Best Master’s in Behavioral Science Programs
A master’s in behavioral science can make you an expert in human behavior. Learn about the diverse courses and career opportunities in this exciting field.
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Are you fascinated by human behavior — why people do what they do? A master’s in behavioral science can advance your understanding of human behavior so you can help people manage behavioral conditions.
Behavioral science is an interdisciplinary field. You’ll gain insights into human interactions and motivations from sociology, anthropology, psychology, and even economics.
This interdisciplinary approach means a master’s in behavioral science is valuable across diverse career paths. As a behavioral scientist, you might work in social services, social and public policy, human resources, healthcare, criminal justice, education, or business.
Best Accredited Master’s in Behavioral Science Programs
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.
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:
2022- 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.
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.
Popular Courses in a Master’s in Behavioral Science Program
Master’s in behavior science programs offer fascinating courses that provide insight into human behavior. Below, find a list of courses you may take.
Introduction to Psychology
In this course, you’ll learn the basics of the mental processes that drive human behavior.
Coursework covers the history and theories of psychology, including social influence, neuroscience, and learning and psychological disabilities.
The field of psychology crosses disciplines. You may also explore its connections to biology and philosophy.
Crime and Media
This course explores how media representation influences people’s perception of crime.
You’ll learn how different types of media portray crimes, including television, film, and journalism.
Course topics might include sensationalism, media bias, and the media’s impact on criminal justice policies.
Theories of Race, Class, and Gender
This course explores the relationship between race, class, and gender. You’ll learn about social inequalities and intersectional theory, which explores how various identity categories combine.
Sociology of the Family
In this class, you’ll learn about the complexities of family systems. This course also explores how family relationships vary based on social categories like class, race, and gender.
You might also examine families as an institution, including how roles change within families and the impact of social policies on family life.
Social Research
This course equips you with the skills needed to design and conduct research projects to study human behavior within different social contexts.
You’ll explore the ethical considerations behind social research. You’ll also learn how to collect and analyze social data.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Behavioral Science?
Earning a master’s in behavioral science can make you eligible for many careers. In your master’s program, you can choose a specialization such as industrial-organizational psychology or clinical mental health counseling.
After you graduate, you can work in mental health, public health, public safety, public policy, or social services. Specific roles you can pursue include behavior analysts, human resource specialists, and social or community service managers.
According to Payscale, social and community service managers earned an average annual salary of $63,960 as of 2023. Behavior analysts earned around $72,850 per year as of 2024, while human resource managers make 75,380.
Other positions you might explore include clinical psychologist, mental health researcher, rehabilitation manager, and behavioral health manager.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Behavioral Science Programs
Yes, a master’s in behavior science can be a worthy investment if the degree program aligns with your personal interests and career goals.
The degree program can help you develop subject matter expertise, critical thinking and research skills, and a professional network.
A master’s in behavior science can present more employment opportunities with healthy salaries.
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