Overview of Behavioral Sciences
Behavioral sciences is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the study of both human and non-human behaviors. This consists of aspects like psychology, sociology, and anthropology, among many others. It has the ultimate goal of understanding how individual and group behaviors can be used to improve the welfare of society. Subfields within Behavioral Sciences include industrial-organizational psychology, criminal justice, consumer behavior, and health psychology.
Career Opportunities for Graduates With A Master’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences
Upon completion of a master’s degree in Behavioral Sciences, graduates will have the qualifications to seek out professional positions in fields such as mental health, research studies, statistical analysis, public policy, education, corporate settings, and the criminal justice system. Graduates may also have the option to pursue doctoral studies within the field, giving them the opportunity to become college or university professors.
Internship and Co-op Opportunities Related to an Master’s in Behavioral Sciences
Various internships are available in the field of Behavioral Sciences, giving graduate students the opportunity to gain practical experience and apply the knowledge they have gained throughout their education. Popular internship and co-op opportunities include working in hospitals or research centers, as well as working with NGOs. Additionally, there are many online internships available in behavioral sciences.
Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within an Master’s in Behavioral Sciences
Some graduate programs in Behavioral Sciences offer a variety of specialized tracks or concentrations, allowing students to customize their degree and pick the field they want to focus on. Specialty tracks may include applied behavior analysis, developmental and therapeutic psychology, health psychology, organizational psychology, and social justice and policy.
How Does A Master’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences Prepare Students for Their Career?
Completing a master’s degree in Behavioral Sciences typically involves completing courses like social cognition, digital communication, and environmental psychology. These courses give students the opportunity to gain the skills they need to succeed in their chosen field. Graduates typically come out of the program with a strong understanding of psychological principles, research methods, and a wide range of interdisciplinary topics.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Behavioral Sciences
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly critical role in the field of Behavioral Sciences. AI is used to help with research, decision-making, and data analysis. In addition to this, AI is also used to create predictive models and evidence-based solutions to help identify and solve complex problems. AI also has applications in the fields of mental health, giving professionals the tools they need to assist patients more effectively.
Career Outlook for Students with an Master’s in Behavioral Sciences
The job outlook for students with a master’s degree in Behavioral Sciences is very positive. Graduates will find ample job opportunities across various sectors such as research, healthcare, government, non-profit, education, and corporate. Job titles for graduates with a master’s in Behavioral Sciences include social worker, mental health case manager, behavior analyst, and researcher.
Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Behavioral Sciences:
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Salary: $62,507
- Antioch University, Salary: $49,018
- Antioch University-New England, Salary: $49,018
- Purdue University Global, Salary: $41,307
For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their master’s degree in Behavioral Sciences.

