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Learning to Analyze Human Behavior and Helping People by Earning one of the Best bachelor's in Behavioral Science
If you're interested in addressing social problems and improving the human condition, a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science can give you the tools you need.
Behavioral Science is a combination of psychology, sociology, and cultural anthropology. You'll study the factors that influence human behavior and the effect of human behavior on families, workplaces, and society. Finally, you'll learn to apply this knowledge to help people through prevention and intervention.
These programs will prepare you for a variety of careers that share the common goal of helping individuals and society. Whether you're passionate about working with children, the elderly, the justice system, or people struggling with addiction, these degrees will give you the knowledge and skills to make a difference.
What kind of bachelor's in Behavioral Science degree should you get?
Most bachelor's degree programs in Behavioral Science offer a variety of specializations or areas of emphasis. These may include Early Childhood, Youth Development, Adults with Disabilities, Community Health, and much more. Programs that don't offer specializations allow you to choose electives tailored to your interests and career goals.
These programs are available on college campuses and online. Both options offer advantages, but learning online gives you the freedom and flexibility to work around your schedule. If you're interested in exploring some online programs, check out our list of the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people with a bachelor's in Behavioral Science degree make?
A degree in Behavioral Science prepares you to work in human services and other related fields. Let's look at a few career options and the median salary for each, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Social worker- $49,470
- Criminal profiler- $68,000
- Substance abuse counselor- $44,630
- Human resources specialist- $60,880
Job opportunities in each of these careers are growing as fast or much faster than average. For instance, the demand for social workers is expected to increase by 16 percent over the next decade. Meanwhile, demand for substance abuse, mental health, and behavioral disorder counselors is projected to grow by 23 percent. If you choose to pursue graduate study in this field, you’ll also have access to a variety of higher paying positions.
What can you do with a degree in Behavioral Science?
An understanding of human behavior can apply to many careers. A degree in Behavioral Science prepares you to work in human services, education, law enforcement, counseling, and health services management.
You'll be able to work with disadvantaged populations, people struggling with addiction, families, youth, the elderly, government agencies, crisis intervention services, and much more. Potential careers include:
- Grant writer
- Case worker
- Child advocate
- Victim's advocate
- Domestic violence counselor
- Family support worker
- Probation officer
- Grief counselor
- Public health educator
After earning your degree, you can also pursue graduate study in fields like clinical counseling and human services administration. An advanced degree can open to the door to careers as an anthropologist, criminologist, clinical social worker, market research analyst, and much more.
What are the requirements for a degree in Behavioral Science?
To apply to these programs, you'll need to send transcripts, test scores, and occasionally letters of recommendation or a personal statement. The selectivity of these programs varies.
Once enrolled, you'll take courses on topics like sociology, psychology, research, statistics, human development, human services, as well as current theory and practice in behavioral science. In most cases, there are minimum GPA requirements for required courses and courses within your major. For some of these degrees, an internship or other hands-on experience is required. You may be expected to compile a portfolio as well. These programs generally take four years to complete.
What are the best bachelor's in Behavioral Science degrees?
To help you reach your academic and career goals, we've put together a list of the best bachelor’s in Behavioral Science programs. You may be wondering how we define "best." We consider factors like school reputation, tuition costs, and return on investment. In addition, all schools on College Choice rankings are accredited.
Our data comes from trusted sources such as:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- PayScale
- Princeton Review
- U.S. News and World Report
- Official college and university websites and course catalogs
Whatever you'd like to accomplish in the field of behavioral science, applying to any of these five programs is an excellent first step.
#1 Best Online Science Degrees
University of Kansas
- Lawrence, KS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The behavioral science degree at the University of Kansas, a public institution, ranks among the best programs of its kind. From its campus in Lawrence, the school enrolls degree-seekers in on-campus and online programs. The school's flexible course options, along with its high academic standards, meet the needs of many undergraduates.
Majors earn a bachelor's degree from the applied behavioral science program after taking major and general education courses. Humanities, math, and natural sciences courses, which make up the general education curriculum, strengthen critical-thinking and communication skills. Learners prepare for the workforce or further education by taking advanced behavioral science courses that cover theoretical and practical topics.
University of Kansas at a Glance:
Admission Rate: 93%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 98
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 8
Undergrad Tuition In State: $10,092
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $26,960
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,834
Graduation Rate: 67%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $45,100
Percent Online Enrollment
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Science Degrees
Mercy College
- Dobbs Ferry, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Mercy College, a private institution, offers a top-ranking program. From its campus in Dobbs Ferry, New York, the school enrolls degree-seekers in on-campus and online programs. Undergraduates benefit from flexible enrollment options and comprehensive support services.
Majors take behavioral science courses in the program and meet general education requirements to complete their degree. STEM, social science, and humanities classes make up the general education curriculum. Advanced courses cover theoretical and practical topics, preparing graduates for the workforce or a higher degree.
Mercy College at a Glance:
Admissions Rate: 82%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Total Bachelor's Programs: 31
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 14
Undergrad Tuition In State: $18,934
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $18,934
Graduation Rate: 44%
Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $37,800
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Science Degrees
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The BS in behavioral science program at Bellevue University is one of 58 total bachelor's programs. The degree prepares students for careers in diverse fields. After earning a bachelor's degree, graduates can apply to master's programs to open up additional career opportunities.
The bachelor's curriculum includes introductory classes and upper-division courses. Undergraduates also complete general education requirements, which strengthen analytical and critical-thinking skills. Students can explore other interests by choosing a minor or a second major.
Incoming degree candidates benefit from student services, which provide support for first-year learners. For example, academic advisors meet with students to recommend course selections and review graduation requirements.
Bellevue University at a glance:
Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
Type of School: Private
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 54
Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,176
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,176
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Science Degrees
Wilmington University
- New Castle, DE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor's program in behavioral science at Wilmington University, which offers 43 bachelor's degrees, helps degree-seekers reach their goals. This behavioral science degree builds broad knowledge and skills that prepare students for entry- and mid-level careers. After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates can continue their education through master's programs.
The bachelor's curriculum introduces foundational and advanced principles in behavioral science. In addition to major coursework, undergraduates complete general education courses that build writing, communication, and critical-thinking skills. Students can explore other interests by choosing a minor or a second major.
The school's student services help incoming degree candidates transition into a bachelor's program. For example, financial aid counselors work with students to determine sources of educational funding such as grants, scholarships, and loans.
Wilmington University at a glance:
Location: New Castle, Delaware
Type of School: Private
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 26
Undergrad Tuition In State: $11,430
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $11,430
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
75%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Science Degrees
Central Methodist University
- Fayette, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Central Methodist University offers 28 bachelor's degrees, including a BS in applied behavior analysis. With the degree, graduates can pursue entry-level careers in diverse industries. A bachelor's degree also prepares students for master's and doctoral programs.
The bachelor's curriculum includes introductory classes and upper-division courses. Undergraduates also strengthen analytical and critical-thinking skills during general education classes. Declaring a minor or double majoring helps students stand out in the job market.
Incoming degree candidates receive strong support through the school's student services. For example, career counselors connect students with job fairs and internship opportunities.
Central Methodist University At a Glance:
Location: Fayette, Missouri
Type of School: Private
Admission Rate: 100%
Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 21
Undergrad Tuition In State: $6,070
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,070
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
