Program: Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, M.S. - University of South Florida

Mar 28, 2025

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

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

Major Contacts, Deadlines, and Delivery Information

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 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.

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.
Writing sample submitted in Essay portion of the online application. This can be from previous coursework or something written in a professional setting.
A Resume/CV outlining academic, professional, and/or volunteer work/experience
Three Letters of recommendation from academic or professional supervisors, preferably at least one letter from an academic faculty member.

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 6027 Organizational Cultural Competence: Enhancing Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6069 Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6706 Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Policy 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 6024 School-Based Mental Health Services Credit Hours: 3
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 6068 Community-Based Behavioral Health Interventions for Culturally Diverse Youth 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 The Business of Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6410 Intensive Individualize Positive Behavior Support Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6456 Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6491 Foundations in Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6508 Wraparound Interventions and the System of Care Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6605 Addressing Behavior Challenges in Young Children Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6607 Behavior Consultation and Collaborative Systems Change Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6608 Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6626 Promoting Leadership Practice in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6627 Contemporary Issues in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6645 Mental Health Informatics Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6711 Translational Research Methods in Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6712 Advanced Research Education in Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 3
MHS 6823 Service Learning in Adolescent Behavioral Health III Credit Hours: 2
MHS 6822 Service Learning in Adolescent Behavioral Health II Credit Hours: 2
MHS 6900 Special Topics in Planning, Evaluation and Accountability Credit Hours: 1-3
Taken as:
- Drug and Alcohol Use/Abuse in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health (3 Credit Hours for this program)
- Foundations in Behavioral Health Systems (3 Credit hours for this program)
- Male Mental Health & Wellbeing (3 Credit hours for this program)
MHS 6821 Service Learning in Adolescent Behavioral Health I Credit Hours: 2
MHS 7740 Survey Course in Planning, Evaluation and Accountability Credit Hours: 3
MHS 7748 Statistical Applications in Translational Research and Evaluation Credit Hours: 3
RCS 5450 Fundamentals of Substance Abuse Counseling Credit Hours: 3
RCS 6456 Counseling Approaches for Substance Abusers Credit Hours: 3
RCS 6458 Addiction Treatment with Special Populations Credit Hours: 3
RCS 6459 Professional Skills for Addictions Counselors Credit Hours: 3
RCS 6505 Therapeutic Communication Skills for an Addiction Counselor 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 will retake the exam. 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 6941 Applied Field Experience Seminar Credit Hours: 3-6 (6 credits in this program)
MHS 6972 Thesis in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Credit Hours: 2-6 (6 credits in this program)