Best PHD Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis
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If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis (ABA), you are likely aware of the numerous career opportunities and potential for growth in this field. ABA is a rapidly growing discipline that offers diverse opportunities in various industries, including education, healthcare, and business.
Not only does this degree provide the chance to contribute to important behavioral research, but it also offers the potential for higher salaries and prestigious job positions.
But with so many programs to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones are the best for your career goals. Here’s how we rank the top Ph.D. programs in ABA and what you can expect from these prestigious institutions.
Featured PHD Programs in Behavior Analysis
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Programs
- In-State$33,990
- Out-of-state$33,990
- In-State$17,910
- Out-of-state$17,910
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled2,206
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$57,763
- Out-of-state$57,763
- In-State$47,600
- Out-of-state$47,600
- Retention Rate99%
- Acceptance Rate5%
- Students Enrolled31,456
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$53,070
- Out-of-state$53,070
- In-State$42,800
- Out-of-state$42,800
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled14,415
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$33,304
- Out-of-state$33,304
- In-State$12,555
- Out-of-state$12,555
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled4,741
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$41,720
- Out-of-state$41,720
- In-State$22,338
- Out-of-state$22,338
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled6,022
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$47,730
- Out-of-state$47,730
- In-State$48,008
- Out-of-state$48,008
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate5%
- Students Enrolled31,655
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$40,850
- Out-of-state$40,850
- In-State$21,654
- Out-of-state$21,654
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled6,535
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,992
- Out-of-state$10,992
- In-State$21,564
- Out-of-state$21,564
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate13%
- Students Enrolled2,999
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
University of Washington
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,370
- Out-of-state$37,071
- In-State$18,198
- Out-of-state$32,439
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate52%
- Students Enrolled47,576
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment8%
- AccreditationYes
Western Michigan University
- Kalamazoo, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,094
- Out-of-state$15,118
- In-State$16,360
- Out-of-state$30,432
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled21,470
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
Why Choose a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis?
If you’re passionate about understanding and influencing behavior to create positive change, a Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis might be the perfect fit.
A Ph.D. in ABA equips you to contribute to behavioral research, manage other behavior analysts, and access roles as behavior-analytic researchers, instructors, and practitioners.
Graduates can work in various settings such as businesses, schools, clinics, residential treatment centers, and private practice. You could become a university faculty member, consultant, program director, or even a clinical director overseeing treatment programs. Other career paths include working with individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, or in the field of organizational behavior management.
Notably, a Ph.D. in ABA paves the way for higher salaries and more prestigious job positions, making it a valuable investment for those committed to advancing the field and making impactful contributions.
What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis?
An ABA Ph.D. degree opens up a broad range of career paths and job opportunities. You could become a behavior analyst, working with individuals with behavioral and/or intellectual disabilities to develop treatment plans.
Other roles include clinical director, school psychologist, social worker, counselor, and addiction therapist.
Furthermore, a Ph.D. allows for roles in academia as a professor or researcher, in public policy advocacy, or in specialized fields such as autism treatment, organizational behavior management, sports psychology, and special education.
Regardless of the path you choose, a Ph.D. in ABA offers the opportunity to make significant impacts on individuals and communities.
| Career | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers | $84,380 | 8% |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $61,800 | 4% |
| Psychologists | $92,740 | 7% |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $44,040 | 2% |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $61,710 | 4% |
| Social Workers | $58,380 | 7% |
| Sociologists | $101,770 | 7% |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $53,710 | 19% |
| Survey Researchers | $60,960 | 0% |
Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Ph.D. Programs
Completing a Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis typically takes 3-4 years of full-time study.
However, this can be influenced by several factors, including whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time, the complexity of the dissertation research, the program’s specific requirements, and your ability to manage a heavier course load.
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