Behavioral Psychology Degrees and Career Profile
(found programs from 238 schools)

Online Programs in Behavioral Psychology

While there are many types of behavioral psychology programs at universities around the U.S., only a few are available online. One of the most widely available online behavioral psychology programs is the master's or graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis. Individuals looking for an online behavioral psychology degree can enroll in an applied behavior analysis program at either a completely virtual school or a brick-and-mortar institution that has an online component.

The length of online programs in behavioral psychology may differ depending on the type of program and degree sought, but certificate programs may be completed in as few as 12 credits, while master's degrees may take upwards of three years to finish. Most online programs in behavioral psychology include DVD lectures, online discussions and internship requirements that must be completed in person. People seeking an online master's degree in behavioral psychology must generally either take an exam or write a thesis, for which an on-campus visit may be required.

Online Behavioral Psychology Degrees to Consider:

At St. Cloud State University, students can earn an online master's degree in applied behavior analysis in seven semesters if they take six credits - usually two classes - per semester. The same faculty members who teach the university's on-campus program teach the online counterpart. Students in the program take a combination of research, theory, therapy and practicum courses.

At Kaplan University, students can earn an online master's in psychology degree with a specialization in applied behavior analysis. In the program, students take classes in research in applied behavior analysis and implementing behavior change, among other courses in theory and counseling. The program allows students to choose either a thesis or a comprehensive exam.

Finally, students interested in behavioral psychology who do not want to complete an entire degree program can choose the graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis from Penn State. The university offers online behavioral psychology certifications designed to prepare students to work as either assistant or board-certified behavior analysts.

Introduction to Behavioral Psychology Careers

If you’ve ever heard of Pavlov’s dogs then you’ve already had your first exposure to the type of work a behavioral psychologist might do. Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist, was conducting studies with dogs when he happened to notice that the animals would start salivating not only when given food but also in the presence of the lab technician who normally fed them. Deciding to investigate, Pavlov started ringing a bell every time the dogs were fed, and soon the dogs came to associate the bell’s sound so closely with feeding time, that they began salivating at the sound of the bell alone.

This type of experiment exemplifies the work of a behavioral psychologist, who studies human behavior following the principle that every person’s behavior is learned and can be altered through conditioning. Behavioral psychologists conduct research on human behavior, and also use their knowledge of human behaviors and conditioning to help patients deal with and fix psychological problems.

Useful Resources

• National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists
• The American Board of Behavioral Psychology
• International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development

Behavioral Psychology Job Description

Behavioral psychologists may work specifically in research, conducting experiments to explore human behavior, or they may treat patients using behavior therapy. Behavioral psychologists who work with patients may be employed by a variety of organizations, including hospitals, substance abuse facilities and private practices. Addiction, attention deficit disorders and phobia are just a few instances in which behavioral psychology can prove useful.

For example, to help a patient with severe arachnophobia - fear of spiders - a behavioral psychologist may try to recondition the patient’s mind by exposing him or her to spiders in a controlled manner. By creating positive, non-threatening experiences, over time the patient’s formerly negative associations with spiders should change, eliminating the phobia. Conditioning methods like this can work in other cases too, such as helping someone to quit smoking by developing negative associations with the habit.

Behavioral Psychology Requirements

In most cases, a doctoral degree is necessary to work as a behavioral psychologist. Although it may be possible to find work in the behavioral psychology field with only an undergraduate degree, for example, working as a research assistant, a doctorate is a must for those who want to independently treat patients or lead research.

In addition to meeting stringent educational requirements, behavioral psychologists must also become licensed to practice independently. To obtain a license, it’s necessary to complete a recognized degree program, participate in a supervised internship and pass a state-administered exam. Psychologists may also choose to obtain additional certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology in specialties such as rehabilitation or psychoanalysis.

Behavioral Psychology Career Outlook

For those interested in following in the footsteps of behavioral psychologists like Pavlov, job prospects look positive. The Bureau of Labor statistics projects an average rate of job growth of 12 percent from 2008 to 2018, with an estimated 19,700 new jobs expected. Salaries vary depending on the behavioral psychologist’s place of employment.

Behavioral Psychology Trends

As interest in behavioral psychology continues to grow, competition in the field will increase. Those individuals with advanced degrees will have the best job prospects. Another major trend in the psychology field is the increasing demand for school psychologists. Educational institutions are more likely now to deal with student behavioral problems such as bullying, leading to an increased need for psychologists with experience in behavior and conditioning.

Behavioral Psychology Degree Programs

Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of Behavioral Psychology programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 238 schools across the country.

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