Undergraduate

Behavioral Science: Wellness and Prevention

Explore an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior, integrating biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives.

2026

Degree

Associate of Science

Location

Online

Courses

14*

Credit

60 hrs.*

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 44 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 44 credits)

View course catalog

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College of Professional Studies

The online Associate in Science in Behavioral Science: Wellness and Prevention option at the University of New Hampshire offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior, integrating biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. This program emphasizes key factors affecting mental and physical well-being and prepares students with strategies for health promotion and disease prevention.

Graduates are prepared for careers in health and human services and can seamlessly transition into bachelor's degree programs in Health and Wellness, Human Services, or Public Administration.

*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 Wellness and Prevention 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 wellness and prevention option introduces students to the key factors that impact the mental and physical well-being of individuals as well as strategies for prevention and health promotion.

Why study the Wellness and Prevention 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 health and wellness option introduces students to strategies for the promotion of mental and physical health and wellness for individuals. 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
Community Health Worker
Service Coordinator
Family Support Coordinator
Support Worker
Case Management Aide
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
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
SCI 502	Nutrition and Health	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
HLTC 560	Health Behaviors: Theoretical Foundations for Health Education	4
PSY 525	Human Development	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
Select one of the following:		4
SCI 490	Human Biology
SCI 508	Issues in Women's Health
SCI 575	Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine
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 and 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 Wellness & Prevention
HLTC 560	Health Behaviors: Theoretical Foundations for Health Education	4
SCI 502	Nutrition and Health	4
Select one of the following:		4
SCI 490	Human Biology
SCI 508	Issues in Women's Health
SCI 575	Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine
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.