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How do I get a Behavioral Science Degree?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

A behavioral science degree typically refers to an undergraduate (bachelor) or graduate degree (masters or doctorate) in a number of different disciplines. These include all areas dealing with psychology, all areas that cover social work, and some degrees in anthropology, especially those dealing with cultural anthropology. People get a behavioral science degree by majoring in one these disciplines in college. In very different ways, each subject trains people to look at and evaluate human behavior, human interactions, and the systems or philosophies that may to explain behavior and address its problems.

The first step for people who would like to get a behavioral science degree is to finish high school or pass a high school equivalency examination. Students should then look at colleges available to see what types of degrees they may offer. Some will have a wide range and others will only offer a few disciplines. What area a person wants to study should determine choice of college, especially if that area is not available at some schools. Though there are many fields that make up the behavioral sciences, there’s a vast difference between getting a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and psychology, for instance.

People who would like to work as mental health counselors need a behavioral science degree at master’s level.
People who would like to work as mental health counselors need a behavioral science degree at master’s level.

Students may not be asked to declare a major for the first two years of college, and school choice isn’t that important the first two years. Although there are online schools that offer four-year studies in behavioral science, it tends to be much less expensive to attend freshman and sophomore years at a community college. This is also true with most four-year offline schools; price is usually higher than local junior colleges.

Therapists and counselors who specialize in couples and marriage therapy typically need to earn a master's degree.
Therapists and counselors who specialize in couples and marriage therapy typically need to earn a master's degree.

In sophomore year, students do need to start thinking about a major, and they will have taken some classes in some of these disciplines to help them decide which ones appeal most. They might want to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pursing different kinds of degrees with leaders of the various departments, or simply with trusted teachers with whom they’ve studied. It can also make sense to take a look at websites like the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which may give information about what kind of professions a person can enter with the varying degrees earned, and whether further study will be needed.

To earn a behavioral science degree at the graduate level, most people must show proof of very good grades.
To earn a behavioral science degree at the graduate level, most people must show proof of very good grades.

In many of the behavioral sciences that have a counseling element, it may be necessary to proceed to the master or doctorate level in order to get work as counselor. People who want to be psychologists need a PhD, and those who would like to work as mental health counselors need a behavioral science degree at master’s level. Social workers will want to purse a Master’s in Social Work, and those who want to work as marriage and family therapists must get a Master’s in counseling or specifically in marriage and family therapy.

Those who want to work as family therapists usually need a master's degree in counseling.
Those who want to work as family therapists usually need a master's degree in counseling.

In order to be able to enter graduate school and earn a behavioral science degree at the graduate level, most people must show proof of very good grades and some will have to take the Graduate Record Examination. Some people opt to take online degrees where entry prerequisites may be less stringent, but they should be certain to verify these schools are reputable and appropriately accredited. Since there can be lab or practicum requirements with these degrees, they may have some attendance requirements too.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon1002387

Is a degree in behavioral science somewhat generic, and allows for traversing from a clinical environment to sales? I began gathering information about this degree for a career in alcohol and substance abuse treatment. Lately I have been learning about less personal opportunities, like the private sector of business, or even broad public social affairs.

suntan12

Moldova- I have a friend who got an online behavioral science degree and went on to work in a staffing company as a recruiter.

She earns a nice salary along with a commission on her placements. She did not want to continue her education and go on to and get a graduate degree which is why she did not pursue anything in the field.

There are many companies that actually like to hire people with liberal arts or even behavioral science degrees.

Many people that have taken behavioral science courses often have additional insight that allows them to be successful in the field of sales.

Transitioning into the sales field also allows someone with a background in behavioral science the opportunity to earn an executive salary. The understanding of human behavior is a huge advantage in sales.

Moldova

SurfNturf- I can answer that for you. Anyone seeking a degree in behavioral science can actually go on to graduate school and specialize in area in psychology.

A master’s degree in behavioral science will allow you to work in a clinical practice. Depending on the specialization that you choose, you can work as a marriage counselor, a mental health counselor, or in addiction counselor specializing in addictive personalities.

This aspect of psychology treats addictions like food, alcohol, drugs, and abusive relationships.

This could be a very rewarding field for someone with a behavioral science master's degree.

A bachelor’s degree in behavioral science will allow you to work in very entry-level positions in psychology, as a master’s degree or higher is required for most positions in this field.

surfNturf

What can I do with a behavioral science degree?

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    • People who would like to work as mental health counselors need a behavioral science degree at master’s level.
      By: michaeljung
      People who would like to work as mental health counselors need a behavioral science degree at master’s level.
    • Therapists and counselors who specialize in couples and marriage therapy typically need to earn a master's degree.
      By: Darren Baker
      Therapists and counselors who specialize in couples and marriage therapy typically need to earn a master's degree.
    • To earn a behavioral science degree at the graduate level, most people must show proof of very good grades.
      By: VIPDesign
      To earn a behavioral science degree at the graduate level, most people must show proof of very good grades.
    • Those who want to work as family therapists usually need a master's degree in counseling.
      By: weim
      Those who want to work as family therapists usually need a master's degree in counseling.
    • People interested in behavioral sciences may work with people on an individual basis.
      By: alexsokolov
      People interested in behavioral sciences may work with people on an individual basis.
    • Behavioral scientists may counsel specific groups, such as married couples.
      By: Julia Shepeleva
      Behavioral scientists may counsel specific groups, such as married couples.
    • Criminal behaviorists might work with juvenile offenders to help rehabilitate them.
      By: Vibe Images
      Criminal behaviorists might work with juvenile offenders to help rehabilitate them.