United States Air Force Academy

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Understanding Yourself and the World Around You

BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & LEADERSHIP

Cadet running test - behavioral science

Your success in any field will depend largely on your understanding of yourself, others, and how teams work together. The Behavioral Sciences major lays the foundation for this understanding and allows cadets the opportunity to map a path of study through a diverse menu of courses aligned with their professional and educational goals.

POTENTIAL JOB ASSIGNMENTS

Most non-rated AFSCs are available to cadets with a Behavioral Sciences Degree. All rated AFSCs are available to Beh Sci majors who are medically qualified.

Within the Air Force
  • 11X – Pilot
  • 14F – Information Operations
  • 14N – Intelligence
  • 17X – Cyber
  • 21A – Aircraft Maintenance
  • 21R – Logistics Readiness
  • 31P – Security Forces
  • 35P – Public Affairs
  • 38F – Force Support
  • 63A – Acquisitions Manager
Outside the Air Force
  • Human Resources Advisor
  • Public Relations
  • Victim’s Advocate / Caseworker (Child Welfare/Placement, Disability Policy)
  • Technician (Research, Psychiatric, Correctional Treatment)
  • Human Factors Specialist (Google, Apple, Car Manufacturers, Lockheed, Boeing, & Defense Contractors, NASA)
  • Think Tanks / Research Labs
SAMPLE COURSES
  • Advanced Research Methods and Statistical Tools
  • Aviation Psychology and Human Factors
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Crime and Deviance
  • Environmental Sociology
  • Learning and Cognition
  • Gender, Sexuality, and Society
  • Lifespan Development
  • Theories of Personality
  • Human-Computer Interaction
SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCE
4TH CLASS YEAR (FRESHMAN) 3RD CLASS YEAR (SOPHOMORE) 2ND CLASS YEAR (JUNIOR) 1ST CLASS YEAR (SENIOR)
Beh Sci 110
Chem 100
Comp Sci 110
English 111
For Lang 1
For Lang 2
History 100
Math 141
Math 142
Physics 110
Leadership 100
Beh Sci 360
P/C/B Option
Econ 201
English 211
Engr Mech 220
Law 220
MSS 251
Biology 215
Pol Sci 211
Leadership 200
Beh Sci 361
Beh Sci 231
Aero Engr 315
Beh Sci 332
Beh Sci Elective
Beh Sci Elective
Beh Sci Elective
Beh Sci Elective
Leadership 300
ECE 315
History 300
Philos 310
Soc Sci 311
Adv Open Opt
Astro Engr 310
Adv STEM Opt
Academy Opt
Academy Opt
Beh Sci Elective
Beh Sci Elective
Beh Sci Elective
Beh Sci Elective
Beh Sci Elective
Beh Sci 498
Leadership 400Z

For full program requirements and course descriptions, download the current Course of Instruction Handbook.

 

 

CONCENTRATIONS

All cadet majors will choose one of three concentrations to gain depth in a specific discipline.

Psychology Concentration:This concentration explores the scientific study of behavior and mental activity from the individual perspective. Coursework emphasizes the rigorous implementation of the scientific method which is foundational to laboratory study, as well as more modern applied focuses. Psychological courses are the conceptual groundwork for those interested in clinical and counseling psychology, as well as the study and practice of leadership. This concentration is an excellent choice for students who want to learn more about the topics introduced in Beh Sci 110 and for students who are preparing to seek a graduate degree in most psychology disciplines.

Sociology Concentration: The sociology concentration is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Given the complexities and intricacies of societies and the fact that all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of the common culture. This concentration develops cross-cultural competence and the ability to understand and analyze the cultures, beliefs, values, and institutions of foreign societies. The increased cross-cultural competency gained from this concentration will enhance your ability to lead diverse teams in most Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs) including pilot, navigator, and other rated career fields as well as most non-rated career fields.

Human Factors Concentration: Human Factors (HF) is a scientific discipline that brings together psychology and design to develop effective systems based on human capabilities and limitations. Students will learn methods and concepts from experimental psychology, sensation and perception, cognition, physiology, human-computer interaction, and ergonomics. Applications include aviation, medicine, space, sports, and human-centered design of technology. Cadets will have the opportunity to study with faculty using eye-tracking, virtual reality, Tesla Model X, humanoid robots, and similar technologies. After successfully completing this degree program, cadets will be prepared for graduate work in human factors and ergonomics, human systems integration, human-computer interaction, and related degree programs.
NOTE: This concentration is not an accredited engineering degree; cadets interested in graduating with an HF-related accredited engineering degree should consider a Systems Engineering degree with an HF emphasis.

VALIDATION AND TRANSFER CREDITS

Beh Sci 110 – Intro to Behavioral Sciences:

  • AP Psychology Test = 5
  • IB Psychology Test = 6/7
  • Grade of “A” in an Intro to Psychology Course taught at an accredited undergraduate level institution. Case-by-case considered; see the Behavioral Sciences 110 Course Director. “A-” or below not considered.Grade of “A” in an Intro to Psychology Course taught at an accredited undergraduate level institution. Case-by-case considered; see the Behavioral Sciences 110 Course Director. “A-” or below not considered.

Other courses are available for transfer credit on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Advisor-in-Charge for more details.

CONTACT US

DFBL Advisor-in-Charge
(719) 333-2514

WANT TO STUDY BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & LEADERSHIP?