Best Online Behavioral Health Bachelor's Degrees
If you are a prospective undergraduate student looking for a high-quality behavioral health degree program, but are in need of online degree options, take a look through the following list of the top online behavioral health bachelor's degree programs. We here at Study.com have already done the work for you, looking through data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and comparing and contrasting offerings from different schools across the country. The following schools offer affordable and accessible behavioral health programs by means of bachelor's degrees in the field of psychology, providing online students with both a strong background in psychology and the real-world skills that they will need to flourish in a wide variety of behavioral health careers. In addition to these main factors, we also looked how well these schools provide students with opportunities for internships or research projects in actual psychological or behavioral health-related workplaces, and how well these schools provide crucial extracurricular opportunities (such as psychology honors societies or behavioral health volunteer organizations) to online students. Take a look through this list to get the ball rolling on your online psychology career today!
1. Central Michigan University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,833 | 70% | 61% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
Central Michigan University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology program through its Global Campus. Students can add a concentration in mental health, which opens the door to an outstanding curriculum in areas like clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, and psychological testing. Online psychology students can also take advantage of some of the extracurricular perks offered at the university's main campus in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, such as its Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus and its Clinical Student Association.
2. Midway University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $24,850 | 60% | 44% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
Kentucky's Midway University has an Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program, that is offered as a fully online degree for distance learning students. Midway University's B.A. in Psychology program has earned its excellent reputation through a combination of comprehensive academic and strong preparation for entry-level mental health and counseling positions. In addition to these advantages, Midways' online B.A. in Psychology program is also noted for its expediency and convenience, with students being able to complete the degree at an accelerated pace in an eight-week course format.
3. Northern Kentucky University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,296 | 90% | 46% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
Northern Kentucky University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program that prepares students for careers in behavioral health. With a main campus in Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University has crafted an immersive online psychology degree program based around seven-week course blocks and six convenient annual starting dates. This program has particular strengths in the fields of abnormal, organizational, social, and cognitive psychology. Despite the online setting, Northern Kentucky allows its online psychology students to take advantage of several exciting academic opportunities, including the school's acclaimed study abroad program.
4. Nyack College
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,500 | 98% | 36% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
New York City's Nyack College has an online Bachelor of Arts program in psychology, that allows online bachelor's students focus their degree and prepare for behavioral health careers through their elective choices. In fact, Nyack College is one of the top schools in the country for preparing students for careers in fields such as behavioral coaching, residential management, and research assistantship.
5. Regent University
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,620 | 86% | 57% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
Regent University offers two acclaimed online bachelor's degree program in the psychology and behavioral science fields, a Bachelor of Science in General Psychology, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a specialty focus on clinical and counseling psychology. Both programs are offered online. Once enrolled, Regent University online psychology students can enjoy streamlined enrollment in eight-week course schedules, alongside engaged, hands-on faculty and academic advisors within the online setting.
6. University of Mobile
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,860 | 46% | 55% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
The University of Mobile's online program offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree where undergraduate students can pursue studies in abnormal, experimental, and cognitive psychology, as well as fields in applied psychology - like psychological counseling. Students interested in behavioral health careers, the University of Mobile's B.S. in Psychology is a top choice due to the unique blend of science, personal skills, research methods, communication, and civic values in its curriculum, providing students with a fully comprehensive and diverse skillset that will give them a major leg up in future careers in behavioral health fields.
7. University of the Incarnate Word
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,576 | 94% | 51% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
The University of the Incarnate Word has an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program that affords students the opportunity to achieve a firm scientific foundation for behavioral health careers. This San Antonio, Texas, university makes this list through its exemplary combination of psychology theory and in-person practice, producing students who are well-rounded in both the theoretical knowledge and interpersonal skills needed to excel in behavioral health careers. The program also places an even greater emphasis on real-world field experience by allowing its psychology students to complete either 100 hours of an internship in a relevant behavioral health employer or a final capstone project prior to the completion of their degrees.
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Health?
An online bachelor's degree in behavioral health aims to provide students with the foundational knowledge of individual and group behaviors and the social, environmental, and cultural influences on these behaviors. Generally, these kinds of programs tend to teach students several aspects of behavioral health sciences, including the techniques and approaches used by professionals in counseling careers, industry trends, research, ethics and best practices, as well as field history.
Online degree programs are typically offered completely online or in a hybrid curriculum of both virtual and in-person courses. Students should have access to a computer and the internet to take advantage of essential distance learning tools, including email communication, classroom forums, assignments, and video instruction.
These degrees may culminate in a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Behavioral Health or a similar program (e.g., Behavioral Science, Behavioral Health Science, Behavioral Health Counseling, etc.).
Graduates with online bachelor's degrees in behavioral health typically pursue behavioral health certification and licensure to work in the field (we will discuss this in a later section) or continue their education in a master's degree program. A behavioral health major is designed to teach the skills and knowledge to obtain various clinical or nonclinical careers, such as behavioral specialist or social worker, in order to assist a wide range of demographics in government, healthcare, court systems, education, and human services.
Behavioral Health Specializations and Concentrations
Depending on the school and program, students may have the option to concentrate on a specific study track related to community social services, psychology, and mental health counseling. While concentrations and specializations tend to vary, students may be able to choose one or more of the following concentrations in their behavioral health bachelor's degree programs:
- Human Services
- Cognitive Psychology
- Public Administration
- Abnormal Psychology
- Counseling
- Neurorehabilitation
Curriculum and Coursework for a Behavioral Health Degree
Students pursuing an online bachelor's degree in behavioral health typically devote the first half of their undergraduate curriculums to general education courses. (These requirements may be fulfilled in an associate degree program and transferred to a four-year behavioral health program). In the second half of a bachelor-level behavioral health curriculum, students usually complete core psychology and social science topics, in addition to several electives of their choosing.
Depending on the school, program, and concentration of study, students may take variations of the following behavioral health courses:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Lifespan Development
- Counseling
- Ethics of Behavioral Health Science
- Introduction to Psychology
- Trauma Studies
How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Bachelor's in Behavioral Health?
Typically, an online bachelor's degree consists of 120 credits of general education requirements, core or concentration coursework, and electives. Full-time students are usually able to complete their online bachelor's degree programs in about four years, while part-time students may take longer. Students may be required to fulfill a clinical practicum to meet the program requirements for graduation and licensure eligibility.
Other factors may include whether behavioral health programs offer 16-week or eight-week courses, if students enroll in more than one course at a time, whether programs offer summer courses, or if students choose to partake in internship opportunities.
How to Choose a Behavioral Health School & Program
Prospective behavioral health majors should consider key components in their search for the best school and program. For starters, students should ensure they meet the admissions requirements of different behavioral health programs (e.g., test scores, a minimum grade point average, and fulfillment of prerequisite courses).
Additional criteria to consider include:
- Whether a program offers concentrations, minors, and/or a wide range of courses for students to choose from
- The available learning formats, including fully remote or hybrid curriculums
- Opportunities to partake in internships or clinical practicum
- Whether programs provide professional resources and job placement tools for graduates
- Whether the program or school is accredited by a nationally-recognized accrediting agency
Perhaps most importantly, students will want to ensure that the program they're considering meets the standards for the licensure and certification needed to work in the behavioral health and sciences field.
Students are encouraged to contact an academic advisor at their prospective schools to learn more about different behavioral health programs and learning outcomes.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor's in Behavioral Health Degrees
Accreditation is given to colleges, universities, and programs that have met high academic standards for curriculums, instruction, and educational and professional resources to its students. Students seeking federal financial aid and scholarship opportunities typically must attend a nationally recognized, accredited higher education institution.
While some graduate and post-graduate behavioral health programs may receive specialized programmatic recognition, such as through the American Psychological Association (APA), students enrolled in undergraduate behavioral health programs should seek schools that have regional accreditation from CHEA-approved organizations like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Additionally, many online schools and programs are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Students can visit their college's website for more information regarding accreditation, or search the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).
Behavioral Health Licensure and Certification
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in behavioral health typically need to obtain state licensure and certification to work in several behavioral science careers. In order to become a licensed behavioral therapist, individuals can contact their state's licensing boards to review the eligibility requirements and additional criteria for obtaining the necessary credentials. The American Counseling Association maintains a list of each state's licensing board contact information and available credential titles.
At the bachelor level, graduates can pursue an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certification to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). The Behavioral Analyst Certification Board requires that individuals apply for the BCaBA credential, pass a comprehensive examination, and take continuing education courses to maintain their certification.
Students may want to consider continuing their behavioral health education in a master's degree program for career advancement, higher-level licensure eligibility, and additional employment opportunities.
Enrolling Online in a School for Behavioral Health Degree Program
First-year students enrolling in an online behavioral health undergraduate program should visit their prospective college's website and apply by filling out the online application. In some instances, students may also apply to college using the Common Application, a universal online application in which students can apply to multiple schools at one time. Most colleges charge a nominal fee to submit an application.
Upon submitting the application, students should send their test scores and official transcripts to the school. Some colleges require fulfillment of other admissions criteria, such as personal statements or college essays, letters of recommendation, and a current resume.
Students who seek to transfer from another school typically follow similar application guidelines. Depending on the school, transfer applicants may need to meet a minimum grade point average and have completed a number of prerequisite credits to be considered for admission into the behavioral health program.
For questions regarding the application process, deadlines, and admissions requirements, students should contact an academic advisor at their target college or university.
Behavioral Health Career Information
There are several employment options for individuals with bachelor's degrees and the appropriate licensure in behavioral health sciences. Behavioral health professionals typically work in government agencies, social services, businesses, schools, clinics, hospitals, private practices, etc. Graduates with behavioral health degrees typically possess excellent listening, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, professionals in behavioral health fields should have individual and group counseling experience and be compassionate and empathetic while working with their patients and clientele.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, individuals who worked in behavioral health sciences careers had a median salary of:
- Social and Community Service Managers: $67,150
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: $46,240
- Correctional Treatment Specialists: $54,290
- Social Worker: $50,470
- Psychiatric Technicians and Aides: $32,020
How to Become a Correctional Treatment Specialist
Correctional treatment specialists are responsible for managing case files and developing rehabilitation plans for inmates, parolees, and probationers. Oftentimes, they work alongside parole officers and staff members to determine the best procedures for parole and/or release based on completed questionnaires, counseling, and other cognitive tests given to inmates. Additional duties may include developing educational and skills-training programs, as well as aiding in housing, job placement, and/or mental health and addictions counseling.
Correctional treatment specialists typically have the critical thinking, decision-making, communication, organizational, and emotional stability skills required to effectively meet the needs of probationers and parolees, as well as to provide necessary resources.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), correctional treatment specialists have an expected job outlook of 4 percent (2019-2029). The projected job growth is likely due to counseling being seen as a more economically effective alternative to imprisonment.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
A substance abuse counselor works with clients to address substance abuse and addiction issues and develop treatment plans for recovery. Typically, substance abuse counselors will evaluate and counsel their clientele, provide resources and strategies to cope with stressful situations that drive their addictions, and work with clients' family members to create a circle of support.
Generally, substance abuse counselors tend to work in mental health facilities, prisons, juvenile detention centers, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities, halfway houses, or in private practices. To be an effective substance abuse counselor, professionals should possess a great deal of compassion, patience, listening, and interpersonal skills. They should also have strong communication skills with the ability to speak and express information clearly.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors have an expected job outlook of 25 percent (2019-2029), which is much higher than the national average.
What Other Kinds of Behavioral Health Degrees Are There?
Online behavioral health degrees are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels of study. Students may also pursue several undergraduate and graduate certificates in behavioral health sciences subjects. We will explore more of these options in the following sections.
There are many benefits to enrolling in distance learning programs for behavioral health. Aside from online degree programs being a cost-effective alternative to a campus-based education, students have the opportunity to gain additional skills that are transferable across many fields, including organizational, time management, self-discipline, and technical competencies.
Online Associate Degrees in Behavioral Health
An online associate degree in behavioral health offers a foundational curriculum for students who are interested in social science, human services, and psychology. Typically, students who are enrolled in an online associate degree program for behavioral health intend to continue studying in a four-year behavioral health degree program or seek entry-level employment in various human services positions, such as behavioral health technician, community outreach worker, or social services assistant.
Generally, associate degrees comprise 60 credits of general education courses (math, reading, writing, and science), a selection of behavioral health or related core topics, and electives. Students can typically graduate with an associate degree in about two years and may receive an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
Online Master's Degrees in Behavioral Health
Students with bachelor's degrees in behavioral health may decide to pursue an online master's degree in behavioral health or a related subject area. Online master's degree programs are typically ideal for individuals seeking career advancement in an array of behavioral science fields. For example, behavioral therapist, which requires that students hold a graduate degree, fulfill extensive clinical training, and obtain licensure to practice. Additionally, online master's degree programs usually offer a flexible curriculum that fits into the busy schedules of working professionals.
There are several program options for students who wish to obtain a master's degree program for behavioral health, and students may choose to study a specific area of behavioral science, such as mental health counseling, addictions counseling, human services counseling, applied counseling, marriage and family counseling, and even pastoral counseling.
Although some programs include the typical 30-36 credits of graduate-level coursework, other programs may require students to complete up to 60 credits for their master's degree. Graduates may become eligible for clinical licensure to practice in the field.
Online Doctoral Degrees in Behavioral Health
An online doctoral degree in behavioral health is the highest level of academic scholarship that students can obtain to become experts in their respective industries. Doctoral candidates may choose to pursue an online doctorate in order to seek employment in research, post-secondary education, clinical care, or healthcare management roles.
An online doctoral program typically offers students a rigorous curriculum that includes about 60 credits; although, many behavioral health programs require students to complete up to about 80 credits. In some online doctoral programs, students may have the option to concentrate on a specific area of study. Program requirements tend to vary in online doctoral behavioral health programs, but students may be expected to complete a capstone project or thesis/dissertation, as well as a clinical residency.
Online doctorates usually culminate in a clinical or non-clinical Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH), Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), or even a Doctor of Education (EdD) with an emphasis on behavioral health sciences.
Online Certificates in Behavioral Health
Undergraduate and graduate certificates in several behavioral health subjects are widely available online. Students can expect to take approximately 12-18 credits of coursework in core behavioral health sciences topics, often completing their programs in about a year.
Students tend to enroll in certificate programs to improve or gain new skills, seek career advancement, or stay abreast of industry trends. Online certificate programs in behavioral health sciences usually allow students to enhance their learning within their career areas and personal interests. Some behavioral health certificates that are offered online include Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health, Integrated Behavioral Health and Primary Care, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Applied Positive Psychology, and Healthcare Management.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Behavioral Health Degrees
An online bachelor's degree program for behavioral health is typically more cost-effective than most campus-based college programs; however, students who are in need of financial assistance to pay for their education may be eligible for federal or state financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
To determine how much federal financial aid they qualify for, students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility requirements typically include attendance at an accredited U.S. college or university with satisfactory academic achievement, proof of financial need, and U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status.
Other financial aid may be available through scholarships and grants, which can be searched for and applied to online; employer tuition reimbursement programs, work-study programs, or military/veteran academic benefits.
Students can call their school's financial aid office to speak with a representative regarding financial aid options, scholarship opportunities, and tuition and financing.
NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
The NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program is available to undergraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds who attend an accredited U.S. college or university for behavioral, biomedical, or social health science. Applicants must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 or fall within the top 5 percent of their class.
Scholarship recipients may receive up to $20,000 per academic year for tuition and other college expenses, which can be renewed for up to four years. For each scholarship year, students are required to fulfill a ten-week summer laboratory practicum at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), in addition to one year of research at the NHGRI upon graduation.
Social Impact Scholarship
The Social Impact Scholarship is available to currently-enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants can apply from any major of study; however, students should be committed to creating a positive impact on their communities through their degree program. To apply, students should submit their most recent transcript, an updated resume, and an essay (400-800 words) discussing how they intend to utilize their degree to create a more inclusive world.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and two students each year have the opportunity to receive up to $1,000 for their tuition and other college-related expenses.
