About Behavioural Science

Behavioural Science is a subject based on human psychology, sociology, anthropology and the evolution of human societies. Students will learn about the mechanisms and theories by which human thoughts and beliefs influence their actions, including the subsequent consequences. A Behavioural Science degree can be pursued on the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. The fundamental courses in this degree focus on mental health problems, their diagnoses and solutions along with the ethics of counselling.

　　

Is Behavioural Science right for me?

A degree in Behavioural Science indoctrinates the qualities of self-awareness and an appreciation for diversity in the society around us. It also helps students gain personal development tools, a better understanding of the minds of others, analytical and organisational skills, data analysis and research skills. Hence, if you aim to have these qualities infused in your nature, studying Behavioural Sciences may be the right path for you.

　　

Behavioural Science study options and costs

　　A bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Science lays down the foundational knowledge and skills for basic human psychology and human services. The duration of this programme is 4 years. The degree consists of several core and elective courses. Some of the core courses included are problem solving and collaboration, ethical and practical approaches to counselling, social deviance, psychopathological perspectives, foundations of data analysis, counselling theories, applied human growth and development, treatment strategies and ethical considerations regarding mental health issues. Studying these course modules will allow students to develop crisis management skills and strategies for treatment of various social and mental issues. The average cost of pursuing bachelor’s in this subject is $28,000-32,000 per year in the US.

　　Students who aim to pursue a more nuanced, quantitative and methodological approach to Behavioural Science choose to opt for a master’s degree. The duration of this programme is 2 years. The degree culminates with the submission of a thesis based on research of the course a student chooses. The general core modules include the following: behavioural public policy, theory and applications of behavioural science, statistical reasoning for behavioural science, social norms, judgements and decisions and neuroscience. A few examples of elective courses are public health, psychology, social and public policy, computational systems, sociology and neuroeconomics. The average cost of this degree is $31,000-53,000 per year, depending on the university you choose.

　　A doctoral degree in Behavioural Science is the next step for students who wish to go into the profession of teaching and research. The duration of this programme is 4-6 years and concludes with the submission of a doctoral dissertation which is based on independent research. The following course modules are generally offered: personality development, ecology of human development, cognitive development, developmental psychopathology, statistical methods in behavioural health and systems neuroscience. The average cost of this degree is $57,000 per year in the US.

　　

Future outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of market analysts, therapists and social workers is 22%, 16% and 12%, respectively. These occupations will add an estimated total of 265,000 jobs over the decade. In addition, the employment for therapists and social workers is expected to rise due to the increased requirement of integrated care and psychological counsellors, all of which would be fruitful careers with a Behavioural Science degree.

　　

Career pathways for Behavioural Science graduates

　　

Behavioural therapist

　　A behavioural specialist treats individuals with psychological issues that interfere with their learning and social interactions. Through observing their patients, they develop a treatment plan to address behavioural issues and help support them through the process. Their average salary in the US is $116,600 per year.

　　

Anthropologist

　　An anthropologist studies the past to learn how societies and civilisations functioned. They research a population’s language, beliefs, cultures, traditions, possessions and values to create hypotheses of a group of people. Their average salary in the US is $111,360 per year.

　　

Psychologist

　　Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behaviour by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviours. Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. They further design and implement protocols to help people modify their life to make it better. Their average salary in the US is $100,190 per year.

　　

Market research analyst

　　A market research analyst gather data on consumer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits to analyse and discover market conditions. Market research analysts help companies predict how their products will do in the marketplace based on trends. Their average salary in the US is $63,920 per year.