Child Behavior Specialist Degree Program Overviews

Child behavior specialists analyze behavior to detect emotional, physical or mental problems in children. They employ coping mechanisms and improvement techniques in an effort to detect problems causing behavior, as well as improve behavior. Degree programs at the bachelor's and master's level are available for child behavior specialists.

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Bachelor's Degree in Child Development

Bachelor's degree programs in child development train prospective behavior specialists in the foundations of child development and child assessment. Students explore methods for assessing child growth and behavior, as well as implement plans for developing a child's strengths. They assess how outside influences, such as ethnicity, social status and peers, affect a child's mental and physical wellbeing. Some the major concentrations in this degree program focus on early childhood and school-age children and adolescents. Eligible students must have gained his or her GED or high school diploma in order to enter this degree program.

Program Coursework

The coursework focuses on child development including physical, cognitive and emotional development. Students develop strategies for improving learning and family relationships, as well as research current issues and trends found in children. Topics covered throughout the program include:

Educational psychology
Essentials of sociology
Guidance and discipline
Language development
Methods of inquiry in child development

Popular Career Options

In addition to child behavior specialists, various job positions exist in the field of child behavior. Educational facilities and mental health clinics seek out the services of those who have gained their degree in this topic. Some popular career options are:

Child life specialist
Center directors
Therapeutic behavior specialist

Master's Degree in Behavior Analysis

The practices and methods taught to students in a master's degree will help students become familiar with the mental aliases and dysfunctional behavior of children and adults. Students investigate how to analyze and diagnose behavior problems, as well as how social and biological differences affect behavior. This degree program places a heavy emphasis on understanding all facets of behavior and mental health issues within children and adolescents.

Education Prerequisites

In addition to a bachelor's degree, prospective students must submit a statement of interest and letters of recommendation. Depending on the school, the master's degree program may also require a personal interview.

Program Coursework

Master's degree programs explore the principles of behavior analysis and modification through psychological and counseling techniques. In addition to classroom lectures, students complete field training and a thesis. Topics found in the program include:

Research methods
Lifespan development
Applied analysis of behavior
Child behavior disorders
Behavior analysis in schools

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that the employment of counselors, including substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, would increase by 18% from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). In May 2009, the BLS reported the mean annual wages for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors as $40,420.

Continuing Education

Doctoral programs exist for those looking to further their education in behavior counseling or psychology. These programs further educate students in the areas of child mental health development and care. Clinical training and classroom instruction on psychology topics provide students with advanced practical training in mental health and behavior disorders and may lead to licensure as a psychologist.

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