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Social Sciences Division

Behavioral Sciences & Leadership

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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

June 6, 2025

Service Before Self: 2nd Lt. Billie Botes’ combats veteran homelessness

Marine veteran Carl Lewis salutes Cadet 1st Class Billie Botes at the Cadet Squadron 14 commissioning ceremony at Arnold Hall in the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., May 28, 2025. Botes met Lewis while volunteering at Marian House Kitchen and requested that he render her a first salute as an Air Force officer to honor his positive influence on her life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sonie Munson) By Sonie Munson U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Marine veteran Carl Lewis renders a first salute to then Cadet 1st Class Billie Botes, Class of...

Continue Reading Service Before Self: 2nd Lt. Billie Botes’ combats veteran homelessness

Marine veteran Carl Lewis salutes Cadet 1st Class Billie Botes at the Cadet Squadron 14 commissioning ceremony at Arnold Hall.
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.
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United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840
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