Ph.D. Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis
Discover top Ph.D. programs in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and how they can advance your career. Get insights, rankings, and more.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
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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 Doctoral Programs in Behavior Analysis
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Programs
Caldwell University
Caldwell, NJ4 yearCampus + Online
$17,910
$17,910
93%
21%
$33,990
$33,990
79%
2,206
Private
Yes
$17,910
$17,910
Caldwell, NJ4 yearCampus + Online
$17,910
$17,910
93%
21%
$33,990
$33,990
79%
2,206
Private
Yes
Columbia University
New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$47,600
$47,600
5%
6%
$57,763
$57,763
99%
31,456
Private
Yes
$47,600
$47,600
New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$47,600
$47,600
5%
6%
$57,763
$57,763
99%
31,456
Private
Yes
Emory University
Atlanta, GA4 yearCampus
$42,800
$42,800
16%
10%
$53,070
$53,070
95%
14,415
Private
Yes
$42,800
$42,800
Atlanta, GA4 yearCampus
$42,800
$42,800
16%
10%
$53,070
$53,070
95%
14,415
Private
Yes
Endicott College
Beverly, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$12,555
$12,555
69%
41%
$33,304
$33,304
86%
4,741
Private
Yes
$12,555
$12,555
Beverly, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$12,555
$12,555
69%
41%
$33,304
$33,304
86%
4,741
Private
Yes
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$22,338
$22,338
66%
10%
$41,720
$41,720
79%
6,022
Private
Yes
$22,338
$22,338
Melbourne, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$22,338
$22,338
66%
10%
$41,720
$41,720
79%
6,022
Private
Yes
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA4 yearCampus
$48,008
$48,008
5%
18%
$47,730
$47,730
97%
31,655
Private
Yes
$48,008
$48,008
Cambridge, MA4 yearCampus
$48,008
$48,008
5%
18%
$47,730
$47,730
97%
31,655
Private
Yes
Simmons University
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$21,654
$21,654
73%
55%
$40,850
$40,850
83%
6,535
Private
Yes
$21,654
$21,654
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$21,654
$21,654
73%
55%
$40,850
$40,850
83%
6,535
Private
Yes
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$21,564
$21,564
13%
82%
$10,992
$10,992
N/A
2,999
Private
Yes
$21,564
$21,564
Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$21,564
$21,564
13%
82%
$10,992
$10,992
N/A
2,999
Private
Yes
University of Washington
Seattle, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$18,198
$32,439
52%
8%
$10,370
$37,071
95%
47,576
Public
Yes
$18,198
$32,439
Seattle, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$18,198
$32,439
52%
8%
$10,370
$37,071
95%
47,576
Public
Yes
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$16,360
$30,432
80%
28%
$12,094
$15,118
78%
21,470
Public
Yes
$16,360
$30,432
Kalamazoo, MI4 yearCampus + Online
$16,360
$30,432
80%
28%
$12,094
$15,118
78%
21,470
Public
Yes
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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