Online Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Sciences
Get information about behavioral sciences bachelor's programs and the coursework offered in them. Find out if courses can be taken online, and learn about careers that might need applicants with this degree.
What Is an Online Behavioral Science Degree Program?
Online bachelor's degree programs in behavioral science generally award a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and combine elements from several different areas, including psychology, sociology, social work and criminal justice. Through a B.S. in Behavioral Science program, you can learn about human behavior and how humans interact in social groups.
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science; combination of social work, psychology, criminal justice and sociology fields |
| Common Courses | Sociology, statistics, group dynamics, psychology |
| Online Program Advantages | Flexibility, online discussion forums, scheduling around work and family obligations |
| Career Options | Jobs in counseling, human services and social work fields; option to pursue master's or doctorate degrees |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 25% growth (for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors)* |
| Median Salary (2020) | $47,660 (for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Courses Will I Take?
You may find that a B.S. in Behavioral Science program covers a wide range of topics and areas from multiple disciplines. In addition to general education courses, most programs include elective and major courses, which you can structure to focus on different areas of behavioral science. You can also take courses similar to the following:
- Social psychology
- Group dynamics
- Statistics
- Research design
- Sociology
Why Should I Study Online?
Earning your degree from a traditional, on-campus program can require you to attend lectures regularly throughout the day. Online programs are generally more flexible, allowing you to access online lectures at any time, freeing up your day for work, study or other activities.
Online programs are also more flexible with when you must complete coursework or take tests. An additional benefit of online programs is that classes frequently include online discussion forums, allowing you to discuss class material with professors and fellow students.
What Can I Do With My Degree?
The skills you develop can help you prepare for a career in human services, counseling or another related field. You can also prepare for graduate study in a field of behavioral sciences, including psychology, anthropology and sociology.
With a bachelor's degree in behavioral science, you can pursue a master's or doctorate in a variety of fields, including business, counseling, criminal justice, psychology, social work or community outreach. You can also find job opportunities with your educational background in behavioral science. The following are examples of jobs and their average salary as recently as May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov):
- Training and development specialist: $67,440
- Probation officer: $61,900
- Writer: $78,680