ABA Programs at University of Florida

The behavior analysis program at the University of Florida takes a natural-science approach to learn about what drives human and animal behavior. Students learn general processes and apply these principles to address important social behaviors. The school shows how changing the environment affects behavior, which proves valuable in education, organizational management, addiction treatment, and helping people with autism.

UF’s Psychology Department lets you study behavior analysis at different educational levels. Undergraduates can choose a specialized track in Behavior Analysis within the Psychology Bachelor of Science degree. The curriculum builds a strong foundation with specialized courses, statistics, mathematics, and biology coursework. Students also get chances to conduct senior honors theses and gain research experience.

The Behavior Analysis doctoral program started in 1970 and has produced over 100 Ph.D. graduates. These alumni work at prestigious places like Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Stanford Medical School, and many others. Many graduates now lead their institutions, serve on major journal editorial boards, and have earned national and international recognition.

Professionals who already have BCBA or BCaBA certification can take continuing education courses through UF Behavior Analysis Education (UF-BAE). The university doesn’t admit students who want only a master’s degree and doesn’t offer a BACB “Certificate Program” if you have a master’s degree from another university.

UF’s program stands out because it combines all aspects of behavior analysis—basic, applied, and theoretical. The faculty focuses on research training while students develop skills through practicum experiences, research apprenticeships, and work with off-campus research sites. This complete approach prepares graduates for roles in academic settings, clinical agencies, and research institutions where opportunities continue to grow.

What ABA programs does University of Florida offer?

The University of Florida welcomes students pursuing Applied Behavior Analysis through two academic paths. Students can choose between an undergraduate specialization track and a doctoral program.

The Psychology Department’s undergraduate program features a Behavior Analysis specialization track within the Psychology Bachelor of Science degree. Students need to complete 36 credits of psychology coursework with C grades or better. The program also requires 13 credits of related coursework in biological science, mathematics, and statistics, bringing the total to 48 credits. Students must take at least 30 of the 36 psychology credits at the 3000-level or above. The University of Florida requires 18 of these credits to be completed on campus.

Students in the undergraduate program take these core courses:

• PSY 2012: General Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 3213L: Laboratory Methods in Psychology (3 credits)
• EAB 3002: Principles of Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
• EAB 3764: Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
• EAB 4184: Behaviorism and Contemporary Society (3 credits)
• EAB 4930: Advanced Seminar in Behavior Analysis (3 credits) or EAB 4741: Organizational Behavior Management (3 credits)
• EAB 4714C: Laboratory in Applied Behavior Analysis (4 credits)

The undergraduate specialization has a Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB)-verified course sequence. This sequence helps students prepare for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam after graduation. Students must complete 1,000 hours of supervised practical experience to qualify for the exam.

The doctoral program focuses on blending theoretical, experimental, and applied behavior analysis. Students seeking only a master’s degree cannot join this program. The curriculum has these required courses:

• EAB 6099: Survey of Behavior Analysis
• EAB 6118: Theoretical Foundations of Behavior Analysis
• EAB 6707: Applied Behavior Analysis
• EAB 6712: Experimental Psychopathology
• EAB 6716: Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities
• EAB 6719: Strategies and Tactics of Human Behavioral Research
• EAB 6750: Quantitative Methods
• EAB 6780: Ethics and Professional Issues

Doctoral students can complete an Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)-approved Verified Course Sequence. This sequence meets the coursework requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. These courses are embedded in the doctoral program and don’t serve as a standalone BCBA course sequence.

New undergraduates should know about the Psychology Department’s unique requirement. Students taking any 3000-level course, including PSY 2012 and CLP 2100, must participate in experimental research studies or analyze scientific research articles. Students complete this requirement through the SONA system, which helps them understand psychology research processes better.

Accreditation

The University of Florida’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs have earned recognition through full accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board. This achievement shows the program’s excellence and meets strict educational standards.

UF’s three behavior analysis programs received ABAI accreditation valid through December 31, 2031. These programs are:

• D. in Psychology, Specialization in Behavior Analysis
• S. in Psychology, Specialization in Behavior Analysis (available only to doctoral students)
• S. in Psychology, Specialization in Behavior Analysis

The ABAI Accreditation Board granted full seven-year accreditation after finding these programs met their standards without major issues. This validation matters because the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes the ABAI Accreditation Board. CHEA ensures accrediting bodies maintain quality and effectiveness.

ABAI’s accreditation process reviews educational programs against detailed standards that ensure quality training for behavior scientists and practitioners. Their system started in 1977, and formal program accreditation began in 1993. CHEA recognized ABAI in 2021 with a 7-year term to accredit master’s and doctoral-level behavior analysis programs in the United States.

The University of Florida also holds accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This institutional accreditation includes all university degrees from associate’s to doctoral programs.

Students should know the difference between academic program accreditation and professional certification. UF’s doctoral students can complete the ABAI-approved Verified Course Sequence for BCBA certification requirements. This sequence meets coursework requirements for the BCBA exam, but students need additional supervised practical experience.

UF’s steadfast dedication to excellence shows in its accreditation across all three academic levels. Students looking for a behavior analysis program can trust UF’s curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, and program outcomes.

Tuition

The University of Florida’s ABA programs have different tuition rates based on where you live and your housing choice. New graduate students will pay $12,740 for in-state tuition and fees. Out-of-state students will pay by a lot more at $31,872. These rates show a small increase from 2024-25, when out-of-state graduate tuition was $30,134. The in-state rate stayed at $12,740.

Your total costs depend on where you live. An in-state graduate student’s budget living on campus runs about $31,720. Students who live off campus need more money – $36,080 for in-state and $55,212 for out-of-state students. Living with parents is the most affordable option, with costs around $22,885.

New students should know these numbers are estimates just for them. The university’s documents show that students who continue their studies might pay lower tuition and fees. Students often benefit from this tiered pricing as they move forward in their programs.

Graduate students in ABA programs can get financial help from several sources. Students who work as teaching and research assistants usually don’t have to pay tuition. They still need to cover their fees, but this helps qualified students save money while they study.

The Graduate School Funding Award (GSFA) is another great option. Students who get this award can work with faculty mentors as research assistants for two years. They also teach for two more years. This award lets students learn hands-on skills and cut down on their education costs.

Students planning their budgets should remember these are just the basic costs. They might need to pay for extra materials, join professional groups, or cover expenses from required field work. Your final costs will vary based on where you live, your housing choice, any financial help you get, and how long you take to finish the program.

Admissions

The University of Florida’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs are highly competitive. The Department of Psychology receives over 350 applications annually for Ph.D. programs, yet only accepts 15-25 students each year. The Behavior Analysis program’s numbers highlight this selectivity – just 4 students were admitted from 29 completed applications in 2024.

Students should be aware that the University of Florida does not offer a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis or a BACB “Certificate Program” for students with master’s degrees from other universities. Your focus should be on either the undergraduate specialization or the doctoral program.

The doctoral program follows a mentor-mentee model. You should reach out to faculty members about their research interests before applying. Your personal statement needs to mention your preferred faculty mentor.

Doctoral applications require:

• Online Graduate Admissions application
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Resume/CV
• Three recommendation letters
• Personal statement showing preferred faculty mentor(s)

Applications for the Ph.D. program must reach by December 1st for the following Fall semester. Late applications might not get reviewed.

The undergraduate program sees similar competition. In 2024, 114 students were admitted from 563 completed applications. Students must complete all critical tracking criteria before they can qualify for the undergraduate psychology track with behavior analysis specialization. Submit your request right after completing critical tracking courses.

The doctoral program evaluates candidates based on their undergraduate preparation, research experience, relevant volunteer/work experience, and recommendation letters. Undergraduate coursework should include statistics, biological bases, developmental changes, learning and cognition, and sociocultural/individual differences. Recent graduate classes maintained an average GPA of 3.8 over the last two years. Special circumstances might allow consideration of applicants with GPAs below 3.0.

Both programs charge a non-refundable $30 application fee. This fee remains valid throughout one academic year, so you can adjust your timeline if needed.

What sets University of Florida apart?

Research excellence and scholarly productivity make UF’s behavior analysis program stand out from the rest. The program has earned the #1 ranking among universities and research institutions in publication frequency in behavioral journals. This achievement shows how the program advances science through rigorous research and scholarship.

The Association for Behavior Analysis recognized the program’s excellence with the “Award for Enduring Programmatic Contributions in Behavior Analysis” in 2002. While other programs focus only on applied techniques, UF combines all aspects of behavior analysis—basic research, applied methods, and theoretical foundations.

Students develop their research skills through apprenticeships and work with off-campus sites. This approach works exceptionally well, as shown by graduates securing positions at prestigious institutions like:

• Harvard Medical School
• Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Stanford Medical School
• University of North Carolina
• Walter Reed Medical Center

Many graduates now hold senior positions and serve on editorial boards of major journals, earning national and international recognition. The faculty has secured over $23 million in external funding over 15 years, which creates abundant research opportunities for students.

The program takes pride in its commitment to diversity. UF values “a graduate student community enriched by individuals with a variety of experiences, views, and backgrounds”. This inclusive environment recognizes that behavioral views naturally respect unique life histories and circumstances.

Students can customize their education by specializing in behavioral economics, organizational behavior management, developmental disabilities, behavioral medicine, behavioral safety, substance abuse, or translational research. This flexibility helps students build expertise that matches their career goals and research interests.

The University of Florida’s behavior analysis program excels through its research focus, detailed approach to the discipline, and track record of developing influential scholars and practitioners who shape the field’s future.

Next steps

Want to join the ABA program at the University of Florida? Start by looking at programs that line up with your career goals. UF provides both undergraduate and doctoral paths.

Here’s what you need to do to apply:

1. Check out the UF Graduate School Admissions Information
2. Fill out your application on CollegeNET with a USD 30.00 non-refundable fee
3. Send your test scores electronically (GRE, GMAT, or other applicable tests)
4. Forward official transcripts from all your schools to the Office of Admissions
5. Add your résumé or curriculum vitae showing your education and work history after high school
6. Get your recommendation letters submitted through the admissions application

UF doesn’t accept students who want just a master’s degree in behavior analysis. The university also doesn’t offer a BACB “Certificate Program” for students with master’s degrees from other schools.

Doctoral students can get their BCBA certification through the ABAI-approved Verified Course Sequence after admission. The program has courses like EAB 6099 (Survey of Behavior Analysis), EAB 6118 (Theoretical Foundations), and EAB 6780 (Ethics and Professional Issues). These courses help you qualify for the BCBA exam, but you’ll need to attend them in person.

The deadline for doctoral applications is December 1st for Fall semester entry. You can track your application status online after submission. The university announces decisions about 3-4 months before classes start.