the system.
Why study the Criminal Justice Option in Behavioral Science at UNH College of Professional Studies?
Your courses will introduce you to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural variables of human behavior. Within each option area, you’ll gain deeper-level knowledge. For example, the criminal justice option introduces students to criminology and various aspects of the legal system. For those looking to further their education beyond an associate degree, this degree can prepare you for a smooth transition to the bachelor’s in Applied Psychology, Health and Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.
Potential Career Areas
- Police Officer
- Corrections Officer
- Fish and Game Warden
- Bailiff
- Security Officer
- Case Worker
- Client Advocate
- Behavioral Management Aide
Course Highlights
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Introduction to Criminology
...and more!
Why UNH CPS?
- Regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE).
- Available fully online with select on-campus courses.
- Affordable tuition.
- Nationally ranked online programs.
- About 89% of our students are transfer students. Making the most of your transfer credits is our specialty.
- Career advising is available to all students and alumni. We also extend this service to those considering their college options.
- Faculty who are subject matter experts and share their real-world expertise, helping you apply what you learn to your personal goals and career.
- We’re experts at assessing credit toward your undergraduate degree – not only from previous college coursework, but also for other college-level knowledge demonstrated outside the traditional classroom.
- Completion of our free, online application for admission
- High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC
Those wishing to continue their education may apply their 60-credit associate degree toward an 120-credit bachelor’s degree. Ask your advisor for details!
Eligible individuals can apply for tuition assistance through the Early Childhood Tuition Assistance (ECTA) which is funded by the NH Bureau of Child Development and Head Start Collaboration! 100% of tuition is covered for up to two classes per term.
Eligible individuals include childcare workers, preschool teachers, and elementary school paraprofessionals.
Curriculum & Requirements
This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.
Sample Course Sequence
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| PSY 410 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| SOCI 410 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CRIM 410 | Introduction to Criminology | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
MTH 402 | Math for Our World | |
MTH 504 | Statistics | |
MTH 510 | Pre-Calculus | |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| CRIM 555 | The Criminal Justice System | 4 |
| PSY 525 | Human Development | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CRIM 425 or CRIM 600 | Juvenile Justice or Crime Prevention and Control | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Degree Requirements
Major, Option, and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.
General Education Program Requirements
A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major and General Education areas.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
MTH 402 | Math for Our World | |
MTH 504 | Statistics | |
MTH 510 | Pre-Calculus | |
| Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems | 4 | |
| Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World | 4 | |
| Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
Major Requirements
A minimum grade of a C- is required in all Major and Option coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major/Option and General Education areas.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major in Behavioral Science | ||
| PSY 410 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 525 | Human Development | 4 |
| SOCI 410 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 |
| Option in Criminal Justice | ||
| CRIM 410 | Introduction to Criminology | 4 |
| CRIM 555 | The Criminal Justice System | 4 |
| CRIM 425 | Juvenile Justice | 4 |
| or CRIM 600 | Crime Prevention and Control | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Electives
Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, concentration or minor. Students will need 60 credits total to graduate with an associate degree.
- Attain proficiency in the basic concepts, theories, and methods of inquiry in behavioral sciences.
- Evaluate ethical principles of the behavioral sciences.
- Prepare for seamless transition to the Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, Health & Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.
Your Prior and Current Learning Counts
Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.