Find your perfect college degree
If you are passionate about deeply understanding human behavior so that you can help people and communities make positive changes, then a career in behavioral psychology could be for you.
With the right training and quality education from an accredited institution, this branch of psychology can help you gain the expertise to assist individuals in overcoming challenges, encourage healthier lifestyles, promote good interpersonal relationships, and contribute to the overall well-being of society.
The Lowdown
A Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Psychology equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and theories related to human behavior. This degree program combines psychology, sociology, and other related disciplines to explore how individuals think, feel, and act in various situations.
It also studies how these behaviors can be understood, analyzed, and modified. Graduates of behavioral psychology programs can either pursue entry-level careers where understanding behavior is crucial, such as in Human Resources and Marketing, or pursue further studies in Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Forensic Psychology, or related disciplines.
Behavioral Psychology, often referred to as behaviorism, is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding and analyzing human behavior through observable actions, reactions, and responses. In simple words, it studies how people’s actions and reactions are influenced by their surroundings.
The best way to understand behavioral sciences and leverage this comprehension to create systematic solutions to behavioral disorders, whether on individual or community levels, is to attain a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Psychology degree!
Graduates can then pursue entry-level positions in human resources, social services, and education, among other related fields.
Alternatively, they can proceed with a Master’s degree in Behavioral Psychology program. The next step is obtaining the necessary license to practice clinical psychology and counseling as a behavioral psychologist and mental health counselor who addresses behavioral challenges.
With many learning institutions now offering online degrees in Behavioral Science degree at the bachelor’s level, it won’t just be the high school graduates and GED certificate holders who have access to the wonderful study of human behavior.
Adult learners, including working professionals, geographically challenged individuals, service members, and veterans, will also have the chance to attain their Bachelor’s in Behavioral Psychology with the self-paced and flexible nature of online degree programs.
Methodology
Universities and colleges throughout the country are offering online programs for Bachelor in Behavior Psychology. We gathered some of the best institutions offering online Bachelor’s degree programs in order to make your search more convenient and faster.
The schools in our list, arranged in no particular order, are carefully selected based on certain criteria, including the following:
- Offers the program in a hybrid or 100% online setup,
- Has rigorous coursework covering essential behavioral psychology topics like foundational concepts, research methods, and applied areas,
- Provides opportunities for internships, research, simulations, and experiential learning in order for students to apply theoretical knowledge,
- Employs faculty members with relevant academic degrees and experience in the field of Behavioral Psychology,
- Provides access to a comprehensive variety of support services, including academic advising, technical support, and library access,
- Facilitates networking opportunities with alumni, students, and professionals in relevant industries,
- Has accreditation from industry-recognized accrediting organizations to ensure high academic quality standards.
Visit our Methodology page to get more details on our ranking process.
10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Behavioral Psychology Programs
Capella University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)
Minnesota-based Capella University offers its 100% online degree program for Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), requiring students to complete 180 total credits. The curriculum includes 10 to 13 General Education courses, nine Core courses, six Specialization courses, and two Capstones.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International or ABAI has verified certain courses in the program toward the educational requirements that allow students to sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) or the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination.
The U.S. Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditation agency, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), has approved the accreditation of Capella University.
What Makes this Program Unique:
- Enrollees of the online program can transfer as many as 120 credits.
- A $15,000 Capella Progress Reward is a scholarship program available to qualified students to help them finance their bachelor’s degree.
- Faculty members are industry leaders who bring real-world simulation into the classroom for an enriching educational experience.
Did You Know?
The Minnesota Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program has acknowledged Capella University as a Yellow Ribbon company for its outstanding support of service members, veterans, and their families.
East Central University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Behavioral Health (Online)
The fully online program of East Central University for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Behavioral Health degree has courses of around eight weeks and can be completed within two to four years.
The program, delivered by ECU Online, requires students to complete 124 credit hours towards graduation, including 16 credits of Psychology Major courses and 12 credits of Behavioral Health Concentration courses.
East Central University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or HLC.
What Makes this Program Unique:
- As many as 94 credits are accepted for transfer.
- ·The ECU Online faculty comprises experienced educators with various professional backgrounds in psychology.
Did You Know?
- Although the tuition rate for non-Oklahoma students is almost double than those charged for Oklahoma residents, a non-resident tuition waiver is available if certain requirements are met.
- A tuition waiver of $1,000 per semester is available for eligible transfer students with an associate degree from an accredited Oklahoma college. The waiver is valid for up to four semesters.
Post University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration (Online)
Connecticut-based Post University has an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concentration in its Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which is offered either as an on-campus or as an online degree program.
The ABA concentration generally focuses on child development and educational psychology, as the University believes that many behavior analysts handle children in educational settings.
The specialization also equips psychology students with critical background knowledge in order to practice and apply behavior analysis in real-world settings.
Take note, though, that this BS Psychology – ABA program is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any licensure or certification, including ABA certification.
Post University is licensed by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education and accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
What Makes this Program Unique:
Students are assigned a success advisor who is dedicated to answering questions and providing assistance to address the students’ challenges throughout their program.
Did You Know?
Post University has consistently gained top rankings from the U.S. News & World Report, the latest of which include the Best Online Veterans Graduate Business Programs 2023 and the Best Online Graduate Business Programs.
It has also obtained the 2023 Top Workplaces USA award issued by workplace culture research organization Energage.
Purdue Global
Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
Purdue Global, a part of the respected Purdue University, offers an Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis, which can be completed in an average of four years of full-time study.
The program comprises 10-week courses that require students around 15-18 hours per week and prepares graduates to pursue careers working with both adults and children with behavioral health challenges.
The ABA specialization requires 180 credits (or 120 semester credits), including 45 Core Credits, 107 Major Credits, and 20 Concentration Credits.
The program is also verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, making students eligible to take the BCaBA examination.
HCL has approved the institutional accreditation of Indiana-based Purdue Global.
What Makes this Program Unique:
- An accelerated program is available toward one of the University’s Master’s degree programs, including Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Human Services.
- Faculty members are real-world practitioners in the industry who have advanced degrees, and most of them hold a doctorate.
Did You Know?
Individuals can take a three-week introductory trial period as undergraduate students free of charge in order to experience and determine if Purdue Global is right for them.
Bellevue University
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science (Online)
Bellevue University offers a 100% online program for its Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science that requires 127 total credits, including 40 credit hours of Major requirements. The program is designed to help students establish a comprehensive practice-focused portfolio from the very beginning of their study.
On-campus classes are also available on the University’s Omaha campus, with convenient schedules for working professionals.
The institutional accreditation of the Nebraska-based Bellevue University is of good standing with the Higher Learning Commission.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Students have the chance to finish the program faster with the University’s generous transfer fees available to students who already have an associate degree or with military experience and training.
Did You Know?
The Kirkpatrick Signature Series is a set of three courses totaling nine credit hours that all Bellevue University undergraduate students are required to complete in addition to their Major requirements.
It focuses on Western Civilization traditions and institutions with exceptional success in the United States and is updated to fit an information-age philosophy in the 21st Century.
Saint Francis University
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science (Online)
Saint Francis University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science degree program designed for both full-time and part-time students with busy schedules. It requires a total of 128 students and is typically completed in 3 to 5 years of part-time study.
The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education or MSCHE. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has also authorized it to award degrees.
What Makes this Program Unique:
- Faculty members are accomplished professionals and industry experts with a passion for teaching adult learners.
- The program provides a degree completion format that allows transferring a generous number of credits for prior coursework.
Did You Know?
Based in Loretto, Pennsylvania, the University is the country’s oldest Catholic-Franciscan college.
Wilmington University
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science (Online)
The Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science degree program of Wilmington University is available online as well as on its campuses across Delaware and New Jersey. It includes the completion of 40 General Education credits and 45 Behavioral Science Core credits.
Delaware-based Wilmington University is institutionally accredited by the MSCHE.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The B.S. in Behavioral Science program provides students with the option to specialize in one of the five concentrations, namely:
- Case Management
- Emotional Intelligence
- Human Service
- Human Trafficking Awareness
- Social Justice Advocacy
The program also offers a completion degree curriculum for transfer students with an Associate’s degree at an accredited school.
Did You Know?
The Dual-Credit Advantage allows Wilmington University students to save time and money on their education by completing a related certificate while earning their bachelor’s degree or by incorporating master ‘s-level coursework to accelerate to their next degree.
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science (Online)
Grand Canyon University offers a degree program for a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science that can be fully completed online. It requires 120 credits toward graduation, including 48 credits of Major courses and 34-40 General Education credits.
Students can transfer as many as 90 credits, with a maximum of 48 credits from lower-division courses.
Arizona-based Grand Canyon University has institutional accreditation from the HCL. It is also an institutional member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
What Makes this Program Unique:
The Capstone project, a course that completes the program, requires students to develop a proposal for a community-based organization focusing on behavioral health.
Did You Know?
The University also offers its B.S. in Behavioral Health as an evening program with classes meeting once a week suitable for working professionals who prefer a face-to-face learning environment.
North Carolina Central University
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Social Sciences (Online)
North Carolina Central University’s Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Social Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree completion program that requires 120 credit hours, with the last 30 hours of which are to be obtained at the University. Offered through NCCU Online, the program offers credit from previously earned credits from the University, other regionally accredited schools, or military service.
The University is a Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)-accredited institution.
What Makes this Program Unique:
This online program is only admitting Transfer students.
Did You Know?
The U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked NCCU as the Best Regional University in the South and a top Historically Black College or University.
University of Arizona Global Campus
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science (Online)
University of Arizona Global Campus, an affiliate of the University of Arizona, offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science degree program that requires 120 credits to complete, including 42 credits from Major courses.
Students can transfer as many as 90 credits from previous college coursework, community colleges, and other life and work experiences. A total of 30 credits completed at UAGC, however, is necessary to fulfill the residency requirement.
Take note, though, that UAGC has disclosed that completion of this program doesn’t lead to certification or licensure in any state.
UAGC is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
What Makes this Program Unique:
The program offers six emphases, namely:
- Business Economics
- Cognitive Studies
- Entrepreneurship
- ·Health and Wellness
- Real Estate Studies
- Supply Chain Management
Six credits from the Major courses in this BA ABS program may also fulfill the General Education requirements.
Did You Know?
Since 2022, UAGC has held the Quality Matters Certification of Online Teaching Support for all its online programs. This certification is valid until 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Behavioral Psychology? How is it different from General Psychology and other branches of Psychology?
Behavioral Psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding why people act the way they do based on what they’ve experienced. It’s like trying to figure out why someone feels nervous before sitting for a major examination or why they enjoy the company of certain people.
It essentially looks at the things we can see, such as actions and reactions, instead of exploring thoughts and feelings hidden inside our minds.
General psychology, on the other hand, explores a wide range of human thoughts and emotions. Other branches of psychology might dive deeper into things like how our brains work or the unconscious thoughts that guide us.
In simple terms, behavioral psychology is like studying the reasons behind our everyday behaviors by focusing on the things we can observe.
Will an online Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Psychology be as respected as a traditional on-campus degree?
Yes, it is. If you choose a degree program offered by an institutionally accredited University, college, or learning institution, your online Bachelor’s degree will carry the same weight as a traditional on-campus degree.
Accreditation ensures that the program meets educational standards and is recognized by employers and other institutions.
Furthermore, many online Bachelor in Behavioral Psychology programs have verified coursework that meets the educational requirements to make students eligible to sit for examinations for any licensure or certification, including Applied Behavior Analysis certification.
Moreover, many online programs collaborate with organizations and employers in the industry to provide networking opportunities for students.
In essence, it’s important to research the institution’s accreditation status, curriculum, and networking opportunities before enrolling in any program.
What skills will I develop through a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Psychology?
Students will cultivate a range of valuable skills that can be used across many professional as well as personal scenarios. These include:
- Strong analytical skills to explore behavior patterns, identify triggers, and understand the factors influencing actions. This skill allows Behavior Psychology graduates to systematically tackle challenges in order to make well-informed decisions and develop effective interventions.
- Enhanced communication skills to effectively explain complex ideas and to understand other people’s perspectives.
- Empathy to effectively relate and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong critical thinking skills that enable graduates to assess research findings and adapt strategies based on evidence.
These skills, combined with the capacity to design behavioral interventions, equip students not only for careers in psychology but also in fields like marketing, education, human resources, and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Behavioral Psychology is essentially the study of the origins of human behaviors and the application of proven scientific methods to transform these behaviors into more positive and productive actions.
- Individuals can gain the necessary set of skills and knowledge to succeed in this branch of psychology by attaining a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Psychology, whether in an online or on-campus program, from a reputable school, preferably with accreditation from industry-recognized organizations.
- With a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Psychology, graduates can advance their education with a Master’s degree, sit for an exam for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, or start their career as entry-level employees in a relevant organization.
Additional Information:
