Behavioral Science Programs

Behavioral Science is a psychology subspecialty that addresses the activities of humans and animals and how those actions affect others. Marriage and family counselors and the criminal justice system are two very different focuses of behavioral science. Their duties vary greatly, depending on their specific focus.

Walden University

Featured Programs:
BS in Psychology - Graduate School Prep

Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology/Child & Adolescent Development (Online)

Professionals, who practice behavioral science, can help families cope after the loss of a loved one on the criminal justice level. They can assist abused and neglected children. They can provide insight to law enforcement regarding criminal behaviors. Likewise, these pros can help married couples and families resolve to work through issues that may be affecting their lives together.

Useful Behavioral Science Resources

• Federal Bureau of Investigation Behavioral Science Training
• University of Colorado Institute of Behavioral Science
• Journal of Applied Behavioral Science

Capella University

Featured Programs:
MS in General Psychology (Online)
MS in Child and Adolescent Development

Post University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology (Online)

Behavioral Science Methods of Operation

Psychologists, who choose the behavioral science degree often find themselves working in the areas of marriage and family counseling or criminal justice, but some also work within the animal behavior subspecialty. These individuals may be called upon to help with conservation plans or work with zoos and animal shelters.

The more common use of a behavioral science degree comes within family counseling and criminal law. By observing and assessing married couples and children, these individuals can pinpoint areas for improvement in the lives of their subjects and aid them in getting there. Likewise, behavioral science psychologists can aid law enforcement in profiling of criminal perpetrators for the prevention of crime. They can also assist victims or their family members.

Kaplan University

Featured Programs:
BS Psychology (Online)

Northcentral University

Featured Programs:
MA in Health Psychology (Online)

Careers in Behavioral Science

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is known for its work in the area of behavioral science with criminal profiler positions, which were largely romanticized through popular Hollywood films, such as "Red Dragon" and "Silence of the Lambs." The reality is more observational, but equally as compelling.

Clinics and private practices offer good opportunities for marriage and family counselors to earn a living with a behavioral science degree. Whether working in family counseling or criminal law, a professional with this degree can carve a lucrative niche for himself through consultancy work. Many can earn six figures, while most average around $80,000 per year.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Featured Programs:
MA in Applied Forensic Psychology (Online)

Behavioral Science Education and Training

Working in behavioral science will require a doctorate degree, and, most likely, time spent in a supervised service role, along with passage of a written exam. Organizations, such as the FBI, submit candidates to a battery of testing that may go beyond standard licensing procedures. Whichever path one chooses, it's best to prepare for around 10 years of solid classroom and study time, so knowing it's your passion ahead of time helps immensely.