Understanding human behavior has become increasingly valuable, especially in the complex landscape of modern organizations. Applied behavioral science — the practice of using insights from psychology, economics, sociology, and neuroscience to address real-world problems — has emerged as a powerful approach to improve decision-making, design effective policies, and create meaningful change.
Organizations face unprecedented challenges: navigating digital transformation, building inclusive cultures, addressing environmental sustainability, and adapting to rapidly changing markets, among other issues. Traditional approaches often fall short when human behavior doesn't align with rational models or expected outcomes. This is where behavioral scientists step in. They seek empirical research and evidence-based interventions to bridge the gap between how people actually behave and how systems are designed.
The field of applied behavioral science offers diverse and rewarding career paths for those passionate about understanding human behavior and using that knowledge to create a positive impact. Whether in health care, finance, technology, government, or education, behavioral scientist and those who pursue applied behavioral science jobs, are helping to design more effective systems, products, and policies that work with—rather than against—human psychology.
What Skills Do You Need for Applied Behavioral Science Careers?
Applied behavioral science pulls from a variety of fields, including psychology, but with a specific focus on applying psychological theory to practice. In fact, you may even find that many potential psychology career paths and applied behavioral science jobs line up; the skills you gain from the program are often similar but with some noticeable differences. Let’s dive in. Extensive research from Money on the Mind looks into what skills and character traits make the most successful applied behavioral scientists. The researchers’ discussion is summarized in the key qualities here:
- People skills
- Networking and collaboration: Building connections with researchers and practitioners across disciplines
- Communication: Translating complex ideas to different audiences (team members, clients, laypeople)
- Self-awareness: Understanding one's own biases and limitations
- Non-Bias: Creating judgment-free environments that nurture diverse perspectives
- Thinking skills
- Conceptual abstraction: Transforming theory into practice and adapting interventions to specific contexts
- Critical analysis: Evaluating information from diverse sources beyond just academic experiments
- Pattern recognition: Identifying underlying behavioral principles across different contexts
- Creative thinking: Developing novel solutions to behavioral challenges
- Curiosity: Genuine interest in understanding human behavior
- Cognitive flexibility: Ability to change perspective and consider alternative viewpoints
- Process skills
- Experimental design: Creating, deploying, and managing behavioral experiments
- Data analysis: Using statistical tools (R, Python, STATA) to interpret results
- Project and time management: Juggling multiple tasks while maintaining quality
- Problem assessment: Setting up feedback loops to evaluate effectiveness
- Documentation: Writing down ideas, questions, and reflections for future reference
- Technical knowledge
- Psychology: Understanding human cognition, emotion, and social dynamics
- Data science: Analyzing and interpreting behavioral data
- Economics: Applying economic principles to behavior
- Policy knowledge: Understanding how to translate insights into practical applications
- Character traits
- Confidence: Willingness to challenge the status quo in organizations
- Resilience: Perseverance through setbacks and challenges
- Intellectual openness: Willingness to learn from diverse fields and perspectives
- Entrepreneurial spirit: Self-marketing and creating opportunities
- Reflexivity: Self-examination of one's own thought processes
The article emphasizes that not every behavioral scientist needs all these skills, but rather teams should be built with complementary skill sets. It also highlights that while technical skills can be learned, the "soft skills" form the essential building blocks for success in applied behavioral science.
What Applied Behavioral Science Careers Are Available?
The following is a selection of careers and/or related industries you can pursue:
- Advocate: Advocates represent the interests of individuals or groups, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized. They use behavioral science principles to understand client needs, navigate complex systems, and effectively communicate with stakeholders. Advocates may work in legal settings, healthcare systems, educational institutions, or nonprofit organizations, helping clients access services, understand their rights, and overcome barriers.
“I just always want people to be at their best,” she explains. “I’m not saying I can help everybody, but if it’s in my will to help somebody, I can do it, because I know what it’s like to struggle. I know what it’s like to have no one around.” -Malayna Eubanks, BA in Applied Behavioral Science and MA in Psychology, UAGC
- Social and human service assistants: These professionals provide support to individuals dealing with various challenges, from mental health issues to poverty. They apply behavioral science concepts to assess client needs, connect them with appropriate resources, and monitor progress. Their work often involves case management, outreach, and direct support in community centers, shelters, and social service agencies.
- Social and community service managers: Managers in this field oversee programs designed to support community well-being. They use behavioral science knowledge to develop effective interventions, manage staff, evaluate program outcomes, and secure funding. These professionals work in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community centers, focusing on issues like homelessness, substance abuse, or family services.
- Family resource coordinator: These coordinators connect families with appropriate services and support systems. Using behavioral science principles, they assess family dynamics, identify needs, and facilitate access to resources such as counseling, education, healthcare, and financial assistance. They often work in schools, healthcare settings, or community-based organizations.
- Youth services specialist: Specialists in this area work directly with children and adolescents facing challenges. They apply behavioral science concepts to develop appropriate interventions, provide guidance, and collaborate with families and other professionals. Their work settings include schools, juvenile justice facilities, residential treatment centers, and community organizations.
- Residential care assistant: These assistants provide support to individuals living in group homes, treatment facilities, or assisted living centers. They use behavioral science knowledge to implement care plans, manage behaviors, promote independence, and create supportive environments for residents with mental health issues, developmental disabilities, or other special needs.
- Case manager: Case managers coordinate services for clients with complex needs. Using behavioral science principles, they assess situations, develop care plans, connect clients with resources, and monitor progress. They work in various settings, including healthcare organizations, social service agencies, and behavioral health centers.
- Community and social service specialists: These specialists develop and implement programs addressing specific community needs. Their behavioral science background helps them understand social dynamics, design effective interventions, and evaluate outcomes. They may focus on areas such as substance abuse prevention, domestic violence, or homelessness.
- Mental health assistant and behavioral health technician: These professionals provide direct support to individuals with mental health or behavioral challenges. They apply behavioral science principles to implement treatment plans, monitor behaviors, facilitate therapeutic activities, and assist with daily living skills in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, or outpatient centers.
- Mental health aide: Mental health aides work under the supervision of mental health professionals to provide basic care and support to individuals with mental illness. They use behavioral science concepts to engage with clients appropriately, recognize warning signs, and assist with therapeutic activities in various mental health settings.
- Human resources specialists: HR specialists apply behavioral science principles to workplace dynamics, focusing on employee recruitment, development, and retention. They may design training programs, implement workplace policies, mediate conflicts, and foster positive organizational cultures in companies across all industries.
- Probation officers and correctional specialists: These professionals supervise offenders in the community or correctional facilities. Their behavioral science background helps them assess risk factors, develop rehabilitation plans, monitor compliance, and support successful reintegration into society.
“I’ve always been someone that, when I set my mind to do something, I can do it,” she says. “Honestly, what drives me further is when people tell me that I can’t do something because I know that I’m capable, and no one’s going to tell me I can’t do something because I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it well, and I will prove you wrong.” -Sara Clabaugh, BA in Applied Behavioral Science, Criminal Justice emphasis, BA in Psychology, UAGC
- Social services: This broad category encompasses various roles focused on improving individual and community well-being. Professionals in social services use behavioral science concepts to address issues like poverty, abuse, mental illness, and discrimination through direct service, program development, or advocacy.
- Human services: Human services professionals work across multiple settings to meet basic human needs and enhance quality of life. Their behavioral science training helps them understand diverse populations, identify effective interventions, and collaborate with other professionals in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and healthcare settings.
- Business: Applied behavioral science graduates are increasingly valued in business settings, where they apply their understanding of human behavior to areas such as marketing, consumer research, organizational development, and product design. They help companies understand customer motivations, improve employee engagement, and design more effective processes and experiences.
What Level of Education Is Required?
The above applied behavior science jobs are examples of careers you might choose to pursue after earning your BA in Applied Behavior Science. For more information on careers in this occupational field, please visit the Department of Labor site here.
Overview: Applied Behavioral Science Careers
Success in applied behavioral science requires a blend of people skills (communication, networking, self-awareness), thinking skills (critical analysis, pattern recognition, creative problem-solving), process skills (experimental design, data analysis, project management), and technical knowledge across multiple disciplines. While a bachelor's degree provides entry to many positions, the field rewards continuous learning and the ability to translate behavioral insights into practical applications that improve human well-being and organizational effectiveness. Ready to get started? Learn more about applied behavioral science and our bachelor’s program today.
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The Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science program is not designed to meet the state educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification in any state. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession shall carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment and regularly review the requirements as they are subject to change. Requirements vary by state. The University of Arizona Global Campus does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in their field of study.