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.
Bernard Grant, Ph.D.
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Updated January 13, 2025
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.

The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

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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.

Popular Online Psychology Programs

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

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Best Accredited Master’s in Behavioral Science Programs

#1

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$36,254

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,254

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

8%

Acceptance Rate

6%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$51,156

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$51,156

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

26,675

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,254

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,254

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$36,254

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,254

Acceptance Rate

8%

Online Enrollment

6%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$51,156

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$51,156

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

26,675

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Emory University

Atlanta, GA4 yearCampus

$42,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$42,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

16%

Acceptance Rate

10%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$53,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,070

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

14,415

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$42,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,800

Atlanta, GA4 yearCampus

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$42,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,800

Acceptance Rate

16%

Online Enrollment

10%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$53,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,070

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

14,415

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#3

Teachers College at Columbia University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

14%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

4,489

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,800

Teachers College at Columbia University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$40,800

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$40,800

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

14%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

4,489

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#4

University of Houston-Clear Lake

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$7,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,568

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,740

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,176

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

9,082

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,568

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,568

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

42%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,740

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,176

Retention Rate

80%

Students Enrolled

9,082

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS4 yearCampus + Online

$9,989

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,951

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

93%

Acceptance Rate

29%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,092

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,960

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

27,552

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,989

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,951

Lawrence, KS4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,989

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,951

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment

29%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,092

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,960

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

27,552

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

$12,879

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,879

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

34%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,076

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,908

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

19,618

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,879

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,879

Glassboro, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,879

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,879

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

34%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,076

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,908

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

19,618

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

  • minus

    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.

  • minus

    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.

  • minus

    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.

  • minus

    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.

  • minus

    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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