Skip to Main Content
A student dumps soil into a wheel barrow in the Chipeta Garden.

Master of Behavioral Science (MBS)

Part of: Master of Behavioral Science, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's

Degree: Master of Behavioral Science

Related Areas of Study: Restorative Facilitation

Part of: Master of Behavioral Science, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's

Degree: Master of Behavioral Science

Related Areas of Study: Restorative Facilitation

Earn a master’s in behavioral science and prepare for careers in health and counseling.

The Master of Behavioral Science (MBS) at Western Colorado University is a behavioral science master’s degree designed to address complex health and social challenges. This behavioral science graduate program prepares students for careers in community counseling, public health, and behavioral health using evidence-based approaches grounded in health equity and applied research.

With concentrations in Community Counseling and Rural Community Health, this master’s in behavioral science helps students build practical skills to improve outcomes in underserved populations, particularly in rural communities. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, community partnerships, and real-world application across health systems.

What Is a Master’s in Behavioral Science?

A master’s in behavioral science is a graduate degree that focuses on understanding human behavior, social systems, and the factors that influence health, decision-making, and community outcomes. This behavioral science master’s degree combines disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and public health to prepare students for careers that address complex social and health challenges.

Students in a behavioral science graduate program develop skills in research, data analysis, program evaluation, and evidence-based intervention strategies. Areas of study often include behavioral health, health equity, trauma-informed care, addiction prevention, and community health, equipping graduates to work in fields such as public health, counseling, social services, and behavioral health systems.

A master’s in behavioral science is designed for individuals who want to improve outcomes at both the individual and community level, using applied research and culturally responsive approaches to create meaningful, real-world impact.

Behavioral Science Concentrations

Tailor your master’s in behavioral science by choosing a concentration aligned with your career goals in community health or counseling.

Rural Health
A female student tests the blood pressure of a person.

Rural Community Health Concentration

Study community health and health disparities in a behavioral science master’s program focused on rural and underserved populations. Build skills to improve public health outcomes through research and applied practice.

Rural Health
Community Counseling
Two female individuals converse while sitting at a table in an office.

Community Counseling Concentration

Develop skills in counseling theory, mental health, and behavioral health interventions. This concentration prepares students for careers in counseling, social services, and addiction support, with pathways toward licensure.

Community Counseling

Behavioral Science Master’s Program Overview

The Master of Behavioral Science (MBS) is a master’s in behavioral science designed to prepare students for careers in behavioral health, public health, and counseling.

  • Degree: Master of Behavioral Science
  • Credits: 39–48 depending on concentration
  • Concentrations: Community Counseling (48 credits), Rural Community Health (39 credits)
  • Certificate Option: Restorative Facilitation (12 credits)
  • Format: On-campus with remote learning options
  • Location: Gunnison, Colorado

Master of Behavioral Science Areas of Study

Why Choose Western’s Behavioral Science Master’s Program

Western Colorado University’s master’s in behavioral science stands out for its applied, community-based approach to solving real-world health and social challenges. Unlike many behavioral science master’s programs that focus primarily on theory, Western’s MBS integrates hands-on learning with community partnerships in rural and underserved populations.

Students in this behavioral science graduate program work directly with local organizations to address issues such as mental health, addiction, food insecurity, and community resilience. Through this applied model, students gain practical experience in research, program evaluation, and behavioral health interventions while building skills that translate directly into careers in public health, counseling, and social services.

The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum spans psychology, sociology, public health, and geography, with specialized training in areas such as geospatial analysis, trauma-informed care, and health equity. Located in Gunnison, Colorado, Western provides a unique setting to study behavioral science in real-world rural health systems, where students can develop solutions tailored to underserved communities.

Supported by Colorado Senate Bill 22-172, this behavioral science graduate program also offers scholarships for students committed to serving rural communities, helping reduce cost barriers while preparing graduates to address critical behavioral health workforce needs.

"I wrote and received my very first grant from the Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado School of Medicine's Injury and Violence Prevention Center. This funding went directly towards my Master's practicum and thesis on Suicide Prevention."

Spencer Smith ’23

Rural Community Health - Master of Behavioral Science
Spencer Smith ’23

What Can You Do With a Behavioral Science Degree?

Graduates of a master’s in behavioral science are prepared for careers in public health, counseling, and social services. This behavioral science master’s degree equips students to address health disparities, improve community outcomes, and work across behavioral health systems.

Common career paths include:

  • Community health educator
  • Behavioral health specialist
  • Program evaluator
  • Prevention specialist
  • Case manager
  • Crisis counselor
  • Behavioral health consultant

Graduates work in:

  • Public health departments
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Research institutions

Graduates also work in public health departments, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and research institutions, where they develop health programs, conduct community-based research, and support policy initiatives. Graduates are especially well-positioned for careers in rural health, behavioral health, and underserved communities.

Master of Behavioral Science FAQs

Can you complete the master’s in behavioral science online?

The Master of Behavioral Science (MBS) offers distance learning options for students living or working in rural communities. Courses are delivered synchronously online, allowing students to complete this behavioral science master’s degree remotely while staying engaged in real-time instruction.

Is a behavioral science degree the same as psychology?

A behavioral science degree is broader than psychology, combining psychology, sociology, and public health. It focuses on understanding behavior across systems and applying that knowledge to real-world challenges in health, communities, and social services.

Does this program lead to counseling licensure?

The Community Counseling concentration provides coursework aligned with addiction counseling pathways. Students may qualify to sit for the Licensed Addiction Counselor exam with additional coursework, depending on state requirements.

What is the difference between community counseling and rural community health?

Community Counseling focuses on mental health, counseling theory, and behavioral health interventions, while Rural Community Health emphasizes public health, research, and improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

Who should pursue a master’s in behavioral science?

This degree is ideal for individuals interested in careers in public health, counseling, and social services, especially those who want to address health disparities and improve outcomes in underserved communities.

What can you do with a behavioral science master’s degree?

Graduates pursue careers in public health, counseling, and social services, including roles such as behavioral health specialist, community health educator, program evaluator, and case manager.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Admissions
Tuition & Costs
Program Requirements

Master of Behavioral Science Application Requirements

  • Admission will be based on an overall package that considers academic excellence as well as relevant work experience, research, and community involvement. Admissions materials must be submitted online and must include: academic transcripts showing a recommended minimum 3.2 GPA from the degree-granting school; a resume or Curriculum Vitae outlining related research, leadership, outreach, professional experience and /or volunteer work; a letter of purpose describing the student’s interests and goals regarding behavioral science and/or community health; a writing sample ( course paper or professional report) of at least 3 single-spaced pages; and two.letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors in related fields.
  • GRE scores will be accepted but are not required for admissions consideration. International students must submit their score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IETLS. Students with a degree from a college or university where English is the language of instruction are not required to submit the TOEFL/IETLS score.
  • Applicants are expected to have been in contact with an MBS program faculty member prior to submission of application. Documentation of this will be included as a formal expectation in the application process.

Provisional Admittance Policy

Students who have some deficiency in undergraduate training or incomplete credentials may be approved for provisional admission into the MBS in Rural Community Health program upon the recommendation of the Director of the MBS and approval by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

To be admitted provisionally into the MBS program, applicants must demonstrate:

  • some formal background or training in community health, psychology, sociology, or related field (e.g. coursework, internships, work study), and:
  • ability to manage the assigned graduate courses while completing their undergraduate program or other provisions (e.g. the personal statement and references should indicate the candidate’s ability to undertake such an academic load and course work at the graduate level).

In accordance with School of Graduate Studies Admissions Policies, a provisionally admitted student will have a maximum of one calendar year to complete any prerequisite academic coursework.

The MBS Program Director will assess provisionally admitted student progress towards completion of prerequisites and success in all MBS program and course work through meetings scheduled monthly and at the end of each semester within the required completion timeline.

MBS: Rural Community Health Concentration Tuition & Fees

Term Credits Tuition per Credit Hour Fees per Credit* Flat Fees** Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall 9 $730.00 $73.40 $50.00 $7,280.60
Year 1: Spring 9 $730.00 $73.40 $7,230.60
Year 1: Summer 3 $730.00 $73.40 $2,410.20
Year 2: Fall 9 $730.00 $73.40 $7,230.60
Year 2: Spring 9 $730.00 $73.40 $7,230.60
Program Total 39 $31,382.60

*Mandatory graduate student fees per credit hour
$63.00 Graduate Studies Administrative Operations Fee
$6.50 Library Fee
$3.90 IT Services Fee

**Mandatory graduate student flat fees
New Student Matriculation Fee: $50.00

MBS: Community Counseling Concentration Tuition & Fees

Term Credits Tuition per Credit Fees per Credit Hour* Flat Fees** Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall 12 $730.00 $73.40 $50.00 $9,690.80
Year 1: Spring 12 $730.00 $73.40 $9,640.80
Year 1: Summer 3 $730.00 $73.40 $2,410.20
Year 2: Fall 12 $730.00 $73.40 $9,640.80
Year 2: Spring 9 $730.00 $73.40 $7,230.60
Program Total 48 $38,613.20

*Mandatory graduate student fees per credit hour
$63.00 Graduate Studies Administrative Operations Fee
$6.50 Library Fee
$3.90 IT Services Fee

**Mandatory graduate student flat fees
New Student Matriculation Fee: $50.00

Master of Behavioral Science

A master’s degree is an advanced qualification earned after completing a bachelor’s degree. It focuses on a specific area of study and provides specialized knowledge and skills. This differs from a concentration, which is a more focused area within the master’s program. Your concentration determines the specialized courses you take, shaping your expertise in a particular field. To complete a master’s degree, students must fulfill core coursework, elective requirements, and often a final project, thesis, or practicum.

How To Apply

We are so excited about your interest in applying to the Master of Behavioral Science! Please take a moment to review the requirements and deadlines before accessing the application. If you have any questions about the application process, don’t hesistate to reach out.

Scholarships, Fellowships & Financial Aid

Related News

Faculty & Staff

Master of Behavioral Science

Contact Information

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Kelley Hall 210
Gunnison, CO 81231

Mountain Graphic