Best Master’s in Behavioral Science Programs
You can earn a master’s in behavior science in two years and find a variety of professional opportunities in the field. Explore the best programs.
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Do you have an interest in human behavior and a passion for helping people improve their quality of life? Or perhaps you have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and are looking for more advanced skills to build on that foundation.
Behavioral science, or behaviorism, is a multidisciplinary field that draws from psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and even artificial intelligence (AI) to explore why people behave the way they do and how to help them modify their behavior to reach their unique goals.
We’ve used our ranking methodology, which involves cost, accreditation, and student outcomes, to assemble a list of the best master’s in behavioral science programs.
Master’s in Behavioral Science Highlights
- Graduates of master’s in behavioral science programs can qualify for opportunities in counseling, social work, research, market analysis, and policy development.
- You can expect to spend two years in your master’s in behavioral science program, although accelerated options can cut this time in half.
- Online programs cost around $12,000 per year without financial aid and around $11,000 per year with financial aid.
Best Accredited Master’s in Behavioral Science Programs
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This list is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,254
$36,254
8%
6%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Tuition per Year
In State | $6,522
Out of State | $6,522
Units to Graduate
9
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Penn offers an interdisciplinary master's in behavioral and decision sciences with seven concentrations, such as public health, computational systems, and psychology/neuroscience. Other concentrations include sociology/networks, education policy, economics/neuroeconomics, and social and public policy. The curriculum ends with a capstone experience.
Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Candidates with only undergraduate experience and fewer than five years of work experience must also submit GRE scores.
$51,156
$51,156
98%
26,675
Private
Yes
$36,254
$36,254
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$36,254
$36,254
8%
6%
$51,156
$51,156
98%
26,675
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Tuition per Year
In State | $6,522
Out of State | $6,522
Units to Graduate
9
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Penn offers an interdisciplinary master's in behavioral and decision sciences with seven concentrations, such as public health, computational systems, and psychology/neuroscience. Other concentrations include sociology/networks, education policy, economics/neuroeconomics, and social and public policy. The curriculum ends with a capstone experience.
Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree and have at least a 3.0 GPA. Candidates with only undergraduate experience and fewer than five years of work experience must also submit GRE scores.
Emory University
Atlanta, GA4 yearCampus
$42,800
$42,800
16%
10%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $18,900
Out of State | $18,900
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Emory offers a master of public health in behavioral, social, and health education sciences. This degree offers a solid foundation in public health with in-depth courses in behavioral sciences. Degree candidates must complete either a thesis or a capstone project, as well as an applied practice experience.
Applicants should submit college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Resumes and GRE scores are optional. While not a requirement, the average admitted student has a minimum 3.44 GPA.
$53,070
$53,070
95%
14,415
Private
Yes
$42,800
$42,800
Atlanta, GA4 yearCampus
$42,800
$42,800
16%
10%
$53,070
$53,070
95%
14,415
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $18,900
Out of State | $18,900
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Emory offers a master of public health in behavioral, social, and health education sciences. This degree offers a solid foundation in public health with in-depth courses in behavioral sciences. Degree candidates must complete either a thesis or a capstone project, as well as an applied practice experience.
Applicants should submit college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Resumes and GRE scores are optional. While not a requirement, the average admitted student has a minimum 3.44 GPA.
Teachers College at Columbia University
New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$40,800
$40,800
N/A
14%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,839
Out of State | $1,839
Points to Graduate
47
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board
Teacher College's master of arts in applied behavioral analysis (ABA) prepares graduates to educate students with diverse backgrounds, including learners with behavioral difficulties. Students earn dual certification in New York as educators in general and special education classrooms for students from birth to sixth grade. Graduates also become certified ABA practitioners.
Applicants must hold bachelor's degrees. They should submit college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.
N/A
N/A
N/A
4,489
Private
Yes
$40,800
$40,800
New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$40,800
$40,800
N/A
14%
N/A
N/A
N/A
4,489
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,839
Out of State | $1,839
Points to Graduate
47
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board
Teacher College's master of arts in applied behavioral analysis (ABA) prepares graduates to educate students with diverse backgrounds, including learners with behavioral difficulties. Students earn dual certification in New York as educators in general and special education classrooms for students from birth to sixth grade. Graduates also become certified ABA practitioners.
Applicants must hold bachelor's degrees. They should submit college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$7,920
$17,568
74%
42%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $4,899
Out of State | $9,539
Credits to Graduate
45
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
Earning UHCL's master of art in behavior analysis prepares learners to work as applied behavioral analysis professionals in schools, hospitals, and clinics. In addition to the 45 credit hours of coursework, students complete a practicum that allows them to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) exam.
Learners gain hands-on experience in clinics such as the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Each applicant should submit their resume, statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation.
$5,740
$19,176
80%
9,082
Public
Yes
$7,920
$17,568
Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$7,920
$17,568
74%
42%
$5,740
$19,176
80%
9,082
Public
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $4,899
Out of State | $9,539
Credits to Graduate
45
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
Earning UHCL's master of art in behavior analysis prepares learners to work as applied behavioral analysis professionals in schools, hospitals, and clinics. In addition to the 45 credit hours of coursework, students complete a practicum that allows them to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) exam.
Learners gain hands-on experience in clinics such as the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Each applicant should submit their resume, statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,989
$23,951
93%
29%
Online and On-Campus Options | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $416
Out of State | $998
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association For Behavior Analysis International
KU offers both online and on-campus options for students seeking a master's degree in behavior analysis. Students in both programs earn 30 credits, including credits toward successfully researching and defending a master's thesis. Graduates qualify to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.
An applicant should submit a personal statement, resume, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. The school recommends but does not require applicants to submit GRE scores.
$10,092
$26,960
86%
27,552
Public
Yes
$9,989
$23,951
Lawrence, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,989
$23,951
93%
29%
$10,092
$26,960
86%
27,552
Public
Yes
Online and On-Campus Options | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $416
Out of State | $998
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association For Behavior Analysis International
KU offers both online and on-campus options for students seeking a master's degree in behavior analysis. Students in both programs earn 30 credits, including credits toward successfully researching and defending a master's thesis. Graduates qualify to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.
An applicant should submit a personal statement, resume, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. The school recommends but does not require applicants to submit GRE scores.
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ4 yearCampus + Online
$12,879
$12,879
74%
34%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $761
Out of State | $761
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Rowan offers a master's in applied behavior analysis that accommodates working students with late afternoon and early evening classes. The curriculum includes 11 classes, and full-time students can complete the program in two years.
Rowan considers applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in a related area, such as education or psychology. A candidate must also submit a statement of purpose, a professional resume with relevant experience, and official transcripts.
$10,076
$18,908
83%
19,618
Public
Yes
$12,879
$12,879
Glassboro, NJ4 yearCampus + Online
$12,879
$12,879
74%
34%
$10,076
$18,908
83%
19,618
Public
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $761
Out of State | $761
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Rowan offers a master's in applied behavior analysis that accommodates working students with late afternoon and early evening classes. The curriculum includes 11 classes, and full-time students can complete the program in two years.
Rowan considers applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in a related area, such as education or psychology. A candidate must also submit a statement of purpose, a professional resume with relevant experience, and official transcripts.
Why You Should Get a Master’s in Behavioral Science
- Learn Conveniently Online: Many master’s in behavioral science programs offer online programs that offer flexibility for busy adults.
- Learn New Skills: Master’s programs in behavioral science can give you solid analytical, communication, collaboration, research, and project management skills, preparing you to address complex challenges.
- Discover Diverse Career Paths: Once you earn your master’s degree, you can work in counseling, human resources, public health, social and community management, and even market analysis, to name a few.
- Pursue Leadership Opportunities: This advanced degree can lead to leadership opportunities with more responsibilities and higher salaries, allowing you to make positive impacts in the organizations and communities you serve.
Benefits of Getting a Master’s Online
- 97% of online master’s students and graduates surveyed for the BestColleges Online Education Trends Report told us they would recommend online education to others.
- Nearly 80% of online master’s students and graduates tell us that an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
- Our report found that 93% of all students say their online degree has or will have a positive return on investment.
- In the same report, nearly all (97%) of prospective online students, currently enrolled online students, and online program graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
Curious what courses you’ll take online? Check out our master’s in behavioral psychology program guide.
How to Choose the Best Master’s in Behavioral Science Program for You
Carefully consider the factors that will influence your academic and professional journeys, like program cost, length, and accreditation. Learn about these factors below.
How Much Does a Master’s in Behavioral Science Cost?
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$12,052
Avg. Net Price
$11,050
In-Person
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$16,296
Avg. Net Price
$13,475
Source: NCES PowerStats
On average, online master’s in behavioral science master’s programs cost around $12,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Keep in mind that these programs take around two years to complete. So, unless you enroll in an accelerated program, you may pay around $24,000 for your master’s degree.
Fortunately, financial aid, including grants and scholarships, can reduce this cost. On average, students with financial aid paid around $11,000 per year or around $22,000 total for their master’s in behavioral science degrees. You can fill out the FAFSA each year you’re in school to get financial aid.
Aside from financial aid, you can potentially reduce the cost of tuition by asking for tuition reimbursement or assistance from your employer, transferring credits, or pursuing credit for life and work experience.
Find Financial Aid for Your Master’s Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Behavioral Science?
Typical # of Credits
60-90 Credits
Typical Program Length
2 Years
In your master’s in behavioral science program, you can expect to complete between 60 and 90 credits over two years.
Most accelerated programs are designed for those who want to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously.
However, some schools, such as Rollins College, let you earn your master’s degree in behavioral science in one year.
Accreditation for an Online Master’s in Behavioral Science
While researching online master’s in behavioral science programs, look for programmatic accreditation from the Council on Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), and the American Psychological Association (APA).
Unfortunately, the APA doesn’t accredit online programs. However, the APA, like the ABAI and the CACREP, ensures that master’s in behavioral science programs meet rigorous standards for quality education. Quality education consists of adequate faculty, curricula, and student outcomes.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Behavioral Science?
With a master’s in behavioral science, you can pursue roles in mental health and social services, such as a mental health and substance use counselor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals earn just under $60,000 per year or nearly $29 per hour.
Other relevant roles include social workers, who earned a median annual salary of around $61,000 as of May 2024. Marriage and family therapists, another option for master’s in behavioral science graduates, earned a median annual salary of $64,000 in 2024, according to the BLS.
Behavioral science is a growing field, with the BLS projecting the number of roles in this field growing by 7%-19% from 2023-2033, much faster than average for all occupations.
Learn More About Psychology Jobs
Is a Master’s in Behavioral Psychology Worth It?
Before you enroll in an online master’s in behavior science program, carefully weigh factors like academic interests, career goals, flexibility, and jobs and potential salaries you can get after you graduate.
Plenty of online programs offer flexibility and convenience for working adults. And once you graduate, you’ll be eligible for a variety of roles, like counselor, health policy analyst, or market research analyst. Median annual salaries for these roles range from $59,000 to just under $80,000 per year, per the BLS.
Some drawbacks you might consider include high tuition rates and the reality that some positions require licensure. Licensure requirements can be rigorous, requiring hundreds of hours of field work, and can vary between states.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Behavioral Science Programs
Behavioral science takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach to the study of human behavior. Blending the social sciences with neuroscience, behavioral science applies anthropology, science, sociology, and psychology to understand human behavior in various environments, including business.
Behavioral psychology, or behaviorism, is a field of psychology that operates on the belief that environments shape human behavior. Behaviorists work with clients to understand and modify unwanted behaviors through conditioning and reinforcement.
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