Best Behavioral Science Programs of 2024
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2024A 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.
Featured Online Behavioral Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Behavioral Science Programs of 2024
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled37,133
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
University of Michigan-Dearborn
- Dearborn, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,416
- Out-of-state$27,648
- In-State$14,110
- Out-of-state$25,152
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled8,331
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$10,092
- Out-of-state$26,960
- In-State$9,989
- Out-of-state$23,951
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled26,780
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Nebraska
- Seward, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,600
- Out-of-state$35,600
- In-State$8,650
- Out-of-state$8,650
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled2,989
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,918
- Out-of-state$34,918
- In-State$13,590
- Out-of-state$13,590
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled11,489
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Andrews University
- Berrien Springs, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,552
- Out-of-state$30,552
- In-State$28,656
- Out-of-state$28,656
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled2,927
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,990
- Out-of-state$37,990
- In-State$8,564
- Out-of-state$8,564
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled3,710
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$60,944
- Out-of-state$60,944
- In-State$60,944
- Out-of-state$60,944
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate6%
- Students Enrolled10,696
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
United States Air Force Academy
- USAF Academy, CO
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate12%
- Students Enrolled4,181
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Point Park University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$33,870
- Out-of-state$33,870
- In-State$15,858
- Out-of-state$15,858
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled3,505
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
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.
What Can I Do With a Behavioral Science Degree?
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.
Where Can I Work With a Behavioral Science Degree?
With a behavioral science degree, you can pursue careers in the following fields:
Human Resources
In human resources roles, you’ll apply your understanding of human behavior and organizations to employee training and development, recruiting, and benefits management. Common entry-level job titles include human resources specialist and training and development specialist.Nonprofit Management
Working in the nonprofit sector requires strong communication and analytical skills. You can work in volunteer development, fundraising, or advocacy at a nonprofit organization.Criminal Justice
Law enforcement and criminal justice professionals benefit from an understanding of behavioral science. You can work as a criminal investigator, victim advocate, or probation officer with a bachelor’s in behavioral science.
How Much Can I Make With a Behavioral Science Degree?
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.
What to Look for in a Behavioral Science Program
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.
Program Curriculum
Look at the graduation requirements and program curriculum to find a good match for your interests and career goals. Some programs offer concentration options or the ability to minor or double major. You can also review general education requirements and transfer credit policies.Accreditation
Accredited colleges meet high standards. That’s why all the programs on our list hold accreditation. Plus, if you choose an accredited school, you’ll qualify for federal financial aid. Always check the school’s accreditation status before applying.Program Length
Most bachelor’s programs take four years for full-time students to complete. But check whether programs offer part-time or accelerated options. If you have prior college credits, you can often submit a transcript for a transfer credit evaluation to get an exact idea of how long your degree will take.School Graduation Rate
What could the school graduation rate tell applicants about their potential success in the program?
Graduation rate tends to correlate with student satisfaction and support services. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare school graduation rates when looking at behavioral science programs. Keep in mind that the average graduation rate is 63%.
What Can I Expect From a Behavioral Science 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.
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Behavioral Science Program?
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:
Admission Materials
You’ll submit an application and official transcripts for every program. Some also require essays and letters of recommendation.
Education
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.
GPA
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.
Entrance Exam
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.
How Much Does a Behavioral Science Degree Cost?
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.
Average Annual Cost of Tuition, Room, and Board by School Type | 2022-23
Public University
$22,389
Private, Nonprofit University
$52,848
Everything Else You Need to Know About Behavioral Science Programs
Yes, a behavioral science degree develops in-demand skills such as data analysis, communication, and research. As an interdisciplinary social science degree, a behavioral science major can prepare you for careers in human resources, the criminal justice system, or the nonprofit sector.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 19, 2024.
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