Department of Psychological, Social, & Behavioral Sciences
Understand People. Change Systems.
From criminal justice to clinical psychology to applied behavior analysis, this department prepares you to understand human behavior — and to do something meaningful with that understanding.
4
8
Department of Psychological, Social, & Behavioral Sciences
Where human behavior meets real-world impact.
Why do people do what they do — and how can that understanding help others? That question sits at the center of everything this department teaches. Whether your interest is criminal justice, clinical psychology, or behavior analysis, you’ll study real human systems and leave equipped to work within them.
Undergraduates can pursue a B.A. in Criminal Justice, a B.A. in Psychology, a B.S. in Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Psychology, or fast-track straight into a master’s with the Psychology, B.A./Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A. dual-degree path. Minors let you specialize further — Addictions Counseling, Anthropology, Cyber Crime, Global Justice & Society, Law Enforcement & Corrections, Sociology, and more.
At the graduate level, this department is one of GCU’s strongest — offering a CACREP-accredited M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis, and both a master’s and a NASP-approved Psy.D. in School Psychology. Whatever level you’re entering at, there’s a clear next step waiting for you here.
Career Outcomes from this Department
Where degrees in the Department of Psychological, Social, & Behavioral Sciences can take you
Careers built on understanding people span nearly every sector — here’s where graduates of this department go.
Criminal Justice & Law:
Police officer, corrections officer, probation/parole officer, federal law enforcement, paralegal, law school
Psychology & Behavioral Health:
Behavior analyst (BCBA, with our M.A. in ABA), mental health counselor, school psychologist, psychiatric rehabilitation specialist, case manager
Social & Community Impact:
Addictions counselor, victim advocate, social services coordinator, nonprofit & community program staff
Graduate & Advanced Paths:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. (CACREP-accredited); Applied Behavior Analysis M.A.; School Psychology M.A. or Psy.D. (NASP-approved)
The GCU Difference
This Is What Sets You Apart.
Start Your Master's While You're Still an Undergrad
The Psychology, B.A./Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A. dual-degree path lets qualified students move directly from their bachelor's into GCU's master's in Applied Behavior Analysis — a credential in high demand for working with individuals with autism and other developmental needs.
Accredited Where It Counts
Our M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by CACREP, and our School Psychology programs are approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) — credentials that matter directly to your licensure and your career.
Specialize Through Real-World Minors
Minors in Cyber Crime, Global Justice & Society, and Law Enforcement & Corrections let Criminal Justice majors build specialized expertise that matches exactly the career path they're aiming for — not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Find Your Program
Every Path Available in the Department of Psychological, Social, & Behavioral Sciences.
What drives human behavior? How do we build safer communities and more just systems? GCU’s behavioral sciences programs approach these questions with both academic rigor and deep social purpose — preparing students for careers in psychology, social work, criminal justice, counseling, and more.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Criminal Justice, B.A.
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Psychology, B.S.
- Psychology, B.A.
- Psychology, B.A. / Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A. (accelerated 4+1 pathway)
- Social Work, B.S.W.
Graduate Programs:
- Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A.
- Applied Behavior Analysis, Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.
- Professional Counselor, Graduate Certificate
- Psychology, B.A. / Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A. (accelerated 4+1 pathway)
- School Psychology, M.A. / Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study
- School Psychology, Psy.D.
- School Psychology, Psy.D. (Advanced Standing)
Minors: Addictions Counseling • Anthropology • Criminal Justice • Cyber Crime • Global Justice & Society • Law Enforcement & Corrections • Psychology • Social Work • Sociology
Contact us
Undergraduate Admissions
Mercedes Hall
732-987-2700
[email protected]
Graduate Admissions
Mercedes Hall
732-987-2770
[email protected]
Ready to take the next step?
Your GCU journey starts with a single click.