Are you interested in studying behavioral psychology but aren't sure whether it would be a good field to build a career in? TheBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that psychology careers will grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029, which is right about average when compared to other fields. By 2029, the BLS is projecting that there will be an estimated 5,700 additional jobs in the psychology field, compared to a decade earlier.
If you take this education track, you aren't limited to jobs in behavioral psychology, either. A degree in this field will also open you up to potential employment opportunities in a wide range of other fields, whether it's a job in human resources or another people-focused position. Before you can land a job as a behavioral psychologist, though, you will need to earn a behavioral psychology degree from a reputable program. Fortunately, there are a number of schools that offer online behavioral science degrees. Here's what you should know.
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
What are the 5 Most Affordable Online Bachelors in Behavioral Psychology Programs of 2021?
If you are pursuing a bachelors in behavioral psychology, finding an online degree program that fits your budget could be challenging. Luckily, there are budget-friendly options you can pursue, like the top five most affordable online bachelors in behavioral psychology programs, listed below:
Degree Requirements
In order to graduate with a bachelors in behavioral science, you will need to complete specific coursework, which is usually a combination of general education classes and psychology-specific courses.
Most full-time students will finish an online bachelors in behavioral psychology degree program in four years, but again, it depends on the number of credits you are required to complete. Most schools require 120 credits for an online psychology degree.
In addition, some schools have requirements around your GPA. For example, your school may require you to earn a "C" or better in every class, or maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in order to remain in good standing in your program.
Additionally, some degree programs require a thesis or capstone research project, which allows you to showcase everything you have learned over the course of the program.
Courses in Behavioral Psychology
Every behavioral psychology degree program requires different classes. Here are some of the most common required courses for this type of program:
General Psychology General psychology is the ultimate introduction to psychology course, and it is usually required before you can take more advanced psychology classes. In this class, you can expect to learn the foundations of psychology, including cognition, memory, social behavior, psychotherapy techniques, and personality.
Cognitive Processes Cognitive processes or cognitive psychology courses focus on human cognition, which includes things like motor skills, perception, attention, learning, language, and conceptualization. You will learn how and why people make certain choices, as well as how personal experiences and behaviors can contribute to someone's understanding of the world around them.
Child Psychology Child psychology courses focus entirely on studying and understanding behavior in children, from early childhood to adolescence. You will learn about topics like psychological theories, child development, family systems, childhood trauma, and behavioral disorders in children and teens.
Social Psychology A social psychology class is typically a foundation of a bachelors in behavioral psychology degree program. It introduces the broad concept of social psychology as well as how social interactions impact behavior, personality, actions, decisions, and communication. Social psychology can also teach social conflict and group communication.
Career Path
Students who graduate with a behavioral psychology degree have a number of career options. Most graduates work with people or clients, but another popular option is to enter the research field. You will also have the opportunity to explore specialities.
For example, you may choose to work primarily with certain populations, like children, adults, underserved populations, women, the LGBTQ+ community, etc. Additionally, some psychologists specialize in employee mental health, case management, student psychology, and so on.
Keep in mind that you will need at least a masters degree for most client-centered jobs in the psychology field. Research-focused positions may require a doctorate.
You also have options outside of psychology. Other fields, like human resources or social services, use much of the same core information that's taught in this degree program, so you generally aren't limited to just client-centered work or graduate school after graduating with this degree.
Job Outlook & Salary
There are many jobs available to people with a behavioral psychology degree. For instance, you can get a job as a clinical psychologist, a mental health therapist, a human resources specialist, a case manager, a school counselor, a social worker, or a rehabilitation specialist.
According to the BLS, the projected median pay for a psychologist is $80,370 per year, or roughly $38.64 per hour, as of 2019. However, the potential salary can vary significantly depending on the industry you enter.
Some common behavioral psychology careers and their median annual salaries include:
School counselors — School counselors earn, on average, about $78,200 per year. These jobs are available in both public and private schools and higher education institutions, though you may need a graduate degree to obtain this type of position.
Psychologist — In general, you can expect to make, on average, about $88,480 as a psychologist, though you will need a graduate degree and licensure to obtain a position in this field.
Family therapists — Family therapists earn, on average, about $49,610 per year. As with other client-centered roles, you will need a graduate degree and licensure to obtain a position in this field.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Students who are pursuing a degree in behavioral psychology may be able to apply for scholarships and financial aid to get reduced tuition. Some scholarship options include:
Division 53 Student Achievement Award
This scholarship will give $1,000 to an undergraduate student who is studying child and adolescent psychology and can prove their contributions to the field through recent research, teaching, mentoring, and other types of community engagement.
Undergrad students will be awarded aid based on their research project and their academic achievements. Applications are due by April 21, and you can apply online.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 1
DatingAdvice.com Future Counselors of America Scholarship
This scholarship awards $1,000 to an undergraduate or graduate student in the United States who is majoring in psychology and wants to work in the relationship counseling field.
To apply, you must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA, and you must submit a 500-900 word essay on the psychology of online dating. The deadline is June 30, and you must mail your application and essay to the address below:
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 30
Related Degrees
If you are thinking about a career in behavioral psychology, you might also consider these related degrees:
