The way people act is commonly known as their behavior, and it is directly linked to their personality. In short, scientists have been studying human behavior for hundreds of years. But this interest is rising due to increasing employment opportunities, promising careers, good salary packages, and much more. Many institutes worldwide have introduced new behavioral psychology degree online programs.
This is why college students have started taking an interest in this field. Are you dreaming of becoming a behavioral psychologist? Searching for a behavioral psychology degree online but don’t have enough knowledge to proceed with? Then this article has everything you need to become a credible behavioral psychologist. Let’s get into the specifics.
Article Navigation: What is Behavioral Psychology? | Behavioral Psychology Degree Online Overview | How Do I Choose an Online Behavioral Psychology Program? | Bachelor’s – Behavioral Psychology Degree Online | Master’s – Behavioral Psychology Degree Online | Ph.D. – Behavioral Psychology Degree Online | What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor in Behavioral Psychology Degree? | Professional Organizations in Behavioral Psychology | FAQs | Takeaway
What is Behavioral Psychology?
In 1913, John B. Watson proposed that every psychologist must study external human behavior rather than internal mental processes. This was when anyone identified behavioral psychology for the first time. A few behaviorists who founded the behavioral science domain include:
- John B. Watson,
- Kenneth Spence,
- Clark L. Hull,
- Edward C. Tollman,
- and Edwin Ray Guthrie
Behavioral psychology is one of the most popular branches linked to the connection between human behavior and the mind. Behavioral psychology is also termed behaviorism. The advanced research on our inner mind workings and behavior is a source of attraction for thousands of qualified psychologists. During their study, behavioral psychologists depend on the theories and experimental evidence of human behavior.
Behavioral Science vs. Behavioral Psychology
Both domains have similarities, but they are, at the same time, pretty different. If you compare behavioral science vs. psychology degrees, the students study subjects of the same nature. But let’s talk about the significant difference. Behavioral science is the name of studying the interaction between different people. In contrast, the field of psychology focuses specifically on the science behind the human mental process and behavior. Though behavioral science encompasses a wide range of areas, such as:
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
Behavioral Psychology Degree Online Overview
College students often inquire about how behavioral psychology will help them grow in the future. The below discussion presents an answer to this query. The admission requirements and the course selection become another concern. Let’s get deeper into these details.
What Can I Expect From an Online Behavioral Psychology Program?
The very first thing you can expect from this online program is the detailed study of human behavior and interaction with one another. Generally, the coursework is designed to focus on three fundamental parameters:
- Principles of psychology,
- Statistics,
- and Research methods.
Students can choose their areas of interest like abnormal psychology, social psychology, child development, and many others.
Most behavioral psychology degrees come with 120 credit hours of coursework. It takes at least four years (full-time) for the students to complete such degrees. However, many universities allow students to polish their practical skills in the area of their interest, e.g., geropsychology, mental health, etc. While enrolling in online behavioral psychology programs, students should be disciplined, consistent, dedicated, and self-motivated. It will help them follow a successful path with minimal to no challenges.
In addition, they must be tech-savvy because online degrees mostly use online portals and platforms for collaboration and discussion.
What Are Admission Requirements for an Online Behavioral Psychology Program?
The admission requirements vary by degree level and institute offering that particular degree. At the same time, there are a few common things the students need at the time of admission, such as:
- A complete online application providing personal and contact information along with an area of interest
- Official transcripts or degrees from all institutes attended
- Entrance exam or test (SAT, ACT, GRE) scores
- Essays
- Letter of Recommendation
- TOEFL or IELTS (for overseas students)
In addition, some schools may ask students for admission interviews, technical requirements, or other additional features. Therefore, always carefully review a specific school’s admission requirements before enrolling.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Behavioral Psychology Program?
Well, the courses may vary from one school to the next. But, many programs often consist of similar classes. The five standard behavioral psychology courses are:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Behavior of Modification
- Developmental Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Learning Theory
How Do I Choose an Online Behavioral Psychology Program?
Most students struggle throughout their university life because they randomly choose a discipline without adequately understanding its requirements and challenges. The behavioral psychology students are no exception. Do you intend to pursue your professional career in this field? Then please make sure to select a degree program after carefully reviewing its requirements. To this end, a few critical factors in this regard are listed below.
Degree Level Needed for Chosen Career
A couple of degrees have been introduced to this field; therefore, the degree level may vary based on career goals. The high school diploma holders should enroll in an associate psychology degree online. If you have just completed college, your preference must be a bachelor’s degree in behavioral psychology. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, go for an online master’s in behavioral psychology. A doctorate in the same field is also necessary to pursue a promising career.
Cost
The cost is not the priority for all students. Still, it remains a primary concern for many of them, and they focus on Return on Investment (ROI) which is a good approach. So, try focusing on the institutes providing high-quality education at an affordable cost. This is what every student looks out for.
Program Format
The program format matters a lot when it comes to a class schedule. Universities offer both asynchronous and synchronous programs. If you are punctual and can attend classes on time, go for synchronous degrees. Suppose students are responsible for managing house chores or other responsibilities and can’t make themselves available for live courses. In that case, asynchronous degree programs will be perfect for them. Students can watch the recorded lectures from anywhere at their preferred time. Therefore, never forget to look at the program format before applying for it.
Location
Students should consider their institute’s location regardless of the study mode they opt for. Even if the students join the online classes, they prefer visiting campus on occasion. These students should try to choose the college or university close to their town. This way, they can go to their campus and meet with their professors in person when needed.
Accreditation
The accreditation adds extra value to the credibility of the degree earned. The primary reason students must not take accreditation for granted while selecting an online behavioral psychology program is that it confirms the education standards of a specific school, college, or university. So, the quality of education is much higher than in unaccredited schools. The second most important factor is that the reputed and prominent organizations always follow a transparent shortlisting process and prefer students who have graduated from accredited institutes (either at a regional or national level). Hence, if students plan to get admission to a university offering behavioral psychology degree programs, they shouldn’t forget to consider its accreditation.
Student Support
The reputed universities always take dedicated student support professionals on board. They listen to student queries and respond on a priority basis. Therefore, don’t skip the student support when shortlisting a top-rated behavioral science school from a long list. The careful selection of all these parameters will provide you with an outstanding overall experience toward a promising career.
Bachelor’s – Behavioral Psychology Degree Online
Earning a bachelor’s degree in behavioral psychology is the first step toward your professional career. It is a four to five years degree depending upon the standards of a particular institution. Hundreds of universities offer the “best online psychology degrees,” but selecting one is not an easy feat.
To begin with, look for student reviews of schools and classes. Even if you take suggestions from friends, family members, teachers, mentors, and senior students, they will help you make the right decision. A list of the best online psychology degrees is attached below.
East Central University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program/Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Behavioral Health
Duration: Four years
This particular program helps students get familiar with human behavior dynamics and how they interact with each other. For example, the focused areas are personality disorders, abnormal psychology, and adolescent psychology. Students learn theoretical skills and develop good interpersonal and effective communication skills. In conclusion, all these factors make East Central University one of the most famous universities in the United States.
North Carolina Central University
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program/Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Behavioral & Social Sciences
Duration: Four years
This university encourages students to think out of the box and become efficient problem solvers while working in a real-time environment. The coursework holds a range of subjects, such as Demography, The Psychology of Human Development and Maturation, Family and Social Systems, and Senior Seminar in Human Sciences. Furthermore, the program also focuses on improving problem-solving and communication abilities.
Drury University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Competition (HLC)
Program/Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Community Health
Duration: Four years
This behavioral psychology bachelor’s degree is specifically introduced to help students understand how cultural, environmental, economic, and social factors are linked to human behavioral health. The coursework is pretty diverse, involving ethical healthcare issues, abnormal psychology, and child abuse.
Wilmington University
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Program/Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science
Duration: Four years
This unique online degree prepares students to serve human beings differently. The best thing about earning this degree is that it will help students complete their master’s in behavioral psychology online at a fast pace. To summarize, a few courses included in this program are Social Change, Cultural Anthropology, and Ethnic Groups and Minorities.
Bethel University – IN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program/Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Behavioral & Social Science
Duration: One year
The primary goal behind introducing this degree program was to help employed individuals increase their overall income. Generally, students of this degree are prepared for assistance skills, crisis intervention, and group practicing. The four concentrations in this behavioral psychology bachelor’s degree are Criminal Justice, Marriage and Family, Mental Health, and Addictions. The students can choose any of these four concentrations.
Master’s – Behavioral Psychology Degree Online
A master’s in behavioral psychology online is a graduate degree most students enroll in after completing their bachelor’s degrees. In other words, it opens the doors to make this career more meaningful. A list of the five top-rated online masters in behavioral psychology is presented below.
Pepperdine University
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Programs/Degrees Offered: Master of Science in Behavioral Psychology
Duration: Two years
The coursework helps students learn clinical interventions for adults, adolescents, and children. Afterward, the students can sit in the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam. For the most part, the main courses in this program are Multicultural Counseling, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Assessment Procedures for ABA, and Clinical Interventions with Children and Adolescents.
Walden University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program/Degree Offered: Master of Science in Psychology/Applied Behavioral Analysis
Duration: Two years
This degree is for enthusiasts who prefer to help people with developmental and autism disabilities. The students particularly learn how to use ABA therapy for children and adults to improve their lives.
University of South Florida
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Program/Degree Offered: Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Duration: Two years
In brief, this university provides its students with state-of-the-art learning opportunities. For example, the last graduates of this degree received an almost 100% employment rate.
Simmons University
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Program/Degree Offered: Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
Duration: Two years
This program generally focuses on coursework and supervised more than 2,000 hours of fieldwork.
Drexel University
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Program/Degree Offered: Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Duration: Two year
This is a state-approved university that focuses on producing talented future behavioral psychologists.
Ph.D. – Behavioral Psychology Degree Online
Earning a Ph.D. degree is the most crucial step when starting a professional career as a psychologist. Five top-ranked degree programs are listed below.
Northcentral University
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Program/Degree Offered: Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology/Social Policy & Behavioral Health Administration
Duration: Four years
First, this degree is among the few reputable programs nationwide. In short, the quality of education and affordable fee structure has set this institution apart.
Liberty University
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program/Degree Offered: Doctor of Philosophy in Behavioral Health Leadership/Psychology
Duration: Three years
This program is particularly dedicated to professionals who dream of serving the behavioral health and mental field in management and administrative roles.
Walden University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program/Degree Offered: Doctor of Psychology in Behavioral Health Leadership
Duration: Almost three years
This degree combines behavioral psychology knowledge and management skills. In this case, the core courses of this program are program evaluation, entrepreneurship, financial management and procurement, and a few others.
California Institute of Integral Studies
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Program/Degree Offered: Ph.D. in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology
Duration: Four years
This regionally accredited institute offers the best experience with proper training specifically for professionals enrolled in a doctorate.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor in Behavioral Psychology Degree?
Above all, the job growth is good enough to attract thousands of new students to adopt this career. As far as the specific employment opportunities are concerned, they are presented below.
Career Outlook
Indeed, the future for the students enrolled in online behavioral psychology programs seems bright. In other words, decent job growth and good salaries make this field attractive to young students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment opportunities for psychologists will grow to 8% between 2020 and 2030. Approximately 13,500 jobs will open every year.
What Careers Can I Get with a Behavioral Science Degree?
First, you earn your degree in behavioral psychology. Then, you can adopt a long list of career paths. Let’s explore a few career options and their salary packages.
1. Crime Analyst
Average Base Salary: $59,632
Degree Required: Bachelor
2. Human Resources Specialist
Average Base Salary: $53,145
Degree Required: Bachelor
3. Intervention Specialist
Average Base Salary: $50,778
Degree Required: Bachelor
4. Registered Behavior Technician
Average Base Salary: $45,906
Degree Required: Associate
5. Research Assistant
Average Base Salary: $43,796
Degree Required: Bachelor
Professional Organizations in Behavioral Psychology
Behavioral psychology organizations have especially played a crucial role in producing well-known psychologists. For example, many universities prefer hiring individuals who are members of professional organizations. They can help professionals network and gain valuable career resources and references. To illustrate, here are the five reputable organizations in behavioral psychology:
FAQs
Question: How many years does it take to become a behavioral psychologist?
Answer: The first degree students must earn is a bachelor’s in psychology. It takes four to five years to complete from start to finish. An undergraduate degree must be coupled with a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) to pursue a career. But a doctorate is a four to seven years program. In this case, students spend eight to twelve years in school to fulfill behavioral psychology degree requirements. Also, one to two years of professional experience is another requirement for behavioral psychologists to kick start their careers. In conclusion, professionals take ten to fourteen years to become behavioral psychologists.
Question: Is a behavioral science degree the same as a psychology degree?
Answer: Not really. As far as psychology is generally concerned, it is one of the sub-disciplines of behavioral science. Although both degrees have some standard courses and focus on different subjects linked to human behavior and critical thinking, they are not the same.
Question: How do you become a psychological behaviorist?
Answer: As stated earlier, it is a long journey, but it has much potential to grow. Let’s look at a few steps toward becoming a professional behavioral psychologist.
- Earn a bachelor’s or an undergraduate degree in psychology
- Earn a P.h.D. degree in the same discipline
- Get some professional experience under the supervision of highly experienced behavioral psychologists.
- Then, pursue a license to enhance your credibility
- Lastly, earn certificates to polish your practical skills
Students should follow the steps mentioned earlier to be credible behavioral psychologists.
Question: What can you do with a behavioral degree?
Answer: With a behavioral science degree in hand, you can serve in a range of public and private sectors in multiple positions, e.g., market researcher, psychiatric nurse, correctional officer, family therapist, school counselor, and the list goes on.
Takeaway
Have you completed your college degree? Do you want to see yourself as a successful behavioral psychologist soon? If yes, then use some time and search for a behavioral psychology degree online. Also, don’t worry if you don’t know much about this field. Just give the above discussion a read as it has presented everything you are looking for. Otherwise, good luck!