Many students are drawn to studying human behavior because they want to understand why people think, feel, make decisions, collaborate, or respond to challenges in social and organizational settings. These questions sit at the core of disciplines shaping today’s world: behavioral science, social sciences, human-centered design, organizational development, public policy, and data-driven decision-making.
Although IE University no longer offers a traditional Bachelor in Psychology, students seeking a psychology-related academic experience now have a future-oriented alternative. The Bachelor in Behavior and Social Sciences (BBSS) combines the foundational understanding of human behavior with the analytical and methodological skills required to influence organizations, communities, and society effectively.
This article explores the skills BBSS students typically seek, the subjects shaping this academic journey, and how the program prepares graduates to drive high-impact change.
Why students are attracted to psychology-related studies
Globally, psychology-related studies are popular because they offer:
A scientific understanding of people
Students aim to understand how individuals think, behave, and make decisions, as well as how social and organizational environments shape these behaviors.
A pathway to influence and impact
Graduates apply behavioral insights to improve performance, wellbeing, and organizational effectiveness. This applies across sectors such as human resources, public policy, behavioral economics, technology, and leadership.
Interdisciplinary flexibility
The curriculum combines human behavior with neuroscience, data science, economics, design, and sociology. Employers value profiles that combine social insight with analytical rigor.
IE University’s BBSS program retains these strengths while also preparing students for careers shaped by digital transformation, global challenges, and social change.
Key skills and competencies in the Bachelor of Behavior and Social Sciences
Whether you’re drawn to psychology or behavioral and social sciences, the core competencies are similar:
Understanding cognition and behavior
Students examine how people perceive the world, process information, form beliefs, and act in social environments.
Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
Communication, empathy, collaboration, and conflict resolution are essential in any people-oriented role.
Research and data analysis
Quantitative and qualitative methods help students measure and interpret human behavior. These skills are strengthened through experiments and surveys to statistical analysis.
Organizational and social dynamics
Students explore why groups behave as they do and how institutions, cultures, and incentives shape behavior.
Decision-making and behavioral applications
Modern behavioral studies examine how choices are made in areas such as finance, marketing, sustainability, and leadership.
These skills align with what global employers seek: the ability to understand people and use data to design solutions that improve organizational and societal outcomes.
How BBSS builds on psychology foundations
The Bachelor in Behavior and Social Sciences offers a broader, multidisciplinary perspective than a traditional psychology degree, reflecting real-world challenges. You’ll dive into:
Behavioral and social science foundations
Courses in behavioral science, human cognition, social psychology, and behavioral design connect directly to psychology-inspired academic interests.
Sociology and anthropology
Understanding people also requires understanding communities, cultures, institutions, and global systems.
Data analytics and research methodology
Students develop skills in statistics, research design, and data interpretation to drive evidence-based solutions.
Behavioral applications in organizations and society
Graduates learn to apply insights to improve public policy, sustainability, economic development, wellbeing, and leadership.
Two specialized tracks
BBSS now offers Talent Development (focusing on organizational culture, employee experience, and learning strategies) and Human-Centered Consulting (preparing students for advisory roles in organizations, strategy, and behavioral change).
Career pathways: applying behavioral insights
Graduates with expertise in human behavior are in demand across industries. Career options include:
- Human resources and talent development: leadership programs, employee experience, organizational culture
- Data-driven roles: behavioral analyst, consumer insights specialist, user researcher
- Public policy and social impact: NGOs, international organizations, sustainability initiatives
- Business and consulting: organizational consulting, change management, people analytics, HR tech
- Technology and design: UX research, product design, human-centered innovation
By building a foundation in behavior and social sciences, students gain versatile tools to shape organizations and society.
Why understanding human behavior matters more than ever
Today’s global challenges (misinformation, polarization, climate anxiety, public health crises, workplace transformation, and AI adoption) demand a deep understanding of human behavior.
That’s why IE University equips BBSS student to analyze systems, uncover behavioral patterns, and design solutions that create meaningful impact. Programs that combine psychology, social sciences, and data equip graduates to lead change in complex environments.
A modern pathway for future changemakers
Curious about human behavior, decision-making, and societal impact? Then the Bachelor in Behavior and Social Sciences provides an interdisciplinary journey that goes beyond psychology.
It blends behavioral science, social sciences, data analytics, and global perspectives. This curated combination of disciplines prepares graduates to understand and influence human behavior in organizations and society. With specialized tracks in Talent Development and Human-Centered Consulting, the program offers a pathway to shape the world through insight-driven action.
So if you’re passionate about people, motivated to create impact, and eager to navigate complexity, the Bachelor in Behavior and Social Sciences offers a modern, rigorous, and empowering academic experience.
