Study behavioral psychology abroad

Behavioral psychology is a branch of psychology that examines the causes and consequences of human behavior. It’s a fascinating field that analyzes several social, psychological, and emotional aspects of behavior.

You’ll study the links between people’s thought processes, perceptions, emotions, and actions. You’ll then build the theoretical and technical expertise needed to transform destructive behaviors into positive, healthy ones.

By study abroad, you’ll see how behavioral therapy is used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse across the globe. It’s also an eye-opening chance to witness the effects of different cultural norms and societal ideals on the behavioral patterns of populations.

Bachelor’s degrees in behavioral psychology take three or four years to complete, depending on where you study.

If you take your BSc in the US, you’ll take two years of general education classes before majoring in behavioral psychology for the second half of your program.

It’s possible to study a master’s course after finishing your BSc, but most aspiring behavioral psychologists jump straight into a doctoral degree program. PhDs can take anywhere between four and eight years to complete.

Teaching is mainly delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and laboratories. You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways, including presentations, case study analyses, portfolios, essays, and exams.

Course modules vary according to the university you attend. However, most institutions will provide you with a solid grounding in these fundamental areas:

• Personality theory
• Ethics in behavioral psychology
• Lifespan development
• Psychopathology
• Mental health and illness
• Introduction to cognitive behavioral therapy
• Interpersonal communication and group dynamics
• Abnormal psychology

Behavioral science graduates go on to pursue a range of rewarding careers across healthcare, law enforcement, research, education, and more.

No matter what profession you choose, you’ll have the knowledge and tools needed to help others initiate positive behavioral change. Here are just a handful of the roles you’d be suited to:

• Behavioral psychologist
• Counselor
• Social worker
• Community health worker
• Substance abuse support worker
• Behavioral researcher
• Market research analyst
• Special education teacher

For some of the roles listed above, you’ll need to earn a postgraduate degree, undertake supervised experience, become licensed, and gain certification. Speak to your university’s career advice service for tailored guidance on how to land your dream job.