5 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Behavioral Psychology
Updated August 16, 2023 · 3 Min Read
Choosing a career goal as an undergraduate is a big step to finding career stability later on and selecting behavioral psychology as a field of study will present plenty of opportunity in the workforce. Those with a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Psychology can work directly with people as teachers, counselors, social workers, or look at human behavior on a larger scale through marketing and research. Self-improvement author James Clear built his life around a career in behavioral psychology. He defines it as “the study of the connection between our minds and our behavior.” The opportunities are broad in the field of Behavioral Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree can set the groundwork for a blossoming career or advancing your education.
he truth is, the field of behavioral psychology is now more pertinent than ever. There is a great deal of increased awareness surrounding mental health and suicide prevention today. Now is the time for professionals who are trained in behavioral science to become champions for those who need it. Understanding how people process difficult events and emotions can help to predict why we act the way we do. Psychology is the science of all of us, and it is something that will always play an essential role in life.
It all starts with getting the best education you can to set yourself up for success. We’ve ranked the top 5 places to get a degree in behavioral psychology and start your journey to the career of your choosing.
Featured Online Psychology Programs
5 Best Online Colleges for Behavioral Psychology
Methodology
Best College Reviews provides degree rankings, such as the 5 Best Bachelor's Degrees in Behavioral Psychology 2020, from carefully researched data sets published from government and non-profit organizations across the United States. Five primary factors affect how we rank degrees:
- 25% Student Satisfaction
- 30% Earning Potential
- 15% Retention Data
- 20% Affordability
- 10% Acceptance Rates
For an in-depth breakdown of how we calculate each ranking, check out our Methodology page.
LAWRENCE, KANSAS
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) OR BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES (B.G.S.) IN APPLIED BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
Score: 100.00
Understanding the complexities of human behavior takes a lifetime of analysis and experience. Students enrolled in the University of Kansas’ behavioral psychology program learn how to “examine and address problems of social importance across the lifespan.” It offers two degrees relating to these studies: a 33-hour Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of General Studies. While the B.A. requires additional hours for language, obtaining the B.G.S. requires students to declare a minor to promote more in-depth study outside of the course. The educational process is also set up to have students hone their skill into one of seven specified specialty areas. These include Adults with Disabilities, Basic Research and Conceptual Foundations, Community Health and Development, Early Childhood, Organizational Behavioral Management Research and Practice, and Youth Development and Juvenile Justice. This highly-specialized coursework makes it the top pick for receiving a degree in behavioral psychology.
Net Price: $15,966
DOBBS FERRY, NEW YORK
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
Score: 97.26
Mercy College describes its program as a cross between the study of Psychology and Sociology. The program is made up of four mandatory courses augmented by eight electives which you can tailor to your specific interests. Specializations for the degree include Community Health, Gerontology, and Health Services Management. As Mercy College is based in New York, this program may also provide access to various internships throughout NYC.
Mercy College is also very accommodating for transfer students. The Behavioral Psychology degree typically requires 120 credits over the course of 4 years. Students from a 2-year institution are eligible to transfer up to 75 credits, and students from a 4-year institution can transfer up to 90 credits that count toward the full requirement.
Net Price: $16,246
BELLEVUE, NEBRASKA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
Score: 96.05
The name Bellevue University has long been synonymous with pioneering progress in the field of mental health. A degree in behavioral psychology from this Nebraska-based university provides a basis for a career in human services. Bellevue focuses on teaching significant theories relating to psychology, sociology, and counseling while approaching associated topics such as multicultural diversity, ethics, and treatment strategies. Coursework at this institution aims to make “real-world applications” by emphasizing personal improvement and shared experiences with peers. Students will learn critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, and collaboration in this accelerated course. After achieving this degree, students can opt into one of Bellevue University’s accompanying master’s degrees. There are two paths for continuing education: Masters of Arts in Human Services for those who have an interest in leadership roles or a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling.
Net Price: $7,752
NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
Score: 89.05
Those seeking to develop a career that makes a positive impact on their community should consider a degree from Wilmington University in Behavioral Psychology. The program focuses on social, environmental, and cultural influences that can impact human thinking and behavior. This foundation sets the stage for a range of careers in assisting disadvantaged populations or working in government agencies. Many of its notable alumni have taken up posts in government. Ruth Briggs King received a Master’s from Wilmington University and is an active member of the Delaware House of Representatives. Another native Delawarean, Hugh T. Broomall, became a decorated Major General and Special Assistant to the Director of Air National Guard. He received a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate from Wilmington University.
Admission requirements include submission of an application fee, high school transcripts, immunization records, and the completion of a Math and English assessment test.
Net Price: $14,955
FAYETTE, MISSOURI
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Score: 86.67
A Degree from Central Methodist University prepares students for a career working with individuals who have learning disabilities or require behavioral intervention. Applied behavior analysis, specifically, is one method of therapy to change or improve behavior that students will study. It is common for graduates with this degree to develop a career working with autistic children or their families. Students of Central Methodist University’s program will learn how to create meaningful programs for their clients to be able to improve behavior patterns and successfully transition into adulthood.
The 120-hour course equips students to administer and supervise behavioral evaluations for a range of clients with learning or behavioral disabilities. The program calls on contemporary research findings which provide students with the most up-to-date clinical findings that will be useful when they go on to treat behavioral issues. To earn a seat, applicants must achieve a score of 21 or above on the ACT or 1050 or above on the SAT examinations.
Net Price: $10,850