11 Best Applied Behavior Analysis PhD Programs

Want to find excellent applied behavior analysis doctoral programs that fit your busy schedule? Your academic goals shouldn’t require a complete life change. Leading ABA PhD programs now offer synchronous online formats that let you earn your doctorate from anywhere in the world without relocating.

These specialized programs will prepare you for leadership roles in academic, research, and clinical settings. You’ll master advanced ABA principles and develop vital skills to conduct behavior analytic research, teach ABA courses, and supervise preservice behavior analysts. The CDC reports that about 1 in 31 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, and qualified behavior analysts just need to keep up with this growing demand.

These programs stand out because of their efficiency—some students can complete them in as little as three years. Program requirements vary, and Capella University needs 93 total program credits. Programs with Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accreditation meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s degree and coursework requirements to apply for BCBA certification.

The following list covers the 11 best applied behavior analysis PhD programs for 2026. Experts have carefully evaluated each program to help you choose the right path for your educational journey.

Capella University – PhD in Behavior Analysis

Capella University has a detailed PhD in Behavior Analysis program that helps certified behavior analysts move into leadership positions in academic, research, and clinical settings. Students need 93 quarter credits to complete this competency-based program. The program balances theory with practical research applications.

Program overview

The doctoral program builds on your BCBA certification and provides advanced knowledge and research skills you need for leadership roles. The program has eleven core courses, three elective courses, three doctoral project development seminars, one comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Each student works with one scholar-practitioner faculty advisor throughout their educational trip. This ensures steady guidance as they use evidence-based practices in professional settings. The program also features three virtual residencies and runs on a quarter system. Each quarter has 10-week courses with 3-week breaks between them. Students who complete the program can apply for the prominent BCBA-D designation.

Key courses

Let’s take a closer look at advanced behavior analysis concepts through courses like:

• PSY8301 Single-Subject Research Design Methods (5 credits) – Expands your knowledge of simple research methods
• PSY8302 Behaviorism (5 credits) – Gets into basic theories and misconceptions of behaviorism
• PSY8303 Experimental Analysis of Behavior (5 credits) – Breaks down the history and research in experimental behavior analysis
• PSY7305 Organizational Behavior Management (5 credits) – Shows how this field connects to behavior analysis
• PSY8307 Advanced Single-Subject Research Design – Builds on previous research design knowledge

Students can choose electives in autism spectrum disorders, leadership, consultation, and higher education teaching methods.

Tuition and fees

The program’s tuition is simple: $570 per credit for the 78 coursework credits. Additional costs include:

• Comprehensive exam fee: $2,780 per quarter
• Dissertation fee: $2,780 per quarter
• Resource kit fee: $175 per quarter (coursework phase only)

Students must take the dissertation course at least three times. Your final cost will depend on academic performance, transfer credits (up to 15 credits), scholarships, and other factors.

Career outcomes

This program prepares you for leadership roles in many settings. You could become:

• Adjunct faculty
• Director of behavioral health
• Program director or manager
• Postdoctoral fellow

Graduates work in colleges and universities, elementary and secondary schools, child and youth services, psychiatric facilities, and residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities. The program’s focus on research and leadership helps graduates advance behavior analysis science while making life better for people with behavioral needs.

Cambridge College – PhD in ABA with Autism Specialization

Cambridge College offers a unique PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus on Autism Intervention. The program prepares behavioral analysts to take on leadership roles while building both clinical expertise and research skills. Students can advance their careers without giving up their current jobs.

Program overview

The 48-credit doctoral curriculum uses a flexible hybrid learning model that works well for working professionals. Students take three years to complete the program. They combine online learning with week-long summer sessions at the Boston campus during their first two years. Students take 5-9 credits each term (fall and spring) in the first two years. The third year focuses on Dissertation Research, followed by Dissertation Continuation courses until they finish. Cambridge College makes the program more available by not requiring GRE scores for admission. The faculty brings real-life expertise to their teaching since many hold leadership positions at partner organizations.

Key courses

Students develop both clinical excellence and research skills through specialized courses including:

• Advanced Single Subject Research Designs in ABA
• Communication and Dissemination of Advanced Principles of Behavior
• Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)
• Evaluation and Treatment of Severe Behavior Disorders
• Behavior Analytic Point of View on Child Development
• Organizational Behavior Management

These courses help students analyze and produce research while building their clinical skills and leadership abilities.

Tuition and fees

The program provides great value at $1,076 per credit. Students need 48 credits, bringing the total cost to about $51,648. Cambridge College keeps its tuition rates affordable to make higher education available to students whatever their financial situation. The college also offers scholarships and helps students get the most financial aid possible.

Career outcomes

Graduates are ready to lead organizations that provide behavior analysis services. BCBA-D certified professionals have seen their job market grow by 23% from 2021 to 2022. These advanced credentials lead to strong earning potential. BCBA-D professionals earned an average salary of $110,371 in 2023, with median yearly earnings at $85,330. Top performers in the field (top 10%) can earn up to $141,910 yearly. The program’s emphasis on both clinical leadership and research helps graduates shape applied behavior analysis’s future, particularly in autism intervention settings.

Baylor University – PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis

Baylor University offers a PhD in Educational Psychology with specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis that appeals to future scholars and professors who want a research-focused education. Students must complete 72 graduate hours – 39 hours of core coursework and 33 hours in the ABA specialization area.

Program overview

The doctoral program takes four years to finish and starts each June. The research-intensive program shapes future leaders in educational psychology who plan to work in higher education as ABA scholars and professors. Students get valuable hands-on experience at the Baylor Clinic for Assessment, Research & Education (CARE), which is part of the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing. This practical approach lets students use behavior analysis science to help people with disabilities live better lives.

Key courses

The ABA specialization has these advanced courses:

• EDP 5301 Philosophy of Applied Behavior Analysis
• EDP 5302 Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
• EDP 5354 Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis
• EDP 5357 Single Subject Research Design
• EDP 6354 Advanced Single Case Research
• EDP 6355 Advanced Concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis
• EDP 6343 Consultation and Supervision in Applied Behavior Analysis
• EDP 6363 Verbal Behavior

Students also take practical courses like EDP 5V98 Practicum in ABA and EDP 6380 Community Experience in Developmental Disabilities that offer tangible experience.

Tuition and fees

Baylor University splits costs into direct and indirect expenses for graduate students. Direct costs cover tuition and fees that the university bills, while indirect costs include books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. The university uses electronic billing (E-Bill System) to send monthly statements by the 10th of each month. Students can pay through electronic check, credit card (2.85% convenience fee applies), Flywire, or Western Union wire transfer. You can find specific 2025-26 graduate expenses and tuition on Baylor’s official website.

Career outcomes

The program’s graduates excel in higher education and applied psychology fields. Students learn research, teaching, and clinical practice skills that prepare them for academic roles where they can advance behavior analysis science. The program helps students work with people who have autism, Down Syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. Graduates can also take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam, which opens doors to clinical and educational careers.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – PhD in ABA

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a cutting-edge PhD in Behavior Analysis. The program blends multicultural viewpoints and historical aspects into its assessment and intervention design. Students can complete this evidence-based, translational clinical practice program in 3-4 years of full-time study.

Program overview

The doctoral curriculum builds a resilient foundation in behavior analysis philosophy, science, and application by blending theory with practice. Students work with faculty advisors who match their research interests. Online students must attend three residency sessions at The Chicago School. These sessions cover specialized behavior analysis topics and research methodology. Students need to pass written and oral comprehensive examinations before proposing their dissertation research. Candidates then conduct a data-based empirical evaluation that adds original findings to published literature. The program goes beyond traditional autism spectrum disorder applications. It extends into instructional design, organizational behavior management, and work with various populations, including geriatrics and people with traumatic brain injuries.

Key courses

The curriculum has several advanced domains, including:

• Research design methodologies
• Behaviorism theories
• Experimental analysis of behavior
• Organizational behavior management
• Ethics, diversity, and multiculturalism

Students can focus on organizational behavior management. This path readies them to work as consultants who make behavior-specific recommendations. These recommendations help improve organizational efficiency, employee performance, retention, job satisfaction, and workplace safety. The specialization features courses in organizational behavior management, behavioral economics, systems analysis, and consultation.

Tuition and fees

The PhD program’s tuition for 2025-2026 costs $1,815 per credit hour. Additional fees include:

• Student Institutional Service fee: $802 per semester
• Degree Conferral fee: $215
• Experiential Learning Technology fee (one-time): $195
• Academic Success Lab fee: $100

Career outcomes

The program creates lead practitioners ready to work in educational, clinical, and business settings. The organizational behavior management track helps students market their specialized skills effectively. Career paths include:

• Higher education as faculty members
• Directors of behavioral health programs
• Business consulting roles focusing on performance improvement
• Social work and human resources positions

Graduates learn to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives by spotting practices that might hinder such efforts. Behavior analysis applications have expanded into health and fitness fields.

Simmons University – PhD in Behavior Analysis

Simmons University offers a fully online PhD in Behavior Analysis that prepares qualified analysts to advance scientific knowledge in the field. Their 48-credit program shapes future leaders in behavior analysis through intensive academic and research experiences.

Program overview

The doctoral curriculum builds core competencies in science, fundamental principles, clinical application, research, dissemination, diversity, ethics, and teaching/supervision. Students can choose full-time or part-time enrollment with program starts in fall, spring, or summer semesters. Working professionals benefit from the self-paced format. Most students take two classes per semester while keeping their full-time jobs. Students typically need 4-7 years to finish the program. Faculty members lead weekly lab meetings where students explore research progress, methodologies, and experimental results from behavior analytic literature.

Key courses

The curriculum has six required cognate courses:

• Group Design and Statistical Analysis (4 credits)
• Experimental Analysis of Behavior (4 credits)
• Advanced Single Subject Design (4 credits)
• History of Behavior Analysis (4 credits)
• Diversity and Professional Practice Issues (4 credits)
• Dissemination (4 credits)

Students must then complete three special topics courses. Options include Complex Stimulus Control, Verbal Behavior, Behavioral Analysis in Higher Education, Organizational Behavior Management, Advanced Functional Assessment, and Behavioral Medicine. The program concludes with 12 dissertation lab credits and a dissertation defense.

Tuition and fees

Doctoral studies cost $1,220 per credit hour. Students pay about $58,560 in total tuition for the required 48 credits. Fall and spring terms require a $130 per semester student fee. Online program students can expect $32,540 in annual costs when taking 6 credits. This amount covers books, supplies, and personal expenses.

Career outcomes

The program creates leaders ready to work in many settings. Alumni excel in academia, research institutions, advocacy organizations, and clinical environments thanks to their strong experimental research background. Many graduates pursue the Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral® (BCBA-D®) credential to advance their careers. Students gain valuable teaching experience as teaching assistants, course instructors, and tutors in Simmons’ master’s and educational specialist programs. This hands-on teaching experience and research training helps graduates become influential leaders who shape behavior analysis’s future.

Endicott College – PhD in ABA

Endicott College launched its Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, which has substantially expanded student opportunities in the growing field of applied behavior analysis. The college’s doctoral program demonstrates its dedication to developing high-caliber ABA professionals.

Program overview

The PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis has two distinct tracks: a Behavior Science Research Track and a Behavior Analytic Practice Track. Both tracks require 60 semester hours. Students in the research track develop scholarly research skills in simple, human operant, translational, and applied contexts. The practice track focuses on behavioral science applications in a variety of populations and professional settings. Students worldwide can join the program through its synchronous online format without relocating. The cohort-based curriculum takes as little as three years to complete and welcomes new students each September. Students need a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis or equivalent, and BCBA certification is recommended.

Key courses

The program features shared foundational courses with specialized coursework for each track:

Research Track Core (27 credits):

• The History of Behavior Analysis
• Behaviorism and Philosophy of Science
• Conditioning and Learning
• Verbal Behavior and Science of Human Behavior
• Professional and Ethical Issues

The Practice Track has courses in:

• Effective Collaboration and Consultation
• Supervision and Leadership
• Learning and Development
• Behavioral Systems Analysis

Students experience immersion components in both tracks. The research track needs 9 credits of immersion while the practice track requires 6 credits. After their second year, students take qualifying examinations and complete dissertation components worth 12 credits.

Tuition and fees

The program costs $1,015 per credit hour, making the total program cost about $60,900 for 60 credits. A single three-credit PhD course costs $3,581 for non-matriculated students. Students pay $7,161 per semester when enrolled on a per-semester basis. Students who need more than three years must register for dissertation continuance at $1,655 per term, with a seven-year maximum.

Career outcomes

The program prepares graduates to teach at universities and take on scientist-practitioner roles in business, developmental disabilities (including autism), education, and public policy. Nicholas Orland, who graduated in 2021, works as an adjunct professor and senior clinical leader at one of the largest special needs centers in the Middle East. Students get exceptional mentorship from affiliate faculty who are experts at the top of their field. The program helps students become skilled at curriculum planning, instruction delivery, classroom management, and professional standards implementation.

Florida Institute of Technology – PhD in Behavior Analysis

Florida Tech’s PhD in Behavior Analysis program ranks among the top applied behavior analysis doctoral programs with its prestigious ABAI accreditation through December 2029. Based at the Melbourne campus, this research-focused program helps students become skilled behavior-analytic researchers, instructors, and practitioners who understand experimental analysis principles.

Program overview

The doctoral program needs 87 credit hours beyond a bachelor’s degree. Students must complete at least 44 semester credit hours at Florida Tech with grades no lower than B. The curriculum lets students specialize in clinical applications of behavior analysis or organizational behavior management. Before reaching candidacy, students need to show their expertise in research, teaching, supervision, and consultation. They must also complete and defend a dissertation manuscript to graduate. Students who aren’t BCBAs might need up to nine extra credit hours of hands-on training.

Key courses

The challenging curriculum includes several core areas:

• Core Courses (22 credits) including Concepts and Principles, Behavioral Assessment, and Radical Behaviorism
• Additional Core (14 credits) featuring Ethics in Research, Advanced Organizational Behavior Management, and Verbal Behavior
• Psychology (9 credits) covering Biological Basis of Behavior and Statistical Research Methods
• Practical Training (9 credits) through Intensive Practical Training in Behavior Analysis
• Research (33 credits) including Thesis, Supervised Research, and Dissertation

Tuition and fees

Graduate tuition runs about $30,300 per academic year. Students need 48 credits to graduate. For the latest tuition details, students should check Florida Tech’s official website.

Career outcomes

Graduates find success in careers worldwide. Many doctoral alumni land post-doctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions like the University of Nebraska Medical Center Munroe-Meyer Institute or get faculty positions at universities. Some become consultants or program directors. Board Certified Behavior Analysts in the Orlando area earn between $63,540 and $116,884, with an average base salary of $86,179. Behavior analysts with doctoral degrees usually earn more, with an average base of $118,000 according to Payscale.com. Graduates work in universities, clinics, businesses, and private practice of all sizes.

University of Nebraska Medical Center – PhD in ABA

The Applied Behavior Analysis Programs Guide ranks UNMC’s PhD Program in Applied Behavior Analysis as the best in the country. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Munroe-Meyer Institute deliver an outstanding doctoral experience. The prestigious program has graduated 48 students since 2007 and stands among only 10 programs nationwide accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

Program overview

Students develop a strong conceptual foundation in behavior analysis through this ABAI-accredited PhD program. The program blends research with clinical practice and practical applications in human services. Applicants need a master’s degree and BCBA credential qualification to enter this three-year program. Students get detailed support with a $28,700 annual stipend, free health care benefits, and full-tuition coverage up to 12 credits each semester. The program’s success shows in its numbers – 80% of graduates have published their dissertations in peer-reviewed scholarly journals. Students can specialize in autism, behavioral pediatrics, community outreach, feeding disorders, or severe behavior disorders.

Key courses

The curriculum consists of:

• Eight didactic courses
• Three years of practicum
• Three oral exams with written components

The core coursework includes Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Behavioral Psychology: Development Across the Life Span, and Analysis of Verbal Behavior. Students learn through specialized courses in Assessment and Treatment of Severe Behavior Disorders and Advanced Methods in Single Case Research. Students complete their dissertation proposal as their Comprehensive Exam, rather than taking traditional comprehensive exams.

Tuition and fees

The graduate tuition rate for Applied Behavior Analysis stays at $658 per credit hour for both resident and non-resident distance education. Master’s program and certificates follow the same rate. Students receive full financial support worth about $50,000 yearly, which includes stipend, tuition waiver, and health benefits.

Career outcomes

The program’s graduates find success in their desired positions, particularly in academia and clinical director roles. Many alumni teach at prestigious institutions like Utah State University, Drake University, and University of Florida. Some lead programs at The Behavior Center or serve as clinical directors at autism centers. The scientist-practitioner model shapes leaders who excel at providing advanced, evidence-based behavior-analysis services while improving behavioral assessments through systematic clinical research.

University of South Florida – PhD in ABA

University of South Florida creates well-rounded behavior analysts through its ABA doctoral program. The program balances research training with hands-on community experience to develop scientist-practitioners.

Program overview

The program prepares teachers and researchers to advance behavior analysis. Students receive an attractive doctoral compensation package. The package covers tuition and health insurance, with a monthly stipend of $27,000 in the first year that grows to $30,000 in later years. The program stands out by not requiring GRE scores for admission. Students benefit from working with both primary and secondary faculty mentors. Regular lab meetings help them build research skills through shared discussions.

Key courses

The doctoral sequence starts with these foundational courses in year one:

• Experimental Analysis of Behavior 1 and 2
• Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis
• Functional Analysis (elective)
• Statistical Applications in Research

The second year changes focus to independent research, dissertation development, and grant writing. Students gain teaching experience throughout the program. They start with supervised teaching assistantships and progress to leading their own courses.

Tuition and fees

USF’s tuition rates rank among the lowest nationwide. Students earn full tuition waivers through assistantships that need 20 weekly hours of teaching, research, or other duties. The program provides up to $500 for FABA conferences and $1,000 for ABAI conferences.

Career outcomes

Program graduates often become faculty members or clinical directors at behavior analytic agencies.

Western Michigan University – PhD in Behavior Analysis

Western Michigan University runs one of the world’s oldest behavior analysis doctoral programs. Their behavioral focus dates back over 50 years. The Department of Psychology offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis with accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Program overview

Students train extensively to take roles as professors, researchers, or systems-oriented practitioners. The program builds strong conceptual, simple, and applied foundations. A mentorship model lets students work directly with faculty throughout their studies. Most students complete the program in 4-5 years. The program’s specialty areas cover autism, developmental disabilities, behavioral pharmacology, behavioral neuroscience, and behavioral medicine.

Key courses

Students must complete 79 credit hours across ten areas:

• Principles of Learning and Motivation (3 hours)
• Theoretical Issues in Behavior Analysis (6 hours)
• Professional Issues (3 hours)
• Applied Behavior Analysis (10-13 hours)
• Research Methods and Statistics (6 hours)

The program requirements include a master’s thesis/project (6 hours), professional experience (6-12 hours), electives (15-21 hours), and a doctoral dissertation (12 hours).

Tuition and fees

Michigan residents pay $652 per credit hour for graduate courses. Non-resident tuition runs $1,232 per credit hour. Students can get financial support through graduate assistantships and fellowships.

Career outcomes

Graduates find roles as university faculty, business researchers, or human service professionals. The program’s behavioral foundation gives graduates a strong advantage in the job market.

University of North Texas – PhD in Behavior Analysis

The University of North Texas offers a strong PhD in Behavioral Science program that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Students become skilled at research and practice while working across multiple disciplines.

Program overview

Students in UNT’s Behavioral Science doctoral program work closely with faculty on research projects. The program typically takes 5-6 years to complete and requires 42 credit hours with a master’s degree or 72 credit hours with a bachelor’s degree. Students explore topics in cognition, social behavior, development, motivation, health, and neuroscience. The program structure lets students specialize in specific areas while building detailed background knowledge.

Key courses

The curriculum includes essential courses such as:

• Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
• Behavioral and Biopsychosocial Challenges within LGBT Communities
• Biological Bases of Behavior
• Human Development
• Better Living through Behavioral Science

Tuition and fees

Students can access financial support through teaching and research assistantships, teaching fellowships, and scholarships. State law requires all financial obligations to be paid when due and prohibits credit extensions.

Career outcomes

Graduates often find positions as university researchers or professors. Many also work as research consultants in counseling centers, hospitals, mental health facilities, medical schools, or rehabilitation services agencies.

Start Today

A PhD in applied behavior analysis is a big investment that will shape your career path. The eleven programs listed above each have their own benefits that match different goals. You might want to move up in academia, clinical practice, or research – these programs can help you get there.

You need to think over a few key things before picking a program. Program length varies quite a bit. Some schools let you finish in three years, while others need five or more years of study. Money is another big factor. Some places like UNMC offer full funding with stipends, while others charge between $570-$1,815 for each credit hour. The way programs are delivered can also affect your experience. You can choose from online classes, hybrid learning, or traditional campus-based study.

CDC data shows that autism spectrum disorders now affect 1 in 31 children. This has created a huge need for behavior analysts with doctoral training. BCBA-D professionals earn around $110,000 yearly on average, and top performers can make up to $142,000.

These doctoral programs give you more than just good pay. You’ll learn specialized skills to help change people’s lives. Advanced training in research methods, philosophical foundations, and clinical applications will help you create new interventions and add to scientific knowledge.

Take time to review how each program fits your career goals. Some schools offer specific paths – like Simmons University’s research focus or Cambridge College’s autism specialization. Don’t forget to check each program’s accreditation, faculty expertise, dissertation requirements, and student support services.

Getting a PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis takes commitment and hard work. It’s challenging, but it opens doors to leadership roles where you can advance behavioral science and help people with behavioral needs. Your doctoral degree becomes more than just academic achievement – it’s your way to make real change in this fast-growing field.