Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, M.S.

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Priority Admission Application Deadlines: http://www.grad.usf.edu/majors

Contact Information

College: Behavioral and Community Sciences
Department: Child and Family Studies

Contact Information: http://www.grad.usf.edu/majors

The M.S. in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health is offered by the Department of Child and Family Studies, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. This major will prepare students for careers in public and non-profit organizations serving youth and their families. This major will prepare students to serve in roles such as director, supervisor, case manager, evaluator, and consultant within these organizations. Students have the opportunity to focus their coursework on individual areas of interest, including leadership, developmental disabilities, research and evaluation, and youth and behavioral health.

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

GRE Preferred
Official transcripts
Three Letters of recommendation from academic, professional, and/or volunteer supervisors, preferably at least one letter from an academic faculty member
One page statement of goals/career objectives. This should include why you are applying to this particular program, how you believe the program can help you achieve your goals, and any relevant experience in child & adolescent behavioral health.
A Resume/CV outlining academic, professional, and/or volunteer work/experience
Writing sample submitted in Essay portion of the online application. This can be from previous coursework or something written in a professional setting.
Complete a background check prior to Field Experience placements (if necessary)

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours: 39 Credit Hours

Core - 12 Credit hours
Other Required Courses - 21 Credit hours
Thesis/Non-Thesis - 6 Credit hours

Core Requirements (12 Credit Hours)

MHS 6069 Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6706 Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Policy Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6027 Creating Cultural Competence in Behavioral Health Organizations Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6732 Research and Evaluation in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3

Other Required Courses (21 Credit Hours)

Other required courses are selected from the list below or from other departments, and must be approved by the student’s advisor.

MHS 6065 Issues and Trends in Developmental Disabilities Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6066 Systems, Services, and Supports for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6067 Evidence-based Practices in Behavioral Health for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6095 Family-Centered Interdisciplinary Practice: SOC Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6096 Program Development and Implementation in Children’s Mental Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6097 Financing of Children’s Mental Health Services Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6626 Applied Leadership in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6410 Intensive Individualize Positive Behavior Support Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6900 Special Topics in Planning, Evaluation and Accountability Credit Hours: 1-3
Co-Occurring Mental & Substance (3 credit hours)
PHC 6546 Epidemiology of Mental Disorders Credit Hours: 3
MHS 7740 Survey Course in Planning, Evaluation and Accountability Credit Hours: 3
MHS 7748 Statistical Applications in Translational Research and Evaluation Credit Hours: 3
PHC 6728 Translational Research Methods in Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
PHC 6729 Advanced Research Education in Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
Or other courses approved by the student’s advisor

Comprehensive Examination

All students must pass a written comprehensive examination. Students who do not pass on the first attempt must retake the exam in the semester immediately following the failed attempt. Students who do not pass the re-take exam may petition for a third attempt. Petitions are granted on a case-by-case basis and are dependent upon adequate justification for a requested third attempt. Students who fail the examination three times will be recommended for dismissal from the program.

Thesis/ Non-Thesis Field Experience (6 Credit Hours Minimum)

Students complete six hours in one of the following:
MHS 6972 Thesis in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 2-6 (6 credits in this program)
MHS 6941 Applied Field Experience Seminar Credit Hours: 3-6 (6 credits in this program)

University of South Florida

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