Why Behavioural Science Matters in 2026. Behavioural science is an interdisciplinary field that studies human behavior and decision-making to solve real-world problems in health, business, policy, technology, and society.
Programs combine psychology, sociology, economics, data analysis, and research methodology to prepare students for careers in research, consulting, public service, and industry.
15 Best Behavioral Science Schools In 2026
With rising demand for data-informed human insights, behavioural science graduates are sought after globally. This guide highlights the 15 best schools where you can study behavioural science, including degree details, admission criteria, unique benefits, and direct application links — helping you shortlist before you visit their official sites.
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University of Pennsylvania (Penn) – USA
Program: Behavioral Science (Psychology / Interdisciplinary) – https://www.upenn.edu
About the Course: Penn offers behavioral science training through its Psychology Department with a strong emphasis on cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and decision science. The Positive Psychology Centre is a special resource for applied research.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s / Master’s applicants need a solid GPA
- Competitive GRE may be optional depending on program
- Statement of purpose, recommendations, and research experience encouraged
Why Apply?
- Top-ranked research university in behavioral sciences
- Excellent faculty and research labs
- Great career prospects in academia, tech, and consulting
Benefits: Research assistantships, interdisciplinary electives, internship opportunities
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University of Southern California (USC) – USA
Program: Behavioral Sciences – https://www.usc.edu
About the Course: USC’s behavioural science offerings are recognized for their application of psychological principles to organisational behavior, social policy, and public health.
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record in social sciences
- Letters of recommendation and statement of intent required
Why Apply?
- Great network and career services
- Location advantage in Los Angeles for industry collaboration
Benefits: Internship placements, interdisciplinary learning, customizable electives
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Harvard University – USA
Program: Social and Behavioral Sciences – https://www.harvard.edu
About the Course: Harvard’s prestigious programs integrate psychology, social theory, and data science for deep behavior understanding.
Eligibility: Competitive GPA, essays, recommendations, and possibly GRE for some grad programs
Why Apply? World‑class mentorship and research resources
Benefits: Scholarships, research assistantships, broad alumni network
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University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) – USA
Program: Behavioral Science concentration – https://www.utexas.edu
About the Course: UT Austin’s programs combine psychology, sociology, and behavioral economics.
Eligibility: College‑level transcripts, personal statement, recommendations
Why Apply? Strong experimental and applied behavioral science focus
Benefits: Well-funded labs, cross-disciplinary projects
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Brown University – USA
Program: Behavioral and Social Sciences – https://www.brown.edu
About the Course: Brown encourages flexible curricular design spanning sociology, anthropology, psychology, and economics.
Eligibility: Academic excellence, statement of purpose, optional GRE
Why Apply? Highly customizable interdisciplinary program
Benefits: Open curriculum, personalized mentoring
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Tilburg University – Netherlands
Program: Behavioral Science & Research – https://www.tilburguniversity.edu
About the Course: Specialises in behavioral science in social and economic contexts, combining theory and applied research.
Eligibility: International applicants usually need a relevant bachelor’s degree and proof of English proficiency
Why Apply? European perspective on behaviour and decision science
Benefits: International research network, EU scholarship options
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University of North Texas – USA (Graduate Behavioral Science)
🔗 Program: PhD in Behavioral Science – https://class.unt.edu/psychology/graduate/behavioral-science/behavioral-science-prospective-students.html
About the Course: Graduate‑level program with emphasis on research methodology, statistics, and ethical conduct.
Eligibility:
- Minimum 24 credits in psychology or related area
- GPA benchmarks or equivalent scholarly contributions
Why Apply? Focus on research with assistantships
Benefits: Graduate assistantships, tuition waivers, research experience
University of Rhode Island – USA
Program: PhD in Behavioral Science – https://web.uri.edu/psychology/academics/ph-d-program/behavioral-science/
About the Course: Research‑intensive doctoral program concentrating on health psychology, methodology, and human behavior.
Eligibility: Strong academic and research background, supportive personal statement
Why Apply? Collaborative research and flexible program requirements
Benefits: Teaching assistantships, real research partnerships
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University of Kansas – USA
Program: Behavioral Science Master’s – https://www.ku.edu
About the Course: Highly regarded for its interdisciplinary blend of psychology, neuroscience, and social research.
Eligibility: Undergraduate degree with relevant coursework, good GPA
Why Apply? Strong research emphasis and faculty collaboration
Benefits: Popular program with strong post-grad outcomes
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San Jose State University – USA
Program: BA in Behavioral Science – https://www.sjsu.edu
About the Course: Interdisciplinary coursework across psychology, sociology, and anthropology preparing students for careers in social services, law, and analytics.
Eligibility: High school diploma, transcripts, possibly GPA thresholds
Why Apply? Emphasis on real‑world applications and analytical skills
Benefits: Interdisciplinary concentration choices
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Trevecca Nazarene University – USA
Program: BS in Behavioral Science – https://www.trevecca.edu
About the Course: Focuses on social behavior, statistics, and practical tools for human services careers.
Eligibility: Transcripts, recommendations
Why Apply? Mentorship‑oriented learning
Benefits: High financial aid availability
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Wilmington University – USA (Online)
Program: Online BS in Behavioral Science – https://www.wilmu.edu/behavioralscience
About the Course: An online interdisciplinary degree covering psychology, sociology, human services, and social justice advocacy.
Eligibility: High school diploma or equivalent
Why Apply? Fully online option with multiple concentration tracks
Benefits: Flexible schedule, career‑oriented curriculum
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Palo Alto University – USA
Program: Behavioral Health Psychology and related degrees – https://www.paloaltou.edu
About the Course: Focused on behavioral health, counselling, and clinical psychological science.
Eligibility: Typically requires bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field
Why Apply? Practice + research model
Benefits: Strong clinical focus, connections with healthcare sectors
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School of Social Ecology (UCI) – USA
Program: Social Ecology & Behavioral Studies – https://socialecology.uci.edu
About the Course: Combines behavioral science with criminology, policy, and urban studies.
Eligibility: Relevant academic background and transcripts
Why Apply? Real-world problem-solving and off-campus internships
Benefits: Multidisciplinary exposure, field placements
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1 Carnegie Mellon University – USA (Behavioral & Decision Sciences)
Program: Social and Decision Sciences – https://www.cmu.edu
About the Course: Integrates psychology, economics, and policy for behavior study and decision-making research. Eligibility: Competitive GPA plus analytical course background
Why Apply? Interdisciplinary network and industry insights
Benefits: Strong computational, economic, and analytical training
Admission Criteria – What Most Programs Look For
Across these schools the common requirements include:
- Academic transcripts with good GPA
- Statement of purpose or research statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized tests (not always mandatory)
- Research experience or portfolio for graduate programs
Benefits of Studying Behavioral Science
- Broad career paths: research, policy, human resources, marketing, tech design
- Skills in data analysis, research methodology, and human behavior insights
- Interdisciplinary flexibility — psychology, sociology, economics
- Research opportunities and internships
People Also AskÂ
What is behavioral science, and what careers can it lead to?
Behavioural science studies human behavior and its influences, and can lead to careers in research, policy, consulting, human resources, and technology.
Can I study behavioral science online?
Yes — programs like those offered by Wilmington University provide online behavioural science degrees.
Are behavioral science degrees worth it?
Yes — these degrees provide analytical skills applicable to multiple industries and research careers.
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