What Are the Different Types of Behavioral Scientist Jobs?

Behavioral scientist jobs span a huge range from consumer marketing jobs to animal training. Depending on a person's educational background, behavioral scientist jobs might include working in the medical or mental health field, careers in physical and social anthropology, criminal justice positions, or the study and care of animals. Many jobs in this broad field require at least a four-year college degree, though most advanced positions additionally call for a master's degree or doctorate.

Public healthcare can be an excellent source of behavioral scientist jobs. Professionals with a background in behavioral science and public health can often find rewarding careers with government health agencies. Jobs in this field might include developing health awareness programs or assisting with the creation of government programs to improve health standards across the nation. Educational requirements in this field may include degrees in social anthropology, public health, and psychology.

In the mental health field, behavioral scientist jobs often include various forms of psychology practice and social work. Licensed psychologists need to undergo many years of education and pass rigorous licensing examinations, but can work as personal therapists, rehabilitation counselors, or researchers. Those who do not wish to obtain doctorates can often find jobs as social workers, where they can assist the legal and justice systems by analyzing family relationships and issues in the wake of divorce, custody battles, or accusations of abuse.

A background in physical or social anthropology can lead to jobs both adventurous and important to understanding human development. Anthropologists may work as excavators and researchers, searching for clues about the evolution of humans. Some behavioral scientist jobs in anthropology might include laboratory research on human genetics, or working with an automotive company to determine the risk of skeletal damage in a car crash.

In the world of criminal justice, different behavioral scientist jobs may be available based on educational background. Psychologists may find work conducting interviews and examinations of witnesses and principle parties involved in lawsuits. Social workers typically examine home and family life and make recommendations for custody, wardship, or other familial agreements that may be put before the court. Forensic anthropologists work with crime scene data, helping to identify remains and run tests on evidence.

Animal behavioral scientist jobs usually require a degree in zoology or biology as well as training in animal behavior. Some of the jobs in this field may include working in zoos or animal parks as a trainer, handler, or supervisor on endangered species reproduction programs. Outside of zoo-based jobs, animal behavioral scientists often spend time studying the population and social dynamics of wild animal species. Some may work with conservation programs or governments to increase awareness and bring about laws that improve species protection.