Accelerated Master’s Platform

Applied Behavioral Health 
Human Development and Family Studies Program

Start graduate coursework as an OSU undergrad. Launch your career in mental health sooner.

  
Corvallis Campus

Your fast-track to a career in mental health

Oregon State’s Accelerated Master’s Platform (AMP) lets you begin graduate-level coursework while still an undergrad — saving you time and money as you work toward your MS in human development and family studies.

With the applied behavioral health option, you’ll prepare for a hands-on career in mental health and family services. You’ll build the knowledge, skills and internship experience needed to become a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) in Oregon.

You can start graduate coursework after completing 105 credits and entering your final year as an undergrad.

Apply any term — AMP applications are reviewed monthly for a fall start.

Six reasons to choose the applied behavioral health AMP to become a mental health provider

  • Complete your master’s degree faster and with reduced tuition costs.
  • Learn how mental health intersects with family systems, trauma and community.
  • Prepare for roles such as counselor, case manager or crisis intervention specialist.
  • Gain hands-on experience through a 360-hour advanced internship, completed over three terms.
  • Meet the training qualifications for QMHP certification in Oregon, preparing for supervised practice roles in community mental health and related services.
  • Work with expert faculty in human development, mental health and applied research.

Should I apply?

The AMP is ideal for current Oregon State undergraduate students majoring in:

  • Human development and family sciences (HDFS)
  • Psychology
  • Public health
  • Education

You may be a good fit if you:

  • Are a sophomore or junior
  • Want to work in counseling, family services or community mental health
  • Are ready for an applied, real-world graduate program
  • Want to build a career that makes a difference

Timeline

Years 1–3 | Undergraduate

  • Complete core coursework in your major
  • Identify AMP interest and apply

Year 4 | AMP year 

  • Begin graduate-level courses while finishing your undergraduate degree
  • Receive support from AMP advisors and faculty

Year 5 | Graduate year 

  • Enroll full-time in the HDFS MS program
  • Complete your 360-hour advanced internship, completed over three terms
  • Graduate with your master’s degree and meet the training qualifications for QMHP certification in Oregon

How do I get started/How does the AMP work?

Talk with advisor

Talk with your academic advisor to explore your eligibility and create a course plan.

Eligibility

  • Current Oregon State undergraduate student
  • Have at least 105 credit hours at the time of application
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better

Apply to the AMP during your junior year

  1. Meet with David Cortez, MEd to discuss eligibility and proposed program of study and get application code.
  2. Apply through the Office of Graduate Education's Application using the code.

Application materials

  • Program of study (plan of which graduate courses you intend to take and when)  
  • Two letters of recommendation  
  • Statement of purpose/objectives  
  • Résumé

Begin taking graduate courses

Begin taking graduate-level courses that count toward your undergrad and graduate degrees.

Up to 12 graduate credits (500-level courses) may be taken during your senior year that apply to both your undergraduate and master’s degrees.

Enter the full graduate year

Enter the full graduate year in the fall after you complete your undergrad degree.

Tuition

Students in the AMP will pay the undergraduate tuition rate for the graduate-level courses taken on campus during your senior year; however, you are subject to graduate tuition for all Ecampus courses. After you matriculate into the MPH or MS program, you will pay the graduate-level tuition rate.

Contact us

For questions about the application process and requirements, contact College of Health graduate admissions.

For questions about the program, contact Applied Behavioral Health Program Director Joe Leykam, LCSW.