Search for a Degree
Complete this short form and we'll match you with degree programs tailored to your interests.
The behavioral sciences are a culmination of psychology, sociology, anthropology, and communications, making it a widely applicable subject to earn a degree in. Part of the career of speech pathologists/speech-language pathologists (SPs)/(SLPs) is to try to gain an understanding of what their patients are going through. An undergraduate degree in behavioral science (also offered as behavioral analysis) can give you the tools to better connect with and treat your future patients who will be struggling with communication and swallowing disorders.
There are bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral behavioral analysis degree programs that are offered online and in a traditional classroom environment. You will notice that some schools offer a degree in behavioral analysis while others have a degree program for applied behavior analysis. The general objectives of these two degrees are virtually the same. However, an applied behavioral analysis program may focus slightly more on using psychological theories, whereas a behavioral analysis or science program will place a bit more emphasis on studying the current research available. Since the degrees are so similar, we will use them interchangeably here.
A behavioral science bachelor’s degree program takes about four years to complete, and is designed to give you a broad understanding of the research behind human actions, interactions, and mental and emotional processes. In this degree program you may be required to take the following courses:
It is always important to make sure that any degree program you are interested in is accredited by a national, regional, or certified specialized accreditation organization.
A master’s degree program takes approximately two years to complete, and it will build upon what you learned during your undergraduate behavior science studies. Some graduate level programs will have you pick an area of behavioral science to focus your degree on like psychology, education, marketing, economics, policy, or public health. Your courses will vary depending on if you have a concentration, what it is, and the overall structure of the program. However, these core courses are commonly required at the graduate level:
Many graduate programs also require their students to complete a research thesis in order to graduate. If you want to gain an education in behavioral analysis beyond the undergraduate level but not as in-depth as a master’s program, there are online and traditional accredited behavioral science certificate programs that may fit what you are looking for.
Due to the behavioral sciences broad applications, a PhD in behavioral analysis must be tailored to what you would like your career to be in. Public health, marketing, economics, psychology, education, and policy intervention are common areas of study for this doctoral degree.
Your classes and dissertation should relate to the area of your intended career. A PhD program can take between three – six years to complete, and depends on the structure of the program, how long it takes for you to complete your dissertation, and whether you are a full- or part-time student.
An undergraduate degree in behavioral science can provide you with the foundation to continue your education and career in a variety of areas. The following is a brief list of the careers that can benefit from behavioral science education:
Studying behavioral sciences can give you tools that can be used in a variety of careers, including speech-language pathology. Check out our guide, Understanding Aphasia — Top Resources on Speech-Language Disorders, and explore the rest of our site to learn more about the exciting field of speech pathology.
Complete this short form and we'll match you with degree programs tailored to your interests.