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First, some facts. Of the Behavioral Neuroscience graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 60 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 66%, Behavioral Neuroscience graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 58% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Behavioral Neuroscience graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 37% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from Western Washington University with a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONR&D Intern QuantaLife, Inc. - A Bio-Rad Company Mar 2010 - Aug 2010 Technology Development Officer  The Scripps Research Institute Dec 2016 - Jan 2018 Manager, Business Development Thermo Fisher Scientific Jan 2018 - Jan 2020 Software Engineer I  Epion Health, Inc. (acquired by Kyruus) Dec 2021 - Oct 2022 Software Engineer I Kyruus Health Oct 2022 - Mar 2024 Software Engineer II Kyruus Health Mar 2024 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 2010 - 2016 ABOUTCheck out my work at https://www.mitchellwold.com. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career pathways of individuals who graduated with a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience, it’s pretty clear that their jobs can be grouped into a few main categories. A significant number of graduates seem to gravitate towards roles in healthcare, research, and clinical settings, where a solid understanding of human behavior and neurological functionality is key. For instance, many have taken on positions like Research Assistants, Clinical Research Coordinators, and various roles in patient care such as Medical Assistants or Psychologists. These roles almost always capitalize on the in-depth knowledge of neuroscience and behavior that graduates acquire during their studies, making them highly relevant and applicable to their education.
On the flip side, there’s a notable number of graduates who have ventured into fields that aren't as directly related to Behavioral Neuroscience. Jobs in sales, project management, and administrative roles, like Healthcare Recruiters or Sales Associates, often don’t require the specialized knowledge that a Behavioral Neuroscience degree provides. In these positions, while some skills related to human interactions and understanding behavior come into play, they often lack the direct linkage to neuroscience concepts. This illustrates a broader trend where individuals sometimes take career paths that may seem like a stretch from their academic backgrounds. However, it doesn’t mean they are not leveraging their education; rather, they might be applying their skills in different contexts where the direct relevance isn't as apparent.
In summary, the most common career paths for Behavioral Neuroscience graduates tend to be in healthcare and research, where their education is highly applicable and relevant. However, many also find themselves in roles that are less aligned with their academic foundation, showcasing the versatility of their degree. The truth is, whether directly relevant or not, the skills gained from studying Behavioral Neuroscience—like critical thinking, research capabilities, and an understanding of human behavior—can be valuable in a diverse range of professions. So, while many are thriving in neuroscience-related fields, others are utilizing their knowledge in unexpected but still impactful ways.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Behavioral Neuroscience graduates:
Looking at the career trajectories of Behavioral Neuroscience graduates from various universities, there's a pretty mixed bag of outcomes. Many of them started off in jobs that — while sometimes not directly aligned with their degree — still seem to connect back to healthcare, research, and teaching. For instance, those fresh out of college often land roles like healthcare recruiters, lab technicians, or medical assistants, which provide a solid foundation in the healthcare field, even if they aren't working directly in neuroscience or psychology. It's a practical first step that some might say is a smart choice in today’s job market.
Fast forward five to ten years, and we see a more defined path for some. Graduates who started as lab assistants or research assistants sometimes move up to more advanced positions, like clinical researchers or even positions in management within healthcare or research settings. A few have found their niche in academia, becoming professors or taking on roles in educational leadership. However, it's important to point out that not everyone stays the course related to their major. Several grads took detours into unrelated fields like sales, administrative roles, or even the military. This could suggest either a lack of opportunities directly in their field or a change in personal interests as they gain more work experience.
A few notable successes do stand out, particularly for those who have stuck with research roles or pursued further education, such as medical school or specialized training. These individuals tend to blossom into roles of higher responsibility — from physicians to clinical psychologists. On the flip side, some folks may feel like they’ve veered too far from their original degree, landing in positions that, while perhaps rewarding, aren’t really reflective of their studies in Behavioral Neuroscience. Overall, it seems that while a solid chunk of these graduates find meaningful careers related to their degree, a fair number shift gears entirely into areas that might not use their specialized knowledge and skills as effectively. So, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, but definitely shows the wide range of paths someone can take after studying Behavioral Neuroscience.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience can be on the challenging side, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. You’ll dive deep into subjects like biology, psychology, and chemistry, which can get pretty intense if you're not totally hyped about the sciences. If you enjoy learning how the brain works and how it affects behavior, then it might feel more like a fun puzzle to solve rather than just plain hard work. But expect a decent amount of studying, lab work, and some complex concepts—just like any science-heavy program, it's not going to be a walk in the park. So if you're ready to put in the effort and stay curious, you might find it rewarding, even if occasionally it's a bit tough!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Behavioral Neuroscience.
Looking at the job history of these Behavioral Neuroscience grads, it seems like some of them have had pretty solid career paths, while others might be still finding their footing. The grad from Lehigh University in 2014, for example, has moved from healthcare recruiting to sales roles, which typically offer good compensation—especially in medical sales. On the other hand, those who graduated more recently, like the Rider University grad from 2020, have taken roles that might initially pay lower, like laboratory technician or study technician, which are often stepping stones in their careers. So, while some are likely making decent money, especially in sales or medical fields, others might still be in the early stages or at positions that don't pay as well yet.
In terms of salary potential, many of these roles in healthcare and research have opportunities for growth, so individuals in entry-level positions like the recent grads may not be raking in the big bucks now, but they have strong upward mobility. The path for the grad from the University of San Diego who is now a resident doctor shows how a medical career can lead to substantial earnings, as well. Overall, it’s a mixed bag, but with many in fields that offer solid prospects for future income, it seems like they’re on the right track for decent earnings down the line.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Behavioral Neuroscience (ordered by the average relevance score of their Behavioral Neuroscience graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Northeastern University
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75 | 17 |