ABA Programs at West Virginia University

West Virginia University runs several behavior analysis programs that have earned national recognition for excellence and accreditation. The doctoral program in Behavior Analysis at WVU holds accreditation from the Behavior Analysis Accreditation Board through 2031. This recognition shows the university’s strong dedication to quality education and training in behavior analysis.

The PhD program aims to produce graduates who excel in academic and applied settings. These professionals advance the understanding of behavior principles and use them to solve important social problems. Students develop skills in experimental and applied analysis of behavior through a complete approach. They gain conceptual knowledge and learn practical methods to develop behavioral technologies.

WVU’s Behavior Analysis program started in 1976 when Don Hake became the program area coordinator. Don Hake, Andy Lattal, Kent Parker, and Jim Shafer formed the founding faculty. The program has awarded nearly a hundred doctoral degrees to students from the United States and many other countries. It has grown into a globally respected institution for behavior analysis education.

The university also offers an MS in Behavior Analysis with accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) through 2030. Students must first gain acceptance into the PhD program to enroll in the MS program. WVU does not accept students seeking only a terminal MS degree.

The university’s Undergraduate Certificate Program in Behavior Analysis holds ABAI Accreditation Board accreditation through 2030. This program works well for students interested in special education, addiction research, animal training, health promotion, or human and animal behavior.

WVU’s Department of Psychology received the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis Award for Enduring Programmatic Contributions to Behavior Analysis. This prestigious award goes to organizations that make lasting contributions to behavior analysis. The recognition strengthens WVU’s position as a leader in the field.

Students in both undergraduate and graduate programs get hands-on experience through research and fieldwork. These opportunities prepare them for successful careers in behavior analysis or advanced academic studies.

What ABA programs does West Virginia University offer?

WVU’s Department of Psychology houses three distinct programs in behavior analysis, each designed to address different educational needs and career paths.

The PhD in Behavior Analysis program is one of the cornerstones of WVU’s behavioral science offerings. Accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International through 2031, this doctoral program trains students comprehensively in basic research, theory, and practical applications of behavior principles. Through a combination of research, coursework, and practica, you develop expertise in both experimental and applied analysis of behavior. Although the curriculum integrates basic, conceptual, and applied areas, you may choose to emphasize either basic or applied research based on your interests.

For students entering with a bachelor’s degree, the program requires completion of a master’s degree and thesis en route to the doctoral degree. At that point, you have two options: an MS in Psychology or an MS in Behavior Analysis. This requirement is typically waived for students who enter with an equivalent master’s degree, subject to faculty evaluation.

The Master of Science in Psychology – Behavior Analysis requires 36 credit hours and is accredited through 2030. Nevertheless, enrollment is limited exclusively to students accepted into the PhD program, as WVU does not accept applicants seeking only a terminal master’s degree. The curriculum includes research methods (6 hours), principles of behavior (3 hours), conceptual analysis (3 hours), applied behavior analysis (6 hours), basic behavior analysis (3 hours), ethics (3 hours), supervised experiential learning (11 hours), and professional development (1 hour).

For undergraduates, WVU offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis accredited through 2030. This 25-credit program includes 16 hours of core courses covering research methods, behavior principles, ethics, and learning theory, plus 9 hours of guided electives. Despite substantial overlap with psychology major requirements, the certificate program welcomes students from various majors. As one of only two accredited undergraduate behavior analysis programs globally, WVU’s certificate uniquely accommodates diverse majors.

Each program provides the coursework necessary for graduates to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts, though completing these requirements remains optional. For the undergraduate certificate, students must maintain a minimum grade of B- in all coursework except specific research methods courses where a C- is permitted.

First established in the 1970s, these programs have contributed substantially to the field, with faculty known for their extensive research backgrounds and contributions to classic ABA literature.

Accreditation

West Virginia University’s behavior analysis programs have earned exceptional quality recognition in the field. The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board has given its highest level of endorsement to all three WVU behavior analysis programs.

The PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Behavior Analysis program received renewed full accreditation in 2024, extending through December 31, 2031. ABAI awards this seven-year grant—the maximum period under their policies—only to exceptional programs that show outstanding operational integrity, financial stability, and results. The ABAI Accreditation Board praised the doctoral program as “stellar” with “exemplary curriculum, faculty, and training opportunities for students”.

The MS in Behavior Analysis program also earned full accreditation in 2024 for seven years. The Board found that the program meets all ABAI standards without any serious issues. This recognition places the master’s program among the top behavior analysis training programs in the country.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis (BS and BA) program also secured full accreditation in 2024 for seven years. This achievement stands out because the program is “one of just two accredited undergraduate behavior analysis programs in the world”. Students who pursue this certificate receive education that meets the same strict international standards as graduate-level programs.

WVU’s Behavior Analysis Program has managed to keep continuous ABAI accreditation since 2003, showing over two decades of excellence. The accreditation process reviews a program’s complete curriculum, rigor, quality, and transparency—which helps control quality and drives ongoing improvement.

Students considering these programs can be confident that WVU’s behavior analysis training meets international standards in academic quality, supervised practice, and applied research. This recognition confirms the programs’ dedication to graduating students who can use behavioral principles to tackle society’s most important challenges.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) provides institutional accreditation for WVU, which adds to the program-specific ABAI accreditations. These endorsements show that West Virginia University’s behavior analysis programs excel at both institutional and specialized levels.

Tuition

Planning your education costs takes careful thought, especially when you’re looking at specialized programs like behavior analysis. WVU’s tuition rates change based on where you live and what you’re studying.

Students working toward the Certificate in Behavior Analysis at the Morgantown campus will see these rates for 2025-2026: $448.00 per credit hour for West Virginia residents and $1,268.00 per credit hour for non-residents. The breakdown shows $388.00 in tuition plus $60.00 in fees for in-state students, while out-of-state students pay $1,208.00 in tuition plus $60.00 in fees. Full-time undergrads taking 12 or more credits pay a flat rate of $5,376.00 per semester for WV residents and $15,216.00 per semester for non-residents.

Master’s program costs look different. WV residents pay $674.00 per credit hour while non-residents pay $1,746.00 per credit hour. This includes $596.00 in tuition and $78.00 in fees for in-state students, while out-of-state students pay $1,668.00 in tuition and $78.00 in fees. Full-time graduate students with 9 or more credits pay $6,066.00 per semester for residents and $15,714.00 per semester for non-residents.

PhD students get great financial support. They receive a nine-month stipend and a university tuition waiver. This makes the PhD program available to students from any state since it eliminates direct tuition costs.

Your budget should include books, supplies, and living expenses. These extra costs can affect your financial plans by a lot.

Money help comes from several sources. You might qualify for grants and scholarships based on your needs – and you won’t have to pay these back after graduation. Work-study programs let you earn money to help with tuition. Loans are also an option, but you’ll need to repay them after graduating.

Students who want financial aid must fill out the FAFSA, even if they think they make too much money. Ohio students should ask about the Ohio Reciprocity Agreement – it lets some students in certain majors pay in-state rates.

Meeting with a financial aid officer will help you explore all your options and create a solid plan to fund your behavior analysis education at WVU.

Admissions

Students applying to WVU’s behavior analysis programs should note the key deadline of December 1 for fall admission. The admissions committee might review materials that arrive later, but this depends on their discretion.

You need to meet some basic requirements before applying to graduate programs in behavior analysis. WVU asks for official bachelor’s degree transcripts from regionally accredited institutions with a minimum GPA of 2.75. The Department of Psychology sets the bar higher and requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Most students who get accepted have GPAs of 3.5 or higher, and the average admitted student’s psychology coursework GPA is around 3.7.

• Three letters of recommendation
• Current résumé or CV (with psychology coursework appendix)
• Personal statement (maximum 500 words)
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended

The program stands out because it doesn’t accept GRE scores – they won’t even look at them if submitted. The psychology department reviews applications based on your undergraduate performance, personal qualities that predict success, psychology preparation, and how well your interests match the program.

The program makes all admission offers conditional on passing a background check. This check looks for any convictions that could affect a student’s ability to participate in graduate-level activities.

New applicants should submit their forms through WVU’s Office of Graduate Admissions website. International students need to provide extra documentation beyond the standard requirements.

The Department of Psychology accepts only degree-seeking students. Every doctoral student receives financial support, with funding sources matching student interests to available opportunities.

What sets WVU apart?

WVU’s Behavior Analysis program distinguishes itself with a unique blend of research and practical application. The program maintains equal focus on simple and applied sciences instead of clinical applications alone. Graduates can move naturally between theory and practice because of this balanced approach.

Research excellence serves as the substance of WVU’s reputation. Students publish their work and present at national conferences regularly. The results speak for themselves – in just five years, current students and recent graduates have co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications with faculty and given more than 75 professional presentations.

WVU encourages a collaborative spirit by providing all doctoral students with tuition waivers, stipends, and funding for research projects and travel. This financial model eliminates competition for resources. The student-faculty relationship thrives on collaboration – students work with professors on shared research interests rather than serving as “minions”.

The program’s research facilities are exceptional. Labs come equipped with operant-conditioning chambers for pigeons and rats. Applied research spaces feature one-way mirrors from observation bays to therapy rooms. These specialized environments support both animal-based fundamental research and human-focused applied studies.

Career outcomes set WVU apart. About two-thirds of doctoral graduates land research-intensive post-doctoral positions or faculty appointments. Only 20% enter clinical practice. This stands in stark contrast to many ABA programs that focus on producing practitioners.

The undergraduate certificate program adds a unique dimension as one of just two accredited undergraduate behavior analysis programs worldwide. Students from different majors can complete the requirements, making behavior analysis education available across disciplines.

WVU’s faculty have shaped behavior analysis since the program started in 1976. Many served as journal editors and association presidents. This legacy continues today as faculty and graduates hold influential positions throughout the field.

Next steps

Want to start studying behavior analysis at West Virginia University? The application process involves several simple steps.

The application deadline is December 1. You can submit materials after this date, but the admissions committee reviews them at their discretion. Your chances improve when you submit on time.

The WVU Office of Graduate Admissions website has an online application system. Their simplified digital process makes it easy to apply. You need to submit these items:

1. Completed admissions form
2. Official transcripts from all institutions
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. Your curriculum vitae (with psychology coursework appendix)
5. Personal statement (maximum 500 words)

After submitting your application, you should check out the campus to make your final decision. WVU lets you experience academic and student life through in-person visits and digital tours. These visits are a great way to get insights into the university’s atmosphere and facilities.

The WVU website has a “Request Info” form that connects you with resources about opportunities in the behavior analysis programs. Complete this form before making your decision.

Questions about graduate programs or admissions? Contact:

• Graduate Director Melissa Blank: Blank@mail.wvu.edu
• Assistant Director Brennan Armshaw: Armshaw@mail.wvu.edu

The Graduate Admissions and Recruitment office (graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu) can help with general questions about the application process.

Note that WVU’s behavior analysis programs provide financial support to every doctoral student, making them both academically strong and available.