Best Master's Degrees in Behavioral Science

Applicants to a master's program do not usually need to have a bachelor's degree in a specific field, but having a background in subjects like psychology and math can be a distinct advantage in the competitive selection process. Some schools may require applicants to have studied in certain areas or even passed certain classes with specific grades to qualify. Earning a bachelor's degree in a related field will usually ensure that a student has completed these types of requirements. At the associate level, some degrees might include:

• Associate in Applied Science in Behavioral Health Support
• Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science
• Associate of Science in Behavioral Science

And for bachelor's-level study, degree titles might include:

• Bachelor of Behavioral Science
• Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science
• Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Counseling
• Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science

Admission requirements for a master's in behavioral science vary depending on the school, but there can be several prerequisites prospective students must satisfy to even be considered for these programs. A few schools require students to take the GRE test as part of their application process, but it is more likely that this will be an optional step that applicants are encouraged to take if they score extremely well.

A bachelor's degree, however, is a staple requirement of almost every program (though it doesn't always have to be in behavioral science), and a minimum grade point average requirement may also be a component. Other application materials that individuals may need include a curriculum vitae or resume, a writing sample, letters of recommendation, and a research plan. Finally, students may need to be interviewed by faculty members before being accepted into a program.

The behavioral science discipline prizes academic learning very highly. To advance to more senior positions in an area like psychology, which is a common field for graduates of master's degree programs in behavioral science to work in, higher-level degrees are often required. This may not even be limited to graduate degrees, as post-graduate education like a doctorate in behavioral science may be needed for some positions. That means earning this degree could be a critical step in career advancement.

Degrees like these are a great fit for students who are interested in emotions, the cognitive process and perception. Students who want to help people turn negative behaviors into positive ones might also benefit from a master's degree in behavioral science. This field is best suited to professionals who write articulately, possess great listening skills, work well under pressure and are good with data.

When choosing a master's in behavioral science program, there are a few factors to consider. One key facet is ensuring the goals of the program match your own. Some programs may be geared more toward those looking to obtain a job upon graduation, while others may be more oriented toward preparing graduates for a doctoral degree. Further, some programs may be designed more for research while others help grads move into fields where they help people in a clinical setting.

Another key factor is the faculty. It is important to research the faculty members to deduce their reputation within the field, as that can be an indicator of the quality of the program.

A final criterion may be opportunities for hands-on experience within a program. Some have internships or practicums built-in, and these can be essential to your education, so be sure to check whether this feature is offered.

Another feature to consider when picking a behavioral science program is whether it is accredited by a body that specializes in this specific field. This is a critical piece of evidence that a program is of outstanding quality, as these independent groups use industry standards when determining whether to accredit a program. Two main groups work in the behavioral science accreditation area:

• The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) handles programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. It specializes in those behavioral science programs that specifically focus on behavioral analysis. To get ABAI accreditation, a program must meet dozens of criteria in areas like curriculum, outcomes, administration, faculty, and student services.
• Less highly specialized but no less prestigious, the American Psychological Association (APA) helps set the standard in numerous areas, including accreditation. It works with programs in any part of psychology, including those with a behavioral science degree. Again, rigorous criteria must be met to earn accreditation from this group.

It usually takes around two or three years of full-time work to earn a master's degree in behavioral science because many programs require students to finish approximately 30 credit hours of classes to graduate. Normally, this involves taking a few core courses followed by electives or more focused classes, though that is not always true for every program. These classes may be focused on a particular subject area. They also usually include a practicum and/or thesis of some sort, the latter of which students must write and orally defend to graduate.

Behavioral Science Foundational Courses

In many behavioral science master's programs, students take a mix of more generic courses and those more concentrated within a particular area of the field in which they would like to specialize. The exact names of these former types of classes vary, though their subject matters remain fairly consistent among programs. They are often extensions of courses taken while an undergraduate student, diving deeper into some core areas of behavioral science. Courses may focus on topics like:

• Principles of behavior
• Theories and applications of behavioral sciences
• Research methodology
• Data analysis
• Experimental design
• Experimental analysis of behavior
• Introduction to applied behavioral science
• Ethical or legal issues in behavioral science

Behavioral Science Specialist & Elective Courses

The extent to which students can specialize within a behavioral science master's program depends on the program. Some may have higher-level courses catered toward specific areas of interest such as organizational or academic leadership. More commonly, however, programs will offer a class on special topics or independent study in which students work closely with a faculty member to learn about something of interest to them. This often may involve original research in addition to reading, writing, and other traditional academic pursuits. It might be possible to take multiple such courses, though there is usually a limit on how many credit hours from a class like this can count toward your degree.

Licensure & Certification in Behavioral Science

Depending on the career those with a master's in behavioral science choose to pursue, it may be necessary to obtain some type of licensure or certification. Another factor that can determine whether this step is required is residency, as the laws between states vary when it comes to behavioral science licensure. Be sure to research your profession and state's requirements to determine what steps you must take to work in your field.

This is not always necessary, though, because some programs ensure graduates pass all about exam requirements for certification by the time they graduate. Others may offer certificates, such as an online certificate in behavioral psychology, that can be helpful but do not satisfy these requirements. Check to ensure that your program offers certification and not a certificate.

One of the most common certifications in this field is the Board Certified

Behavior Analyst (BCBA) provided by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. BCBAs can oversee Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).

In addition to getting licensed or certified as described above, perhaps the most common post-graduate academic option for those who earn a master's in behavioral science is obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the subject. Like their graduate-level counterparts, these programs may be within larger departments focused on subjects like philosophy, business, or public health, allowing students to choose the one that most closely aligns with their interests. This degree usually focuses on research and prepares graduates to become professors or researchers in this field.

There are numerous professional organizations that those who work in behavioral science can join. The focus of these groups ranges from the general to the specific, with some serving people in a broad field like psychology and others focusing on only a portion of people who work within behavioral science. Regardless of scope, these groups seek to benefit their members through various offerings such as peer-reviewed journals, continuing education options, and networking opportunities. Three examples of professional organizations in behavioral science are:

• Association for Behavior Analysis International - As already mentioned the ABAI accredits programs within this field. Since 1974, it has also hosted events to promote the dissemination of information, provided job placement services, and published scholarly journals, among other services.
• National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists - The NACBT began in 1995 to train and certify therapists throughout the United States and across the world. It has done so thousands of times throughout its existence. It also furthers the practice of CBT in other ways, such as webinars, events, and certification programs.
• American Psychological Association - Another group described above, the APA exists to advance psychology to improve lives and benefit society as a whole. It seeks to serve its over 122,000 members through numerous means like publications, events, and continuing education, in addition to its work to accredit programs.

As you may have surmised given the variety of sectors in which behavioral science may apply, it is possible for recent behavioral science graduates to work in several fields with this degree. Because of this, the salary and career information for behavioral scientists varies greatly.

Many different types or organizations need those who can analyze and explain human behavior to help in their endeavors. Others may need someone to conduct research or help care for those with mental health issues. Given that range of options, there are numerous possible job titles for those with a master's in behavioral science, including:

• Behavioral data analyst
• Survey researcher
• Mental health counselor
• Legal consultant
• Consumer behavioral analyst
• Applied behavior analysis therapist
• Substance abuse counselor
• Sociologist

Job Outlook for a Master's in Behavioral Science

With the variety of industries an individual with a master's in behavioral science can work in, it can be difficult to quantify the job outlook for this degree as a whole because the career information for behavioral science is so diverse. By looking at some careers within common job sectors, however, it is possible to see that the overall outlook for these graduates is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics found in 2019 that the job growth for psychologists, for example, was about as fast as the average for all jobs at 3 percent.

Similarly, the BLS reported that those working in a more business-focused setting with a degree like behavioral science actually should expect their industry to decline by 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, but it also noted that those with advanced degrees would likely have better outcomes. Finally, for those working in a position focused on something like mental health, the BLS predicted a booming industry with job growth of 25 percent from 2019 to 2029. Sociologists are projects to see a job outlook of 4% during the same period.

How to Become a Behavioral Disorder Counselor

One job that falls under that category is behavioral disorder counselor. These professionals advise people who suffer from a variety of mental or behavioral problems including mental health issues, drug addiction, alcoholism, and eating disorders. They provide treatment and support to help those they work with battle addiction or change their problematic behaviors. Also called addiction counselors, behavioral disorder counselors work with clients individually and in group sessions to teach them how to cope with stress and recover. This can include helping them rebuild relationships and be open about their behavioral disorders.

Requirements for this job vary. From an educational perspective, they can range from a high school diploma and certification to a master's degree. Those with a master's can provide more services to clients and require less supervision. It is also necessary for these practitioners to be licensed in their state.

The BLS reported in 2020 that the median annual pay for this job was $47,660.

How to Become a Survey Researcher

For those who obtain a behavioral science degree that is more focused on business, one career option is a survey researcher. These individuals design surveys and analyze their data to understand people and help their clients or employer. This research-focused position may involve conducting background research on survey topics, planning surveys, coordinating the work of interviewers, solving problems in the survey process, analyzing the survey data, and presenting the findings to those in charge.

Many of these research jobs require at least a master's or a doctorate. The degree can be in several different fields, including one like behavioral science. It may be helpful to take classes focused on research, statistics, and business topics to get a job. Similarly, getting experience through an internship or similar option, possibly through your school, can prove beneficial. The BLS reported in 2020 that the average annual salary for this job was $59,870.

As with undergraduate students, one of the best ways for graduate students to obtain financial aid is by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form shows students what federal loans, grants, or work-study requests they may qualify for. Completing the FAFSA may require myriad documents including the applicant's social security number, parents' social security numbers, driver's license number, and federal tax information for you, your spouse, and your parents.

Another common source of aid is the student's school. These typically offer ways for students to pay for their education like graduate assistantships, student employment, and fellowships. In addition, many universities have tuition waivers or scholarships that students can earn through their academic prowess and similar methods that can help pay for their education. These, especially those with less stringent requirements or that pay for more of your degree, can be highly competitive, just like getting into graduate school. Be sure to research what your school offers to determine the financial aid sources that may best work for you. The U.S. Department of Labor also hosts a Scholarship Finder tool on the CareerOneStop site, where behavioral science graduate students can find a variety of scholarships and grants.