How to become a behavioral scientist

Is becoming a behavioral scientist right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do behavioral scientists do?

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How to become a Behavioral Scientist

Becoming a behavioral scientist involves a combination of education, practical experience, and professional development. Here are the general steps to pursue a career as a behavioral scientist:

  • Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, or a related discipline. During your undergraduate studies, focus on coursework that provides a strong foundation in behavioral science. Consider concentrating your studies on a specific area within behavioral science, such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, organizational behavior, or behavioral economics.
  • Gain Research Experience: Seek opportunities for research experience, either through internships, research assistant positions, or independent projects. This hands-on experience is valuable for developing research skills and understanding the practical application of behavioral science principles.
  • Pursue Advanced Education (Optional): While a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for entry-level positions, some roles, especially those in research or academia, may require a master's or Ph.D. degree. Consider pursuing advanced education based on your career goals and the requirements of your desired role.
  • Develop Analytical Skills: Acquire strong analytical and statistical skills, as data analysis is a crucial component of behavioral science research. Familiarize yourself with statistical software commonly used in the field, such as SPSS or R.
  • Networking and Professional Involvement: Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars in the field of behavioral science to network with professionals, researchers, and practitioners. Join relevant professional organizations, such as the Association for Behavior Analysis International or the Society for Behavioral Medicine.
  • Gain Practical Experience: Seek internships, fellowships, or entry-level positions to gain practical experience in applying behavioral science principles. This experience can enhance your resume and provide valuable insights into the application of behavioral science in various settings.
  • Licensure and Certification (If Applicable): Depending on your specific career path, you may need to pursue licensure or certification. For example, clinical psychologists often need to be licensed, while professionals in applied behavior analysis may pursue certification.
  • Apply for Positions: Start applying for entry-level positions in your chosen field, whether it's in academia, research institutions, government agencies, healthcare, or the private sector.

Helpful Resources
Behavioral scientists can benefit from a variety of resources that support their research, professional development, and ongoing education. Here are some helpful resources for behavioral scientists:

  • American Psychological Association (APA): APA provides valuable resources, publications, and networking opportunities for psychologists and behavioral scientists. It includes information on conferences, journals, and professional development.
  • Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI): ABAI is a global organization dedicated to the advancement of behavior analysis. It offers conferences, publications, and resources for behavior analysts and practitioners.
  • Society for Behavioral Medicine (SBM): SBM focuses on the integration of behavioral, psychological, and biomedical science in healthcare. The society provides conferences, publications, and networking opportunities for professionals in the field.
  • Behavioral Science & Policy Association (BSPA): BSPA is an organization that promotes the application of behavioral science to public policy. It offers resources, events, and publications for those interested in the intersection of behavioral science and policy.
  • Behavioral Economics: This website provides resources and insights into behavioral economics, a field that combines insights from psychology and economics. It includes articles, blogs, and recommended readings.
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): NIMH, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports research on mental health and behavioral disorders. Their website offers research funding opportunities, publications, and resources.
  • The Behavioral Insights Team (BIT): BIT is a social purpose company that applies behavioral insights to address policy and social challenges. Their website includes case studies, publications, and insights into applied behavioral science.
  • Behavioral Scientist: Behavioral Scientist is an online magazine that covers the latest research and insights in behavioral science. It offers articles, interviews, and commentary on various topics within the field.
  • Center for Advanced Hindsight: Affiliated with Duke University, the Center for Advanced Hindsight focuses on applied behavioral science. Their website includes research publications, insights, and resources for practitioners.
  • National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): NCBI provides access to a vast collection of behavioral science journals, research articles, and publications. It is a valuable resource for staying current with the latest research.
  • Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB): For professionals in applied behavior analysis, the BACB offers certification programs, ethical guidelines, and resources to support their practice.