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    • #8085
      Julie
      Guest

      I’m very interested in working in the field of behavioral science, but I am not sure what is the best way to go about doing that. I want to have a strong quantitative background, in statistics and programming, and had been considering doing a masters in statistics. Would a psychology degree be more useful to get into behavioral science?

      How much is this field projected to grow? What kinds of companies hire behavioral scientists? What skills are required? Are there non-profits that focus on behavioral science? Can it be an academic career? I really am very lost about how to get started. Is graduate school the first step?

    • #8090
      Victoria Lucas
      Guest

      Hi Julie,

      Different schools have different classes/requirements so it kind of depends. Psych is definitely relevant. In general, BSci would require a strong quant background with the ability to be proficient in R or Stata; you can do coursework in applied econ, applied stats, and monitoring and evaluations. Behavioral Psych or Behavioral Econ is a masters level program at several schools.

      Plenty of places hire those who do BSci as it is a growing field. Its application is different in practice versus academia, but you can go forward in either realm. (Academia typically requires a PhD). The field is growing with non-profit, government and even tech tapping into talent for their organizations. As a start, I would suggest you search “behavioral psychology grad programs” or “behavioral economics grad programs”. Schools will list their classes required for the degree – just see what resonates with your learning goals, location, etc. and start requesting info!

      Happy hunting,

      VSL

    • #8620
      B-Hub Admin
      Moderator

      Hi Julie,

      Great questions! This article in the Observer by Erik Johnson (who works on the Behavioral Insights Team at Morningstar) covers a lot of what you’re looking for, from core competencies to the different job options. Check it out, and keep us updated on your plans! A lot of people have those same questions and may like to hear about which path you end up taking.

      How to Start a Career in Behavioral Design

      – The B-Hub Team

    • #21827
      Ronald L Davis
      Guest

      I am an older behavioral psychologist. I became interested in “nudge” technology several years ago. In fact, I taught a course in Behavior Modification as an adjunct at a local university. The usual class project was to conduct a self management program. I changed this to what I termed a community improvement program. I had my students design, using behavioral principles, a program that could have a positive impact on the community. These ranged from designing programs to slow traffic speed on campus, reduce littering and enhance recognition and appropriate response to persons with support dogs.  My question for this forum has to do with a listing of behavioral insight teams around the U.S. Has anyone accessed a list of behavioral design teams around the country?

      • #22043
        Liana
        Guest

        Hi Ronald,

        The OECD put together a very helpful map of the different teams and organizations (verified by OECD) applying behavioral insights to public policy around the world. It’s a good place to start. You can check it out here: https://twitter.com/faisal_naru/status/966699038841196544?lang=en

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