Best Behavioral Science Programs of 2025

A behavioral science degree teaches you about the fundamentals of decision-making. Discover the best programs in the United States.

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.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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.

With a behavioral science degree, you can pursue careers in the following fields:

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.

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.

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.

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:

You’ll submit an application and official transcripts for every program. Some also require essays and letters of recommendation.

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.

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.

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.

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.