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First, some facts. Of the Behavioral Sciences 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 208 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Behavioral Sciences graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-2%) 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, 45% 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 Sciences graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Sciences. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONApplied Behavioral Analysis Tutor/Behavioral Technician Residential Opportunities Inc Apr 2018 - Nov 2018 Respite Caregiver Kalamazoo County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Mar 2019 - Aug 2019 ABOUTHello, Thank you for considering me as a candidate and showing interest. I graduated from Western Michigan University in December 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in University Studies focusing on Behavioral Sciences, Gerontology, and Holistics. I am always looking to expand my skillset and hope to join an organization that will allow my experiences to grow as well as provide opportunities for future career advancements. I appreciate your time and interest. Stay well! Best, Cyn Nguyen |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking into the careers of individuals who graduated with a degree in Behavioral Sciences, it's clear that they've gravitated primarily toward roles that involve interaction with people, especially in educational and therapeutic settings. Common job titles include Behavioral Therapist, Social Worker, Case Manager, and various educational roles such as Teacher or Special Education Teacher. Many of these roles make direct and frequent use of the skills and knowledge gained during their studies. For instance, jobs in mental health support and education not only draw on behavioral principles but also require an understanding of psychology and human behavior, which are foundational elements of the Behavioral Sciences discipline.
However, the landscape also reveals some unexpected paths that diverge from immediate relevance to Behavioral Sciences. Positions like Administrative Assistants, Sales Representatives, and in various managerial roles often involve generic skills such as customer service, organization, and management, which may touch on behavioral understanding but do not fundamentally require the in-depth application of behavioral principles. For example, while a Sales Consultant might use insights from human behavior to connect with clients, the core function of sales is not directly linked to the complexities studied in Behavioral Sciences. Similarly, roles in human resources may utilize behavioral insights but primarily focus on organization and employee relations, which can often sidestep the theoretical foundations taught in a Behavioral Sciences program.
Overall, the majority of the jobs held by Behavioral Sciences graduates tend to relate closely to their field of study, particularly in therapeutic, educational, and social contexts. These positions allow graduates to apply their understanding of human behavior directly to their work, enhancing their effectiveness and benefiting their clients or students. Nevertheless, a significant portion of graduates also find themselves in roles where their degree does not play a central role in their day-to-day responsibilities, highlighting a complex relationship between education and career paths. It raises an interesting question about the applicability of a Behavioral Sciences degree in varied fields and how these individuals can harness their education in diverse environments.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Behavioral Sciences graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of individuals with degrees in Behavioral Sciences, a mixed picture emerges. For many graduates, their first jobs after college tend to be closely related to their field of study, often involving support roles in educational, counseling, or mental health settings. For instance, right after graduation, many work as behavior technicians, paraprofessionals, or in various counseling positions. This aligns well with the foundation of their studies, where they apply theories and techniques learned in school to practical settings like schools, clinics, and community centers. The data shows that many who graduate are eager to step into roles where they can directly make an impact on individuals in need, particularly in mental health or educational environments.
However, if we extend our view five to ten years down the line, the outcomes begin to diversify significantly. While many stay in the behavioral health field, others transition into roles that seem less aligned with their original training. In some cases, individuals pivot into managerial positions, marketing, or even brick-and-mortar retail roles that might not allow for the full use of their Behavioral Sciences training. A notable number end up in roles like administrative positions or even education without a direct connection to their initial career path. This shift raises questions about job market saturation in the behavioral health field and the challenges graduates face, including the need for additional training or certifications to advance in their careers.
On a positive note, there are also those who successfully build on their initial experiences, advancing to significant roles in mental health, social work, and clinical settings, often earning board certifications or continuing their education. Many graduates have moved into leadership positions within their fields, such as program directors or behavior analysts, utilizing their degrees effectively and contributing to the welfare of the communities they serve. In this sense, for a proportion of graduates, the degree in Behavioral Sciences has led to fruitful and relevant careers across various sectors. Overall, while many have indeed found success in fields that are closely linked to their studies, others compare their paths unfavorably to their academic training, indicating potential challenges in the job market and the overall applicability of their education.
A Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty—it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy digging into psychology, sociology, and understanding human behavior, you might find it engaging and more manageable compared to more technical degrees like engineering or biology. However, you’ll still have to tackle research methods, statistics, and a decent amount of reading and writing, which can be challenging if those aren't your strong suits. Overall, it’s not the easiest degree out there, but it’s certainly not the hardest either; it really depends on how passionate you are about the subject matter.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Behavioral Sciences.
Looking at these Behavioral Sciences graduates, there are some clear swings in earning potential. For those who landed roles like Corporate Attorney or Senior Military Instructor Pilot, it’s pretty safe to assume they’ve been making decent money, likely in the six-figure range given the high-level positions they’ve held. On the flip side, others, like those working as Behavioral Technicians or in similar support roles, probably aren't raking in as much, maybe hovering around average salaries or a bit less, especially if they haven’t moved up in their careers. Overall, it seems like there’s a mix—some are definitely earning well, while others are more on the struggling side financially.
If we dive a bit deeper, the positions reflect varying levels of job stability and income growth opportunities. Graduates working in educational sectors, like teachers and counselors, might find their pay relatively modest compared to those in healthcare or corporate sectors. Additionally, those in the non-profit sector or community support roles may have fulfilling careers, but the pay often tends to lag behind. So, it really comes down to not just what you graduate with, but also the direction you take in your career and how much you’re willing to strive for growth and advancement.
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 Sciences. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Behavioral Sciences (ordered by the average relevance score of their Behavioral Sciences graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Wilmington University
|
84 | 20 |
 Mercy College
|
73 | 12 |
 Bellevue University
|
68 | 18 |
 Utah Valley University
|
64 | 18 |