Best Behavioral Science Programs of 2024
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Curious about cognitive behaviors, the decision-making process, or consumer behavior? Then a behavioral science degree might be right for you.
As a behavioral science major, you’ll study psychology, sociology, and anthropology to understand human behavior. You’ll also develop critical thinking, analytical, and research skills that prepare you for a variety of careers. Our ranking of the best behavioral science programs can help you find the best fit for your academic interests.
Featured Online Behavioral Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Behavioral Science Programs of 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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San Jose State University
San Jose, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $470
Out-of-State | $866
Credits to Graduate: 120
Located in sunny Silicon Valley, San Jose State University is a public California college that offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in 250 areas of study. It is a large university with about 36,000 enrolled students.
At San Jose State University, the bachelor's in behavioral science degree is part of the anthropology department. Enrolled students take courses like cultural anthropology, statistics, and behavioral science in practice. You also take upper-division courses in a specific area of interest within psychology, sociology, or anthropology.
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $485
Out-of-State | $1,032
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Michigan-Dearborn has a 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 25 students. UM-Dearborn also boasts the second-lowest tuition costs in the state.
The behavioral science program pairs traditional lectures and seminars with hands-on laboratory courses. The program emphasizes the critical role of ethics and the implications of research on genes and behavior.
Required courses include biochemistry, genetics, and ethics in research. You must also complete a capstone project as part of the bachelor's degree program.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $353
Out-of-State | $944
Credits to Graduate: 120
Located in Lawrence, Kansas, the University of Kansas is a public university with a strong research focus. You can pursue a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of general studies in behavioral science. Both degrees offer specialization options in:
- Adults with disabilities
- Basic research and conceptual foundations
- Child life specialty
- Community health and development
- Early childhood
- Organizational behavioral management research and practice
The behavioral science requirements are the same for either degree, but additional coursework requirements vary. For instance, the BA program requires more foreign language credits.
Concordia University-Nebraska
Seward, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,327
Out-of-State | $1,327
Credits to Graduate: 120
Concordia University Nebraska is located in Seward, Nebraska, about 30 minutes outside of Lincoln. This private university has a Lutheran focus and embeds Christian principles into its academically rigorous curriculum.
With a 100% career outcome rate, pursuing a bachelor's in behavioral science through Concordia University can be a solid investment. Concordia offers small class sizes with an average 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Along with the required sociology, psychology, and anthropology courses, you can also enroll in classes like lifespan development; social theory; and death, dying, and trauma.
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,445
Out-of-State | $1,445
Credits to Graduate: 120
One of the top private, Christian universities in Southern California, California Baptist University is located in Riverside, California. A student body of 11,500 offers connections to a close-knit community.
As a bachelor's in behavioral science student, you can choose an optional concentration in:
- Forensic psychology
- Industrial and organizational psychology
- Life-span development
- Medical anthropology
- Social work
- Sports psychology
Regardless of your concentration, you will complete courses in statistics, research, and the human sciences. Enrolled students must complete a capstone project or applicable field experience.
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,080
Out-of-State | $1,080
Credits to Graduate: 120
Andrews University is located in the small town of Berrien Springs, Michigan, close to big cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Indianapolis. The Seventh-day Adventist private university emphasizes Christian values and cultural diversity.
In the behavioral science degree program, you will take classes in sociology, anthropology, and psychology. Students must also complete Andrews core experience classes to graduate.
Required classes include wellbeing 360, communications skills, and college writing. You also have your choice of courses in religion, science, and art.
Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,417
Out-of-State | $1,417
Credits to Graduate: 120
Concordia University Irvine is a private, not-for-profit university that is part of the Concordia University system. There are roughly 1,300 students enrolled in an undergraduate program at this Lutheran-focused university.
As a student in the undergraduate behavioral sciences program, you can choose an emphasis in anthropology, sociology, or psychology alongside your degree. You are required to complete an internship and a capstone project prior to graduation.
Brown University
Providence, RI - 4 years
- Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,287
Out-of-State | $2,287
Credits to Graduate: 13
Brown University is a research-based private college known for its open curriculum philosophy where you choose your course of study without the demands of set course prerequisites.
The interdisciplinary bachelor's in behavioral science degree at Brown University allows you to choose a concentration. You can study in many focus areas, including sociology, neuroscience, and engineering and design.
You have many elective options to meet credit requirements. Potential courses to choose from include making decisions, game theory, and moral theory.
United States Air Force Academy
USAF Academy, CO - 4 years
- Campus
Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $0
Out-of-State | $0
Credits to Graduate: 120
The United States Air Force Academy is a public university and a military academy in Colorado Springs. The Academy offers very small class sizes with a cadet-to-teacher ratio of 8-to-1.
Cadets agree to serve in the US military for a set amount of years after graduation. In exchange, you pay no tuition to the Academy.
The bachelor's in behavioral science and leadership at the USAFA offers three concentrations: psychology, sociology, and human factors. You can take classes like aviation psychology and human factors, human-computer interaction, and abnormal psychology.
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,255
Out-of-State | $1,255
Credits to Graduate: 120
Located in downtown Pittsburgh, Point Park University is a private university with over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The bachelor's in behavioral science at Point Park University prepares you for entry-level helping professions and takes an interdisciplinary approach to human, health, and social sciences. Areas of study include gender and identity politics, LGBTQ+ mental health, and social welfare policies.
During your junior and senior years, you will partner with community organizations and engage in hands-on learning through practicum hours. Seniors also complete a capstone project.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
What Can I Do With a Behavioral Science Degree?
A behavioral science degree strengthens analytical, research, and communication skills. These in-demand abilities can lead to careers in the private sector, the public sector, and the nonprofit sector. For example, with a degree in behavioral science, you can work in training and development, criminology, or nonprofit management.
The degree also prepares you for graduate-level programs in psychology, the social sciences, or business.
Where Can I Work With a Behavioral Science Degree?
With a behavioral science degree, you can pursue careers in the following fields:
-
Human Resources
In human resources roles, you’ll apply your understanding of human behavior and organizations to employee training and development, recruiting, and benefits management. Common entry-level job titles include human resources specialist and training and development specialist. -
Nonprofit Management
Working in the nonprofit sector requires strong communication and analytical skills. You can work in volunteer development, fundraising, or advocacy at a nonprofit organization. -
Criminal Justice
Law enforcement and criminal justice professionals benefit from an understanding of behavioral science. You can work as a criminal investigator, victim advocate, or probation officer with a bachelor’s in behavioral science.
How Much Can I Make With a Behavioral Science Degree?
As a behavioral science degree graduate, your earning potential will vary depending on which profession you choose. Professionals with a bachelor of arts in behavioral science report an average salary of $71,000 per year, according to 2023 data from Payscale. With a bachelor of science, behavioral science graduates report earning an average of $65,000, according to 2023 data from Payscale.
Your earning potential depends on your job title, location, and experience. For example, careers in business typically report higher salaries than those in the community and social services sector.
Some of the highest-paying career paths include chief people officer, process improvement manager, and program manager.
What to Look for in a Behavioral Science Program
Trying to narrow down your options? When researching behavioral science programs, consider the program curriculum and specialization options. It’s also a good idea to check the school’s graduation rate and accreditation status to find a high-quality program.
-
Program Curriculum
Look at the graduation requirements and program curriculum to find a good match for your interests and career goals. Some programs offer concentration options or the ability to minor or double major. You can also review general education requirements and transfer credit policies. -
Accreditation
Accredited colleges meet high standards. That’s why all the programs on our list hold accreditation. Plus, if you choose an accredited school, you’ll qualify for federal financial aid. Always check the school’s accreditation status before applying. -
Program Length
Most bachelor’s programs take four years for full-time students to complete. But check whether programs offer part-time or accelerated options. If you have prior college credits, you can often submit a transcript for a transfer credit evaluation to get an exact idea of how long your degree will take. -
School Graduation Rate
What could the school graduation rate tell applicants about their potential success in the program?
Graduation rate tends to correlate with student satisfaction and support services. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare school graduation rates when looking at behavioral science programs. Keep in mind that the average graduation rate is 63%.
What Can I Expect From a Behavioral Science Program
During a behavioral science major, you’ll take courses in social psychology, anthropology, and sociology. Depending on your program’s focus, you might also study neuroscience, economics, and business. These courses emphasize social science research methods and applied behavioral science, strengthening your analytical and critical thinking skills.
You’ll need to earn at least 120 credits to graduate with a bachelor’s in behavioral science. That includes general education requirements, upper-division behavioral science courses, and electives. You can also add a minor or double major to complement your behavioral science degree.
If you have prior college credits, an interdisciplinary behavioral science program can help you graduate in less time. Since many behavioral science majors let you customize your coursework, your transfer credits can meet graduation requirements.
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Behavioral Science Program?
Ready to apply to behavioral science programs? Make sure you review the following common admission requirements first. While each program has slightly different requirements, many include the following:
Admission Materials
You’ll submit an application and official transcripts for every program. Some also require essays and letters of recommendation.
Education
Undergraduates need a high school diploma or the equivalent to apply to bachelor’s programs. You’ll submit transcripts, GED, or homeschooling records to meet this requirement.
GPA
Many colleges set a minimum GPA for admissions, with the minimum typically ranging from a 2.0-3.0 GPA. Check the school’s median GPA for admitted students to get a general idea of what the school expects.
Entrance Exam
Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are still common requirements for undergraduate admissions. However, many schools have moved to test-optional admissions. If you have solid scores, they can improve your odds.
How Much Does a Behavioral Science Degree Cost?
Tuition alone cost an average of $9,750 per year at in-state public universities and over $38,421 per year at private institutions in 2022-2023, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. On top of that, you’ll need to factor in textbooks, fees, and living expenses. It’s easy to see how expenses add up.
You can save on the cost of college by submitting the FAFSA to qualify for federal and institutional aid. Scholarships and grants can also help you pay for school. Behavioral science majors may qualify for several psychology scholarships, for example.
Average Annual Cost of Tuition, Room, and Board by School Type | 2022-23
Public University
$22,389
Private, Nonprofit University
$52,848
Everything Else You Need to Know About Behavioral Science Programs
Is a behavioral science degree useful?
Yes, a behavioral science degree develops in-demand skills such as data analysis, communication, and research. As an interdisciplinary social science degree, a behavioral science major can prepare you for careers in human resources, the criminal justice system, or the nonprofit sector.
What are some behavioral science careers?
Common behavioral science careers include roles in human resources, marketing, social work, and program management. You can also work in law enforcement, the public sector, or nonprofit management with a degree in behavioral science.
Is a bachelor's in behavioral science worth it?
A bachelor's in behavioral science can pay off. The interdisciplinary social science degree emphasizes in-demand skills like communication and critical thinking. And those with a bachelor of arts in behavioral science earn $71,000 per year on average, according to Aug. 2023 data from Payscale.
What's the difference between psychology and behavioral science?
Both psychology and behavioral science investigate human behavior. However, behavioral science incorporates sociology and anthropology to emphasize diverse interactions between people. Psychology focuses on the science of human behavior and development.
How long is a degree in behavioral science?
A bachelor's degree in behavioral science typically takes four years for full-time students. You'll need a minimum of 120 credits to earn a bachelor's degree. Enrolling part-time means you'll spend longer in school, while you can graduate faster by transferring credits from another institution or enrolling in an accelerated program.
