Behavioral science degree overview

A behavioral science degree focuses on studying how people think, act, and interact with each other. It combines subjects like psychology, sociology, and anthropology to explore why people behave the way they do, both individually and in groups. Students learn about the mental, social, and cultural factors that influence behavior.

The program covers a variety of topics such as human development, how the brain works, and how people relate to each other in society. Students also learn how to research and analyze behavior. Courses might include subjects like addiction, mental health, and how organizations work. This broad approach helps students understand different aspects of human behavior.

A behavioral science degree offers various program options, depending on the level of education you want to pursue:

• Associate Degree: This is typically a 2-year program that provides an introduction to behavioral science, including courses in psychology, sociology, and human development. It is often a stepping stone to further education and entry-level jobs in social services or healthcare.
• Bachelor’s Degree: A 4-year undergraduate program that dives deeper into topics like cognitive psychology, social behavior, and research methods. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can pursue careers in human resources, social work, or public health, or continue their education in graduate programs.
• Master’s Degree: This advanced degree takes an additional 1-2 years after a bachelor’s degree and focuses on specialized areas such as counseling, behavioral analysis, or organizational behavior. It opens up opportunities for higher-level positions in healthcare, social services, or research.
• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.): A doctoral program in behavioral science is focused on research and teaching, typically taking 4-6 years. Graduates with a Ph.D. often pursue careers in academia, research, or advanced clinical practice.

A behavioral science degree equips students with a variety of important skills:

• Understanding Human Behavior: You’ll learn how to analyze and interpret why people act, think, and feel in certain ways, both individually and in groups.
• Research and Data Analysis: Students develop the ability to design studies, collect data, and analyze results, helping to understand trends in human behavior.
• Critical Thinking: You’ll learn to assess complex problems, consider different perspectives, and apply logical solutions to behavior-related issues.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are developed through presenting findings, writing reports, and working with diverse groups of people.
• Problem-Solving: You’ll gain experience in identifying behavioral problems and creating strategies to address or improve them, particularly in fields like healthcare, education, and business.
• Empathy and Interpersonal Skills: Understanding and working with different individuals and cultures helps you develop better empathy and relationship-building abilities, essential in roles like counseling or human resources.

With a behavioral science degree, graduates can pursue various careers in fields that focus on human behavior, social interactions, and mental health. Some of the potential career paths include:

• Behavioral Scientist: Studies human behavior and interactions to understand the psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing decisions. They work in research, healthcare, or corporate environments to create policies, interventions, or products. Further education may be necessary, especially for research-focused roles.
• Social Worker: Helps individuals, families, and communities deal with personal or social issues, providing support and access to resources. Additional certification may be required.
• Human Resources Manager: Manages employee relations, recruitment, and training in organizations, ensuring workplace satisfaction and compliance with employment laws.
• Market Research Analyst: Studies consumer behavior to help businesses understand market trends and develop products or marketing strategies based on data-driven insights.
• Counselor: Provides guidance and support to individuals dealing with personal or mental health challenges. Becoming a licensed counselor often requires further education and certification.
• Correctional Officer: Works within the legal system, applying knowledge of human behavior to rehabilitation, corrections, or law enforcement settings.
• Criminologist: Studies crime and criminal behavior to understand the psychological and social factors that lead to criminal activity. They work with law enforcement agencies and policymakers to develop crime prevention strategies. A higher degree in criminology or a related field is typically needed.