- Rehabilitation Psychologist
- Human Resources Specialist
- Grant Writer or Administrator
- Industrial or Organizational Psychologist
- Criminal Profiler
Behavioral science is a sub-type of psychology, and these are five great jobs to get with a degree in the behavioral sciences. These jobs require different types of skills and include a range of work conditions and environments. Anyone earning a degree in the behavioral sciences may want to consider one of these occupations.
Rehabilitation Psychologist
A rehabilitation psychologist works one-on-one with people who have a developmental, mental or physical disability. For example, they might work in a day program for adults with developmental disabilities. They may also work at a center and coordinate the services that a child with developmental disabilities receives. Rehabilitation psychologists often work with teachers, physical or occupational therapists and medical professionals in order to coordinate the range of care that a client receives.
Human Resources Specialist
A human resources specialist handles the employee recruitment, interviewing and hiring processes. They often work with the managers who will oversee employees on a daily basis. Human resources specialists may create job listings in conjunction with managers or union representatives. They may also work with an organization’s CEO or other types of leaders. Human resources specialists may conduct group training sessions, write employee guidance manuals and handle the benefits contracts such as medical, vision and dental insurance offered to employees. In some organizations, human resources specialists review employee behavior and institute disciplinary measures.
Grant Writer or Administrator
Nonprofit organizations as well as government agencies and private corporations may hire behavioral scientists as grant writers or administrators. The charitable arms of corporations or charities set up by wealthy CEOs often create and administer grants. Those grants have applications that must be reviewed. Grantees must be reviewed on a regular basis. Organizations seeking grants may need to hire people to write the grants and monitor progress toward the goals. Behavioral scientists with writing, organizational and administration skills could do well either as a writer/applicant or administrator of grants.
Industrial or Organizational Psychologist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychology jobs are expected to increase by 10 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. An industrial or organizational psychologist can enter the field with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science. In this job, a person solves problems in the workplace in order to create a healthier, happier and more productive work environment. For example, they may work with managers in order to create training materials or manuals for employees. They may also work on strategies for improving employee morale, such as annual awards or incentive programs for healthy living.
Criminal Profiler
Government organizations such as local, state or federal law enforcement or intelligence agencies may hire criminal profilers. A background in psychology is key to success in understanding the different types of personalities, characteristics and behaviors that may be exhibited by criminals. A criminal profiler would typically work with detectives and laboratory technicians in order to review the evidence of one case or several cases. This could help with the establishment of a pattern of behavior for similar crimes possibly committed by the same person. A criminal profiler may also work with the media in order to write and distribute press releases and notify the public of a person of interest.
Related Resource: Top 10 MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences Degrees Online
Each of these five career options would be a good fit for a person with a degree in behavioral sciences. Some of the jobs may require a master’s degree in order to advance into management positions, but there are many entry-level jobs in all five of these occupations. These five great jobs to get with a degree in behavioral sciences offer a pathway to a personally and professionally rewarding career.