Behavioral Health Science Bachelor’s Degrees in NYC

Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health Science in New York City equips students with the knowledge and skills to address mental health challenges, promote emotional well-being, and foster resilience in individuals and communities. This dynamic field bridges psychology, counseling, and social work, providing a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and its impact on mental and physical health. With NYC’s diverse population and access to renowned institutions and healthcare organizations, students have the unique opportunity to learn in a real-world environment. Graduates are prepared for impactful careers in mental health services, substance abuse counseling, community advocacy, and more, or to advance into graduate studies in psychology, counseling, or related fields.

Touro University

Located in the heart of Manhattan, Touro University offers a comprehensive Behavioral Health Science program that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for diverse careers in mental health services. Students appreciate the dedication and accessibility of professors, noting that faculty members are invested in student success and provide personalized attention.

Curriculum Details:

Graduate Coursework During Undergraduate Studies: Eligible students can enroll in up to four graduate-level courses (maximum of 12 credits) that count toward both their bachelor’s and prospective MS degrees, potentially reducing the time and cost to complete the graduate program.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, students must have completed at least 60 undergraduate credits, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, and fulfill specific prerequisite courses related to their chosen MS program.

Address: 320 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001
Contact: (212) 463-0400
Website: www.touro.edu
Directions: Approximately a 10-minute walk south along 8th Avenue.

Pace University

Pace University’s Behavioral Neuroscience program offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining psychology and biology to understand the neural mechanisms of behavior, equipping students for careers in healthcare, research, and beyond.

Pace provides various opportunities for internships and networking, leveraging its proximity to numerous organizations and industries in New York City. However, some students have expressed a desire for more emphasis on mental health resources and wellness programs.

Curriculum Details:

Core Courses: All students complete foundational courses such as Health Care Ethics, Introduction to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Health Informatics and Telehealth, and Leadership and Management in Health Care.

Specialized Tracks: Students can choose from three tracks:

Generalist: Offers a broad overview of health sciences, suitable for various healthcare roles.
Pre-Nursing: Includes courses like Anatomy and Physiology, Basic Microbiology, and Principles of Chemistry, preparing students for accelerated nursing programs.
Pre-Physician Assistant: Covers subjects such as General Biology, Human Anatomy, Microbiology, and General Chemistry, aligning with prerequisites for physician assistant programs.

Address: 1 Pace Plaza, New York, NY 10038
Contact: (212) 346-1200
Website: www.pace.edu
Directions: Approximately 3 miles south; accessible via subway lines 2 or 3 from Penn Station to Fulton Street.

Saint Peter’s University

Saint Peter’s University provides a Behavioral Sciences program focusing on psychological and sociological perspectives, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for addressing complex social issues.

Students describe their time at Saint Peter’s University as positive, highlighting the supportive community and opportunities for personal growth. The university’s location in Jersey City offers proximity to New York City, providing additional cultural and professional opportunities.

Curriculum Details:

Core Courses: Students complete foundational courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, Foundations of Health Science, Introduction to Sociology, Statistics for Life Sciences, and Healthcare Leadership & Communication.

Specialization Tracks: The program offers two tracks:

General Studies in Health Sciences: Includes courses in Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Human Nutrition, and an internship in Community Health.
Radiography: A collaborative program with Englewood Hospital School of Radiography, combining academic study with clinical experience.

Address: 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Contact: (201) 761-6000
Directions: Approximately 4 miles west; reachable via PATH train from 33rd Street to Journal Square.

New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University offers a Behavioral Sciences degree emphasizing interdisciplinary studies, preparing students for careers in social services, counseling, and community development.

Address: 2039 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Contact: (201) 200-2000
Website: www.njcu.edu
Directions: Approximately 6 miles southwest; accessible via PATH train to Journal Square, then local transit.

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

SUNY Downstate offers programs in health-related fields, including behavioral health, with a strong emphasis on research and clinical practice in urban communities.

Curriculum Details:

Foundational Coursework: In the first year, students are required to complete courses in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, and ethics.
Advanced Training: The program emphasizes hands-on research experience through lab rotations, research seminars, journal clubs, and advanced electives, all aimed at preparing students for their thesis research.

Address: 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Contact: (718) 270-1000
Website: www.downstate.edu
Directions: Approximately 8 miles southeast; accessible via subway line 2 from Penn Station to Winthrop Street.

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson’s Metropolitan Campus offers a range of programs, including those in behavioral sciences, with a focus on experiential learning and global perspectives.

Curriculum Details:
Core Curriculum: Covers foundational health sciences, healthcare delivery, and interdisciplinary perspectives on health.
Concentration Options: Offers tracks in Science, General Health, Exercise Science, and Global Health to tailor career pathways.

Address: 1000 River Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Contact: (201) 692-2000
Website: www.fdu.edu
Directions: Approximately 10 miles north; accessible via NJ Transit from Penn Station to Anderson Street.

Wagner College

Wagner College offers a liberal arts education with programs in behavioral sciences, emphasizing personalized attention and experiential learning opportunities.

Curriculum Details:

Core Curriculum: Students engage in foundational courses across biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and nursing, providing a comprehensive understanding of the health sciences.
Clinical Experience: In their senior year, students participate in a one-year clinical experience as part of their Senior Learning Community, offering hands-on exposure to healthcare settings.

Address: 1 Campus Road, Staten Island, NY 10301
Contact: (718) 390-3100
Website: www.wagner.edu
Directions: Approximately 10 miles southwest; accessible via Staten Island Ferry and local transit.

Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University offers a range of programs in the behavioral sciences, emphasizing research, ethical practice, and a commitment to service.

Curriculum Details:

Foundational Courses: Students complete 12 credits of introductory courses across disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, sociology, and social work, providing a broad understanding of social sciences.
Concentration Tracks: The program offers three distinct tracks—Culture and Society; Policy, Justice, and Administration; and Allied Health—allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests and career goals.

Address: 400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079
Contact: (973) 761-9000
Website: www.shu.edu
Directions: Approximately 14 miles west; accessible via NJ Transit from Penn Station to South Orange Station.

CUNY York College

York College offers a Behavioral Sciences program focusing on psychological, sociological, and health-related studies, tailored for students interested in urban and multicultural contexts.

Curriculum Details:

Foundational Knowledge: Students engage in comprehensive coursework across the three disciplines, developing critical reading, writing, and thinking skills to analyze social structures, political systems, and human behavior.
Experiential Learning: The department provides opportunities for community-based internships and independent research, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in practical settings and gain mentorship from faculty members.

Address: 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11451
Contact: (718) 262-2000
Website: www.york.cuny.edu
Directions: Approximately 11 miles southeast; accessible via the E subway line to Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer.

Caldwell University

Caldwell University offers a Behavioral Sciences program emphasizing psychology and counseling, with experiential learning opportunities in a supportive academic environment.

Curriculum Details:

Interdisciplinary Foundation: The program offers a flexible course of study grounded in basic and health sciences, allowing students to tailor their education to align with specific career goals in allied health fields.
Capstone Experience: Students are required to complete a healthcare internship and a capstone seminar, culminating in a paper that demonstrates a clear understanding of their chosen healthcare field.

Address: 120 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006
Contact: (973) 618-3000
Website: www.caldwell.edu
Directions: Approximately 16 miles west; accessible via NJ Transit buses or by car.

William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson’s Behavioral Sciences program provides students with a foundation in psychology and sociology, offering pathways to careers in healthcare, education, and social services.

Curriculum Details:

Core Coursework: The program includes 42 credits of core courses covering topics such as counseling theories, ethical and legal issues, multicultural counseling, human development, and group counseling.
Specialized Training and Practical Experience: An additional 12 credits focus on mental health counseling, including courses like Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Advanced Skills and Practicum for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students also complete six credits of electives and gain hands-on experience through practicum and internship placements.

Address: 300 Pompton Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
Contact: (973) 720-2000
Website: www.wpunj.edu
Directions: Approximately 19 miles northwest; accessible via NJ Transit buses or by car.

Dominican University New York

Dominican University offers a Behavioral Sciences degree focusing on human behavior and social issues, with an emphasis on ethical practice and community service.

Curriculum Details:

Core Courses: All students complete eight foundational courses totaling 24 credits, including Introduction to Healthcare and the Health Professions, Lifespan Human Development, Advanced Writing: Composition in the Health Sciences, Medical Terminology, Promotion of Health and Disease Prevention, Professionalism within the Health Sciences, Health Information Management, and a Health Sciences Seminar and Research course.

Concentration Tracks: Students can choose from four tracks to tailor their studies:

General Track (122 credits): Ideal for those seeking entry-level positions or planning to apply to professional programs at other institutions.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Track (126 credits): Prepares students for graduate studies in occupational therapy.
Pre-Physical Therapy Track (126 credits): Includes prerequisites for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Pre-Athletic Training Track (128 credits): Prepares students for a master’s degree in athletic training, with preference in selection processes at partner institutions for high-achieving graduates.

Address: 470 Western Highway S, Orangeburg, NY 10962
Contact: (845) 359-7800
Website: www.duny.edu
Directions: Approximately 20 miles north; accessible via public transportation or by car.

Hofstra University

Hofstra’s Behavioral Sciences program integrates research and practical applications, preparing students for careers in mental health, counseling, and public health.

Curriculum Details:

Core Coursework: Students engage in foundational counseling courses covering: theories, ethical and legal issues, multicultural, human development, and group counseling.
Practical Experience: The program includes hands-on training through practicum and internship placements in various mental health settings, providing real-world experience under professional supervision.

Address: 100 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549
Contact: (516) 463-6600
Website: www.hofstra.edu
Directions: Approximately 21 miles east; accessible via LIRR from Penn Station to Hempstead.

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson’s Florham Campus offers a Behavioral Sciences degree combining psychology, counseling, and sociology for careers in mental health and community services.

Curriculum Details:

Core Curriculum: Covers foundational health sciences, healthcare delivery, and interdisciplinary perspectives on health.
Concentration Options: Offers tracks in Science, General Health, Exercise Science, and Global Health to tailor career pathways.

Address: 285 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
Contact: (973) 443-8500
Website: www.fdu.edu
Directions: Approximately 22 miles west; accessible via NJ Transit trains from Penn Station to Madison.

Careers with a Behavioral Health Science Bachelor’s Degree in NYC

New York City offers diverse opportunities in behavioral health due to its large population, well-funded healthcare systems, and numerous nonprofit organizations. Graduates can find roles in public health programs, hospitals, educational institutions, and community services.

Each career path allows you to make a positive impact by supporting individuals and communities facing behavioral health challenges. Below is an overview of potential roles, their demand, and salary ranges in NYC:

Behavioral Health Technician

Role: Assist in implementing treatment plans and monitoring patient behavior.
Demand: High, with numerous positions available in hospitals and clinics. Indeed
Salary Range: Approximately $40,000 to $60,000 annually.

Case Manager

Role: Coordinate care plans for individuals with mental health or behavioral needs.
Demand: Steady, with opportunities in social service agencies and healthcare facilities.
Salary Range: Around $50,000 to $70,000 per year.

Mental Health Specialist

Role: Provide support for individuals facing mental health challenges through counseling and intervention.
Demand: Growing, due to increased focus on mental health services.
Salary Range: Approximately $60,000 to $80,000 annually.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Role: Support individuals recovering from addiction through counseling and treatment programs.
Demand: High, with ongoing efforts to address substance abuse issues.
Salary Range: Between $50,000 and $70,000 per year.

Crisis Intervention Specialist

Role: Respond to individuals in crisis situations to provide immediate support and referrals.
Demand: Increasing, especially in emergency response teams and hospitals.
Salary Range: Approximately $55,000 to $75,000 annually.

Rehabilitation Specialist

Role: Help individuals with behavioral health issues regain independence and improve quality of life.
Demand: Steady, with positions in vocational rehabilitation centers and nonprofits.
Salary Range: Around $50,000 to $70,000 per year.

Youth Behavioral Counselor

Role: Work with children and adolescents dealing with behavioral challenges.
Demand: High, particularly in schools and youth programs.
Salary Range: Approximately $45,000 to $65,000 annually.

Residential Counselor

Role: Support residents in group homes or treatment facilities with daily activities and emotional well-being.
Demand: Consistent, with opportunities in residential care facilities.
Salary Range: Between $40,000 and $60,000 per year.

Community Outreach Coordinator

Role: Plan and implement programs to raise awareness about mental health and behavioral issues.
Demand: Growing, with many community centers and nonprofits seeking such roles.
Salary Range: Approximately $40,000 to $70,000 annually.

These roles offer opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the field of behavioral health within NYC.

Behavioral Health Science