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
Start Your ABA Ph.D. Journey Today
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top ABA Ph.D. Programs
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
Official transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Resume or CV
GRE scores (if required)
Scholarly writing sample
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 2024 to 2034, 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 (13% and 17%, 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 |
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.
