Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)

Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
By Dave Tomar
Published:

We rank the best online PhD degree programs in applied behavioral analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • There is a growing demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) with doctoral qualifications.

  • Students who wish to hold special education leadership roles, conduct behavioral research, or teach at the postsecondary level may consider an array of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) PhD programs.

  • Online applied behavior analysis programs make it possible to complete the doctorate in applied behavior analysis degree without disrupting professional development.

An online doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can lead to leadership opportunities for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) in areas like clinical practice, post-secondary education, and research. The doctorate may either be a professional training program, which is typically referred to as a Doctor of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) degree; or a research based program, which is typically referred to as a Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (PhD).

A number of accredited graduate schools offer both fully online and blended learning opportunities for students wishing to complete doctoral level applied behavior analysis programs. For those already in the field working to advance professional goals in behavioral health leadership, online programs can provide the opportunity for balance.

For a look at how these online doctoral programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the Best Research Universities for Psychology degrees.

For a look at the best schools in any subject, check out our College and University Rankings.

Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an online doctorate in applied behavior analysis.


About Accredited Online PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Programs

Quality and credibility are important when it comes to finding an online doctorate in applied behavior analysis. The best online doctorate programs will have proper accreditation:

  • Institutional Accreditation: Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online Ph.D programs offered by the graduate school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body. A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates.

    • For more information on financial aid loans and grants, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

    When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

  • Programmatic Accreditation: In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure that you are only considering online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation. The primary agency responsible for specialized accreditation in ABA is the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board.
  • Carnegie Classification: The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, or as it is more commonly known, the Carnegie Classification, is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States. Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

    • Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online PhD programs.

Key Point: Only consider universities offering online doctorate degrees with both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Admission Requirements

Students with a bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis will typically qualify for recognition through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). However, completing a doctoral in applied behavior analysis program may make it possible to advance to an array of leadership roles in clinical, post-secondary education, and research settings. Admission requirements generally include the following:

  • A completed online application
  • Official undergraduate college transcripts
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
  • GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal interviews
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Plan of study

Key Point: In most cases, you’ll be eligible to enter your ABA doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field. However, some specialized online PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.


Curriculum and Courses in Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs

Students in this online doctor of ABA program will typically experience both comprehensive training in practical applications of applied behavior analysis as well as experience in the basic research methodology underlying the practice. Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is three to six years.

The typical components of your online doctorate in applied behavior analysis may include:

Foundational Courses

Foundational courses will typically focus on areas like experimental analysis and critical analysis as well as examination of human behavior, verbal behavior, the theoretical constructions of behavioral science. ABA programs will also incorporate basic and applied research methods as well as practical applications in experimental design. You may be able to complete many of these requirements through online classes.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after students complete one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation

In most cases, the central component of your online PhD program will be the completion of your dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to conduct research on an original research question.

This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some online Ph.D programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Key Point: Students pursuing an advanced degree in Applied Behavior Analysis can pursue the practical doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or the research based PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis.


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Careers for Students Who Complete a PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis Program Online

Online accredited doctoral programs are generally terminal degree programs. This means that students who complete credible PhD programs online are usually eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field. Therefore, students with a Ph.d in applied behavior analysis will usually be eligible for opportunities in critical areas like special education leadership, autism treatment, policy research on behavioral health, and more.

For instance, Board Certified Behavior Analysts who earn a doctorate may be eligible for top field leadership roles such as Chief Clinical Officer. According to Payscale, Chief Clinical Officers may earn more than $112,000 per year in just the first four years of their career.

Working professionals who complete BCBA doctorate programs may also be eligible to work in the following areas.

  • Public Health Research
  • Special Education Leadership
  • Special Education Curriculum Design
  • Sociology Research
  • Post-Secondary Education
  • Educational Policy Consultation
  • Clinical Practice
  • Organizational Leadership

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, BCBAs with a doctorate degree from an ABA PhD program can qualify for top leadership roles in the field.

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What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online Ph.D programs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on the chosen field, PhD programs in applied behavior analysis may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.

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The Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis Doctorates

The online doctorate in applied behavior analysis programs identified here are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment. The following list contains fully online and blended programs for both the Doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Behavior Analysis (PhD).

  1. #1

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1326/30

    What is University of Washington known for?

    University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Washington is noted for several excellent online graduate level programs, including its Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Online Program.

    • The University of Washington is great for students who:

      Love reading. With 26 libraries, art centers, museums, labs, and lecture halls, UW boasts one of the largest library systems in the world.

    • The University of Washington might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer sunny skies. The Pacific Northwest is famous for its cloudy climate.


  2. #2

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #22 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #22 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #2 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2023 #2 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    73K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/24

    What is Arizona State University known for?

    Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Arizona State University is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs, including its Online Doctor of Behavior Health, which is a clinical advanced degree.

    • Arizona State University is great for students who:

      Are seeking focused graduate degrees. With more than 400 advanced degree programs, ASU grad students can choose highly specialized programs.

    • Arizona State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer smaller class and campus sizes. The Tempe, Arizona campus alone is home to nearly 55,000 students.

  3. #3

    University of Nevada, Reno

    Reno , NV
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2023 #2 Best Colleges in Nevada 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools in Nevada 2023 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/23

    What is University of Nevada, Reno known for?

    University of Nevada, Reno’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Nevada, Reno offers a doctorate of applied behavior analysis which is entirely on-campus. However, if you are interested in becoming a board certified behavior analyst through online programs, you can complete the online Board Certified Behavior Analyst Training program.

    • University of Nevada, Reno is great for students who:

      Are dedicated to their studies. Students note that the academic environment is extremely rigorous and that it is important to devote sufficient time to one’s classwork.

    • University of Nevada, Reno might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a more intimate learning atmosphere. Students at UNR note that some of the class sizes are comparatively larger.

    University of Nevada, Reno’s Online Degrees

    PhD in Judicial Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DNP in Nursing Msn To Dnp
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  5. #4

    Simmons University

    Boston , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/26

    What is Simmons University known for?

    Simmons University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Simmons University is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs, including its PhD in Behavior Analysis.

    • Simmons University is great for students who:

      Are studying in STEM subjects. Students note that the sciences programs at Simmons are generally stronger than the humanities programs.

    • Simmons University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking generous amenities. Students note that many dorms are outdated and that the food options in the dining halls are limited.

    Simmons University’s Online Degrees

    DSW in Social Work
    Degree Concentrations
    • Leadership
    • Advanced Clinical Practice
    • Teaching And Education
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    DNP in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  6. #5

    Capella University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    33K

    What is Capella University known for?

    Capella University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Capella University is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs, including its Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (PhD).

    • Capella University is great for students who:

      Are seeking flexibility in their educational experience. Capella is geared toward the busy schedules of adult learners and working professionals, which means students can choose from an extremely wide range of online and blended learning paths.

    • Capella University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are not prepared to work independently. Students note that many of Capella’s programs require a large degree of self-guided learning.


  7. #6

    The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

    Chicago , IL

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Student body

    <1K

    What is The Chicago School of Professional Psychology known for?

    The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The Chicago-based institution is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs including the its Online PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis

    • The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is great for students who:

      Are seeking friendly and supportive professors and faculty. Students note that professors seem to genuinely care about their students and their success.

    • The Chicago School of Professional Psychology might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a traditional residential experience. Students note that all housing options are located off campus.

  9. #7

    Endicott College

    Beverly , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    4K

    What is Endicott College known for?

    Endicott College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Endicott College is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs, including its PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis.

    • Endicott College is great for students who:

      Prefer smaller class sizes. Students note that classes are intimate and that it’s easy to receive personal attention from professors.

    • Endicott College might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are looking for a wide selection of activities and opportunities for involvement. Students note that, as a smaller campus, Endicott has a more modest offering of clubs and groups.

  10. #8

    Walden University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Student body

    39K

    What is Walden University known for?

    Walden University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Walden University offers a direct pathway for students planning to become board certified behavior analysts through its online Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) graduate-level certification.

    • Walden University is great for students who:

      Are studying nursing, public health, and healthcare administration. Walden is one of the nation’s top degree providers in these fields.

    • Walden University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Plan to earn PhDs in psychology. Walden’s PhDs do not have accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA).

Other Options for Aspiring Applied Behavioral Analysts

Students considering an online doctoral in ABA should also check out the best on-campus options to compare features like cost, curriculum, acceptance rate, and more.

  1. #1

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #16 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #18 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in California 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    What is University of Southern California known for?

    University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Southern California’s Online Degrees

    EdD in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 43
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Global Executive
    • Required Credits: 50
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    DSW in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #6 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #10 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    45K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/29

    What is University of Texas at Austin known for?

    University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

To learn more, check out our Guide to Online Degrees.

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