Jobs for behavioral scientists range from consumer marketing to animal training. Behavioral scientist jobs may include work in the medical or mental health fields, careers in physical and social anthropology, criminal justice positions, or the study and care of animals, depending on a person’s educational background. Many jobs in this broad field necessitate a four-year college diploma, though most advanced positions also necessitate a master’s or doctoral degree.
Behavioral scientist jobs in the public sector can be plentiful. Government health agencies frequently hire professionals with backgrounds in behavioral science and public health. Developing health awareness programs or assisting with the creation of government programs to improve health standards across the country are examples of jobs in this field. Social anthropology, public health, and psychology degrees are among the educational requirements in this field.
Behavioral scientist jobs in the mental health field frequently include various forms of psychology practice and social work. Licensed psychologists must complete extensive training and pass stringent licensing exams before working as personal therapists, rehabilitation counselors, or researchers. Those who don’t want to pursue a doctorate can often find work as social workers, where they can help the legal and justice systems analyzing family relationships and issues in the aftermath of divorce, custody battles, or allegations of abuse.
A background in physical or social anthropology can lead to jobs that are both exciting and important to human development. Anthropologists may work as archaeologists and researchers in search of clues about human evolution. Laboratory research on human genetics or working with an automotive company to determine the risk of skeletal damage in a car crash are two examples of behavioral scientist jobs in anthropology.
Different behavioral scientist jobs in the criminal justice field may be available depending on your educational background. Psychologists may be hired to conduct interviews and cross-examinations of witnesses and key players in legal cases. Typically, social workers examine home and family life and make recommendations to the court for custody, wardship, or other familial agreements. Forensic anthropologists work with data from crime scenes, assisting in the identification of remains and the testing of evidence.
Animal behavioral scientists typically need a zoology or biology degree as well as animal behavior training. Working as a trainer, handler, or supervisor on endangered species reproduction programs in zoos or animal parks is one example of a job in this field. Animal behavioral scientists spend a lot of time studying the population and social dynamics of wild animal species outside of their zoo jobs. Some may collaborate with conservation organizations or governments to raise awareness and pass legislation to improve species protection.