Accredited Online Behavioral Science Degrees

Behavioral science explores why people think, act, and interact the way they do. Drawing from psychology, sociology, and related fields, this interdisciplinary discipline focuses on understanding human behavior within social and cultural contexts.

With over 220 degrees available, an online behavioral science degree program prepares students to analyze behavior, enhance communication, and apply psychological and sociological insights to fields such as healthcare, social services, business, and public policy. This flexible online degree offers diverse career opportunities centered on improving individual and community well-being.

What Is Behavioral Science?

Behavioral science is the scientific study of human actions, decisions, and interactions across diverse social and cultural environments.

Professionals in this field:

• Study behavioral patterns in individuals and diverse groups
• Analyze how environment, culture, biology, and human diversity influence behavior
• Apply behavioral insights to solve complex, real-world problems
• Support individuals and communities through social services, counseling, or advocacy
• Contribute to research, program evaluation, and policy development

Behavioral science integrates psychology, sociology, and related disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and social dynamics.

What You Can Do With a Behavioral Science Degree

This degree prepares undergraduate students for a variety of people-focused careers in the human services field and beyond.

Common career paths include:

• Behavioral health specialist
• Case manager
• Social services coordinator
• Human services assistant
• Community outreach specialist

Graduates may find employment in healthcare organizations, nonprofit agencies, government programs, educational institutions, or private companies focused on community health and well-being.

Career Paths in Behavioral Science

Behavioral science graduates often pursue roles that support individuals and communities in diverse settings.

Examples include:

• Social and Human Services Assistants
  Assist clients in accessing services and support programs, earning median salaries around $40,000 annually
• Community and Social Service Specialists
  Work with specific populations to improve well-being and resource access
• Behavioral Health Technicians
  Support treatment plans and monitor patient progress in clinical mental health counseling settings

Many roles require additional certifications or graduate-level courses for career advancement.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Behavioral science careers offer steady demand, competitive salaries, and meaningful work.

• Entry-level roles typically pay between $35,000 and $45,000 annually
• Advanced positions offer higher salaries with experience or graduate education, such as a master’s degree or graduate certificate
• Demand is projected to grow significantly due to increased focus on mental health, substance abuse treatment, and social services

Opportunities are expanding across healthcare, community health programs, government agencies, and behavioral health programs.

Why Choose Behavioral Science

This field is ideal for individuals passionate about understanding and helping people across diverse groups.

Key benefits include:

• Broad and flexible career options in the social and behavioral sciences
• Opportunities to make a positive impact on individual and community well-being
• Growing demand in social work, behavioral health, and human services sectors
• Strong foundation for advanced study in psychological science, clinical mental health counseling, or social work education

What You’ll Learn in a Behavioral Science Program

Behavioral science academic programs focus on developing critical thinking skills and understanding behavior from multiple perspectives.

Common coursework includes:

• Psychology, human development, and applied behavior analysis
• Sociology, cultural anthropology, and human diversity
• Research methods, data analysis, and evaluation
• Communication, interpersonal skills, and ethical standards
• Social policy, community health, and public administration

Many online courses emphasize real-world application through case studies and experiential learning opportunities such as internships.

Is Behavioral Science Right for You?

This field suits empathetic, curious, and people-focused individuals with a desire to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.

You may be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy exploring human behavior and social dynamics
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Want to help individuals and communities address human needs
• Are interested in careers in social work, behavioral health, or public policy

Behavioral science professionals often work directly with diverse populations in clinical, community, or organizational settings.

Education Path and Degree Options

There are several educational pathways depending on your career goals.

• Associate degree programs prepare students for entry-level support roles
• Bachelor of Science degrees in behavioral science are common for career entry and provide a solid foundation
• Online master’s degrees and graduate certificates offer advanced training for counseling, psychology, leadership, or specialized fields like forensic psychology and autism spectrum disorders
• Doctorate-level programs provide the highest level of education in order to pursue careers in research and leadership

Many students use an online behavioral science degree as a stepping stone to graduate-level courses and certifications.

Certifications and Career Advancement

Certifications and licensure may be required for specific behavioral science roles.

Common options include:

• Behavioral health technician certifications
• State-specific credentials for clinical mental health counseling or case management
• Graduate degrees and licenses for social workers and counselors

Check program accreditation and confirm eligibility requirements to ensure your education aligns with career goals. Find more information in GetEducated's Resource Guide to Becoming a Behavioral Scientist.

Related Programs

• Educational Psychology
• Special Education
• Counseling
• Nurse Practitioner in Mental Health
• Psychology & Human Services

How to Choose the Right Program

When selecting an online behavioral science program, consider:

• Institutional accreditation and program reputation to ensure academic quality
• Areas of focus such as mental health, community services, or applied behavior analysis
• Availability of internships, supervised clinical hours, or experiential learning opportunities
• Flexibility of online courses to accommodate busy schedules and military credits
• Alignment with your long-term career goals and potential for transfer to graduate programs

Programs offering applied experience and dedicated professionals provide strong preparation for the workforce.

Cost of Behavioral Science Degrees

Costs vary widely depending on institution, program level, and format.

• • Tuition for online degrees typically ranges from $15,000 to $40,000
  • Online programs often offer more affordable and flexible options compared to on-campus degrees

• Additional expenses may include textbooks, certification fees, and internship-related costs

GetEducated’s Behavioral Science bachelor's ranking report compares costs of online accredited programs for the best value.

Compare Accredited Online Behavioral Science Programs

Use resources like GetEducated to find programs aligned with your goals.

You can:

• Compare accredited online behavioral science degree programs
• Review tuition, program features, and concentrations
• Explore options for behavioral health degree programs, online master’s degrees, and graduate certificates
• Find flexible online degree programs designed for working professionals and undergraduate students

Browse programs to find the best fit for your educational and career aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a behavioral science degree?

A behavioral science degree studies human behavior through psychology, sociology, and related social sciences, preparing students to understand and influence behavior in diverse contexts.

What can you do with a behavioral science degree?

You can pursue careers in case management, social services, behavioral health support, community outreach, and more, often within healthcare, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations.

Is behavioral science the same as psychology?

No. Psychology focuses primarily on mental processes and individual behavior, while behavioral science takes a broader interdisciplinary approach encompassing social, cultural, and environmental influences.

Do you need a master’s degree for behavioral science careers?

Not always. Many entry-level roles require a bachelor’s degree, but advanced positions, especially in counseling or licensed social work, typically require graduate-level education.

How much do behavioral science graduates make?

Entry-level salaries often range from $35,000 to $45,000 annually, with higher earnings possible in advanced roles or specialized fields.

Is behavioral science a good career?

Yes. It offers meaningful work, growing demand, and opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and communities, particularly in mental health and social services.

Can you specialize within behavioral science?

Yes. Common specializations include mental health, substance abuse counseling, community services, human development, forensic psychology, and applied behavior analysis.

Is behavioral science difficult?

It can be challenging, requiring strong critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, and emotional awareness to effectively understand and support human behavior.