Best colleges for Behavioral Sciences
A program with a combined or undifferentiated focus on the social sciences, psychology, and biomedical sciences to study complex problems of human individual and social growth and behavior.
123 U.S. institutions graduated 6,635 Behavioral Sciences students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 30.1701, a specialization of Behavioral Sciences (CIP 30.17), and leads most directly to the Social Science Research Assistants occupation (BLS SOC 19-4061).
About Behavioral Sciences programs
A program with a combined or undifferentiated focus on the social sciences, psychology, and biomedical sciences to study complex problems of human individual and social growth and behavior.
See also: 42.0101 - Psychology, General.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Behavioral Sciences program offers a multi/interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior and social growth. It combines elements of social sciences, psychology, and biomedical sciences, making it suitable for students interested in exploring complex human issues. This program is ideal for those who wish to engage in research or work in community-focused roles that address social challenges.
Students in the Behavioral Sciences program develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework typically includes statistical analysis, research methods, and the application of scientific principles, providing a solid foundation for understanding human behavior and societal dynamics.
Credentials awarded
What Behavioral Sciences graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree2,354 graduates / yr · 54 institutions36%
- Master's degree2,347 graduates / yr · 34 institutions35%
- Associate's degree1,049 graduates / yr · 28 institutions16%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year485 graduates / yr · 10 institutions7.3%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship152 graduates / yr · 24 institutions2.3%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate119 graduates / yr · 6 institutions1.8%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years56 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.8%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice52 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.8%
- Post-master's certificate21 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.3%
Graduates over time
Behavioral Sciences completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 10,060 |
| 2013 | 9,210 |
| 2014 | 8,486 |
| 2015 | 7,431 |
| 2016 | 6,191 |
| 2017 | 5,052 |
| 2018 | 4,412 |
| 2019 | 3,649 |
| 2020 | 3,397 |
| 2021 | 4,001 |
| 2022 | 4,324 |
| 2023 | 4,624 |
| 2024 | 5,226 |
| 2025 | 6,635 |
Top 50 institutions for Behavioral Sciences, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field starting salary* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 1,719 | 50% | — | — |
| 2 | University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CAPublicBachelor's | 464 | 75% | — | $28,709 |
| 3 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NCPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 445 | 91% | — | — |
| 4 | San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TXPublicAssociate's | 368 | 30% | — | $33,494 |
| 5 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 360 | 75% | — | — |
| 6 | Teachers College at Columbia University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 354 | — | — | — |
| 7 | Imperial Valley College Imperial, CAPublicAssociate's | 193 | 45% | — | — |
| 8 | The University of Arizona Global Campus Chandler, AZPublicBachelor's | 174 | 11% | $26,445 | $37,661 |
| 9 | South Mountain Community College Phoenix, AZPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 172 | 16% | — | — |
| 10 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TXPublicBachelor'sDoctoralMaster's | 144 | 89% | — | — |
| 11 | Snow College Ephraim, UTPublicAssociate's | 110 | 46% | — | — |
| 12 | Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.)Doctoral | 106 | 94% | $14,126 | — |
| 13 | Harvard University Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 94 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 14 | Endicott College Beverly, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 89 | 76% | $34,195 | — |
| 15 | Glendale Community College Glendale, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 81 | 16% | — | — |
| 16 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KSPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 81 | 69% | — | $36,206 |
| 17 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 76 | 84% | — | — |
| 18 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 76 | 97% | $22,055 | — |
| 19 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicMaster'sMaster'sDoctoralBachelor's | 68 | 85% | — | — |
| 20 | Brown University Providence, RIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 59 | 96% | $14,644 | — |
| 21 | Yale University New Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 58 | 96% | $27,025 | — |
| 22 | Western Illinois University Macomb, ILPublicMaster's | 56 | 45% | — | — |
| 23 | Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 54 | 76% | $22,907 | — |
| 24 | United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, COPublicBachelor's | 53 | 88% | — | — |
| 25 | Loyola University Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 49 | 73% | $33,454 | — |
| 26 | Baylor University Waco, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 48 | 80% | $35,682 | — |
| 27 | San Jose State University San Jose, CAPublicBachelor's | 47 | 69% | — | — |
| 28 | University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, TXPublicBachelor's | 41 | 52% | — | $32,986 |
| 29 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 39 | 61% | — | — |
| 30 | University of Tulsa Tulsa, OKPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 39 | 72% | $23,470 | — |
| 31 | Murray State College Tishomingo, OKPublicAssociate's | 32 | 27% | — | — |
| 32 | Franklin and Marshall College Lancaster, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 32 | 84% | $27,178 | $38,391 |
| 33 | Hofstra University Hempstead, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 31 | 69% | $34,539 | — |
| 34 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 31 | 46% | — | — |
| 35 | Daemen University Amherst, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 28 | 59% | $16,826 | — |
| 36 | Vincennes University Vincennes, INPublicAssociate's | 27 | 39% | — | — |
| 37 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, MDPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 26 | 70% | — | — |
| 38 | George Fox University Newberg, ORPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 25 | 72% | $26,564 | $34,613 |
| 39 | Hill College Hillsboro, TXPublicAssociate's | 24 | 32% | — | — |
| 40 | American River College Sacramento, CAPublicAssociate's | 23 | 37% | — | — |
| 41 | Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KSPublicMaster's | 22 | 57% | — | — |
| 42 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MIPublicMaster's | 22 | 46% | — | — |
| 43 | Campbell University Buies Creek, NCPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 22 | 61% | $23,331 | — |
| 44 | Eastern Washington University Cheney, WAPublicMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 21 | 43% | — | — |
| 45 | Carroll University Waukesha, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 20 | 71% | $22,601 | — |
| 46 | Life Pacific University San Dimas, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 19 | 40% | $23,832 | $29,830 |
| 47 | Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, MAPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 19 | 55% | — | — |
| 48 | William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, NJPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 19 | 44% | — | — |
| 49 | Mohave Community College Kingman, AZPublicAssociate's | 18 | 38% | — | — |
| 50 | University of West Georgia Carrollton, GAPublicBachelor's | 18 | 43% | — | — |
* Field starting salary (1 yr): median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Behavioral Sciences field (CIP 30.17) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 40 states
Where Behavioral Sciences graduates come from. Each state links to all Behavioral Sciences programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4061, Social Science Research Assistants, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Behavioral Sciences program can pursue various careers, including roles as Social Science Research Assistants and Community Service Managers. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.4% and approximately 5,200 annual openings. The median wage for related positions is around $58,040, typically requiring at least a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 30.1701
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Social Science Research Assistantsprimary SOC 19-4061 | $61,990 | +4.4% About as fast as average | ~5,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Social and Community Service Managers SOC 11-9151 | $80,390 | +6.4% Faster than average | ~18,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other SOC 21-1099 | $56,730 | +4.6% About as fast as average | ~13,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1066 | $80,340 | +3.6% About as fast as average | ~4,000 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Psychologists, All Other SOC 19-3039 | $110,840 | +4.3% About as fast as average | ~3,900 | Master's degree |
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other SOC 19-3099 | $101,110 | -1.7% Decline | ~3,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Life Scientists, All Other SOC 19-1099 | $93,750 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~400 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Behavioral Sciences programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
Tools and technology used
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Behavioral Sciences?+
You can earn a Bachelor's, Master's, or Associate's degree, as well as awards for shorter programs.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, writing, and statistical analysis.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Behavioral Sciences?+
You can work as a Social Science Research Assistant, Community Service Manager, or in various other roles related to social services.
What is the job outlook for Behavioral Sciences graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.4% and around 5,200 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Behavioral Sciences?+
Behavioral Sciences is CIP 30.1701 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Behavioral Sciences (CIP 30.17). NCES defines it as: A program with a combined or undifferentiated focus on the social sciences, psychology, and biomedical sciences to study complex problems of human individual and social growth and behavior.
How many institutions offer Behavioral Sciences programs?+
123 U.S. institutions reported Behavioral Sciences graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 40 states, awarding 6,635 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Behavioral Sciences graduates.
How much do Behavioral Sciences graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Social Science Research Assistants occupation, which Behavioral Sciences most directly leads to, pays a median of $61,990 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Behavioral Sciences field report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $32,986, College Scorecard.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Behavioral Sciences graduates, so its figures match the Behavioral Sciences program page.
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