Behavioral Science Degree Programs

Describing what behavioral science is is fairly easy. Conveying its significance in our lives and world? Not so much. Behavioral science students learn how to identify and understand the effects of our actions and interactions from a psychological or social point of view. Sociology, political science and public health all fall under the umbrella of behavioral science. Some professionals focus primarily on the neural-decision sciences, e.g. human motivation and performance or how learning shapes our brains. Other behavioral science professionals veer more toward the social sciences of behavior. Think: how people respond to changes in the stock market.

The potential of behavioral science cannot be overstated. In a column he wrote for The Huffington Post, Anthony Biglan, senior scientist at the Oregon Institute and author of “The Nurture Effect,” goes so far as to say behavioral science may be “the most important science” of all. According to Biglan, behavioral science professionals can treat and prevent major world problems — like crime, poverty, depression and abuse — ultimately enhancing human well being “far beyond the physical sciences.” Before professionals can do any of this, however, they need to be trained.

Behavioral science programs: Online and On-campus

Students can earn behavioral science degrees online or on campus, but it is important to choose the right program for you. Behavioral science students who want to work in scientific and clinical settings must earn doctorates to develop the knowledge and research-savvy the field demands. On the other hand, there are several career fields open to graduates with lower behavioral science degrees, like social work, marketing, health and wellness, and finance.

This guide provides a snapshot of all levels of behavioral science degrees along with notable campus and online programs.

Behavioral science certificates and non-degree awards

Behavioral science certificates and other awards have different goals, but most focus on new research and advanced topics to enhance one’s existing knowledge. For example, a practicing clinical psychologist who wants to better understand behavioral science might pursue a graduate certificate. The same psychologist could just as easily enroll in a behavioral science program that awards nothing but credit hours, however, particularly if he or she must meet continuing education standards for state licensing renewal. Because behavioral science professionals must typically earn graduate degrees, entry-level behavioral science certificates — like those offered at community colleges — are rare.

Notable behavioral science certificate programs

Associate behavioral science degrees

Associate degrees may not be essential for students who want to become behavioral scientists or psychologists, but they make good financial sense. Students who attend community colleges before transferring to four-year schools can save a lot of money on tuition and fees. In fact, many community colleges design associate programs specifically for college transfer. Experience is another important benefit of enrolling in associate programs as they allow students to explore psychology and the behavioral sciences before committing to lengthier, costlier programs. Finally, career-focused associate programs prepare students for direct workforce entry. They might become social science research associates, social worker case management aides, political aides or psychiatric technicians.

As noted above, lower-level behavioral science programs are difficult to come by, and this is certainly the case for associate degrees. Don’t worry if you cannot find one: An associate degree in psychology, sociology or the liberal arts is more than sufficient preparation for a bachelor’s program.

Notable associate behavioral science programs

Bachelor’s degrees in behavioral science

For most students, a bachelor’s degree is the first critical stop on the pathway to behavioral science careers. You may be relieved to know four-year behavioral science programs are in heartier supply than certificate and associate programs, but students can advance their educations just as well with degrees in fields like social psychology, social work or psychology. Students who want to become counselors, licensed psychologists, behavioral science researchers or postsecondary professors must eventually advance to master’s and Ph.D. programs, but there are plenty of career opportunities for those who choose to enter the workforce instead. Examples include social workers, survey researchers, marketing managers, political aides and police detectives.

Though programs vary, baccalaureate-level behavioral science curricula teach students the theories and frameworks underlying human behavior, social behavior and psychology. They learn how to assess complex actions and problems while developing the research skills necessary to address them. Students can earn behavioral science degrees online, on-campus or through a hybrid of both.

Notable bachelor’s behavioral science programs

Master’s degrees in behavioral science

Behavioral scientists and researchers may need Ph.D.s, but graduates with master’s degrees still have plenty of career options. They could become educators or marriage and family therapists, for instance. Master’s degrees are also a popular entry-level credential for those who work in political and public health policy organizations. Because of the major’s interdisciplinary nature, graduate-level behavioral science degrees tend to be much more specialized than undergraduate programs and may focus on areas like business, policy or health. Students interested in clinical and research positions should look for behavioral science master’s programs that meet common Ph.D. admissions or state licensing requirements.

Master’s degrees in behavioral science traditionally require two years of full-time study. Coursework builds upon students’ core knowledge of behavioral and social theory and research before segueing to more advanced and specialized studies relevant to their intended career. Many schools require students to complete theses, internships and other capstone projects.

Notable master’s in behavioral science programs

Doctoral degrees in behavioral science

Anyone who wants to become a licensed therapist, clinical psychologist or researcher in the field of behavioral science must earn a doctorate. Doctoral degrees are naturally more advanced and even more specialized than master’s degrees. They are also lengthier: Ph.D.s in behavioral science usually require a minimum of four years of study. You should also expect a much heftier research emphasis at this level; required research fellowships and dissertations seem practically universal. Just as with previous degrees, behavioral science doctorates are frequently designed to reflect a particular specialty or field of interest. Health- and education-focused programs are common.

Notable doctoral programs in behavioral science

Online degrees in behavioral science

A growing number of colleges and universities now offer online behavioral science degrees. These programs are ideal for students too busy or remote for regular campus-based courses. They push the boundaries of educational accessibility while providing prospective students with many new program options. Online degrees do call for a great deal of discipline and commitment, but they can be a sanity-saver for students who are organized and self-motivated enough to see them through. Students who study behavioral science online typically earn the exact same credential as their campus-based peers, so expect coursework to be just as rigorous and thorough. Programs that require hands-on and on-site work often allow students to satisfy practical requirements within their home communities.

Notable online behavioral science programs