Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Behavioral Sciences
This one-year certificate program in the US teaches foundational knowledge in behavioral sciences, preparing students for roles in social services, research, or further studies in psychology and related fields.
About
The Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Behavioral Sciences is a one-year program offered in the United States for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree. It is designed to provide foundational knowledge in behavioral sciences, which includes understanding human behavior, social interactions, and psychological principles. This certificate is ideal for those looking to strengthen their background before pursuing graduate studies or for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in fields related to social work, counseling, or research.
- The program targets students with a completed bachelor's degree interested in behavioral sciences.
- It offers a focused curriculum to build knowledge in human behavior and social sciences.
- Graduates may work in entry-level roles in social services or prepare for advanced studies in psychology or counseling.
- The certificate serves as a bridge for those considering graduate education in related fields.
- It is suitable for career changers or those wanting to deepen their understanding of behavioral topics.
What you study
The curriculum of this certificate program covers key areas in behavioral sciences through a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical assignments. The one-year duration allows students to gain a solid foundation in relevant topics. Courses often include subjects such as psychology basics, research methods, social behavior, and statistics. Practical work may involve analyzing case studies, participating in group projects, or conducting small research assignments.
- The program includes courses on psychology fundamentals and research techniques.
- Students study social behavior and human development to understand diverse populations.
- Training in data analysis and statistics supports research skills.
- Practical assignments help apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
- The curriculum is structured to build progressively from basic concepts to more complex topics.
- Some programs may offer opportunities for field observations or community projects.
How to get in
Admission to the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Behavioral Sciences requires applicants to have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the US or an equivalent recognized abroad. The application process typically involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs may require a minimum GPA or relevant background in social sciences, but many accept students from diverse academic fields.
- Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree to be eligible.
- The admission process includes submitting academic transcripts and a personal statement.
- Letters of recommendation may be requested to assess motivation and suitability.
- Programs may look for candidates with some background or interest in behavioral or social sciences.
- The selection is generally not highly selective, welcoming diverse academic profiles.
Day to day
The program typically follows a full-time schedule over one academic year, with classes spread over two semesters. Students attend lectures, participate in discussions, and complete assignments regularly. While internships or practical placements are not always mandatory, some programs encourage or offer opportunities for hands-on experience through community projects or research assistance. The workload requires consistent study and engagement with course material.
- Students usually follow a full-time schedule with classes during weekdays.
- Coursework includes lectures, group work, and written assignments.
- Some programs offer optional fieldwork or community involvement.
- There is no formal alternance (work-study) arrangement in most cases.
- The year is structured into two semesters with exams and project deadlines.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates of this certificate program can find opportunities in various entry-level roles related to behavioral and social sciences. They may work in community organizations, social services, or assist in research projects. The certificate also supports those aiming to continue their education in graduate programs. The job market values the foundational knowledge and skills gained, though many roles will require further qualifications or experience.
- Possible jobs include research assistant or community outreach worker.
- Employment sectors include social services, nonprofits, and healthcare support.
- The certificate helps prepare for graduate studies in psychology or counseling.
- Insertion into the workforce is generally gradual and may require additional experience.
- Networking and internships can improve job prospects.
Careers after further study
These careers require a higher level of study than this degree.
Continuing your studies
After completing the certificate, students often consider continuing their studies in graduate programs such as master's degrees in psychology, social work, counseling, or public health. The certificate can strengthen applications and provide foundational knowledge for advanced coursework. Some may also choose to specialize further or explore related fields through additional certificates or diplomas.
- Common next steps include master's degrees in behavioral or social sciences.
- The certificate supports applications to graduate psychology or social work programs.
- Students may pursue specialized certificates or training in counseling or research.
- Reorientation to other social science fields is possible with this foundation.
Where to study this degree (146)
Liste des 146 établissements
- Mid-America Christian UniversityOklahoma City
- Crowder CollegeNeosho
- Fitchburg State UniversityFitchburg
- South UniversitySavannah
- Antioch UniversityYellow Springs
- Martin UniversityIndianapolis
- University of New HampshireDurham
- University of BaltimoreBaltimore
- Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh
- California Institute of Integral StudiesSan Francisco
- Wilmington UniversityNew Castle
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- Drury UniversitySpringfield
- East–West UniversityChicago
- Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill
- San Jacinto CollegePasadena
- University of IowaIowa City
- Teachers College at Columbia UniversityNew York
- Imperial Valley CollegeImperial
- The University of Arizona Global CampusSan Diego
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
- Yale UniversityNew Haven
- Baylor UniversityWaco
- Maricopa Community Colleges - Glendale Community CollegeGlendale
- University of Phoenix-ArizonaPhoenix
- Harvard UniversityCambridge
- University of KansasLawrence
- Elizabethtown CollegeElizabethtown
- South Mountain Community CollegePhoenix
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Washington University in St LouisSaint Louis
- University of Houston - Clear LakeHouston
- San Jose State UniversitySan Jose
- George Fox UniversityNewberg
- United States Air Force AcademyUSAF Academy
- University of TulsaTulsa
- Loyola University ChicagoChicago
- Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster
- University of Wisconsin–OshkoshOshkosh
- Vincennes UniversityVincennes
- Murray State CollegeTishomingo
- Brown UniversityProvidence
- University of West GeorgiaCarrollton
- California State University, Dominguez HillsCarson
- University of Wisconsin–Green BayGreen Bay
- Concordia University IrvineIrvine
- Daemen CollegeAmherst
- Western Illinois UniversityMacomb
- American River CollegeSacramento
- Hill CollegeHillsboro
- Life Pacific CollegeSan Dimas
- Granite State CollegeManchester
- University of Maine at Fort KentFort Kent
- Saint Francis UniversityLoretto
- University of Tennessee SouthernPulaski
- Lewis Clark State CollegeLewiston
- Clovis Community CollegeClovis
- Eastern Washington UniversityCheney
- Temple CollegeTemple
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- Glenville State CollegeGlenville
- Concordia UniversitySeward
- Rowan UniversityGlassboro
- Purdue University NorthwestHammond
- Missouri Baptist UniversitySaint Louis
- MiraCosta CollegeOceanside
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHouston
- Chabot CollegeHayward
- Shasta CollegeRedding
- Colorado School of MinesGolden
- East Texas Baptist UniversityMarshall
- University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore
- San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco
- California Baptist UniversityRiverside
- Athens State UniversityAthens
- University of ChicagoChicago
- New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewark
- Tennessee Wesleyan CollegeAthens
- Dakota Wesleyan UniversityMitchell
- Emory UniversityAtlanta
- Clemson UniversityClemson
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver
- City College of San FranciscoSan Francisco
- College of Mount Saint VincentBronx
- Pace UniversityNew York
- Northwestern UniversityEvanston
- Columbia College - South CarolinaColumbia
- Duke UniversityDurham
- Andrews UniversityBerrien Springs
- University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario
- Sisseton Wahpeton CollegeSisseton
- Rochester Christian UniversityRochester Hills
- Point Park UniversityPittsburgh
- Trevecca Nazarene UniversityNashville
- Columbia UniversityNew York
- College of the SiskiyousWeed
- Cornell UniversityIthaca
- Campbell UniversityBuies Creek
- Mount St. Joseph UniversityCincinnati
- Drury University-College of Continuing Professional StudiesSpringfield
- Texas Tech UniversityLubbock
- Mercy UniversityDobbs Ferry
- Houston Christian UniversityHouston
- Lynn UniversityBoca Raton
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh
- Red Lake Nation CollegeRed Lake
- Harding University Main CampusSearcy
- University of MiamiCoral Gables
- Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver
- Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff
- Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette
- New Mexico Highlands UniversityLas Vegas
- York College of PennsylvaniaYork
- University of Montana WesternDillon
- University of DelawareNewark
- University of California, MercedMerced
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens PointStevens Point
- University of KentuckyLexington
- College of Southern NevadaLas Vegas
- Tabor CollegeHillsboro
- University of Holy CrossNew Orleans
- Walsh UniversityNorth Canton
- Whitman CollegeWalla Walla
- Chaminade University of HonoluluHonolulu
- Maryland University of Integrative HealthLaurel
- Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago
- University of North TexasDenton
- Carroll UniversityWaukesha
- Mount Aloysius CollegeCresson
- Mohave Community CollegeKingman
- Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater
- Richard Bland CollegeSouth Prince George
- University of La VerneLa Verne
- Felician UniversityLodi
- Santa Fe Community CollegeSanta Fe
- William Paterson UniversityWayne
- California State Polytechnic UniversityPomona
- University of Health Sciences and PharmacySaint Louis
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at GalvestonGalveston
- Moorpark CollegeMoorpark
- Virginia TechBlacksburg
- New York Institute of TechnologyOld Westbury
- Capital Community CollegeHartford
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is needed to apply?
You must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The program is designed for those who want to build foundational knowledge in behavioral sciences.
Is this certificate enough to work as a psychologist?
No, this certificate provides basic knowledge but does not qualify you to practice as a psychologist. Further graduate studies and licensure are required.
Can I work while studying this program?
The program is usually full-time and demanding, so working alongside might be challenging. There is no formal work-study option included.
Does the program include internships?
Internships or practical placements are not always mandatory but some programs may offer opportunities for hands-on experience through community projects.
What careers can I pursue after this certificate?
Graduates can work in entry-level roles such as research assistants, community outreach workers, or social services aides, often in nonprofit or healthcare sectors.
Can I continue my studies after this certificate?
Yes, many students use this certificate as a stepping stone to apply for master's programs in psychology, social work, counseling, or related fields.
Is prior experience in social sciences required?
Not necessarily. While some background can help, the program is open to students from various academic fields interested in behavioral sciences.
How selective is the admission process?
Admission is generally not highly selective and welcomes diverse academic profiles, focusing on motivation and prior education.




























