Best Online Behavioral Psychology Programs
Behavioral psychology explores how human ideas and emotions affect human behavior. Studying the relationship between thought and action can help professionals improve their interpersonal skills in therapeutic, business, and educational settings.
Popular and applicable across multiple fields and industries, behavioral psychology training can help prepare therapists, counselors, social workers, and HR managers for lucrative careers. Ball State University offers one of the nation’s best online behavioral psychology programs.
Featured Online Behavioral Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Behavioral Psychology Program
Ball State’s online bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) emphasizes autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As the only program that meets BestCollege’s strict ranking criteria, Ball State’s online bachelor’s in behavioral psychology is the first of its kind in Indiana and one of the few 100% online undergraduate degrees in this discipline available nationwide.
Major coursework requirements include lifespan development, advanced interventions for ASD, and ethical, professional practice in ABA. Completing this major core component of the behavioral psychology degree qualifies students to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst examination.
Online students may opt to add a minor in psychology of human development or sociology. The online bachelor’s degree requires participation in advanced seminars on applied behavior analysis and autism spectrum disorders and culminates in a capstone course or experience.
- Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Cost:
- In-State | $346 per credit (if under 12 credits) or $4,474 flat rate
- Out-of-State | $578 per credit (if under 12 credits) or $4,474 flat rate
- Credits to Graduate: 120
Benefits of Getting an Online Degree
Online degree programs enable students to learn at their own pace and often chage less than traditional in-person programs. The benefits of an online program include:
Cost
Ball State offers low rates for virtual students who reside in state or out of state.Convenience
Access online courses anywhere you have an internet connection.Flexibility
You can complete Ball State’s self-paced courses in your own time.Accommodations
Many students thrive in the online classroom, which tends to offer broad learning support and technology resources.
Is an Online Degree in Behavioral Psychology Worth It?
Yes. Especially when you consider your return on investment. You’ll gain broad experience, have plenty of career options, and earn higher-than-average salaries.
Plus, online degrees also come with many benefits. You can work while you learn, enjoy a better work-life-school balance, and study wherever you feel comfortable.
Behavioral Psychology is Interdisciplinary
It uses multiple viewpoints to understand our actions, habits, and motivations. You can leverage what you learn in relevant subjects like sociology, neuroscience, and anthropology to qualify for various careers.You Have Lots of Specialization Options
Behavioral psychology branches off into many areas. You can follow your interests and choose a specialization that fits. Specialization examples include clinical psychology, school psychology, and forensic psychology.Behavioral Psychologists are Well-paid
Many of the salaries for behavioral psychologists are much higher than the average for all jobs. You might have an easier time paying off what you put into your education and better lifetime earning potential.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Psychology?
Many fields seek workers with bachelor’s degrees in behavioral psychology. You can work in human services, such as social work, counseling, and community service. Or you can use your insights in market research or human resources.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Addiction Counselor | $53,710 |
| Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist | $61,800 |
| Market Research Analyst | $74,680 |
| Social Worker | $58,380 |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $77,030 |
Read More:
How Much Does a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Psychology Cost?
Average Annual Cost of a Bachelor’s Degree
Psychology
$13,362
All Bachelor’s Degrees
$14,544
A bachelor’s in psychology costs an average of $13,362 per year, according to NCES. That’s slightly less than the average cost for all other bachelor’s degrees at $14,544.
Still, not everyone can afford tuition or wants to take out loans to pay for school. Psychology scholarships can make earning your degree more affordable and worth it in the long run.
Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?
How Long Does a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Psychology Take?
Like most baccalaureate programs, the full-time online bachelor’s degree program in behavioral psychology at Ball State takes an average of four years to complete and requires students to earn 120 credits.
Average Annual Cost of a Full Time Bachelor’s Degree at Ball State University
Average Length of Time
4 years
Required Course Credits
120 credits
Certifications and Licenses a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Psychology Prepares You For
Case Manager
A bachelor’s degree in behavioral psychology prepares you to earn a certification in case management. These managers often work in the same capacity as social workers, helping clients get access to the programs and help they need.
Psychiatric Technician
These professionals often work in mental health facilities and assist doctors and nurses in caring for patients with a range of psychological and mood conditions.
Behavior Counselor
Those with a bachelor’s degree can often earn certification or licensure to work in certain roles as counselors helping patients and clients manage addiction or behavioral conditions.
Sexuality Counselor
Some states allow those with a bachelor’s degree to obtain a certification in sex therapy, allowing them to work with clients who may need help with overcoming issues with their sexuality and sexual health.
Social Work License
With a bachelor’s degree, some states award individuals licensure to work in certain entry-level social work roles, including case management and other administrative-based positions
Frequently Asked Questions About a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Psychology
Behavioral psychology is the study of the connection between our minds and our behavior. It looks into our thoughts, emotions, and actions and what influences them. Behavioral psychology is useful in many ways, including the treatment of mental health conditions, therapy, and the understanding of criminal behavior.
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