Degrees & Certifications:
The Behavioral Science degree family includes a range of educational pathways that prepare individuals to support mental health, substance use recovery, and overall emotional well-being. Programs in this family span from short-term certificates to advanced degrees, providing multiple entry points into the behavioral health workforce.
Behavioral Science
Jump to:
DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS
-
Description: Prevention Training focuses on strategies to prevent behavioral health challenges, like substance use and mental illness, through education, community engagement, and policy advocacy. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board requires 45 hours of training in eight content areas, plus 100 hours of prevention work (paid or volunteer), for its entry-level licensure.
Program Duration: 45 hours. Evening, weekend, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED. May require a background check.
Certification & Licensure: Completion may lead to eligibility for the Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant Certificate (OCPSA), contingent upon the program and relevant experience. This certificate is granted through the Ohio Chemical Dependency & Professionals Board.
-
Description: Behavior Technician Training Programs prepare individuals to work as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).
Training is based on the RBT Task List, which covers ethics and behavior analysis principles. In addition, the training must be provided by a certified Behavior Analyst.
Program Duration: 40 hours. Often offered in online or hybrid formats.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED; May require a background check.
Certification and Licensure: Graduates are eligible to take the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Ohio does not have a state-specific RBT certification.
-
Description: Certified Peer Supporter Training is an 11-module, non-degree program that teaches individuals with lived experience of mental health disorder or substance use disorder to support others on their recovery journey. There are three types of peer supporter training:
Adult Peer (CPRS): Must have personal lived experience with mental health/substance use recovery.
Youth Peer (CYPS): Ages 18–30 with lived behavioral health experience.
Family Peer (CFPS): Caregiver with at least 1 year navigating behavioral health services for a loved one. State-approved training program, often offered by community mental health agencies or training centers.
Program Duration: 11 free online modules via E-Based Academy, plus 40 hours of specialized training in-person, hybrid, or online.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED. Individuals must have lived experience in recovery from a Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder condition, and a specific duration of recovery may be required. In addition, a background check is typically required.
Certification & Licensure: Upon completion, individuals may apply for certification through the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMAS) as a Certified Peer Recovery Supporter.
-
Description: An Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree in a Behavioral Science Field can be any 2-year degree that meets state requirements for behavioral science. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (in the OAC 4758-2-01) defines a degree in Behavioral Science as one in any of the following subject areas:
Human services
Addiction/substance use disorders
Social work
Psychology
Sociology
Criminal Justice
Clinical Counseling
School Counseling
Human development and family sciences
Public Health
Nursing
Program Duration: 2 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Available in full-time or part-time formats, with options for in-person and online delivery. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED.
Certification & Licensure: Graduates may qualify for entry-level positions in behavioral health and human services.
-
Description: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in a Behavioral Science Field can be any 4-year degree that meets state requirements for behavioral science. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (in the OAC 4758-2-01) defines a degree in Behavioral Science as one in any of the following subject areas:
Human services
Addiction/substance use disorders
Social work
Psychology
Sociology
Criminal Justice
Clinical Counseling
School Counseling
Human development and family sciences
Public Health
Nursing
Program Duration: 4 years (full-time), or longer if part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes may be available to support working adults.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED.
Certification and Licensure: Graduates may qualify for state-level credentials or pursue graduate programs in counseling, social work, or psychology.
-
Description: A Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree in a Behavioral Science Field can be any graduate degree that meets state requirements for behavioral science. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board (in the OAC 4758-2-01) defines a degree in Behavioral Science as one in any of the following subject areas:
Human services
Addiction/substance use disorders
Social work
Psychology
Sociology
Criminal Justice
Clinical Counseling
School Counseling
Human development and family sciences
Public Health
Nursing
Program Duration: 2-3 years (full-time), or longer if part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes may be available to support working adults.
Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Certification & Licensure: Graduates qualify for credentials like Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC-III) and Certified Prevention Specialist (OCPSA, OCPS, OCPC). Additionally, Master of Social Work (MSW) graduates are eligible for licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW).
Helpful Links
Next Steps Checklist:
Step 1 : Determine Your Pathway
Step 2: Research & Select a Program
Step 3: Check Admissions Requirements
Step 4: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Step 6: Complete Entrance Requirements
Step 7: Begin Program & Stay on Track
Step 8: Graduate & Apply for Licensure
Jump to:
WHERE TO STUDY IN OHIO
Some public universities also have regional campuses that are comparable to community colleges in programs, costs, and access.
-
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) accepted by the OCDP board to meet certification or licensure requirements must be:
approved by the OCDP board or have approval from another Ohio behavioral licensing boards, such as Ohio Counselor, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy (CSWMFT) Board and must demonstrate that the educational content is for those working in the prevention field.
certificates of training for prevention certification with awarded continuing education credits that have been approved by certain national associations (NAADAC, APA, ASWB, NASW, NBCC, PTTC etc) or national prevention conferences such as CADCA and National Prevention Network with continuing education hours focused on the field of prevention
Other providers:
Format: In-Person and Webinar
Format: Self-paced, online
Format: In-Person and Webinar
Format: Self-paced, online
Format: In-Person and Webinar
-
ATCC (ABA Training & Certification Center)
Format: Fully online
Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve
8221 Auburn Road Concord Township, OH 44077
Phone: 440.350.2563
Format: In-person
-
Format: Self-paced on-line
Certified Peer Recovery Supporter (Adult) OhioMHAS 40-hour PRS Training Calendar for initial training
Format: In-person or webinar
Certified Family Peer Supporter (CFPS) Training (40-hour) Providers:
Format: In-person and Webinar
Certified Youth Peer Supporter (CYPS) Training (40-hour) Providers:
Format: in-person and Webinar
NON-COLLEGE TRAINING PROGRAMS
-
Location: Parma, OH
Programs Offered: AAS In Health Service Administration, AAS in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: Online and In Person
Location: Cleveland, Highland Hills, Parma, and Westlake, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Human Services, BA in Sociology, AAS in Criminal Justice, AAS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Corrections, BA in Women and Gender Studies
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Kirtland, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Sociology, AAS in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person
Lorain County Community College
Location: Elyria, OH
Programs Offered: Certificate in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Delivery Format: In Person and Online
Location: North Canton, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Human and Social Services, AAS in Sociology, AA in Criminal Justice, AAS in Community Corrections
Delivery Format: In Person
-
Northwest State Community College
Location: Archbold, OH
Programs Offered: AA In Human Services, BS in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Lima, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Addictions, Mental Health, and Social Work Assistant
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Fremont, OH
Programs Offered: AAS In Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In-person
-
Central Ohio Technical College
Location: Newark, OH
Programs Offered: Short-Term Certificate in Behavioral Health, AAS in Criminal Justice Technology, AAS in Criminal Justice Technology
Delivery Format: In person & Online
Columbus State Community College
Location: Columbus, OH
Programs Offered: Certificate in Human Service Assistant, AA in Sociology, BA in Criminal Justice (various specialties)
Delivery Format: In Person and Online (BACJ)
Location: Marion, OH
Programs Offered: Certificate/AA in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: Hybrid
-
Location: St. Clairsville, OH
Programs Offered: AS in Mental Health Technology
Delivery Format: In-person
Partnerships: Indiana Wesleyan, Muskingum University, and Wheeling University - 2+2 Transfer Option, where students earning the AS can easily transfer to any of these institutions to finish their bachelor's degree.
Location: Nelsonville, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person
Washington State Community College
Location: Marietta, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Social Service; AA Transfer Degree in Social Services, BS in Criminal Justice Technology
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Zainesville, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person
-
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Human and Social Services, Child Development Associate certificate, Registered Behavior Technician Training
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Springfield, OH
Programs Offered: AA General Transfer - Sociology Pathway, AAS in Criminal Justice Technology/Corrections, AAS in Criminal Justice Technology/Law Enforcement, Child Development Associate certificate
Delivery Format: In Person
Edison State Community College
Location: Piqua, OH
Programs Offered: Certificate in Peace Officer Training, Certificate/AA in Criminal Justice, AAS in Social Services
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Dayton, OH
Programs Offered:
Certificates: Child Development Associate certificate, Corrections Certificate, Corrections Officer Certificate, Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Academy Certificate, Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Academy Professional Certificate, Recovery Service Support Certificate, Social Service Certificate, Trauma Informed Care Certificate
associate's degrees: AAS in Mental Health Services; AAS in Correctional Rehabilitation, AAS in Criminal Justice Science/Corrections, AAS in Criminal Justice Science/Law Enforcement, AAS in Criminal Justice/Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy; AA in Sociology
Delivery Format: In Person
Partnerships: AAS in Mental Health Services has transferability to Capital University and Indiana Wesleyan.
COMMUNITY & SPECIALIZED COLLEGES
-
Location: Ashland, OH
Programs Offered: Minor in Sociology, AA/BS/Minor in Criminal Justice, Minor in Child and Family Studies
Delivery Format: In Person and online
Location: Berea, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BS in Sociology, Minor/BA in Criminal Justice, Minor in Family Studies, Minor in Health Promotion, Minor in Gender Studies, Minor in Diversity
Delivery Format: In Person
Case Western Reserve University
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA/MA/Ph.D. in Sociology, Minor in Childhood Studies, BA & Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies,
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs Offered: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Verified Course Sequence (VCS), Minor/BS in Sociology, BS in Criminology, BS in Health Promotion
Delivery Format: Online
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Location: Steubenville, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA in Sociology; Minor/BS/Master in Criminal Justice, BA in Human Development and Family Science
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Steubenville, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA in Sociology, Minor/BA in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: University Heights, OH
Programs Offered: MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, Minor/BA in Sociology, Minor/BA in Criminology, BA/Minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, Minor in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Delivery Format: Hybrid
Location: Kent, OH and the Regional Campuses in Ashtabula, Burton, East Liverpool, New Philadelphia, North Canton, Salem, and Warren
Programs Offered: AAS in Criminology and Justice Studies, Minor/BS/MA/PhD in Sociology, Minor/AAS/BA/MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice, BS in Cybercriminology, Minor/BS/MA in Human Development and Family Science, BA in Gender and Sexuality Studies
Delivery Format: In Person, Hybrid, and Online (Cybercriminology)
Location: Kent, OH
Programs Offered: Minor Sociology, Minor/BA in Criminal Justice, Minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Canton, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Human Services, Minor in Sociology, BS in Criminal and Restorative Justice, Minor in Gender Studies
Delivery Format: In Person
Oberlin College & Conservatory
Location: Oberlin, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Sociology, BS in Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Maple Heights, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: Online
Location: Wooster, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA in Sociology, Minor/BA in Gender Studies
Training Format: In-person
Location: Akron, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA in Sociology, BA in Child and Family Development, MA in Child and Family Development
Training Format: In Person and Online (MA)
Partnerships: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Location: Alliance, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA in Sociology, Minor/BA in Criminal Justice, BS in Human Development and Family Science, Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: North Canton, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA in Sociology and Applied Family Studies, BA in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Youngstown, OH
Programs Offered: MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, Master of Health and Human Services, Minor/BA/Master in Sociology, Minor/BS/Master in Criminal Justice, Minor in Juvenile Justice System, Minor in Women’s and Gender Studies
Delivery Format: In-Person
-
Location: Bluffton, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BS in Sociology, Minor/BS in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In-person
Bowling Green State University
Location: Bowling Green, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA/Doctorate in Sociology, BA/Master in Criminal Justice, Minor/BA in Human Development, BA in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Delivery Format: In-person
Bowling Green State University-Firelands
Location: Firelands, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Defiance, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Tiffin, OH
Programs Offered:Minor in Sociology, BA in Criminology
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Sylvania, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/AA/BA in Criminal and Social Justice
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Tiffin, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Contemporary Justice, BS in Corrections
Delivery Format: In-Person & Online
Location: Findlay, OH
Programs Offered: Minor in Sociology, Minor/BA in Criminal Justice, Certificate/Minor in Gender Studies
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA in Sociology, Minor/BS in Criminal Justice, Minor in Gender Identity and Sexuality Studies
Delivery Format: In-person
-
Location: Columbus, OH
Programs Offered: Minor in Gender and Women's Studies, Minor/BA in Sociology, Minor/BA in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Cedarville, OH
Programs Offered: Minor in Sociology, BA in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Wilberforce, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Sociology, BS in Criminal Justice, Certificate/Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Granville, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Women's and Gender Studies
Delivery Format: In person
Location: Columbus, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/AA/BA/MA in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: Online
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Location: Mount Vernon, OH
Programs Offered: BS/BA in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Circleville, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/AA/BA in Human Services, Minor/BA in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person and Online
Location: Columbus, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA in Sociology, Minor/BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Ada, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Columbus, OH and Regional Campuses in Marion and Mansfield
Programs Offered: BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies, BA or BS in Sociology, BA in Women’s/Gender/Sexuality Studies, BS in Human Development and Family Science, MA in Women’s/Gender/Sexuality Studies, PhD in Women’s/Gender/Sexuality Studies, PhD in Sociology
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Delaware, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA in Sociology & Anthropology, Minor/BA in Women’s and Gender Studies
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Westerville, OH
Programs Offered: Minor in Sociology, BA in Criminology and Justice Studies, BA in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Delivery Format: In Person
-
Location: Marietta, OH
Programs Offered: Certificate/Minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: New Concord, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Community Health & Wellness (Muskingum Adult Program), Minor/BS in Sociology, Minor/BS in Criminal Justice, Minor in Gender Studies
Delivery Format: Online
Location: Athens, OH
Programs Offered: AA in Child Development, BS in Sociology, BS in Criminal Justice, BS in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, BS in Human Development and Family Science
Delivery Format: Online, In Person, Hybrid
Location: Portsmouth, OH
Programs Offered: Certificate/Minor/BS in Sociology, Certificate/Minor/BS in Criminal Justice, AA in Gender Studies
Delivery Format: In Person
-
Location: Oxford, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Sociology, Co-Major in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Graduate Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Professional Education in Mental Health First Aid
Delivery Format: In-person and Online (MHFA)
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Behavioral Science; Pre-Behavioral and Mental Health - Mental Health Counselor Track (any major)
Delivery Format: In Person or online
Location: Cincinnati, OH, and Clermont Campus (AAS degrees)
Programs Offered: AAS in Criminal Justice (multiple specialties), BS in Criminal Justice, MS in Criminal Justice, BS in Human Development and Community Engagement, PhD in Criminal Justice, Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice (multiple specialties), Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Intervention
Delivery Format: In-person, Online (BS, MS, Graduate Certificate in CJ), Hybrid (Graduate Certificate in MH)
Location: Dayton, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Criminal Justice and Security Studies (multiple specialties), BA in Sociology, BSSW in Health and Wellness, MS in Human Services
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Wilmington, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Dayton, OH, and Lake Regional Campus in Celina
Programs Offered: AAS in Law Enforcement, AAS/Law Enforcement Academy, BA in Crime and Justice Studies, BS in Integrated Human Services, BS in Integrated Human Services/MS in Counseling dual degree, BA in Sociology, BA in Crime and Justice Studies/Master of Public Administration dual degree, BA in Sociology/MA in Applied Behavioral Science dual degree, BA in Women/Gender/Sexuality Studies, Undergraduate Certificate in Women/Gender/Sexuality Studies, Graduate Certificate in Women/Gender/Sexuality Studies
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Sociology, BS in Criminal Justice, MS in Criminal Justice
Delivery Format: In Person and Online (MSCJ)
UNIVERSITIES & OTHER COLLEGES
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact accounts@mhaadvocacy.org so we can make the necessary corrections.