Bachelor of Arts (BA): Behavioral Science Degree Overview
Research Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science programs. Get information about requirements, courses and career prospects to make an informed decision about your education.
Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science
Students in a bachelor's degree program in behavioral science learn to analyze human behavior by using the methodologies and principles of psychology, sociology and anthropology. They use critical thinking skills to examine the interaction of humans and determine how culture and society influence people's behavior. Students also learn how to apply behavioral science theories to real life settings. These Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs take four years to complete, but some schools offer accelerated programs that allow students to finish in less time.
Educational Prerequisites
Students must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate to enter a 4-year program in behavioral sciences. Some colleges with accelerated programs require that students hold an associate's degree or have completed some college. These accelerated programs are often available through colleges' adult learning departments and may only be available to students who are over a specific age.
Course Topics
Students in a behavioral science bachelor's program learn the methodology that is needed to observe behavior and gather information as well as the science required to analyze their findings. Some programs allow students to focus their studies on one specialization of behavioral science, like sociology or psychology. Additionally, programs may offer students the option to gain practical experience through internships. Course offerings may include:
- Statistics in behavioral science
- Research methods
- Counseling theories
- Personality theory
- Lifespan development
- Social psychology
- Diversity
Popular Career Options
Individuals with bachelor's degrees in behavioral science can work in law enforcement, social services, teaching, counseling and human resources. They may be employed by government agencies, private businesses or not-for-profits. Here are some career choices that are attainable with a bachelor's degree:
- Social worker
- Behavioral science teacher
- Grant writer
- Criminal profiler
- Human resources specialist
Continuing Education
Many students with bachelor's degrees in behavioral science go on to obtain professional degrees in law, medicine or education. Others, who want to work with healthcare organizations, public health departments, substance abuse treatment centers or not-for-profit organizations may pursue master's degrees in behavioral science. Master's programs in behavioral science consist of advanced theory and research instruction in the classroom as well as practical experience in the field. Note that entry to some professions related to behavioral science require licensure. Teachers, social workers and lawyers, for example, must be licensed or certified to practice in their professions.
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18 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 22 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arkansas (2 campuses)
- Arizona (4)
- California (17)
- Colorado (3)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (3)
- Hawaii (1)
- Idaho (1)
- Indiana (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Louisiana (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (3)
- Mississippi (1)
- Nevada (2)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (1)
- Tennessee (3)
- Texas (8)
- Utah (2)
- Virginia (3)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must have completed 12 college credits
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (18 campuses)
- Washington (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Bachelor
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- BS in Applied Psychology
- BS in General Psychology
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- BS in Psychology
- BS in Forensic Psychology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
