Behavioral science is a branch of the social sciences that analyzes how human relationships are affected by actions and interactions. Explore the coursework and prerequisites for a master's degree program in behavioral science, review some potential concentration options within the field and get career info for graduates.
What Are the Requirements for a Master's Degree in Behavioral Science?
To be admitted into a master's degree program in behavioral science, you must have a bachelor's degree, preferably in one of the social sciences. Your options include subjects like social work, criminal justice, psychology or sociology.
The master's degree program involves two years of simulations, discussions and research projects, which may include a practicum. There are non-thesis and thesis options available, which will affect the scope of your research projects and the number of other courses you'll have to take. You may also have the option to choose a specialty, such as counseling, general psychology or marriage and family therapy.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Admissions Requirements</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Academic Requirements</b></td><td> Coursework, research projects, thesis (non-thesis options are available)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Counseling, research methodology, human development, ethics and professionalism, intervention</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td> Counselor, criminal analyst, researcher</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$47,660 <i>(for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)</b></td><td>25% growth <i>(for all substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTopicsAreCovered">What Topics Are Covered?</h3><p>Through a behavioral science master's degree program, you'll explore factors affecting international and domestic relationships as well as personal relationships. The behavioral science master's degree program will also familiarize you with organizations and policies that pertain to counseling and the social sciences, including behavioral science. Some specific topics you might study could include:
</p><ul><li>Research methods
</li><li>Methodology
</li><li>Human development
</li><li>Ethics and professionalism
</li><li>Intervention
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowCanIUseTheDegree">How Can I Use the Degree?</h3><p>With a master's degree in behavioral science, you can become a counselor, helping people through difficult circumstances, such as hard times in a marriage or the death of a loved one. You could also work for a police department or a government program, interviewing and analyzing criminals. If research interests you, you can go into a research sector to test and develop theories pertaining to behavioral scientists. Becoming a sociologist or a social scientist is another option, though this typically requires earning a doctorate.</p>
