Best 16 Behavioral Sciences Degree Programs in 2024

Seattle Central College offers a bachelor of applied science degree in applied behavioral science. The program is ideal for people who are passionate about helping people, solving problems, and promoting positive social change. The program runs on a cohort model and provides a rigorous curriculum taught by accomplished faculty with doctorate degrees, small class sizes, evening on-campus and hybrid courses, and a strong practical component.

The University of Nevada — Reno offers a bachelor of arts in behavior analysis. The mission of the behavioral sciences degree is to produce skilled behavior analysts who meet the needs of the community and contribute to the science and practice of behavior analysis. The degree provides comprehensive training in behavior analysis and prepares students for graduate study or for paraprofessional careers in human services. The behavior analysis specialization allows students to become eligible for certification as board certified assistant behavior analysts, an internationally recognized paraprofessional credential, and to be eligible for licensure in Nevada as certified autism behavior interventionists.

The Wilmington University bachelor’s degree in behavioral science focuses on the impact of social issues, environments, and cultural influences on individual and group behaviors. This social science degree prepares students to work with youth, families, the elderly, disadvantaged populations, those struggling with addictions, the court system, crisis intervention services, and government agencies. The interdisciplinary degree program combines coursework in psychology, sociology, and cultural anthropology and blends theory and practice through internships and hands-on learning experiences.

The bachelor of science in behavioral science at Bellevue University provides streamlined preparation for graduate study in human services or clinical mental health counseling. The degree is available on campus or online, with the option to join an accelerated cohort. Students will study individual, family, and community-wide challenges and execute projects that level into a comprehensive electronic portfolio they can share with potential employers.

California State University — Dominguez Hills offers an undergraduate program in behavioral science through the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences. The program is designed to provide students with a broad systematic understanding of human behavior, and of the biological, psychological, cultural, political, and social factors that influence such behavior. The behavioral sciences degree stresses the mastery of key behavioral science concepts and provides practical knowledge and skills with enduring career applicability.

The Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas offers two undergraduate behavioral sciences degrees, including a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of general studies. Students in either degree program choose a specialty from adults with disabilities, basic research and conceptual foundations, community health and development, early childhood, organizational behavior management research and practice, and youth development and juvenile justice. The curriculum teaches students to examine and address problems of social importance across the lifespan and to apply behavioral science to improve the human condition through prevention and intervention.

Psychology majors at the University of Florida receive a broad, science-based liberal arts education. The curriculum emphasizes the principles and applications of psychological knowledge as a natural and social science. Students are encouraged to participate in activities such as research projects, colloquia, and paraprofessional activities, and volunteer work in the community. Faculty possess expertise in areas including behavior analysis, counseling, social psychology, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, and Social Psychology. Students can choose to undertake an approved course sequence to become board certified associate behavior analysts.

The University of Houston — Clear Lake offers a bachelor of science in behavioral sciences. The interdisciplinary program includes coursework in anthropology, psychology, sociology, criminology, social work, and geography, which can be combined according to your academic goals and interests. Students learn from faculty members who cross multiple disciplines and are leaders in their respective fields. Concentrations are available in anthropology, criminology, geography, psychology, sociology, and social work.

The Rehabilitation Institute at Southern Illinois University — Carbondale offers a bachelor of science program in behavior analysis and therapy. This comprehensive degree program is designed to train students to become registered behavioral technicians or advance toward graduate training to eventually become board certified behavior analysts. The undergraduate program is compromised of a wide variety of coursework and real-life field experiences, where students will be able to practice the behavioral techniques learned in the classroom in actual clinical settings.

Purdue University Northwest offers a bachelor of arts in behavioral sciences. The behavioral sciences major is a multidisciplinary program that includes studies in sociology, psychology, and anthropology. Students of the behavioral sciences degree will gain a diverse skill set suited for career goals in public service and academics. The program provides students with an understanding of multiple perspectives on human behavior, culture, and society, and is a strong foundation for employment as well as graduate work.

The Department of Psychology at Colorado State University offers a bachelor of science with concentrations in general psychology, mind, brain, and behavior, industrial and organizational psychology, addictions counseling, and clinical and counseling psychology. The mind, brain, and behavior concentration focuses on the cognitive, cognitive neuroscience, sensation and perception, and biological areas of psychology. Students on this concentration take coursework specifically focused on these areas of learning. The curriculum also incorporates additional math and science components. Undergraduate research and getting involved with faculty labs is strongly encouraged on this concentration.

Central Methodist University offers a bachelor of science in applied behavior analysis. The program teaches students how to work successfully with children who have autism, developmental delays, behavioral challenges, and other related conditions. Majors become familiar with contemporary research findings in the field and learn to develop, implement, and monitor behavioral programs to treat various behavior issues. Upon competition of the course sequence and supervision hours, students will be eligible to sit for the board certified assistant behavior analyst exam.

Mercy College offers a multidisciplinary major in behavioral science that includes coursework in psychology and sociology. Specializations are also available in community health, gerontology, and health services management. The program provides a combination of structure and flexibility with 4 required courses and 8 elective courses, as well as the option to study fully online. The behavioral sciences degree offers many opportunities for career development through credit-earning internships at a variety of New York City worksites.

The School of Arts and Sciences at the Felician University of New Jersey offers a degree in social and behavioral sciences. This interdisciplinary major encompasses a broad range of fields and disciplines including sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, history, business, political science, and criminal justice. The major is intentionally flexible so that students can design a program that serves their interests. Students acquire a strong knowledge base in a focus area and develop skills in research, communication, critical thinking, analysis, and interpersonal skills.

The Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University offers undergraduate majors in policy and management, decision science, and behavioral economics, policy and organizations. Students build skills in decision analysis, empirical research, organizations, policy analysis, and applied psychology. Undergraduates have opportunities to work with faculty on research projects and internships. The college’s emphasis on the theory and practice of individual and social decision-making, and high-quality, multidisciplinary social science faculty, provides a solid foundation from which graduates can embrace a variety of future paths.

Cornell University offers a unique bachelor of arts in information science with a concentration in behavior science. This concentration provides students with an in-depth understanding of the behavioral and social aspects of interacting with and through information technology. Courses cover various aspects of how technology affects and is being affected by human behavior and social interactions. Possible career paths for graduates include professional careers in user experience research and design and academic careers related to human-computer interaction and social aspects of technology.