Programs in behavioral sciences focus on how individuals behave and develop. Students learn theories of social development. They study social problems and human behavior from the perspectives of psychology, social sciences, and biomedicine

Many fields of study examine how people live and act. Sociology studies people in group settings. Psychology studies the individual, focusing on the mind. Even economics is a study of human behavior, as it concerns money and industry. However, not one discipline can explain everything about the complicated human race. Sometimes looking at the same issue from a variety of angles gives a more complete picture.

Behavioral sciences is just that type of program. Using the social sciences, psychology, and even biomedicine, you study how people develop, behave, and act in groups. You look at brain development and individual psyches. You study deviant behavior and emotional problems. You also look at how people function in groups, whether this means in families or in large communities.

As you can expect, you'll take lots of course work from many disciplines. Several courses in psychology are usually required. These may include general psychology, behavior disorders, and theories of learning. You'll also take courses in sociology, including social problems, marriage and family, and childhood and adolescence. Many programs offer courses in biopsychology and anatomy. Still others offer course work in anthropology.

Over 150 schools offer programs in behavioral sciences. In most cases, you earn a bachelor's degree, which usually takes four years to complete. You may be able to take some of your introductory course work at a two-year school and transfer.

Graduate study in behavioral sciences is possible, but usually through psychology departments. Be sure to check out the psychology program of study for more details.