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Senior behavioral scientist education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a senior behavioral scientist. Senior behavioral scientists usually study nursing, psychology, or general education, specific areas. 58% of senior behavioral scientists hold a bachelor's degree, and 19% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 59 real senior behavioral scientist resumes to see exactly what senior behavioral scientist education sections show.

The most common colleges for senior behavioral scientists are the Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and the Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.

There are also many online senior behavioral scientist courses to help get the education required to be a senior behavioral scientist.

What education do you need to become a senior behavioral scientist?

What degree do you need to be a senior behavioral scientist?

The most common degree for senior behavioral scientists is bachelor's degree, with 58% of senior behavioral scientists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 19% and master's degree degree at 8%.
  • Bachelor's, 58%
  • Master's, 19%
  • Associate, 8%
  • High School Diploma, 6%
  • Other Degrees, 9%

What should I major in to become a senior behavioral scientist?

You should major in nursing to become a senior behavioral scientist. 23% of senior behavioral scientists major in nursing. Other common majors for a senior behavioral scientist include psychology and general education, specific areas.

Most common colleges for senior behavioral scientists

Senior behavioral scientists often get their degrees at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and University of Dayton. Here are the most common colleges for senior behavioral scientists in the US based on their resumes.
Senior behavioral scientist common collegePercentages
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania9.09%
Indiana University of Pennsylvania9.09%
University of Dayton4.55%
Syracuse University4.55%
Western Illinois University4.55%

Best majors for senior behavioral scientists

RankMajorPercentages
1Nursing23.1%
2Psychology15.4%
3General Education, Specific Areas7.7%
4Social Work7.7%
5Education7.7%

Best colleges for senior behavioral scientists

The best colleges for senior behavioral scientists are Columbia University in the City of New York, Northwestern University, and Johns Hopkins University.

A senior behavioral scientist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for senior behavioral scientists. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become senior behavioral scientists.

1. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

2. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

3. Howard University

Washington, DC • Private

In-state tuition

$26,756

Enrollment

6,166

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Enrollment

31,503

5. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

6. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

7. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$18,454

Enrollment

40,108

8. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Enrollment

16,205

9. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,262

Enrollment

30,079

10. University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT • Private

In-state tuition

$15,730

Enrollment

18,830

20 best online courses for senior behavioral scientists

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1. Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action

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Humans often fail to make rational decisions that affect their health. This course seeks to heighten understanding of the social and behavioral factors that contribute to health decisions and behaviors, with an ultimate goal of learning how to utilize these factors in improving public health efforts. Through a set of experiential learning exercises, students will learn to apply the science of health behavior change in their own lives. The course is appropriate for students interested in health...

2. Creating Behavioral Change

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In this course you will learn about understanding and changing mental and physical health behavior. We will examine both the historical context and the current science. Major topics will include fundamental behavioral principles and basic elements of empirically supported individual treatments (e.g., motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapies). Lectures and examples will illustrate both the theory and the practice of evidence-based approaches to behavior change. You will engage...

3. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course

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4.7
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...

4. Cat Behavior Rectification & Cat Health Care: 2 courses in 1

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4.2
(330)

1. Common Cat Behavior Issues and training methods to rectify them 2. Tips for better healthcare of your cat...

5. Market Research and Consumer Behavior

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Your marketing quest begins here! The first course in this specialization lays the neccessary groundwork for an overall successful marketing strategy. It is separated into two sections: Market Research and Consumer Behavior. Gain the tools and techniques to translate a decision problem into a research question in the Market Research module. Learn how to design a research plan, analyze the data gathered and accurately interpret and communicate survey reports, translating the results into...

6. Social Determinants of Health

coursera

This is an introductory course on social determinants of population health with a focus on the United States. The course will introduce you to, or reinforce your knowledge of, issues related to health that consider behavioral, psychological and structural factors in population health beyond the healthcare system. We will examine social, economic, and political factors that contribute to health inequalities and suggest innovative ways to reduce disparities in health when the goal is to achieve...

7. DOG BEHAVIOR & DOG TRAINING: Fix Problems & Animal Behavior

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4.1
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BAD DOG BEHAVIOR? ENROLL NOW! Dog Training, Animal Behavior, Puppy Training, Canine Behavior, Dogs, Puppies/Animals/Pets...

8. Dog & Cat Behavior Problems

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Learn the essential training techniques you'll need to raise a pet dog or cat and fix common behavior problems...

9. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches

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Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...

10. [Accredited] Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Counselor

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Learn DBT in depth, start conducting sessions with ready to use templates, and set up counseling practice within weeks!...

11. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT Life Coaching Certification

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4.4
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CBT: Emotional intelligence transform your life - stop self-sabotage while earning your life coaching credentials...

12. Introduction to Behavioral Economics & Consumer Psychology

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4
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Learn how to apply some of the most powerful principles from consumer psychology to increase conversions...

13. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...

14. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Life Coach Specialty

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CBT Life Coaching: Emotional Intelligence - Tools for Overcoming Negative Emotions like Anxiety, Fear, Undue Stress...

15. Crucial Concepts in Dog Behavior & Training

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Learn cutting edge and common sense concepts that make dog training incredibly easy and effective...

16. Abnormal Behavior & Clinical Psychology (Certificate)

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4.4
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Guiding students into the field of mental health services for either personal and/or professional development...

17. Simple Solutions for Common Dog Behavior & Training Problems

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Learn to address house soiling, chewing, barking, digging, separation anxiety, jumping up, pulling on leash and more...

18. Behavioral Economics and Neuromarketing

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Learn how to affect the decision making flows and increase sales/usage of your products. Make better decisions in life...

19. CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Human Mind Owner's Manual)

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CBT: Take back your power, stop self-sabotage, reprogram your mind, master your emotions & stop negative thinking...

20. Economics: Behavior of Buyers and Sellers & Product Pricing

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4.2
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The Easiest Beginner level Course on Economics with real life examples and graphic content. Perfect for Newbies!...

Top 10 most affordable universities for senior behavioral scientists

The most affordable schools for senior behavioral scientists are Hunter College of the City University of New York, california state university - long beach, and california state university - bakersfield.

If the best universities for senior behavioral scientists are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for senior behavioral scientists.

1. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

2. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

3. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

4. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

5. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

6. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

7. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

8. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

9. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

10. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for senior behavioral scientists

The hardest universities for senior behavioral scientists to get into are Columbia University in the City of New York, Northwestern University, and Johns Hopkins University.

Some great schools for senior behavioral scientists are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for senior behavioral scientists based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

3. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

4. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

5. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

6. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

7. Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA • Private

Admissions rate

28%

SAT average

1,429

8. Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,443

9. University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • Private

Admissions rate

26%

SAT average

1,427

10. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for senior behavioral scientists

The easiest schools for senior behavioral scientists to get into are Mount Saint Mary's University, barry university, and kean university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a senior behavioral scientist without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for senior behavioral scientists.

1. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

3. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

4. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

1,003

5. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

6. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,044

7. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

8. AdventHealth University

Orlando, FL • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,016

9. Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

93%

SAT average

1,002

10. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

Average senior behavioral scientist salary by education level

According to our data, senior behavioral scientists with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $123,843 annually. Senior behavioral scientists with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $95,659.
Senior behavioral scientist education levelSenior behavioral scientist salary
Master's Degree$95,659
Doctorate Degree$123,843

Senior behavioral scientist education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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