Master of Behavioral Science

An MBS is a graduate-level behavioral science degree that emphasizes understanding human behavior through studying psychology, sociology, and related fields. It examines how individuals and groups make decisions, interact, and respond to various social, cultural, and environmental influences. Students in Western’s MBS program can choose from two concentrations: Rural Community Health or Community Counseling.

With a spotlight on areas with fewer resources, the Rural Community Health concentration prepares graduates to tackle challenges such as suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, environmental justice, and social isolation. Students gain expertise in culturally sensitive, evidence-based practices for advocacy, education, research, and community health interventions.

The Community Counseling concentration focuses on non-clinical careers and settings, such as juvenile justice, grief counseling, peer support services, and more. Upon graduation, students in this concentration will be eligible to take the Masters in Addiction Counseling exam to become Licensed Addiction Counselors authorized by the Behavioral Health Administration.

Western’s Master of Behavioral Science stands out for its strong focus on real-world application, offering students the opportunity to pursue research-driven projects, hands-on learning, and collaboration with local nonprofit organizations. The program’s immersive curriculum is tailored to address the unique health challenges faced by rural communities like Gunnison, equipping students with the tools to make a tangible impact.

Through applied behavioral science projects, students work directly with local organizations, academic institutions, and practitioners to tackle critical issues such as suicide prevention, substance abuse, and trauma-informed early childhood care. By emphasizing culturally sensitive and evidence-based prevention strategies, the program ensures that graduates are not only prepared to improve the health and well-being of the Gunnison Valley but also bring meaningful change to communities worldwide.

The Master of Behavioral Science uniquely offers an accelerated program for students still pursuing their undergraduate studies. Accelerated degree students will earn both a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Behavioral Science five years. This program combines the study of social institutions and human interactions with in-depth training in health equity, program development, and health communication. Once their BA in Sociology degree is complete, students will join the graduate cohort to engage in hands-on projects, preparing them for careers in behavioral sciences and rural health programs.