Key takeaways
- Getting a behavioral health science degree prepares you for a variety of careers in behavioral healthcare.
- A behavioral health science degree can lead to jobs as a social worker, case manager, behavior specialist, registered behavior technician, mental health aide, and more.
- You can study the program at Rhode Island College, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of South Florida, Boston University, and more.
- Colleges offering a behavioral health science degree online are Grand Canyon University, East Central University, Bellevue University, and more.
- If you want to pursue job roles in counseling, you need an advanced degree such as a master’s degree in behavioral health science or psychology.
- Post-COVID, the demand for behavioral health science professionals is on the rise due to a prevalence of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
If human behavior intrigues you and you are passionate about helping people improve their mental health, a behavioral health science degree is ideal for you. It is a degree in health science with a concentration in mental health and essentially falls under the umbrella of behavioral science degrees.
In this guide, you will learn what a behavioral health science degree is and what career opportunities it presents. Additionally, you will find a list of colleges from where you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health science.
What is a behavioral health science degree?
A behavioral health science degree features a curriculum tailored for those who want to work towards significantly improving the overall quality of life, and emotional and mental well-being of their patients. Through the program, students will develop a variety of skills and a deep understanding of best practices in a clinical setting.
The program starts by building a comprehensive understanding of fundamental behavioral science concepts and then takes a deeper dive into therapy, psychology, and counseling techniques. Students enrolled in the program learn how to identify those who are battling with addiction or struggling with mental health and family relations.
Through the program, they learn the prevention and intervention strategies and techniques that can be used to help those battling mental health issues that bring about negative behavioral issues. These can be chemical dependency or substance abuse and addiction, anger management issues, depression, self-harm, and so on.
A behavioral health science degree equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to help their patients change their behavior for the better. They learn how to communicate with troubled patients, how to connect with them, help them identify destructive behavioral patterns, and guide them so they can change for the better. Behavioral health science graduates can explore several job opportunities in counseling, social work, and more. Read on for an in-depth behavioral health science degree career guide.
What does a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science degree entail?
You can either pursue an associate’s or a bachelor’s behavioral health science degree at the undergraduate level. An associate degree in behavioral health science lasts two years and requires completion of 60 credit hours. With an associate degree, you can either pursue some entry-level job opportunities or enroll in a bachelor’s program.
A bachelor’s degree in behavioral health science lasts four years for those who enroll in one after high school graduation. If you pursue a bachelor’s after getting an associate degree, you can complete the program in as little as two years depending on the number of transferable credits earned in an associate.
Through a bachelor’s behavioral health science program, students learn all major theories and concepts in the field. They also learn to apply those concepts to real-world situations through simulated learning environments or practical case studies.
Program coursework
The exact course framework for behavioral health science bachelors varies by institute. However, you can definitely expect to see a blend of psychology, counseling, and therapy-oriented course frameworks. Here are some core-specific courses you may come across in a behavioral health science degree:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Drugs and Chemical Dependency
- Exemplary Practices in Behavioral Healthcare Treatment
- Introduction to Psychological Disorders
- Theories of Psychological Intervention
- Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues In Behavioral Healthcare
- Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
- Adult Psychopathology
- Family Psychology
- Psychology Testing
- Psychology-Law
Additionally, you will have to fulfill general education requirements. Given that a Behavioral Health Science degree is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program, you will probably need to take courses in social science, mathematics, sociology, and some science courses. Again, the exact requirements and course availability vary by college so give the program curriculum a thorough overview before enrolling in a program to determine learning outcomes.
Skills you learn in a behavioral health science degree
Behavioral health science is the social-communication science branch within the behavioral sciences field. Here, the skills you develop will be vast and varied and broadly applicable to several job roles in family counseling, marriage counseling, rehabilitation therapy, mental health case management, and more. Learning takeaways from the program include the following:
- Patient screening
- Creating treatment plans
- Monitoring treatment progress
- Counselling theories
- Using tools such as the DSM Manual and ICD codes
- Using emerging brain technology for more effective treatments
- Documentation skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of laws and rules.
- Identifying physical symptoms of behavioral health disorders – reading body language
- Communicating with the patient – the issue, discussing the best way forward, convincing the patient to change behavioral patterns, and helping them identify how it will create a positive impact in their lives.
- Understand chemical dependency and factors that influence addiction and related disorders.
- Childhood and adolescence disorders
- Child/adolescent/adult psychology
- Cognitive disorders and treatments
The list goes on as behavioral health science is an ever-evolving field. Each patient is different, and healthcare practitioners have to assess the patient before prescribing a treatment plan for them. Thus communication, attention to detail, understanding body language, and non-verbal cues are all essential skills behavioral healthcare practitioners develop through formal education.
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for a Bachelor of Science in behavioral health science are the same as that of any other bachelor program for those applying after high school graduation. While the exact admission criteria vary by institution, here are the general admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health science for new college students:
- Completed college application + Application fee (if applicable)
- Official high school transcript – can be substituted with GED transcript
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal essay detailing why you chose behavioral health science as a major.
- International students must also submit English proficiency test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree, or an associate degree must submit the following:
- College transcript
- Letters of recommendation
Additionally, you will have to determine transferable credits earned in the associate program to determine which semester you will join. If all your credits are transferable, you will join from the fifth semester.
Graduation requirements
As is the case with the admission requirements, the graduation requirements too vary by institution. For a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health science, you may need to fulfill the following to graduate:
- Completion of required credit hours (120-135 – varies by institution)
- The total required credits are divided between general education, core-specific, elective courses, and capstone projects. The exact distribution varies and will be available in the program course curriculum.
- Completion of an internship – complete with an experience letter
- Additionally, you will have to meet the minimum GPA requirements set by the college.
The capstone project can either be research or a practical project. Either way, you will have to present a detailed project report and fulfill project requirements.
Comprehensive list of colleges offering a behavioral science bachelor’s degree
Whether you are looking for private colleges or public universities, you will find many institutions across the US offering a behavioral health science degree. From an associate’s to a bachelor’s, to a master’s, and even a doctorate, you can find all levels of education in the behavioral health sciences at US colleges.
Here are a few colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health science.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Rhode Island College | 88% | 49% | $10,986 in-state
$26,519 out-of-state |
| University of Houston Downtown | 88% | 46% | $7,708 in-state
$17,788 out-of-state |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | 61% | 70% | $51,763 |
| University of South Florida | 44% | 74% | $211.19/credit hr. (in-state)
$575.01/ credit hr. out-of-state |
| Boston University | 14% | 89% | $66,670 |
| Austin Peay State University | 94% | 42% | $9,023 in-state
$14,567 out-of-state |
| Peninsula College | 100% | 41.3% | $4,586 in-state
$5,111 out-of-state |
Peninsula College is a 2-year college offering a bachelor’s program. To secure admission to Peninsula College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Healthcare program, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- 90 transferable credits from a completed 2-year degree
- Minimum cumulative GPA 2.0 with 5 credits in ENGL & 101
- A completed college application for the BAS program
- Additional required credits of distribution
How to select a behavioral health science program?
Choosing the right college from where you pursue higher education is an essential step. There are several factors to consider especially when it comes to a specialized program such as a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health science. You can either pursue a standalone behavioral health science program or opt for a Bachelor of Science in health science with a concentration in mental health. Whatever you choose, here are a few factors to consider.
- Faculty expertise
- College/ program reputation
- Entry requirements/eligibility criteria
- Graduation requirements
- Cost of attendance
- Networking opportunities
Faculty expertise should be your first and foremost consideration when sorting through colleges. Experienced faculty, preferably industry professionals that bring real-life experience into the classroom are essential.
The total cost of attendance is another important consideration. The tuition fees are often just the tip of the iceberg, in some states accommodation, travel, and utility costs are so high that the overall cost of attendance ends up double the amount of program tuition.
Another important consideration is the networking opportunities available to you in your bachelor’s program. The stronger your network is the easier it will be to access internship and job opportunities. Moreover, interacting with industry professionals and like-minded peers can enhance your learning experience.
Can I get a behavioral health degree online?
The demand for online degrees and educational programs remains high even post-COVID for a number of reasons. There are significant advantages to pursuing an online mode of learning, especially for higher education programs as attending a college or university requires significant time and resources.
Advantages of an online behavioral health program
Pursuing an online behavioral health science degree has many advantages. Online students enjoy greater flexibility and convenience, especially those enrolled in a fully asynchronous program.
Asynchronous learners do not have to adhere to a campus schedule and can take classes at any time and from anywhere. Even those enrolled in a synchronous program enjoy being able to take their classes from any location and not have to worry about making it to campus in time for the class.
Additionally, the cost of attending an online behavioral health degree is significantly lower than that of a traditional degree. Students don’t have to account for transport, utilities, and accommodation costs, and in some cases, even tuition for online programs is cheaper.
Another major benefit is the lack of geographical limitations. Whether you live in another city, another state, another country, or another continent, you can access high-quality education from top institutions across the world online.
Disadvantages of pursuing a behavioral health degree online
However, there are always two sides to a coin. While there are significant advantages to pursuing an online degree, there are some drawbacks to consider as well.
Online students will not have access to campus resources and technical support. They must be self-sufficient and reliant in many more ways than technologically. Students must also be able to demonstrate discipline and self-initiative. Additionally, they must be excellent at time management or else they may struggle to establish a work-life balance.
Colleges offering an online behavioral science degree
If you are looking for a behavioral health degree online, here are some colleges offering behavioral health, and practice-focused behavioral science degrees at the bachelor level.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Grand Canyon University | 78% | 47% | $17,450 |
| Thomas Jefferson University | 86% | 85.5% | $38,160 |
| Bellevue University | 100% | 65% | $13,173 |
| East Central University | 70% | 37% | $8,032 in-state
$17,542 out-of-state |
| Wilmington University | 99.2% | 49% | $24,022 |
How to select a college for an online behavioral science degree?
When choosing an online college from which to pursue a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health science, there are certain factors to keep in consideration. These include:
- Faculty expertise
- Mode of delivery – synchronous or asynchronous
- Accreditation
- Graduation requirements
- Industry connections and networking opportunities
Faculty expertise and college accreditations should be your first and foremost consideration. Accreditation by higher education accrediting authorities serves as a guarantee of quality. Unaccredited colleges should not be a consideration regardless of how attractive the online program they are offering may appear.
Another important consideration is the networking opportunities and practical learning opportunities a college provides. Building industry connections is an essential part of a healthcare professional’s training. It not only helps you access internship opportunities but also aids in career development.
Behavioral health degree jobs you can get with a bachelor’s
The behavioral health science degree builds a broad range of competencies and skills that can get you job opportunities in a variety of fields. Some behavioral health degree jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree are mentioned below as well as the average salaries for the said occupation.
| Job title | Average salary |
| Behavioral Specialist | $66,889 per year |
| Registered Behavior Technician | $53,040 per year |
| Social Worker | $58,440 per year |
| Intervention Specialist | $54,932 per year |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $87,211 per year |
| Health Services Director | $100,857 per year |
| Correctional Counselors | $67,617 per year |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $68,566 per year |
The figures mentioned in the table are the median values derived from the listed salaries for similar job roles of entry, mid, and senior-level positions. The exact salary offered varies by educational qualification, experience level, industry of employment, company size, and more.
Licensed professionals with a behavioral health science degree can either open their own practice or seek employment in government or private institutions. The salaries offered by private corporations are different from those offered by public ones. When considering behavior science degree careers, personal aspirations, and career goals play a huge role in determining which job role is ideal for you.
Behavior health science careers outlook and industry overview
The career outlook for behavioral science careers is bright with most occupations having a faster than the national average job growth rate according to a report by BLS. Graduates can venture into social work, counseling, or educational services. Graduates can avail of several job opportunities in multiple healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinical settings, and so on.
However, the ideal educational level for each job in behavioral health sciences varies. Below is a table with behavioral health science degree jobs, the required educational qualifications, and their job outlook.
| Job title | Educational requirements | Job outlook |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | Bachelor’s degree (entry-level qualification) | 4% |
| Marriage and Family Counselors | Master’s degree + license | 16% |
| Social and Community Service Workers | Bachelor’s degree | 8% |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | Master’s degree + license | 2% |
| Substance Abuse/Mental Health Counselors | Master’s degree + internships + state-issued license | 19% |
The entry-level education qualification requirements for counseling positions are typically a master’s degree and significant work experience. Aspiring mental health counselors can seek assistant-level job roles to gain the required work experience and obtain on-the-job training and experience.
Behavioral health market overview
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the Global Behavioral Health Market will be valued at $107.3 billion by 2032, growing with an annual growth rate of 7.7% between 2023 and 2032.
Statista reports that revenue generated from the Mental and Behavioral Health Management Market to be around $1,191.00 million by the end of 2024. This segment within the behavioral health science market is to be the fastest growing with an annual growth rate of 19.85%. By the end of 2029, the annual revenue earned is projected to be around half a million shy of $300 million.
Key players in the behavioral health market are:
- Cerner Corporation
- Netsmart Technologies, Inc.
- Core Solutions
- MindLinc
- NXGN Management, LLC.
- Echo Group
- Valant Inc.
- WELLIGENT, Inc.
- Credible
- Meditab
- Kareo, Inc.
These are all US companies indicating that the United States dominates the Global Behavioral Healthcare Market, followed by other North American countries, the South American market, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East, and Africa.
Reports indicate that several factors are contributing to the growth in the United States’ behavioral health market size. These include the rising awareness and prevalence of mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and chemical dependence/drug abuse. Post-COVID, many people are struggling with mental health issues as they try to overcome the severe trauma suffered during the pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Behavioral health science degree
If you have decided to pursue a behavioral health science degree, you should clear any confusion and doubts you may have regarding the program. Here are the answers to a few of the frequently asked questions about a behavioral health science degree.
Is a behavioral health science degree the same as a behavioral science degree?
Behavioral health science and a behavioral science degree are interrelated programs but no they are not the same. A behavioral science degree is more research-intensive. Here, students develop an in-depth understanding of psychology through different perspectives. They undertake courses in sociology, management, economics, and other related disciplines to build theories that help us all understand human behavior.
A behavioral health science degree takes a more practical approach. Here, students learn behavioral science theories and their practical applications with the goal of helping patients improve their overall quality of life. The goal of the program is to equip students with the skills needed to be able to bring about behavioral change in patients with cognitive disorders, substance abuse issues, trauma victims, and so on.
What can you do with a behavioral science degree?
With a behavioral health science degree, you qualify for many entry-level positions in the behavioral healthcare field. Some jobs you can get with a behavioral health science degree include Registered Behavior Technician, Social Worker, Community Service Manager, Behavior Specialist, and Health Services Manager.
You can also venture into counseling services such as marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, correctional behavioral counseling, and so on. However, you need an advanced degree, and a state-issued license to be eligible for counseling job roles.
Behavioral science vs psychology degree – which is better?
Behavioral science is a vast field of study featuring courses from a wide range of subjects, including sociology, psychology, cognitive science, anthropology, and even Artificial Intelligence.
It is an interdisciplinary field that studies human behavior from multiple perspectives. Behavioral science is ideal for students who want to work with people and understand their conditions and situations from a cultural, social, and neuroscience perspective.
In comparison, psychology is a concentrated area of study that focuses on human behavior and the human brain, its biology, cognitive abilities, and different processes. Within the field of psychology, there are different subbranches that students can specialize in. It is ideal for students who want to venture into the professional fields as psychologists, and psychotherapists.
Your choice of degree will depend on your own career aspirations and personal inclinations.
Is a behavioral health science degree worth it?
If you are passionate about helping people improve their lives, a behavioral health science degree is worth it. The program focuses on teaching aspiring behavioral health professionals how to learn about behavioral change within individuals or communities. Whether you want to become a social worker, a substance abuse counselor, a correctional counselor, or a community service manager, a behavioral health science degree is the ideal option for you.
Get a chance to make a change with a behavioral health science degree!
If you want to develop strong analytical skills and have a knack for problem-solving, community service, or just a strong desire to help people, pursue a behavioral health science degree. The degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to work with troubled individuals and helps them bring about behavioral change to improve the quality of their lives.
We have provided a comprehensive list of colleges offering a behavioral health science degree on-campus and online to help make college selection easier. You can also use our AI Essay Generator to generate a unique essay outline that you can use as a guide for your personal essay.