About

Program Overview

The fully online, non-clinical Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health (CABH) Master of Science Program at the University of South Florida prepares professionals to serve in public and nonprofit agencies and schools that work to positively impact the lives of children, adolescents, and emerging adults. Students who graduate with the CABH MS degree go on to work as directors, supervisors, and case managers in mental health, substance abuse, juvenile justice, developmental disabilities, and child welfare agencies, as well as consultants in schools and early education and care programs. Educational opportunities include advancement to doctoral programs in public health and the behavioral and social sciences.

Track Options

The CABH program offers two tracks: thesis and applied. The thesis track is designed for those interested in possibly furthering their education beyond a masters degree or working in a more research-based setting. The applied track offers a field experience component. Track component must be declared at the time of application. Students also have the opportunity to focus their coursework on individual areas of interest, including leadership, developmental disabilities, research and evaluation, and youth and behavioral health. 

Core Competencies

Upon completion of the CABH program, students will be able to:

1. Specify the social, political, cultural, economic, policy, and environmental contexts of CABH.

2. Describe the history including legislative and judicial decisions, related to the CABH services delivery and policy

3. Understand service system conditions and characteristics that impact policy, planning, and delivery of CABH services.

4. Define the key elements and processes of CABH development and system change.

5. Specify promotion, prevention, intervention practices, and policy.