How to Become a Behavioral Scientist & Necessary Education

Are you interested in assisting others? Want to lend a helping hand in improving people’s lives? Then establishing your career as a behavioral scientist is a perfect approach to achieving those goals. For instance, this field provides a golden opportunity to research and closely observe human behavior and provide practical solutions accordingly. To this end, understanding the behavior of others has proved to be an effective tool for improving their lives to a great extent.

Do you want to pursue your career in the same domain? Are you searching online for how to become a behavioral scientist? This article is a perfect read for you. It presents everything from the steps to becoming a behavioral scientist to the necessary skills, licenses, and certifications required among the top-rated professionals. Let’s get down to business.

Article Navigation: What is a Behavioral Scientist? | Steps To Become A Behavioral Scientist | Educational Requirements for A Behavioral Scientist | Program/Degree Accreditation | Licensing for a Behavioral Scientist | Behavioral Science Certifications | Behavioral Scientist Career Information | Behavioral Scientist Career Information | Skills to be Successful as a Behavioral Scientist | Behavioral Scientist Resources and Professional Organizations | Get Started With An Online Degree in Behavioral Science | FAQs related to How To Become a Behavioral Scientist

What is a Behavioral Scientist?

The answer to this question is the same as “what does a behavioral scientist do?” Behavioral scientists study behavioral factors that can impact a person’s life. Still, their primary responsibility includes getting into the details of psychological, cultural, economic, and social factors (that substantially affect disease and health). For example, lower socioeconomic status puts an individual at a greater risk of developing health complications like heart diseases since they do not have access to quality healthcare. The quantitative and qualitative research analysis helps behavioral scientists understand the scope of public health concerns and their range of associated risks. As soon as the scope is defined, developing educational programs, regulations, and interventions make it easy for behavioral scientists to educate everyone in the community. The essential tasks included in this area include; public policy development, behavioral health interventions, chronic disease treatment, management, prevention, and so on.

Simply put, a behavioral scientist focuses on exploring the process linked to communication and decision-making abilities through the data collected from the research surveys and experiments. The top responsibilities of behavioral scientists are listed below:

• Human behavior investigation
• Data collection through intensive surveys
• Exploring the patterns of human behavior (in natural settings)
• Criminal profiles creation
• Information interpretation
• Working to develop diagnoses for behavioral issues
• Developing treatment process for the patients
• Predicting behaviors by recognizing human patterns

Steps To Become A Behavioral Scientist

With the increasing popularity of this profession, the demand for behavioral scientists is on the rise. As a result, thousands of college graduates are looking forward to stepping into this journey. Though behavioral science has now become a famous field, many students are still wondering what steps to take to become behavioral scientists. Are you one of them? All you need is to follow the six simple steps listed below.

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

To pursue your career as a behavioral scientist, the first step is to enroll yourself in an undergraduate degree. For this purpose, many colleges and universities offer undergraduate programs across the country. Several employers may not ask students to continue higher studies. Still, they ask them to at least obtain a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science. The students can choose any of the five primary branches of behavioral science according to their interests and preferences. Behavioral science includes political science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.

2. Get Hands-On Experience

Earning an undergraduate degree is necessary, but gaining professional exposure is equally crucial for behavioral science students to establish a promising career quickly. Therefore, students should apply for internships while doing their bachelor’s degrees. These opportunities have proved to be excellent tools to get the market’s exposure, in short, because they help you use your theoretical knowledge in the practical domain. In addition, many employers prefer considering graduates with internship experience for entry-level behavioral science jobs. During your bachelor’s degree, you can work in different roles, such as administrative assistant, counseling intern, medical biller, nursing assistant, social services assistant, peer advocate, community health worker, and a few others.

3. Acquire Certifications

To polish their practical skills, students can get behavioral sciences certifications. Many but not all employers closely consider certified professionals during the hiring process. The importance of these certificates may vary from state to state. The students may have to pay some fees and then pass an exam to get a license or certification. When applying for the job, the applicants must carefully review the requirements or eligibility criteria. If a job requires you to submit a specific certificate, ensure that you have it before appearing in the interview.

4. Pursue a Graduate Degree

Because a graduate degree increases behavioral science knowledge and helps to advance a career, professionals with advanced degrees are more for high authority positions. Many companies or organizations provide their employees with various professional development programs. These programs may cover your expenses for advanced degrees, certificates, or licenses.

5. Update Your Resume

A resume is your first representation in any company or organization. The way you present it will determine your chances of getting job opportunities. The students and professionals must update their resumes by writing their highest qualifications and professional experiences in behavioral sciences. Don’t forget to mention your professional accomplishments in the resume because they may be the source of attraction for the hiring managers. To rank higher in the list of applicants, always prepare a unique cover letter focusing on the relevant keywords mentioned in the posting.

6. Keep On Gaining Knowledge about Your Field

It is a good idea for behavioral science professionals to explore the latest developments in their field. Connecting with the relevant experts worldwide can help them flourish. Subscribing to peer-reviewed journals on behavioral science is one more way to gather the latest knowledge. Apart from that, try conducting online research and keep yourself up-to-date.

Educational Requirements for A Behavioral Scientist

Like any other professional domain, earning a professional degree in behavioral science is necessary to start your career. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement to step into this domain. However, earning advanced degrees has a more significant impact on the professional development of behavioral science professionals. For example, they lead to better job opportunities in top-rated organizations worldwide. For this purpose, universities have made it easy for students to obtain a behavioral science degree online. Let’s get into the behavioral science degree programs required to become a credible behavioral scientist.

Bachelor’s Degree

Starting your career as a behavioral scientist is possible with a bachelor’s degree. Still, advanced degrees help you excel more efficiently in this field. These degree programs help students improve their research abilities to closely monitor how human beings behave and interact with each other. In addition, a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science may open the doors to pursuing higher studies. For instance, individuals with bachelor’s degrees can serve different employers as human resources, assistant social services caseworkers, social workers, and youth services counselors. You may find some other roles but in a similar capacity.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree may vary slightly from one institute to another. Therefore, before you apply to any school, college, or university, make sure that you have carefully gone through their requirements or eligibility criteria. The most common prerequisites are listed below:

• A complete admission application with personal information
• A high school diploma
• Official transcripts of all colleges or schools attended
• SAT or ACT exam
• TOEFL (required for overseas students)

Length & Cost of Program

Undergraduate degrees usually take up to four years. Yet, they can vary between three to five years, depending on a university’s standards and location. The average in-state cost of a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science is $51,300. North Carolina Central University offers the most cost-effective program in this domain, with a tuition fee of $17,314. In contrast, Mercury College is the most expensive, and students enrolling in this college pay $78,376 as a tuition fee.

Standard Courses

As soon as the students enroll in an undergraduate degree, they study the behavioral science courses covering different domains like human services, research statistics, sociology, human development, psychology, and the latest behavioral science practices.

Master’s Degree

After earning their bachelor’s degrees, the students get a clear picture of the different options available in behavioral science. So, the best thing about a masters in behavioral science is that you can choose a specific area of interest you want to excel in the future. Out of many domains, a master’s degree in psychology increases your chances of getting highly-paid employment opportunities in well-established enterprises.

The professionals with master’s degrees primarily work in different roles under the supervision of doctoral behavioral scientists or psychologists. These roles include; industry data analyst, social psychologist, applied behavior analyst, outpatient therapist, behavior gerontologist, and autism specialist.

Admission Requirements

When enrolling in a master’s degree in behavioral science, the requirements may vary from one school to the next. So, make sure to read through the admission requirements of a specific school before you apply. The typical things most schools often ask for are listed below:

• A bachelor’s degree in behavioral science
• GRE test result (not all schools or universities ask for it)
• Transcripts from all the institutions attended
• Specific GPA requirements
• Updated resume
• Letter of recommendation
• Admission interview
• TOEFL (required for overseas students)

Length & Cost of Program

The average length of a master’s degree in behavioral science is two years. However, the duration may vary between one to three years, with 50 to 70 credit hours of coursework. The average tuition fee (calculated based on 15 different universities across the country) for an online graduate degree is $16,388. Liberty University offers the most affordable online master’s degree in behavioral science, with a tuition fee of $8,333. On the other hand, Drexel University offers an expensive master’s degree, and the students pay $34,995 as a tuition fee.

Standard Courses

The selection of courses depends on which area of behavioral science students want to enroll in. Many courses are the advanced versions of the ones taken in bachelor’s degrees, covering a more comprehensive range of subjects and in-depth knowledge. A few standard behavioral science courses the students may study during their master’s degree are an introduction to applied behavioral science, data analysis, legal or ethical issues in human behavior, experimental design, applications and theories, and research methodology.

Ph.D. Degree

The universities offer three different doctoral programs in psychology, i.e., Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). The doctoral programs are focused on advanced research methods in behavioral sciences. In addition, Ph.D. degrees help behavioral scientists improve their analysis and experimental abilities. The individuals practicing psychology have the option to choose any of these programs. You can continue with your private practice if you earn a doctoral degree in behavioral science. Also, you can work in other positions like development psychologist, neuropsychologist, public policy maker, university professor, and quantitative psychologist.

Admission Requirement

The standard admission requirements most institutions will ask you for are:

• Online admission application
• Master’s and bachelor’s degree in behavioral science
• Transcripts from all the schools, colleges, and universities attended
• GRE test result
• Practical experience
• Updated resume
• TOEFL (required for overseas students)

These requirements vary between institutes. Therefore, always go through the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.

Length & Cost of Program

The average length of a Ph.D. degree is four years. However, it can last between five to seven years, depending upon the program standards of different universities. The cost of a Ph.D. degree in behavioral science varies between $19,000 and $165,112, depending on the program structure and facilities provided.

Standard Courses

The Ph.D. degree programs consist of core, specialized, and elective courses. In addition, the course list varies depending on the area of your interest. A few courses Ph.D. students study are behaviorism, research design methods, experimental analysis of human behavior, behavioral science management, and applied behavior analysis.

Program/Degree Accreditation

A brief discussion on the official program/degree accrediting bodies and the importance of accreditation is presented below.

Accrediting Organizations

The Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board is an official body that accredits behavioral science degrees/programs. In summary, the universities offering behavioral science programs receive licenses or accreditation from different bodies, as listed below:

• Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)

Why Is Accreditation Important?

It is important to know that employers always prefer applicants who have graduated from regionally accredited schools, colleges, and universities. Therefore, ensuring an institution’s credibility is necessary before taking admission. Accreditation ensures the highest possible educational standards in schools, colleges, and universities. The accrediting bodies closely monitor what is taught and practiced in the recognized institutions. Mentioning the name of an accredited school on your resume grabs the attention of the hiring managers, and hence the chances for you to get selected significantly increase. Regional or state accreditation allows students to work anywhere in their regions. Lastly, national accreditation opens the doors for professionals to serve behavioral science departments throughout the country.

Licensing for a Behavioral Scientist

If you want to work with clients or apply for top-rated positions, you should be a licensed behavioral scientist.

Licensing Requirements

While applying for a license, you must fulfill the requirements listed below:

• A master’s degree in any of the behavioral science disciplines
• At least 1000 hours of supervised experience
• Criminal background check
• Licensure application submission
• Pass the licensing exam

The National Board for Certified Counselors provides you with the licensing requirements of different states.

How To Prepare for The Licensing Exam?

To prepare for a licensing exam, you can find a couple of online resources that share practice questions to get familiar with the exam pattern. As soon as you know the exact pattern and prepare for the behavioral science-related stuff, it becomes an easy feat for you to appear in the final exam and pass it on the first attempt.

Behavioral Science Certifications

Professional degrees help students gain more theoretical knowledge. Whereas the certificates help them polish and enhance their practical skills. With a certificate in hand, you can step into the professional world of behavioral sciences. A few certificates in this domain are:

• Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
• Mental and Behavioral Health Worker Certificate
• Autism and Behavioral Science Graduate Certificate
• General Psychology Graduate Certificate
• Graduate Certificate in Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
• Certificate in Organizational/Industrial Psychology
• Certificate in Pastoral Counseling

Certification Requirements

The schools offering behavioral science certificates may have different requirements, but applicants should have the desired skill set. Earning a bachelor’s degree in any behavioral science discipline is also necessary. You can also choose certificates for specialized areas, e.g., counseling and substance abuse.

How To Prepare for The Certification Exam

Obtaining a certificate is divided into two different phases. The first phase consists of gathering practical knowledge about behavioral science. The second phase is about evaluating the knowledge in the form of an exam. The exam tests your skills and understanding of your profession. The applicants who pass the exam get their certificates. Those who fail can reattempt the exam after further preparation.

Behavioral Scientist Career Information

Let’s explore the different career paths available for behavioral scientists, pay scale, and job growth.

Salary Structure

The behavioral scientist salary varies depending on the area of interest. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, sociologists’ median salary (in 2021) was $92,910. At the same time, psychologists and anthropologists earn up to $81,040 and $61,910, respectively.

Where Do Behavioral Scientists work?

You can work in the public and private sectors as a behavioral scientist. Many behavioral scientists serve rehabilitation centers, government institutes, non-government enterprises, research institutes, schools, colleges, universities, and other similar places. Interestingly, you can proceed with your private practice as well.

Career Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts significant job growth in the mental healthcare industry. Social workers and psychologists are expected to increase by 12% and 8% (respectively) between 2020 and 2030. This industrial growth and employment opportunities give students more confidence to choose behavioral science as their professional career.

What Jobs can you get with a Behavioral Science Degree?

If you want to excel in behavioral science, then try exploring different career options in this domain. For example, to secure a leadership position as a behavioral scientist, the professionals can try switching between different roles to develop a diverse skill set. A few popular career paths for behavioral scientists are listed below:

• Lead Consultant
• Program Coordinator
• Group Fitness Instructor
• Health Educator
• Clinical Social Worker
• Research Consultant
• Behavioral Data Analyst
• Opioid Treatment Counselor
• Consumer Behavior Analyst

Depending upon your qualifications, you can work in different roles as a behavioral scientist. With a behavioral science degree, you can serve as an intervention specialist, crime analyst, health services director, mental health counselor, registered behavior technician, and substance abuse counselor. At the same time, clinical psychologists, anthropologists, and correctional counselors are a few more opportunities for behavioral scientists.

Skills to be Successful as a Behavioral Scientist

The skillset creates a significant difference between different professionals working in behavioral science. Everyone has unique skills, but the ones who practice more often set themselves apart. The top skills you may need to stand out in the market include:

• Effective communication
• Creative thinking
• Solid networking
• Flexibility
• Transferability
• Adaptability
• Strong research, analytical, and quantitative skills

Behavioral Scientist Resources and Professional Organizations

Several online resources help behavioral scientists get decent knowledge about their profession. For the professionals who don’t prefer reading while searching for a specific purpose, podcasts play a key role. Besides that, YouTube can also be useful for gathering relevant information. Moreover, newsletters, blog posts, articles, and journals have also proved to be credible resources for exploring the real potential of behavioral science. A list of the behavioral science professional organizations is attached below:

• American Psychologist Association (APA)
• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Get Started With An Online Degree in Behavioral Science

Have you been wondering how to become a behavioral scientist? Looking forward to adopting behavioral science as your professional career in the future? Don’t know where to start? Then be sure to read through the detailed discussion above. For this purpose, it has covered everything you are looking for. In addition, if you want to start learning, you can explore a range of online behavioral science degrees from the GetEducated database.

FAQs related to How To Become a Behavioral Scientist

What is behavioral research?

The process of understanding and examining social and individual behavior utilizing experimental data is known as behavioral research.

What does a behavioral scientist do?

The primary responsibilities of a behavioral scientist are discouraging risky human behavior and promoting good health by closely observing human behavior. The observation process includes processes such as data collection, analysis, and evaluation.

What qualifications do you need to be a behavioral scientist?

Many positions require you to earn a bachelor’s degree, whereas a master’s degree is an excellent source to apply for highly paid jobs. A Ph.D. in behavioral science helps individuals secure leading roles in top-grade global organizations.

Is behavioral science the same as psychology?

Comparing behavioral science vs psychology shows that they are significantly correlated. The field of psychology focuses closely on the mental process and the real science behind the behavior of human beings. On the other hand, behavioral science is linked to studying human interactions.

Is behavioral science a good degree?

This degree helps you improve people’s lives while providing you with an opportunity to establish a promising career. A significant increase in the number of employment opportunities, good salaries, and stable careers make behavioral science a top choice for young heroes.