Behavioral science seeks to understand what drives human behavior. From high-powered analytics to mental health services, the field encompasses a diverse and exciting range of careers across the public and private sectors, including clinical psychology, advertising/marketing, mental health services, human resources, behavioral analytics, and social research.
While students who focus on psychology, sociology, and anthropology will find a wide range of career support, all majors of the College are welcome and encouraged to explore the career opportunities in this fascinating field with Careers in Behavioral Sciences.
Learn more about the many exciting career paths in behavioral sciences!
Program Overview
Advising
Dan Clark, Program Director of Careers in Behavioral Sciences, supports students' career goals by putting students’ needs first and leverages insights from his own experiences in academia and industry. Dan is fascinated by the question, why do we do the things we do? He is a behavioral economist and scientist by training with undergraduate studies in cognitive neuroscience, a business graduate degree in economics and policy analysis, and doctoral work in educational leadership. He also has held numerous positions in industry where he leveraged data science skills to derive behavioral insights to address specific business problems. Students can schedule an advising appointment online through UChicago Handshake or email Dan at danielclark@uchicago.edu
Prior to scheduling an advising appointment, we recommend checking out the general Career Advancement Resource Library.
Events
Behavioral science career development programs explore organizations and opportunities, enhance skills with hands-on experience, and connect students with employers and alums.
Events for the 2022-23 academic calendar include:
- Behavioral Science: Internships and Research Opportunities Event
- Make Your Mark: Careers in Branding and Marketing
- Data Science Careers in Sports
- Educational Policy Careers Panel
- Mental Health Careers Summit
- Behavioral Science Trek to Philadelphia
- Consumer Insights Behavioral Science Competition
- Behavioral Science Career Fair
Organizations
Careers in Behavioral Sciences collaborates with various employers to offer behavioral science internships.
Employers include:
- Behavioralize
- Clicksuasion Labs
- Digitas
- Evidn
- Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
- Newristics
- Nielsen
For more information about internships, please review our Jeff Metcalf Internship Program and Job Shadowing Program.
Research opportunities include:
- Chicago Booth Center for Decision Research
- Department of Comparative Human Development
- Department of Psychology Labs
- Department of Sociology
For more information about undergraduate research, please visit the College Center for Research and Fellowships and check out our STEM research resources.
Dewey Scholars Program
The Dewey Scholars Program is a selective cohort for students who show a strong interest in and exceptional promise for success in behavioral science. Named after the prominent philosopher, psychologist, and educator John Dewey, the program provides special professional development programming and intensive advising to help students explore different pathways in behavioral science and obtain experience in organizations such as GroupM, Alvarez & Marsal, and the Foundation for a College Education. Students are selected and invited to join the cohort at the time of admission.
Next Steps
Careers in Behavioral Sciences could not succeed without the support of alumni and experienced professionals, including behavioral scientists, counseling psychologists, clinical psychologists, behavior therapists, licensed clinical social workers, researchers, graduate students, music therapists, and more! If you are an employer or professional, consider getting involved in the following ways: taking part in career exploration events or treks, hosting an intern, and donating to the program. If you are interested in any of these options or have ideas of your own, please contact Dan Clark at danielclark@uchicago.edu.