The field of health is undergoing a massive transformation as consumers and public officials demand more comprehensive care strategies. Part of this transformation includes an increased focus on mental health. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explained, mental illness can directly contribute to other chronic health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults suffer from mental illness in a given year, which has severe consequences, both on the individual and on the nation as a whole. Mood disorders are the third most common cause of hospitalization for youth and adults aged 18-44 in the U.S., according to NAMI, and the estimated earnings loss resulting from serious mental illness amounts to $193.2 billion per year. That said, a study by the American Psychiatric Association shows the majority of adults with and without mental health symptoms agree that treatment helps such individuals lead normal lives.
All of these elements are driving revolutionary mental health care approaches, innovative business models and revised strategies to treating mental health issues. The World Health Organization is editing the latest version of the International Classification of Diseases, the ICD-11, to better address a lack of information on mental health care that existed in previous editions. However, in order to effectively treat the mental and behavioral health issues facing the nation, more health care professionals will need an in-depth and nuanced understanding of these conditions. The ASU Online social work and behavioral health degree programs are designed to help current and aspiring professionals fulfill this need.
The job outlook for the community and social service field is excellent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this area is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations, increasing 14 percent from 2016 to 2026. The same growth projections apply for psychologists and related professions. Earning an online social work or behavioral health degree with ASU can help prepare you to take advantage of this promising job market.
All of the courses are 100-percent online, allowing students increased flexibility. They will participate in a series of video lectures, projects and internships where applicable. Some programs also prepare students to take the national Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam or help them fulfill a state licensure requirement.
Read on to learn more about the suite of social work and behavioral health programs offered through ASU Online to find which one is right for you.
Social Work and Behavioral Health Master’s Programs
Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis (MA)
Offered by the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, the ASU Online Master of Education in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis program instructs students on how to assess, treat and manage behavior in a variety of settings, including schools, homes, communities and clinics. The curriculum incorporates a variety of interests including, but not limited to, classroom instruction and organization management, developmental disabilities and behavioral health. Students can use these skills in a variety of occupations related to education, health care, business and more.
This program includes coursework approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, making it ideal for students who plan to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.
Courses cover subjects including:
- Behavior assessment
- Ethics of applied behavior analysis
- Applied behavior analysis in inclusive settings
Possible careers include:
- Social worker
- Marriage and family therapist
- School psychologist
Special Education - Autism Spectrum Disorders (MA)
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 150 children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2000. That number has steadily risen to 1 in 68 as of 2012.
This rise in diagnoses reveals a clear need for professionals who are not only aware of how ASD affects individuals, families and communities, but are also properly trained to care for the people involved.The ASU Online Master’s of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is designed to meet that demand. It can help students learn to provide for and advocate on behalf of individuals with ASD as teachers, psychologists, speech pathologists, behavior analysts and more. The capstone project requires students to create a portfolio demonstrating mastery of the program's material and competency in the six autism standards set by the Council for Exceptional Children.
Courses cover subjects including:
- Behavior analysis for exceptional populations
- Characteristics of children with behavioral disorders
- Family-centered practices
Possible careers include:
- Special education teacher
- Adapted physical education specialist
- Speech-language pathologist
- Photonics technician
Social Work (MSW)
The ASU Online Master of Social Work program is built on Advanced Generalist training and is designed to address a variety of social concerns for individuals, families, groups and communities. The coursework prepares students to promote various aspects of social justice and find practical solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues, such as child welfare, policy advocacy, human trafficking, gerontology and more. Students can also receive a tailored education highlighting experiences and issues unique to populations in the Southwest.
Online students will participate in hands-on field education, working with the School of Social Work to find internship opportunities close to home that meet standards set by the school and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The ASU Online MSW program is accredited by the CSWE. Graduates aiming to pursue professional practice should review their state's social work licensure regulations.
Courses cover subjects including:
- Research
- Policy practice
- Advanced generalist social work practice
Possible careers include:
- Community services manager
- Mental health counselor
- Sociologist
- Social worker
Social Work and Behavioral Health Doctoral Programs
Behavioral Health (Clinical) (DBH)
The ASU Online Doctorate of Behavioral Health (Clinical) program helps provide clinicians with the skills necessary to deliver integrated treatment programs in a variety of medical settings, including patient-centered medical homes, accountable care organizations and more. Students can learn the clinical practice techniques needed to create, support, deliver and evaluate health care services, programs and interventions.
This program is designed for practicing nurses, counselors, social workers, physician assistants and more. Students may intern with a health care provider in their area as part of their coursework.
This degree is primarily focused on helping students improve their clinical work and develop or build upon existing management skills. The coursework is designed for graduates who plan to work in hospitals, primary care clinics or other institutions that treat both medical and behavioral conditions.
Courses cover subjects including:
- Health entrepreneurship
- Integrated primary care
- Clinical neuropathophysiology
- Population-based health management
Possible careers include:
- Behavioral health provider
- Health care consultant
- Clinical manager
