Many career opportunities are available to someone with a behavioral science degree. Depending on the skills, interests, and experience, one might be able to work in various settings, such as in academia, research labs, healthcare organizations, non-profit social or community service groups, government agencies, etc.
Crime analysts will use research on behavior to help solve crimes. They might work with law enforcement agencies to develop profiles of criminals, or they might analyze the data to identify certain trends within the studied criminal activities.
Social workers try to help people who might be dealing with difficult life circumstances, such as poverty, illness, or addiction. They provide support and guidance to individuals and families and connect them with resources that can help improve their lives.
Policy analysts use their knowledge of human behavior to develop policies that will achieve the goals of the policy. For example, they might create guidelines that encourage people to use public transportation or to reduce their energy usage.
Market analysts are essential to have on a marketing team as they truly understand the how and why of it all. For example, why is it that people shop in specific patterns? Market Analysts use their understanding of human nature to assist businesses in answering these questions and developing more successful, targeted, and powerful marketing strategies.
Some jobs to get with a Behavioral Science degree:
- Research assistant
- Registered behavior technician (RBT)
- Intervention specialist
- Human resources specialist
- Market researcher
- Mental health counselor
- Crime analyst
- Social worker
- Policy analyst
Behavioral Science degree salary
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $170,500 and as low as $22,000, the majority of Applied Behavioral Science salaries currently range between $38,500 (25th percentile) to $67,000 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) making $128,000 annually across the United States.
Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Applied Behavioral Science job market in Chicago, IL, and the surrounding area is very active. People working in Behavioral Science in this area make an average of $62,334 per year, or the same as the national average annual salary of $62,334.
Salary ranges can differ significantly depending on the job, industry, location, required experience, specific skills, education, etc.
Behavioral scientists study human behavior to understand why people act the way they do. Then, they use this knowledge to develop interventions that can change people’s behavior and improve their lives.
Behavioral science is a relatively new field, and it is constantly evolving. As our understanding of human behavior grows, so too do the opportunities for those with a behavioral science degree.
What do behavioral scientists do?
So, what do they DO exactly? Behavioral science explores cognitive processes, especially decision-making and communication, through systematic analysis of human behavior. Unlike social scientists, behavioral scientists collect empirical data and use experimental methods, including testing, controls, and manipulated settings. Empirical data is data that is based on observations or experiments.
As already expressed, behavioral scientists use their knowledge of human behavior to develop interventions that can change people’s behavior and improve their lives. These interventions can take many forms, including educational programs, policy changes, and marketing campaigns.
Interventions that behavioral scientists develop are evidence-based, meaning they are based on scientific research. Why is this important? Because it ensures that the interventions are effective and positively impact people’s lives.
Systematic analysis of human behavior is the cornerstone of behavioral science. By understanding how and why people behave the way they do, behavioral scientists can develop interventions that will lead to positive changes in behavior.
There are many different behavioral science degrees, but the most common are psychology, sociology, and anthropology. These three disciplines share a common focus on human behavior, but each takes a unique approach to studying its specific field.
Psychology is the study of the individual. Psychologists use scientific methods to understand how people think, feel, and behave. They use this knowledge to diagnose and treat mental disorders and to help people overcome problems in their lives.
Sociology is the study of groups of people. Sociologists use scientific methods to understand how people interact with each other and how they develop social norms. They use this knowledge to solve social problems and to improve the quality of life for all people.
Anthropology is the study of human cultures. Anthropologists use scientific methods to understand how people live in different parts of the world and how they interact with each other. They use this knowledge to help preserve cultural heritage and to promote understanding between cultures.
Behavioral science is an interdisciplinary field, which means it draws from multiple disciplines. The most common disciplines that contribute to behavioral science are psychology, sociology, anthropology, biology, and economics.
How many years of college do you need to be a behavioral scientist?
A behavioral scientist must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree, preferably in behavioral science, psychology, clinical psychology, or sociology. However, not all universities offer specialized behavioral science degrees at the undergraduate level, so pursuing the related fields may be the best option.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, a behavioral scientist must also complete a two-year master’s program in behavioral science or a related field. A doctoral degree is not required, but it may give you an advantage when competing for jobs.
When in college, the coursework studied by a behavioral scientist focuses on research methods, statistics, and psychological theory. A behavioral scientist must have strong analytical and critical thinking skills. They must be able to design and conduct research studies, as well as interpret and communicate the results.
What kind of jobs can you get with a behavioral science degree?
In conclusion, the job outlook for behavioral scientists is positive. The field is growing, and there is a need for qualified professionals who can help solve social problems and improve the quality of life for all people. If you are interested in a career in behavioral science, consider pursuing a degree in psychology, sociology, or anthropology. With a degree in behavioral science, you can make a difference in the world.