Behavioral Science Major

Major

Behavioral Science is the study of how people behave individually and in groups - combining elements of psychology, sociology, and leadership science. It explores motivation, stress, group dynamics, personality, performance, and how environments shape behavior.

Offered by the Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership.

Are you curious about why people think, feel, and act the way they do? Do you want to be the kind of leader who not only gives orders but truly understands the soldiers, communities, and cultures you work with? The Behavioral Science major at the United States Military Academy at West Point is an ideal path for cadets who want to study human behavior - and apply that knowledge to improve leadership, teamwork, mental health, and mission success.

What is Behavioral Science?

Behavioral Science is the study of how people behave individually and in groups - combining elements of psychology, sociology, and leadership science. It explores motivation, stress, group dynamics, personality, performance, and how environments shape behavior. At West Point, the major focuses on how this knowledge helps Army officers lead more effectively, support their units, and build strong, resilient organizations.

Understand behavior. Lead with empathy. Shape stronger teams. That’s what Behavioral Sciences at West Point is all about.

Why Choose Behavioral Science at USMA?

Leadership with Insight
The Army needs leaders who understand more than tactics - leaders who understand people. This major helps cadets lead with empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence.
Vital to Unit Health and Effectiveness
Behavioral knowledge improves everything from decision-making and cohesion to mental readiness and stress management.
Flexible Career Paths
Behavioral Science majors succeed in combat arms, intelligence, civil affairs, medical fields, special operations, and even post-Army roles in counseling, law, education, or human resources.
Strong Preparation for Grad School or Army Specialties
This major sets graduates up well for further study in psychology, leadership, human performance, or behavioral health - as well as military graduate programs and special missions.

What To Do With This Major?

A Behavioral Science degree from West Point prepares graduates to:

Lead as an Army officer with deep insight into people, teams, and mental resilience
Work in military psychology, intelligence, human performance, or public health
Pursue graduate study in psychology, counseling, social work, or behavioral science
Serve in roles that demand strong people skills - education, law enforcement, diplomacy, or nonprofit leadership
Make better decisions, support others effectively, and lead with understanding and purpose

Interested Cadets

Learn more about the Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership
Contact BLS

Do you wonder why people think, feel, and act the way they do? Are you interested in leadership, teamwork, mental health, or how culture affects behavior? The Behavioral Science major at West Point helps you understand people - so you can lead them better.

It blends psychology, sociology, and leadership to give you a powerful edge as a future officer or professional in any career field. If you're someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of others, this is your major.

Why Consider This Major

If a cadet is interested in people, leadership, mental health, or making teams stronger, the Behavioral Science major gives them a meaningful and relevant foundation. They learn to lead with understanding, communication, and care - traits that make the best officers stand out, especially in high-stress or cross-cultural environments.

The major has three tracks - Applied Psychology, Military & Society, and Organizational Psychology.

Cadets graduate with a valuable, respected degree, no student debt, and the tools to lead people with purpose - on the battlefield, in the boardroom, or wherever life takes you.

What Cadets Learn

Behavioral Sciences is all about understanding how humans behave as individuals, in groups, and in organizations. Cadets study:

Psychology – emotions, motivation, decision-making, learning, and mental health
Sociology – how culture, identity, and society influence behavior
Leadership – how to guide, inspire, and support people
Human Performance – how to help individuals and teams perform their best
Mental Health and Resilience – supporting psychological fitness for soldiers and teams
Research Methods – how to gather and interpret data about people and behavior

They learn how to lead with empathy, think critically, and solve human-focused problems. They also conduct hands-on research, lead group projects, and apply psychological principles to real-life leadership scenarios.

Choice of Electives

Cadets shape their academic experience with electives like:

Military Psychology – explore how psychology supports Soldiers in combat and recovery
Group Dynamics and Team Performance – how to lead and improve team effectiveness
Social Psychology – how people influence and interact with each other
Cultural Anthropology – understand human behavior across global cultures
Human Factors and Performance – study stress, fatigue, and decision-making under pressure

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Enrichment

Accreditation