Online Behavioral Science Degree Programs

Whether you're pursuing a full-fledged psychology career or just want to learn more about how to use psychology and behavioral science in today's marketplace, you'll find a wide cross-section of careers that make use of training in psychology and behavioral science. Generally speaking, behavioral science encompasses several scientific and artistic disciplines that predict, study, or explain human behavior. While a psychology career may be the most common application of a behavioral science education, the degree has wider relevance. Behavioral science majors go on to careers in art and architecture, economics, business, career counseling, and even marketing.

College Degrees and Career Training in Psychology and Behavioral Science

The college degree program that's right for you will depend on the career path you choose. If you want to pursue a career in research, forensic, or clinical psychology, an advanced degree in psychology will be necessary. If you want to pursue a career in psychology, you'll need either a PhD or a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) degree. Even if you're not interested in psychology as a career, a bachelor's degree in psychology and behavioral science can provide relevant insight into a number of other careers. For broader career training in psychology and behavioral science, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in behavioral science or criminal justice might be an appropriate choice. Bachelor's degrees in psychology and behavioral science can prepare you to enter careers in criminal justice, sociology, marketing, or public relations.

Although coursework and specific career training varies by school, college degree level, and career path, college degrees in psychology and behavioral science can include coursework in perception, learning, biological psychology, developmental psychology, personality theory, and abnormal psychology. Certain degree programs may incorporate psychology and human behavior into courses on marketing, criminal justice, advertising, sociology, or business administration.

Careers for Graduates of Psychology and Behavioral Science Degree Programs

From criminal justice to advertising, human psychology and behavioral science have a wide range of practical career applications, many with promising outlooks. Public relations specialists and advertisers, for example, use principles of psychology and behavioral science to enhance the reputation of individuals or organizations. Median annual earnings for public relations specialists stood at $47,350 in May 2006. The same year, nonsupervisory workers in advertising and public relations services averaged $734 a week, substantially more than all other nonsupervisory workers in private industry (where the average stood at a mere $568 per week).

• Social Science
• Psychology & Behavior