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Master of Science in Studies in Human Behavior

Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Counseling

General Studies in Human Behavior

Design and deliver more effective social services by increasing your understanding of the many circumstances that affect individual and group behavior, and gaining deeper knowledge and skills to address them. This online degree program includes opportunities to apply contemporary human behavior theory and research to the development, evaluation, and leadership of social and behavioral programs; employ strategies for critical thinking and writing in the human behavior discipline; develop approaches to providing ethnically and culturally sensitive services to individuals, groups, and organizations; and use established standards and ethics for professional behavior and service. People likely to choose this specialization include behavioral science, education, psychology, or social service professionals pursuing leadership, management, or consulting positions in social and behavioral service or advocacy organizations. This degree program is not designed to meet licensure requirements for the counseling, psychology, or social work professions.

The MS in Studies in Human Behavior program is not designed to meet licensure requirements for counseling, social work, or psychology professions.

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Total Program: 48 quarter credits
Up to 12 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
Admission Requirements Icon indicating PDF
Next Start Date: March 5, 2012
4-Credit Course: $1,804

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Learners enrolled in this MS specialization are required to take the courses in a prescribed sequence.

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • SHB5003 - Survey of Research in Human Development and Behavior
  • SHB5006 - Survey of Research Methodology
  • SHB5315 - Ethics and Leadership in Studies in Human Behavior
  • SHB5318 - Scope of Studies in Human Behavior
  • SHB5443 - Human Behavior and Diversity

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • SHB5109 - Scope of Addictive Behaviors and Eating Disturbances
  • SHB5314 - Program Design & Evaluation
  • SHB5337 - Child and Adolescent Studies
  • SHB5501 - Contemporary Issues in Studies in Human Behavior
  • SHB5990* - Studies in Human Behavior Integrative Project

Two Elective Courses

  • Choose any graduate course(s).
Review of this specialization is pending in TN.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

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Capella Offers Excellent Opportunity for Critical Thinking

November 23, 2010Eric I received my Masters of Science in Human Services with an emphasis in Counseling Studies in 2006. My concern with e-learning was that the degree would not receive the respect of a degree earned from a traditional learning environment. This has not been the case. In my professional career my degree has received the same respect as any M.S. from any other traditional learning environment. In fact, I have been promoted twice since earning my Master's Degree. I had also secretly hoped that e-learning would be a little bit easier due to my professional workload and stress level. This was not the case, but in hindsight I am thankful for this. E-Learning was much more convenient from a time standpoint, but I learned much more than I had expected. I had to devoted hours each week to my classes, but the critical thinking that I was asked to produce in my weekly posts allowed me to understand and embrace "recovery principles" that are so prevalent in human services field today.

online course was great

November 22, 2010Lisa I am a learner at Capella who just completed her first semester last week. It was an awesome experience where I learned about the developmental stages that individual go through in their lives in which the people and the environment they encounter can affect them as human beings later as they develop into adults. It was very productive and I look forward to the winter semester in January. My peers were very positive in their feedback to each other which made the course quite interesting as we came from different backgrounds and stages we were able to see things in a different perspective. I am glad with my results with online learning and I will refer many of my friends to Capella University.

Need more info please

September 9, 2011Natalie I really need some help with the Master of Science in Studies in Human Behavior. I plan to go the non-clinical route and work with families, but I dont really understand what jobs I can do with this degree. Can you please give me some insight about this degree?

E-Learning is Great

November 22, 2010Marian I think it is great to know that a person can seek higher learning through the comfort of home. Capella delivers a well organized site that is beneficial.

Review

November 22, 2010Missy I have thoroughly enjoyed this class. I have learned so much about myself and other learners. The theorists and theories will be helpful as I continue my journey working with different ages and cultures.

The College Experience Today

December 15, 2010gary Nowhere is the homogeneity of U.S. society made more evident than it is in the education system. An example of the tedious and predictable playback expressions used by people is this comment made by a Capella academic advisor, "Moving on to complete a graduate degree can change your life." To me, this statement is emptySince I have been taking online classes(the Bachelor's Degree and now the Master's), I have been required to read the posts of other students. Through this medium, I have discovered the dreary and unimaginative nature of today's society in respect to self expression. Students who write with the sole purpose of pleasing the instructor are not really contributing to the learning process. Likewise, instructors who refrain from providing forthright constructive criticism thereby avoiding harsh end-of-semester evaluations also do not contribute to learning. Instead, we end of with a homogeneous blob that says the same thing over and over unconsciously.

MS Studies in Human Behavior formerly Counseling Studies

November 24, 2010Keturah I began my journey here at Capella June 2010. I have successfully completed two semesters with five more to go. I so far have enjoyed the services received here at Capella. Although, I can not see the faculty or students, I can truly say that they are a remarkable group of people who work together to make everyday a smooth transition. Online learning is difficult for many individuals out there however, there are many people who can help you every step of the way. I am in the MS Counseling Studies program however, this program will be changed to MS Studies in Human Behavior starting the Winter Semester. I encourage you to look into Capella as a choice for you to further your education. Being a wife, mother of two young children and working full time, are all tedious tasks to complete however, the flexibility and the time management set with the professors keep me on point when turning in my assignments. Good Luck to all the current and Prospective students out there!!!

Exceeding my expectations

November 26, 2010Erin I am presently completing my 1st year of grad school here at Capella Univ. and I have nothing but praises for the education I am receiving. Choosing a school to attend was a difficult task, but from the moment I applied to Capella through to my admission, I was already getting a glimpse as to how staff and faculty here were devoted to my success. The transition to elearning was something I had never attempted before, and here again, there were helping hands all along the way. Pertaining to my coursework specifically in the field of counseling, the classes have been challenging as well have pushed me beyond my perceived limits, and even more so, my knowledge and thirst for more knowledge is growing at an accelerated rate. My professors have all been fair and challenge elearners to think outside the box, not to mention are always available to answer questions and/or offer additional insight. Choosing Capella has undoubtedly been the best decision I have made in a long, long time.

Capella's online courses are very focused and professional.

July 20, 2011Ruby My experience with online courses has never been designed throughout as the ones taken here at Capella University. In the future my advice would be for others to achieve their goals from this University. It has been a turning point in my life with excellent instructors, and counselor helping to pave the way as in assisting, and helping me in make the right choice in furthering my career. Thank you Capella for your excellent programs in strengthening my accomplishments.

E learning

November 22, 2010Tammy Hi, I am new to this type of learning environment. I just wanted to speak with an alumni of the Ms in human behavior program to see what Capella has to offer.
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