A behavioral science degree can be an undergraduate (bachelor’s) or graduate (master’s or doctorate) degree in a variety of disciplines. All areas of psychology, all areas of social work, and some anthropology degrees, particularly those dealing with cultural anthropology, are included. People who major in one of these disciplines in college earn a behavioral science degree. Each subject prepares students to examine and evaluate human behavior, human interactions, and the systems or philosophies that may be used to explain behavior and solve problems in a variety of ways.
People who want to pursue a behavioral science degree must first complete high school or pass a high school equivalency examination. Students should then research colleges to see what types of degrees they might be able to obtain. Some will cover a wide range of subjects, while others will focus on just a few. The area of study that a person wishes to pursue should influence their college selection, especially if that area is not offered at all schools. Though the behavioral sciences encompass a wide range of disciplines, there is a significant difference between earning a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and psychology, for example.
For the first two years of college, students may not be required to declare a major, and school choice isn’t as important. Although there are some online schools that offer four-year programs in behavioral science, going to a community college for your freshman and sophomore years is usually much less expensive. Most four-year offline schools are the same way; the cost is usually higher than local junior colleges.
Students must begin thinking about a major in their sophomore year, and they will have taken some classes in some of these disciplines to help them decide which ones appeal the most. They may want to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of various degrees with department heads or simply with trusted teachers with whom they’ve studied. It’s also a good idea to look at websites like the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which can help you figure out what kinds of jobs you can get with different degrees and whether you’ll need more education.
To work as a counselor in many behavioral sciences with a counseling component, it may be necessary to pursue a master’s or doctorate degree. People who want to work as psychologists need a PhD, while those who want to work as mental health counselors need a master’s degree in behavioral science. A Master’s in Social Work is required for social workers, and a Master’s in counseling or specifically in marriage and family therapy is required for marriage and family therapists.
Most people must show proof of very good grades and some will have to take the Graduate Record Examination in order to enter graduate school and earn a behavioral science degree at the graduate level. Some people choose to pursue online degrees because the entry requirements are less stringent, but they should make sure the schools are reputable and accredited. Because these degrees may include lab or practicum requirements, they may also include attendance requirements.