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Behavioral Science Program

Behavioral Science

Start your career with a solid foundation and an associate of applied science.

See How You Can Afford It

2 Yrs. 60 credit hours

4 semesters

Estimated Cost: $10,840 to $14,560*

Start your career with a solid foundation and an associate of applied science.

See How You Can Afford It

2 Yrs. 60 credit hours

4 semesters

Estimated Cost: $10,840 to $14,560*

Start Your Career: By the Numbers

Review Complete Outcome Statistics For This Program
Apply To This Program
Flexible
Options

Select from seated or online course options for increased flexibility in your schedule.

Smooth
Transfer

Courses designed to meet requirements for transferring into four-year programs.

Career
Variety

Find roles in a variety of human service and behavioral health roles.

Tackle the Details to Solve Business Problems

Find your path in the world of social sciences. The Behavioral Science program is the perfect place to explore your interest and learn about many disciplines. Your courses cover topics in social work, psychology, sociology and criminal justice. These courses build a strong foundation to transfer into four-year programs. This versatile degree can lead a variety of careers, including:

  • Counseling

  • Social Work

  • Research

You can also use your associate degree to find entry-level human services jobs. Whether you would like to  get involved with public health, or work with individuals in need through a variety of career paths, the Behavioral Science program is a great way to start!

Program Information

View our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about applying to Ozarks Tech.

General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.

Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.

At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.

We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.

Amy Shelley
Behavioral Sciences Department Chair
417-447-6688

Behavioral Sciences Team

Accreditation

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more on OTC Accreditation.

Program Outcomes

View program outcomes.

Find Your Community

Getting involved is a great way to build connections and find your community on campus. With a variety of clubs and organizations and campus events it’s easy to find your people.

Life at Ozarks Tech

Plan Ahead

Thinking long term? After your A.A. you can transfer to continue your education at four-year institutions. Get connected with resources to help you plan your courses for transferring.

Find Transfer Advice

Course Information

Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.

Behavioral Science (A.A.)*

A.A.Degree: 61 Hours

The Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science is an interdisciplinary degree that provides a directed path of study for transfer to institutions offering baccalaureate and advanced degrees in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, or related fields of study. 

General Education Requirements – 42 Credit Hours

General Education Requirements – 42 Credit Hours

CORE 42 is a statewide general education course of study intended to ensure that all graduates possess a common core of college-level skills and knowledge. CORE 42 specifies the basic competencies and knowledge areas that all students completing degrees at a Missouri public institution of higher education must complete. CORE 42 is comprised of dozens of courses distributed across five knowledge areas. These courses are designated with a Missouri Transfer (MOTR) course number, which guarantees the one-to-one transfer of these courses among all Missouri public institutions of higher education. Please refer to MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.

All knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo, indicate all courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.



Mathematical Sciences – 3 Credit Hours

Mathematical Sciences – 3 Credit Hours

OTC math courses approved with CORE 42 designation (MTH 128, MTH 128S, MTH 130, MTH 130S, MTH 138) have guaranteed transfer to all Missouri public higher education institutions.  Any math course with a CORE 42 prerequisite will satisfy the math general education credit.  The higher level math courses may not have direct transfer to all four-year universities.  Students should check with their receiving institution for transferability of these courses.

Written Communications – 6 Credit Hours

Written Communications – 6 Credit Hours

Oral Communications – 3 Credit Hours

Oral Communications – 3 Credit Hours

Humanities and Fine Arts – 9 Credit Hours (from at least 2 disciplines, and a limit of no more than 3 credit hours of performance courses can be applied to Humanities and Fine Arts)

Humanities and Fine Arts – 9 Credit Hours (from at least 2 disciplines, and a limit of no more than 3 credit hours of performance courses can be applied to Humanities and Fine Arts)

Natural Sciences – 7 Credit Hours (from at least 2 disciplines, including one course with a lab component)

Natural Sciences – 7 Credit Hours (from at least 2 disciplines, including one course with a lab component)

Social and Behavioral Sciences – 9 Credit Hours

Social and Behavioral Sciences – 9 Credit Hours

Core Electives – 5 Credit Hours

Core Electives – 5 Credit Hours

Any course with an approved MOTR number or additional hours from a MOTR approved course can be utilized to fulfill the Core electives requirement.  Credit received from an OTC course may be greater than the MOTR transfer equivalency.  The additional credit provided form OTC for a MOTR approved course will move the additional credit to the Core electives (e.g. CHM 160 at OTC = 4 credit hours, MOTR equivalency = 3 credit hours; additional 1 hour moved to Core electives).

 

Program Specific Courses – 10 Credit Hours

Program Specific Courses – 10 Credit Hours

Program Specific Electives – 9 Credit Hours

Program Specific Electives – 9 Credit Hours



 

Locations Offered:

Some options available online.

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Notices & Disclaimers

*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.

**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.

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