Applied Behavioral Health Option

Human Development and Family Studies MS Degree

Become a mental health professional

  
Corvallis Campus

Prepare for a career in mental health and human services

In Oregon State’s applied behavioral health option, within the HDFS master’s program, you’ll prepare for a hands-on, client-focused career in mental health and human services.

This in-person program equips you with the professional knowledge and technical skills to help individuals and families improve their mental wellness, navigate life’s challenges and build resilience.

You'll graduate ready to pursue certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) in Oregon.

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What you’ll learn

You’ll develop both the knowledge and practical skills to work in community-based and behavioral health settings. Through coursework, mentorship and an internship experience, you’ll learn to:

  • Understand the role of family systems in mental wellness 
  • Apply mental health and counseling techniques 
  • Navigate documentation and ethical responsibilities 
  • Deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive support 
  • Create complete mental health assessments 
  • Develop client-centered service plans 
  • Practice evidence-based treatment modalities 
  • Assess care coordination needs in real-world settings 
  • Apply crisis and trauma-informed interventions 
  • Develop applied clinical knowledge and complete a professional portfolio that demonstrates your readiness for real-world practice 
  • Practice ethically and professionally in clinical environments 

Real-world, applied graduate experience

This in-person program is based on Oregon State’s Corvallis campus and emphasizes hands-on learning through an extensive clinical human services internship, building a professional portfolio and completing a capstone project.

Program highlights include:  

  • In-person on OSU’s Corvallis campus
  • Apply any term — AMP applications are reviewed monthly for a fall start.
  • No GRE required
  • Supportive, research-driven faculty
  • 360-hour advanced internship, completed over three terms, in a mental health or family services setting
  • Pathway to QMHP certification in Oregon

Sample courses

  • Professional Helping Skills
  • Skills for Mental Health Professionals
  • Behavior Modification
  • Cross-cultural Psychology
  • Family Policy
  • Mental Health Professional Internship
Four young adults are seated in a circle, engaged in a discussion or group therapy session. One person laughs while another, holding a notepad, smiles.
A female counselor or therapist takes notes during a session, engaging with a client (partially seen), suggesting a professional behavioral health consultation

Careers in mental health and human services

Prepare for QMHP-eligible positions and work in:

  • Community mental health centers
  • Child and family support agencies
  • Hospital and crisis response teams
  • Schools, nonprofit and state human services programs

Is applied behavioral health right for me?

This master’s degree program is a great fit if you:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree in HDFS, psychology, public health, education, social work or a related field
  • Are passionate about helping others through counseling, support and care coordination
  • Want to build a career based on empathy, evidence and equity
  • Thrive in applied, hands-on learning environments

Are you a current OSU undergraduate?

You may be eligible to start this program early through our Accelerated Master’s Platform (AMP).

Related programs

A professional, possibly a therapist or counselor, is taking notes during a consultation or session with a client, emphasizing active listening and documentation in behavioral health.

Accelerated Master’s Platform

Oregon State’s Accelerated Master’s Platform (AMP) allows you to begin graduate-level coursework during your undergraduate studies saving time and money as you work toward your MS in Human Development and Family Studies.

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HDFS PhD

The Oregon State University doctoral degree program in human development and family studies provides research-based training for an interdisciplinary understanding of individuals and families, preparing you for a successful career in research and teaching.

A professional working in health promotion or a service role assists or advises two clients at a desk, illustrating health interaction or patient service.

MPH in Health Promotion and Health Behavior

With an MPH in health promotion and health behavior you’ll work to understand the social and behavioral influences at play in various communities, especially those with health disparities.

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HDFS MS Research Option

In the research option of Oregon State’s MS program in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), you’ll explore critical questions about human development, relationships and family systems.

We’re here to help

  

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

  

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

Ready to launch your career in mental health?

Fill out the form to request information and take the next step.

Request information today