The behavioral sciences are comprised of a dynamic selection of professions. Choosing which path to take can therefore become a daunting and confusing task. To make that decision a little more clear, here is a breakdown of some of the career options available within behavioral sciences.
Counseling and Therapy
Counseling and therapy are two of the most popular career paths that people take within behavioral sciences. While the exact difference between the two terms varies between states, therapist is usually a title earned through advanced graduate education and always requires a license, while some types of counselors require licenses and others professional certificates. Within both counseling and therapy, one can specialize in a particular area. Specializations include, but are not limited to, substance abuse and addiction counseling, career counseling, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, occupational therapy, and art therapy. This career path allows individuals to combine behavioral sciences with personal interests and passions. Therapists and counselors can choose to work with individuals, families, couples, groups, or a combination of the above. They can work in a variety of settings, from the independent world of private practice to the collaborative environment of public behavioral health clinics.
Social Work
Social work is an ideal career path for people who enjoy being in the trenches, are resource-oriented, and prefer to have their hands in all areas of the situation. Social workers assist one person or family at a time with getting back on their feet after a challenge. They might work with a child or teenager who has been placed in the foster system, a person who has just been released from jail, someone who has found themselves without a home, or a person just getting out rehabilitation from an illness or injury, just to name a few. They are that individual’s support and aid in remaining encouraged while seeking out mental and physical healthcare, employment or education services, housing, and even basic resources such as food and clothing. This career path is not for the faint of heart, but rather large hearts of pure gold.
Teaching and Research
There is a special place within behavioral sciences for those who feel more at home behind the scenes. People who love to learn and pass on knowledge might consider careers in teaching and research. After all, someone has to do the work of filling the gaps in knowledge and practice of behavioral sciences, find solutions to new problems as society changes over time, and preparing the next generation of behavioral scientists for their careers. Whether one works for a private research institution or a college or university, this career path definitely requires a graduate degree. The Huffington Post provides an excellent perspective on why it is important for people to continue to make such a deep commitment to furthering the progress of the behavioral sciences.
Related Resource: Top 10 Doctor of Public Health Degree Programs
Each of these behavioral science career options offer something for every type of individual. From discovering brand new information, to putting it into out practice out in the real world, the behavioral sciences are one of the most important fields in today’s society. This is simply because, what all of these career paths lead to, is improved health and happiness of deserving people in need.