DRAFT - Behavioral Science Major - Standard - SO

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Behavioral Science

Major

The Behavioral Science major at West Point is more than academics. It’s a mission-focused program that equips you to understand human behavior, decision-making, and leadership under pressure. Through rigorous coursework and applied research, you’ll gain the skills to optimize team dynamics and lead effectively in complex, high-stakes environments. 

Offered by the Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership.

Behavioral Science: Where Leadership Meets Human Understanding

The Behavioral Science major is the foundation for understanding human behavior, decision-making, and social dynamics - critical for effective leadership and mission success. This major empowers you to analyze complex human systems, improve team performance, and lead with insight and integrity in any operational environment.

The West Point Advantage

At the United States Military Academy, Behavioral Science is not just a major. It’s a strategic advantage. You’ll gain expertise in psychology, sociology, and leadership while developing critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills. Our program combines rigorous academics with practical application, integrating purposeful leadership into every experience to prepare you for high-stakes environments.

Integrated military focus

  • Combine your passion for understanding human behavior with mission-driven applications that strengthen unit cohesion and operational effectiveness.
  • Gain the skills to apply behavioral science principles in real-world leadership and planning roles.

Hands-on research

  • Step into immersive projects and simulations where theory becomes action.
  • Drive innovation through research on leadership, resilience, and decision-making under stress.

Ethics and innovation

  • Build a career grounded in ethical responsibility while advancing behavioral science applications for military readiness.
  • Shape solutions that balance innovation with integrity and accountability.

Mentorship that matters

  • Learn from experienced faculty and military leaders who are invested in your success.
  • Forge lasting mentor relationships that guide your academic journey and career progression.
  • Their commitment reflects the academy’s mission: to develop leaders of character who inspire trust and achieve results.

The Foundation to Solve Tomorrow’s Challenges

West Point’s approach ensures you graduate ready to innovate, inspire, and succeed in:

Leadership and organizational development

  • Apply behavioral science to strengthen leadership strategies and team dynamics.
  • Support programs that enhance resilience and performance in demanding environments.

Human factors in military operations

  • Analyze cultural and psychological variables that impact mission success.
  • Advise commanders on behavioral considerations during planning and execution.

Research and development for military readiness

  • Contribute to studies on stress, decision-making, and adaptability in combat scenarios.
  • Innovate solutions that improve soldier well-being and operational effectiveness.

Operational planning with behavioral expertise

  • Integrate behavioral insights into humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
  • Develop strategies to optimize communication and cohesion in joint operations.

Information for Future Cadets

Resources for Current Cadets

Behavioral Science: Lead Through Understanding

Behavioral Science at West Point is a launchpad for future leaders who understand the human dimension of military operations. 

What makes this major unique? It’s the fusion of behavioral science education with USMA’s unmatched leadership development. You’ll be mentored by distinguished military and civilian faculty who bring real-world expertise and a passion for teaching. Every course is designed not only to build your intellect but also your ability to lead under pressure.

Core Foundation

The major begins with a strong foundation in psychology, sociology, and leadership studies. These courses develop your understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics while sharpening analytical and ethical decision-making skills:

  • PL100 – General Psychology
  • PL300 – Military Leadership
  • PL350 – Advanced Psychology
  • PL371 – Social Psychology
  • PL377 – Cultural Psychology

Complementary courses in statistics and research methods ensure you’re equipped with the tools to analyze and apply behavioral data.

Advanced and Applied Courses

The behavioral science curriculum emphasizes innovation and application. You’ll explore leadership psychology, cultural dynamics, and decision-making under stress through courses such as:

  • PL384 – Behavioral Science Research Methods
  • PL398 – Organizational Behavior
  • PL399 – Human Factors in Military Operations

These courses prepare you for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving operational environment.

Hands-On Learning

At USMA, learning is active and immersive. You’ll conduct research, participate in leadership simulations, and apply behavioral science to real-world challenges. Honors students can pursue:

  • PL490 – Individual Research I
  • PL491 – Individual Research II

Whether you’re studying resilience under stress or team dynamics in combat scenarios, you’ll work closely with faculty who are invested in your success.

Electives and Specialization

Customize your academic journey with electives that align with your interests and career goals. Choose from topics such as:

  • PL373 – Cross-Cultural Leadership
  • PL385 – Psychology of Influence
  • PL394 – Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
  • PL398 – Human Factors in Design

These options allow you to specialize in areas critical to military readiness, leadership development, and operational effectiveness.

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Behavioral Science: Beyond the Classroom

At West Point, Behavioral Science is more than a rigorous academic program. It’s a gateway to real-world impact, leadership development, and national recognition. You’ll engage in hands-on learning, applied research, and prestigious academic enrichment programs that prepare you to lead in military operations, organizational strategy, and human performance.

Internships

Gain practical experience through internships that connect classroom knowledge to mission-driven applications - from leadership development to cultural analysis and human factors in military operations.

Experiential and Hands-On Learning

Behavioral Science brings classroom concepts to life through immersive projects, simulations, and applied research. Whether you’re studying leadership psychology or cross-cultural dynamics, you’ll gain practical experience that builds confidence and competence:

  • Participate in leadership and decision-making simulations under stress conditions.
  • Analyze team dynamics and organizational behavior in military training environments.
  • Present research and network with professionals at national and international behavioral science and military conferences - representing USMA among top scholars and leaders.

Research and Facilities

While completing your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in research with the BSL and West Point Leadership Center for academic credit. Conduct original studies alongside faculty mentors in areas like resilience, human performance, and organizational leadership. Your work directly contributes to Army readiness and innovation in leadership science. 

Scholarships, Honors, and Recognition

Behavioral science majors are eligible to participate in the West Point Scholars Program, which provides personalized support for competitive national scholarships, such as:

  • Rhodes Scholarship
  • Marshall Scholarship
  • Fulbright Fellowship
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The West Point Technical Scholars Program (TSP) mentors and guides cadets in pursuit of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship as they seek national and international honors for their performance. With over 240 scholarships and fellowships awarded, TSP continues to produce innovative leaders prepared for the challenges they will face throughout their careers.

West Point also celebrates academic excellence and leadership through:

  • Honor societies:
  • Behavioral Science honors program: Conduct independent research and graduate with distinction.
  • Departmental awards: Earn recognition for academic excellence and leadership in behavioral science.

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