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Social Sciences Division

Behavioral Sciences & Leadership

cadets around terrazzocadets around terrazzo

Our program lays the foundation for the understanding of yourself, others, and how groups work together. Concentrations within this program are psychology, sociology, leadership, human factors, and the health professions.

ABOUT US

No matter what you do in life, there is one irrefutable fact: you’ll be working with other people. Therefore, your success in any field will depend largely on your understanding of yourself, others, and the ability to work together. The study of Behavioral Sciences lays the foundation for this understanding.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership has roughly 40 faculty members who, in addition to curricular efforts, support the Dean of the Faculty, the Cadet Training Wing, and other DoD agencies in leadership training and development, work climate assessment and military training. The department also conducts Air Force-relevant research benefiting the development of cadets, supporting the needs of the Air Force, and contributing the disciplinary body of knowledge.

Behavioral Sciences & Leadership Faculty

MAJORS & MINORS

Behavior Science & Leadership (Major)
Behavior Science & Leadership
(Major)
Systems Engineering - Human Factors Depth (Major)
Systems Engineering – Human Factors Depth (Major)
Social Sciences (Major)*
Social Sciences
(Major)*

*Restrictions Apply

Department News News From Around The Department

April 7, 2025

Arctic research examines impact on operational readiness

Cadets 2nd Class Anna Bardorf, Emma Bingen and Jordan Martinez stand with Cadets 1st Class Billie Botes, Colby Deleeuw and Kelsey Monaghan-Bergson on the Turnagain Arm Scenic Boardwalk at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Anchorage, Nov. 28, 2024. The U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership’s Yukon Field School trip taught the cadets to identify potential challenges for future warrior leaders assigned to the region. (Courtesy photo provided by Capt. Samantha Van Cleave) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – As global interest in the Arctic escalates, the...

Continue Reading Arctic research examines impact on operational readiness

Cadets 2nd Class Anna Bardorf, Emma Bingen and Jordan Martinez stand with Cadets 1st Class Billie Botes, Colby Deleeuw and Kelsey Monaghan-Bergson on the Turnagain Arm Scenic Boardwalk at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Anchorage.
August 13, 2024

Medical minor ensures cadets remain prepared for grad school

Cadet 1st Class Kayla Kirkbride conducts research in the U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Biology Aug. 5, 2024. In addition to her Biology major, she is also pursuing a minor in the newly available Pre-Health Professions. The minor makes cadets more competitive when pursuing a graduate program in the medical, dental, nursing, physician assistant and physical therapy tracks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The Pre-Health Professions minor makes cadets more competitive for medical or dental graduate programs. The U.S. Air Force Academy...

Continue Reading Medical minor ensures cadets remain prepared for grad school

Cadet 1st Class Kayla Kirkbride conducts research in the U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Biology.
May 15, 2023

Cadet team conducts robotics research

Cadets and faculty gather in Fairchild Hall to catch a glimpse of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Ghost Robotics Vision 60 robot on campus, Feb. 8, 2023. Cadets, in collaboration with professors from the Academy’s Warfighter Effectiveness Research Center, are gathering data, employing model-based systems engineering concepts and developing solutions to determine the practicality of integrating robots into base defense missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Tech. Sgt. Zach Vaughn U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – A team of professors and cadets with the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Warfighter Effectiveness Research...

Continue Reading Cadet team conducts robotics research

robotics research dog
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HQ USAFA/DFBL
2354 Fairchild Drive, Suite 6L-101
United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840
(719) 333-2514 | DSN 333-2514
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