Beginning fall 2025, this plan will no longer be offered at the South Mountain Community College campus. See the Campus Availability tab below for alternate plan campus options.
Beginning fall 2026, this plan will also be offered at the Eastern Arizona College and Pima Community College - West campuses.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Behavior?
Understanding how and why we as humans behave as we do allows us to creatively suggest solutions for the many problems we have getting along with others and coping with the fast-changing world in which we live. This emphasis provides entry level professional preparation for a vast array of human and social services, work in human resources, and not-for-profit and for profit organizations. It also delivers an excellent foundation for graduate study.
Classes are taught by expert faculty with advanced degrees and experience in the human behavior field. Take classes that center around your career goals, including Environmental and Biological Foundations of Human Behavior, Community Planning and Sustainable Practices, Addictions, Recovery, and Resiliency, and Practice and Intervention.
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 general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
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 | MAT 114 |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-B | Recommended |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
All major requirements must be completed at Northern Arizona University.
AHB 305W, AHB 340, AHB 350, AHB 365, AHB 375, AHB 390, AHB 420, AHB 425, AHB 450, AHB 495C (30 units)
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 General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
This plan is no longer be offered at the South Mountain Community College campus.
More Information