Becoming a Behavioral Scientist
Behavioral Scientists play a key role in educating people regarding human behavior that prevents disease and promotes good health. They are trained to research various kinds of human behaviors by observing certain situation of health concerns of specific populations. After analyzing the findings in the research, they also develop and implement strategies to facilitate positive change in human behavior and improve the health of individuals and communities.
Behavioral Scientists are good at observing people scientifically and determining why they act the way they do. In addition, they can initiate education program on various issues related to health. For instance, they can encourage people to refrain from the dangers of unprotected sex, alcohol and drug abuse etc.
They can work in a variety of settings including government and private hospitals, nonprofit organizations, business firms, educational and research institutions so on and so forth.
Education Requirements:
- Obtain a bachelor’s Degree: To become a Behavioral Scientist, students must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral science of Anthropology, Psychology, Political science, Sociology or Health education.
- Master’s Degree: To get more job opportunities, the aspiring candidates may acquire a Master’s Degree in Human Psychology, Psychiatry, Sociology or any related subject.
- Skill Set: Apart from holding of academic degree, Behavioral Scientists need to have the knowledge of decision making, communication and interpersonal skills, study the social and organizational behavior of a community etc.
Salary & Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Behavioral Scientists remains excellent across the USA .According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job opportunity for Behavioral Scientists may grow 21 percent during the period from 2012 to 2022. Their annual average salary was approximately $86,500 in 2012.