PsyD & PhD in ABA Online
What are Online Doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis Degrees?
Online Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) PhD programs teach students to carry out behavioral research, identify environmental causes of behavior, and design treatment plans to remedy problems.
Online ABA Masters Programs teach students how to work with children and adults suffering from cognitive and behavioral disorders, including autism and mental health. Typically students are required to have a Masters degree and pertinent experience as prerequisite for PhD in Behavior Analysis programs, though some programs may accept applicants with bachelor’s degrees as long as they have satisfactory psychology course credits. To earn their degrees, students need to complete practicum experiences and pass comprehensive examinations. Scholars also must research, write and defend a dissertation.
What is Online ABA Certification?
Graduates from Online Applied Behavior Analysis PhD programs are prepared to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification test. Upon earning their BCBAs, individuals may practice ABA. Note that the online Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) PhD program has to meet the requirements for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Advantages to An Online Applied Behavior Analysis PhD Program
With the advances made in educational technology, distance-learning is a convenient option for busy working graduate students who wan to pursue a doctorate degree without having to commute to campus. Some accredited graduate schools offer synchronous online formats to students who would otherwise be too far to commute. Students submit work through a course management portal, and use web chat, email and other digital tools to communicate with the faculty. If you are an independent learner, a virtual classroom and virtual library might be extremely motivating to you, as you get to balance your own schedule.
To see what is available, browse the listings on GradSchools.com for options such as Online PhD in Educational psychology-Research and Evaluation or online PhD Applied Behavior Analysis. You can request information from the schools directly from the site. Some online programs may include a segment onsite, while others may be web-based, so make sure to get all the details. For instance, there may be laboratory work and collaboration with behavior analysts as part of the program, and you would need to see how that fits in to an online curriculum.
Schools with PsyD & PhD in ABA Online
What is Potential Coursework in an Online Doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis Program?
Online students examine ABA theories and procedures. They learn to recognize, measure, and diagnose behavioral problems. Applied Behavior Analysis PhD programs train learners to identify environmental factors that contribute to behavioral issues and conduct assessments, as well as evaluate and design modification treatments that encourage positive changes.
Research is crucial to applied behavioral analysis, so PhD students are trained to conduct behavioral experiments and write scientific reports.
Students usually must take courses in qualitative and quantitative research, statistics and ethics. Some of the more advanced topics they might study include:
- Applied behavior analysis concepts and principles
- Experimental analysis
- Verbal behavior
- Biopsychology
- Behavioral interventions
- Behavioral medicine
What are Career Trends in ABA?
Graduates of Doctorate in ABA programs may go on to pursue careers in a variety of potential fields, such as:
- Academia
- Research psychology
- Special Education
- Behavior Analysts
- Clinical psychologist
- School psychologist
- Industrial-Organizational psychologists
Ready to Pursue an Online Doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis?
While a master’s degree is sufficient in some cases for entry-level jobs, earning a PhD may potentially open up new career avenues in some fast-growing employment fields. For instance, in most states, practicing psychology or using the title of “psychologist” requires licensure. Most clinical and counseling psychologists need a doctorate in psychology, an internship, at least 1 to 2 years of supervised professional experience, and to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. According to the BLS, a 8% growth in employment is anticipated between 2020 and 2030. Why not prepare yourself with a top notch education to meet this trend!
State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
---|---|---|
California | 18,250 | $94,670 |
New York | 11,380 | $86,410 |
Texas | 6,250 | $64,990 |
Pennsylvania | 4,800 | $73,430 |
Illinois | 3,990 | $69,980 |
Metro Area | Annual Mean Salary | Employment |
---|---|---|
Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $117,760 | 340 |
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $110,010 | 230 |
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | $106,160 | 240 |
Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $105,540 | 150 |
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $102,260 | 660 |

GradSchools.com offers 4 Graduate Schools with PsyD & PhD in ABA Online
National University
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Southern California Seminary
Akamai University