Undergraduate

Behavioral Science: Applied Psychology

Emphasizes the application of psychological principles in real-world settings, preparing graduates for roles in human services, wellness, and prevention.

2026

Degree

Associate of Science

Location

Online

Courses

14*

Credit

60 hrs.*

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 30 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 30 credits)

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College of Professional Studies

The University of New Hampshire's online Associate of Science in Behavioral Science with an Applied Psychology option provides students with a comprehensive foundation in understanding human behavior through biological, psychological, social, and cultural lenses.

This program emphasizes the application of psychological principles in real-world settings, preparing graduates for roles in human services, wellness, and prevention. Additionally, it offers a seamless pathway for further education, allowing students to transition into bachelor's programs in Applied Psychology, Health and Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is the Applied Psychology 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 applied psychology option introduces students to the research basis of psychology and allows students to delve deeper into their choice of specific areas within applied psychology.

Why study the Applied Psychology 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 applied psychology option introduces students to the science of psychology and the ways in which psychological knowledge can be applied to various career choices. 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

Case Worker
Residential Counselor
Service Coordinator
Job Coach
Site Supervisor
Family Support Coordinator
Support Worker
Client Advocate
Mental Health Aide
Behavioral Management Aide
Family Support Worker

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

Degree Plan

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

Plan of Study Grid
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
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
MTH 402 or MTH 504 or MTH 510	Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus	4
PSY 525	Human Development	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
MTH 504 or PSY 530 or PSY 602 or PSY 630 or PSY 685 or SOSC 445 or SOSC 602	Statistics or Social Psychology or Theories of Personality or Psychology of Adulthood or Principles of Psychopathology or Race & Diversity in the U.S. or Men and Women in Cross-Cultural Perspectives	4
PSY 530 or MTH 504 or PSY 602 or PSY 630 or PSY 685 or SOSC 445 or SOSC 602	Social Psychology or Statistics or Theories of Personality or Psychology of Adulthood or Principles of Psychopathology or Race & Diversity in the U.S. or Men and Women in Cross-Cultural Perspectives	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
PSY 602 or MTH 504 or PSY 530 or PSY 630 or PSY 685 or SOSC 445 or SOSC 602	Theories of Personality or Statistics or Social Psychology or Psychology of Adulthood or Principles of Psychopathology or Race & Diversity in the U.S. or Men and Women in Cross-Cultural Perspectives	4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	60

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 60 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 16 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

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.

Course List
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 C- is required in all Major/Option coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major/Option and General Education areas.

Course List
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 Applied Psychology
Select three of the following:		12
MTH 504	Statistics
PSY 530	Social Psychology
PSY 602	Theories of Personality
PSY 630	Psychology of Adulthood
PSY 685	Principles of Psychopathology
SOSC 445	Race & Diversity in the U.S.
SOSC 602	Men and Women in Cross-Cultural Perspectives
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.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

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.

Course Highlights

Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Criminology
...and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

Advantages

100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.

Admissions Requirements

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

Opportunity to Earn a Bachelor's

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!

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior 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.

Related Programs

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Leadership (M.S.)

Behavioral Science: Applied Psychology, A.S. - CPS, CPSO