Best Master’s in Behavioral Science Programs

Behavioral science is an interdisciplinary field of study that explores why people do the things that they do.

A master’s in behavioral science allows students to dig deep into questions about human behavior, understand research methodology, and discuss human behavior theories. Depending on the program, learners may explore human behavior as it relates to economics, politics, healthcare, and public policy.

Because behavioral science touches almost every part of life, graduates enjoy many career options. They can work in human resources, public health, education, healthcare, and public policy centers.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average cost of graduate-level tuition in 2019-2020 was $19,792 per year, and it typically takes about two years to earn a master’s degree. However, students sometimes pay less for public schools or online programs.

Prospective students should also calculate living expenses, fees, and the cost of books. It’s also important to understand how a master’s degree impacts earning potential before going into debt for school.

Check out our list of the best master’s in behavioral science programs to find the best option for your goals.

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Master’s in Behavioral Science ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 21 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).

The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.

Earning a master’s in behavioral science is a significant investment of time and money, so it’s important for prospective students to ensure the degree aligns with their career goals. A master’s in applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is worth the effort for anyone who wants to work as an ABA professional in a school, hospital, or clinical setting.

Most employers require that people in ABA positions hold a certification in the field. However, there’s more to behavioral science. Some master’s in behavioral science programs focus more on public health, public policy, or other interest areas. These degrees are worth the investment as many jobs in these sectors require graduate-level education.

Career options vary depending on the type of master’s in behavioral science you earn. Many of these degrees focus on ABA therapy. These graduates often earn board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) credentials and work with people who live with developmental delays and disabilities.

Some programs focus on public health and behavior. These graduates may work in public health departments within local, state, and federal agencies. Other behavioral science programs focus on consumer behavior, psychology, business, economics, or public policy. Because behavioral science touches so many aspects of daily life, there are many career opportunities for these graduates.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 44 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by the age of eight, and the diagnosis rate is rising. Since many people with higher education in ABA work with autistic children and adults, the demand for these professionals is likely to rise.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also projects much-faster-than-average growth for medical and health service managers — 29% between 2023-2033. This projection far exceeds the average growth rate of 3% for all U.S. occupations. This is a common role for people with master’s degrees related to public health, including behavioral science.

The earning potential for someone with a master’s in behavioral science is as varied as the specializations within the field. Graduates who specialize in ABA often work as behavior analysts. According to July 2022 Payscale data, behavior analysts made an average of $66,710 annually.

Some graduate-level behavior science programs focus on business or economics, which prepares graduates to work as business analysts. Senior business analysts earned an average of $86,800 per year, as per June 2022 Payscale data. In addition, the BLS reports that medical and health service managers earned a median annual wage of $110,680 in May 2023.

Payscale reports that senior project managers in IT earned an average of $116,800 per year as of June 2022. Other jobs for master’s in behavioral science graduates that pay well include director of human resources (average annual salary of $97,530 as of June 2022) and chief operating officer (average annual salary of $144,660 as of July 2022).

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