Child Behavioral Health (BA/BS)

The child behavioral health major provides students with knowledge and skills to improve the behavioral health and wellness of youth. Students will learn how to equitably deliver evidence-based interventions to promote wellness and prevent mental health problems from developing or worsening in children and adolescents. Training elements typically present in graduate degree programs have been brought into this innovative undergraduate major. Students will receive training in applied skills such as relaxation, problem-solving, and flexible thinking; gain 700 hours of applied practice in community settings supervised by clinical faculty; and learn how to effectively work as part of a behavioral health team.

The major is designed as a 2 + 2 program with the first two years focused on the completion of UO's bachelor degree requirements which includes core education courses. The latter two years involve specialized coursework and applied practical experiences completed at the Ballmer Institute at the University of Oregon Portland.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based approaches to early identification of behavioral health concerns and exhibit competence in administration, scoring, and interpretation of behavioral health screening tools.
• Demonstrate knowledge of evidence based behavioral health promotion supports and exhibit competence in delivering these supports to youth and families.
• Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based strategies that address youth behavioral health challenges and exhibit competence in delivering these interventions to youth and families.
• Demonstrate ability to evaluate and respond to behavioral health risk, identify youth and families who require referral, and engage in appropriate consultation and referral practices. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral health disparities and engage in culturally responsive and inclusive practices in delivering early identification, promotion, prevention, and intervention practices to youth and families, particularly those from historically underserved communities.
• Demonstrate professionalism across service settings, including understanding of professional ethics and ability to work with other professionals.

Child Behavioral Health Major Requirements

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Students need to take one credit each term.

Four-Year Degree Plan

The Child Behavioral Health program follows a 2+2 structure, with the final two years completed at the Ballmer Institute on the UO Portland campus. Because the program is cohort‑based, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor at the Ballmer Institute to ensure accurate understanding of program requirements and to stay on track for timely degree completion. For more information, visit the website.

Sample BA Degree Plan

Sample BS Degree Plan