Top Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Ph.D. Programs
A Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis (ABA) can lead to leadership roles. Explore the top ABA Ph.D. programs to find the right fit for you.
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If you have a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field, you can pursue a Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis (ABA), which can be helpful in pursuing several different careers.
In an ABA Ph.D. program, you’ll learn behavioral principles and research methods to help people modify their behavior or change unwanted habits. You can then pursue leadership positions like clinical supervisor or program director of ABA programs.
Alternatively, you can pursue an academic career as a higher-education professor or researcher.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top Ph.D. programs in applied behavior analysis.
ABA Ph.D. Highlights
- A Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis can lead to leadership roles in clinical practice and higher education.
- Applied behavior analysis Ph.D. programs take between three to four years to complete, requiring 48-60 credits.
- Tuition for these programs costs around $16,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
- The top ABA Ph.D. programs are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board.
Source: NCES and BestColleges
Top ABA Ph.D. Programs
How We Rank Schools
Caldwell University
- Caldwell, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,020
Out of State | $1,020
Credits to Graduate
90
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
The Ph.D. program in applied behavior analysis at Caldwell University is designed to help students reach their professional goals. Graduates go on to work in developmental services, special education, mental health, and academia in the applied behavior analysis field. Students complete the required coursework, an applied practicum, and dissertation research to complete their degree.
Learners work closely with Caldwell's Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analyst. Led by faculty, the Center provides assessment and intervention services for autistic people.
To enroll, all applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher, a GPA of 3.6 or higher, and a satisfactory score on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
21%
$17,910
79%
$17,910
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,206
- Institution Type
- Private
Columbia University
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,913
Out of State | $1,913
Credits to Graduate
75
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board
Columbia University's doctorate in applied behavior analysis program focuses on research in four core areas: effective classroom practices, language/verbal development interventions, observational learning, and systems-wide scientific approaches to education. Coursework covers applications of research and how to properly generate new research.
Applicants are required to submit an online application with a statement of purpose, resume, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and a $65 application fee. All applicants must already hold an MA in applied behavior analysis from an accredited CABAS university.
6%
$47,600
99%
$47,600
- Acceptance Rate
- 5%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,456
- Institution Type
- Private
Emory University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $22,900
Out of State | $22,900
Credits to Graduate
54
Program Information
N/A
Emory's Ph.D. in behavioral, social, and health education sciences is provided through the Laney Graduate School. The program is designed to prepare students to identify, analyze, and intervene on public health issues. Enrollees can design and implement their own research study on a topic of their choosing.
It is recommended that all applicants hold a master's in the public health field. Those without a relevant master's degree are required to take additional core classes. Application requirements include letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume.
10%
$42,800
95%
$42,800
- Acceptance Rate
- 16%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,415
- Institution Type
- Private
Endicott College
- Beverly, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $932
Out of State | $932
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
N/A
The Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis at Endicott College is a research-based program that prepares students to work as professors, scientist-practitioners, and public policy professionals. Students participate in 60 total semester hours: 30 hours of coursework and 30 hours of research and clinical immersion.
Students must hold an MA in applied behavior analysis. An active BCBA certificate is also recommended prior to enrollment. The program takes an average of three years to complete and has no residency requirement.
41%
$12,555
86%
$12,555
- Acceptance Rate
- 69%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,741
- Institution Type
- Private
Florida Institute of Technology
- Melbourne, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Year
In State | $30,300
Out of State | $30,300
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
Based in Melbourne, the Ph.D. in behavior analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology is a flexible program designed for full-time working professionals who are looking to advance their careers in applied behavioral sciences.
Students can specialize in clinical applications of behavior analysis or organizational behavior management. The curriculum includes courses on radical behaviorism and statistical research methods. Students must also complete 12 credit hours of fieldwork.
Applicants must have completed an MA in applied behavior analysis and hold an active BCBA certificate.
10%
$22,338
79%
$22,338
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,022
- Institution Type
- Private
Harvard University
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
100% On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $52,456
Out of State | $52,456
Credits to Graduate
64
Program Information
N/A
Students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis at Harvard University should enroll in the population health sciences doctoral program and choose social and behavioral sciences as their concentration. This program includes a broad range of coursework that covers social, political, and historical factors that influence behavioral health. Harvard also provides students with a program mentor based on their interests.
A previous graduate degree is not required for this program, but applicants must possess a bachelor's degree and have completed coursework in statistics and quantitative methods. GRE scores are not required for admission.
18%
$48,008
97%
$48,008
- Acceptance Rate
- 5%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,655
- Institution Type
- Private
Simmons University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,135
Out of State | $1,135
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
N/A
The Simmons University Ph.D. in behavior analysis is a 100% online program of live classes designed to train students to make contributions to the scientific community of behavior analysis. The program is ideal for distance learners who are looking to develop research skills to design, conduct, and interpret experimental research.
Students are enrolled in lab meetings with faculty and get to pick between concentrations such as conditioned reinforcement, the analysis of verbal behavior, and behavioral medicine. Candidates must already hold an MA in behavioral science and a BCBA certification or significant coursework in the field.
55%
$21,654
83%
$21,654
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,535
- Institution Type
- Private
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,622
Out of State | $1,622
Credits to Graduate
58
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board
The Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis (ABA) program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a flexible, hybrid course of study that takes either three or five years to complete. Graduates learn evidence-based practices in the areas of experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and radical behaviorism.
Applicants must possess a master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0.
82%
$21,564
N/A
$21,564
- Acceptance Rate
- 13%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,999
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Washington
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Quarter
In State | $6,174
Out of State | $11,128
Credits to Graduate
N/A
Program Information
N/A
Within the doctoral program in special education at UW, students have the option to specialize in applied behavior analysis. Coursework emphasizes collaboration and equips students to implement structural change in the field. Students design and conduct research with experienced faculty and have the opportunity to supervise master's degree students in their practicums.
Applicants must have been admitted to the special education Ph.D. program at UW, hold Board Certification in Behavior Analysis, have two years of work experience, and be able to enroll full time.
8%
$18,198
95%
$32,439
- Acceptance Rate
- 52%
- Students Enrolled
- 47,576
- Institution Type
- Public
Western Michigan University
- Kalamazoo, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $731
Out of State | $1,096
Credits to Graduate
73
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
The doctoral degree program in behavior analysis at Western Michigan University allows students to complete coursework and participate in research and applied experiences to prepare for a career in behavior analysis. The program is designed to train the next generation of teachers and researchers in an academic setting. Graduates go on to apply for positions in human services organizations and within the behavioral health industry.
To enroll, students need a minimum of 79 hours in related coursework and a B grade average. They must also possess an M.A in a related field.
28%
$16,360
78%
$30,432
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,470
- Institution Type
- Public
Why You Should Get a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Career Advancement: Ph.D.-holders can qualify for leadership roles like clinical director, research scientist, and college or university professor.- BCBA-D Designation: You can only qualify for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) designation if you have a Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis.
- More Money: Since a doctoral degree qualifies you for advanced leadership roles, you can improve your earning potential once you graduate from your ABA Ph.D. program.
- Research Opportunities: A Ph.D. is a research-heavy degree program, so you’ll have opportunities to contribute original research to the ABA field.
Benefits of Getting a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis Online
- In BestColleges’ 2024 Online Education Trends Report, out of the more than 100 online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates we surveyed, 100% said they would recommend online education to others.
- In that same report, 92% of the online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates we surveyed said that earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- Additionally, 85% of the online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates we surveyed said they think an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best ABA Ph.D. Program for You
Before you apply to an applied behavior analysis Ph.D. program, carefully consider its cost, length, application requirements, and accreditation status. These factors will influence your academic and professional journeys.
“Choose a program that is accredited and will meet all your needs for licensure,” says Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D. and licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois. “Check with the licensing board in your state to research requirements and use this as a guideline for choosing a program.”
How Much Does an Online Ph.D. in Psychology Cost?
Online Healthcare Bachelor’s Degrees
Ph.D. (Online)
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$16,265
Psy.D. (Online)
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$8,248
Source: NCES PowerStats
An online Ph.D. in psychology program, which includes applied behavior analysis programs, costs an average of $16,265 in tuition and fees per year, according to 2020 NCES data. An online Psy.D. program, however, only costs an average of $8,248 in tuition and fees per year, per the NCES. Keep in mind that these tuition rates can vary significantly depending on the school.
For example, Cambridge College charges $51,648 for a 48-credit applied behavior analysis Ph.D. program with a specialization in autism intervention. By contrast, Caldwell University charges $1,123 per credit for its 90-credit applied behavior analysis Ph.D. program, of which 63 credits are required courses and 27 credits are electives.
Keep in mind that financial aid can reduce tuition rates. You can get financial aid, including grants and scholarships, by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you’re in school.
Find Financial Aid for Your ABA Ph.D. Program
How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis?
Typical # of Credits
48-60 Credits
Typical Program Length
3-4 Years
ABA Ph.D. programs typically take 3-4 years to complete and require around 48-60 credits. For example, Endicott College’s online ABA Ph.D. program requires students to earn 60 credits, designed to be completed in a minimum of three years.
By contrast, Simmons University offers an online 48-credit Ph.D. in behavior analysis program that you can complete in four years as a full-time student.
ABA Ph.D. Program Application Requirements
Here are some common application requirements for Ph.D. programs in applied behavior analysis:
Application and fee- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Official transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Application essay
- GRE scores (if required)
- Scholarly writing sample
- Interview
Accreditation for an ABA Ph.D. Program
Your ABA Ph.D. program should be accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board.
Each doctoral program accredited by the ABAI Accreditation Board has gone through a rigorous review process that ensures it meets the agency’s requirements for accreditation.
You can visit the ABAI’s website to find accredited ABA programs. You can also visit the websites of your desired programs or contact them directly to learn about their programmatic accreditation statuses.
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Psychology Accreditation?
“Accreditation (especially ABAI accreditation or VCS approval) isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended if you want to sit for the BCBA exam or work in states with strict licensing rules”
What Can You Do With an ABA Ph.D.?
Once you earn your Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis, you can pursue a range of leadership roles in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), related roles include psychologist, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, and school counselor.
According to the BLS, employment for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, which is as fast as the average projected job growth rate for all occupations. By contrast, employment for marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors is projected to grow significantly faster (16% and 19%, respectively) than the average rate during the same time period, per the BLS.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Psychologists | $94,310 | Studies human thinking and behavior and helps people cope with mental health conditions |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $59,190 | Diagnoses mental health conditions and provides counseling or psychotherapy |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 63,780 | Helps individuals, couples, and families navigate relationship challenges |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $65,140 | Counsels students on academic, personal, and professional challenges |
Learn More About Psychology Jobs
Is an ABA Ph.D. Worth It?
A Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis can be worth the effort and resources if you want a high-level leadership role, whether you want a clinical, academic, or research career. Additionally, once you graduate, you’ll be eligible for the BCBA-D designation.
You can find flexibility in online, hybrid, and self-paced programs that allow you to study remotely. To determine the return on investment of your degree, compare the cost of your ABA Ph.D. program against the salary you hope to earn once you graduate.
Also, consider the time investment. On average, these programs take between three and four years to complete for full-time students, while part-time students may spend between five and seven years in their programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applied Behavior Analysis Ph.D. Programs
Yes, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), you’ll need a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and licensure to call yourself a psychologist. This includes behavioral psychologists, who practice applied behavior analysis.
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