An advanced degree with a focus on social and behavioral science offers several benefits, both to individuals who pursue this field of study and to the communities they serve. The social and behavioral science discipline encompasses a wide range of topics, from psychology and sociology to anthropology and political science — all aimed at understanding human behavior and society. Those with skills in this field are well-equipped to positively impact society and enjoy a broad spectrum of career opportunities across many sectors, including government, non-profit organizations, consulting and more.
One of the most significant benefits of pursuing a career in social and behavioral science degree is the discipline’s profound impact on communities. Graduates with the insights and knowledge gained from studying this area possess a unique skill set that allows them to address pressing societal issues effectively. For example, in the battle against diseases and conditions like asthma, diabetes and HIV/AIDS, understanding the social and behavioral factors that contribute to these health challenges is crucial.
Graduates of programs like Lamar University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in University Studies with a Social and Behavioral Science Area of Study program can design interventions and strategies that target these factors, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
Why Get a University Studies Degree?
Lamar University’s online B.S. in University Studies program allows students to tailor their degree to their passions and career aspirations. The program is ideal for those either starting their degree or seeking a path to completion, and students can even gain credit for workplace experience through the Prior Experiential Learning course. Those in the program have an option from a handful of professional areas of study to tailor their degree focus: multidisciplinary; ethnicity, race and gender; human development; organizational leadership; and social and behavioral sciences.
What Is Social and Behavioral Science?
Social and behavioral science is a multidisciplinary field that examines and analyzes human behavior, interactions and the social structures and systems that shape society. Social and behavioral scientists seek to understand how individuals and groups think, feel and act within the context of their social, cultural and environmental surroundings.
This area of study informs an array of industries, from healthcare and education to public policy and business, and plays a crucial role in addressing societal challenges. Researchers and professionals in this field work to improve the well-being of individuals and communities by applying evidence-based insights and solutions.
As the Center for Applied Behavioral Science (CABS) notes, behavioral science and human-centered design has a handful of benefits:
- Focuses on incorporating the user or participant into solution design
- Helps understand how people respond when their time, attention and resources are thin
- Supports designing strategies and spaces that foster decision-making
- Facilitates collaboration and innovation, which are necessary for rapidly changing environments
- Applies researched-backed, evidence-based solutions to challenges
Lamar University’s B.S. in University Studies professional area of study that centers on social and behavioral sciences aims to help students understand what makes people tick. Students in this focus will gain skills in areas like history, anthropology, economics, criminal justice, political science, psychology, social work and more. Students also develop the necessary research and analysis skills to study humans and populations.
One LinkedIn source notes that behavioral science “relies on contextual data, whereas economics relies on models…” While traditional economics failed to predict or prevent certain events, behavioral science often has “already explained why and how human behaviors were likely to cause” that event.
What Jobs Can You Get With Social and Behavioral Science Skills?
The versatility of skills in social and behavioral science is another major advantage. Graduates have access to a plethora of job opportunities. They can work in diverse fields such as healthcare, education, criminal justice and marketing.
For example, a social worker may help vulnerable populations navigate complex social systems, while a market researcher may use behavioral science principles to understand consumer preferences and trends. The adaptability of this degree ensures that graduates are not limited to a single career path and can explore various avenues throughout their professional journey.
A social and behavioral science degree opens doors to careers in different sectors. Professionals in this field are in high demand across government agencies, non-profit organizations, consulting firms and more. Government bodies rely on these experts to design and implement policies that address societal issues, such as public health initiatives or environmental regulations. Non-profit organizations often seek social and behavioral scientists to conduct research and drive their missions forward, whether the goal is to improve education access or advocate for social justice.
In addition to being flexible and affordable, Lamar University’s online program allows students to gain a versatile, widespread, in-demand set of skills and abilities for a number of jobs. Whether a student is passionate about psychology, religion or pop culture, they can tailor their education to gain expertise in their preferred area. This flexibility allows students to explore their passions while benefiting from an advanced degree.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online B.S. in University Studies with a Social and Behavioral Science Area of Study program.
