capella university phd behavior analysis

Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)

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.

Top Online Applied Beavioral Analysis PhD Programs in 2025

University of washington, arizona state university, university of nevada, reno, simmons university.

• Walden University +3
• Capella University –1

Endicott College

• The Chicago School –2

2025 Ranking Update

Walden University was the biggest winner this year, and climbed 3 positions to the #5 spot. Two major developments may explain Walden’s improvement in this ranking. First, Walden continues to expand flexible learning options, such as Tempo Learning, which allows students to progress at their own pace. This is beneficial for psychology students managing professional or personal obligations while pursuing their degrees.

Second, for PhD students in Clinical Psychology, Walden has introduced a more integrated in-residence requirement known as the BAYR. This involves a combination of online and face-to-face learning, providing hands-on experience in clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions, and professional development. It allows students to build relationships with faculty and peers, gaining critical feedback on their clinical skills, which is essential for licensure.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Last Year’s Ranking:

The chicago school, walden university, capella university.

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Tuition + fees

Student body

Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Washington

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

• Earth Sciences
• Computer Science
• Social Work
• Anthropology
• Criminal Justice
• Engineering

Most Influential Alumni

• George Stigler
• Frank Herbert
• Jerry Pournelle
• Robert Mundell
• Michael Hardt
• Harold Hotelling
• Minoru Yamasaki
• Lyle Campbell
• Dave Cutler
• Steven Holl

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

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

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

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• #3 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
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Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Arizona State University

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

• Political Science
• Jimmy Kimmel
• Michael I. Jordan
• Bernie Grundman
• David Spade
• Temple Grandin
• Robert O. Pihl
• Barry Bonds
• Larry Schweikart
• Linda Ronstadt
• Matthew Desmond
• Reggie Jackson
• Kim Komando

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.

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

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

• #2 Best Research Universities in Nevada 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in Nevada 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Nevada 2024
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
• #5 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #14 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
• #18 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
• #20 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Nevada, Reno

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

• Communications
• Mathematics
• John Etchemendy
• Colin Kaepernick
• Ralph W. Hood
• Loren Cordain
• William D. Lutz
• Roger Fouts
• Warren E. Dixon
• Claire Vaye Watkins
• Deborah Fouts
• Mary Lee Jensvold
• Robert Laxalt

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 .

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.

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

• Required Credits : None Reported
• Completion Time : None Reported
• Format : Online
• Required Credits : 30
• Format : None Reported
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Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Simmons University

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

• Tipper Gore
• Lenore Blum
• Valerie Thomas
• Loren Coleman
• Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
• Christine Darden
• Dorothy Walcott Weeks
• David Ferriero
• Bertha Reynolds
• Ruth Winifred Howard
• Hal Clement

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

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

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

Degree concentrations.

• Advanced Clinical Practice
• Teaching And Education
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Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Walden University

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

• John Antonakis
• Eboni Edmonson Haynes

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 .

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

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

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Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Capella University

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

• Arthur Seale
• Tammy Duckworth
• Xavier Woods
• Ethan F. Becker
• Brandt Smith
• Annesa Flentje

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

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.

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

Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Endicott College

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

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

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

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.

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

• James P. Liautaud

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

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

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

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.

University of Southern California

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Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Southern California

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

• Frank Gehry
• Neil Armstrong
• Jack L. Warner
• John Mearsheimer
• Boris Podolsky
• Michael D. Griffin
• Maulana Karenga
• O. J. Simpson
• Robert Ballard

University of Southern California’s Online Degrees

• Required Credits : 43
• Required Credits : 60
• Required Credits : 50
• Required Credits : 42

University of Texas at Austin

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Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Texas at Austin

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

• Walter Cronkite
• Bill Moyers
• Edsger W. Dijkstra
• Robert Rauschenberg
• Bruce Sterling
• C. Wright Mills
• Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Steven Best
• J. M. Coetzee
• Robert Taylor
• Abhay Ashtekar

Boston College

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• #2 Best Online Master’s in Education
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Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Boston College

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

• Religious Studies
• Robert Gallo
• Dennis Ross
• Ernest Moniz
• David H. Barlow
• R. Nicholas Burns
• Richard Cushing
• J. Arch Getty
• Maeve Kennedy McKean
• Julianne Malveaux
• Richard Swedberg
• John Courtney Murray

Boston College’s Online Degrees

University of denver.

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Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Denver

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

• Huston Smith
• Mohammad Javad Zarif
• Robert Gilpin
• Margaret Singer
• Bruce Hoffman
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Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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• Walter Halloran

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

January 2024 University Catalog with April Addendum > Undergraduate and Graduate Programs > School of Social and Behavioral Sciences > Graduate-Department of Psychology Academic Offerings > Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology degree program provides learners with advanced academic preparation with an emphasis on research and scholarship. Learners pursue a specialization during which they engage in a competency-based, scholar-practitioner curriculum that can be applied in a range of fields, including psychology, mental health, education, business, and public policy. Successful graduates of this degree program are prepared to apply psychological principles in areas such as teaching, administration, research, consultation, coaching, management, and leadership. The PhD in Psychology specializations are not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.

Specializations

General Psychology

Developmental Psychology

Educational Psychology

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

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Online PhD in Psychology

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Expand your opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives with a PhD in Psychology from Capella. Build expertise that matches your interests to help you prepare for the next phase of your career.

• PhD in Psychology

A flexible PhD in Psychology

The PhD in Psychology degree program provides students with advanced academic preparation with an emphasis on research and scholarship. Students pursue a specialization during which they engage in a competency-based, scholar-practitioner curriculum that can be applied within the field of psychology.

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

PhD in Psychology program overview

The PhD in Psychology program is designed to help you master psychology theory and practice, contribute original research and strengthen your ability to consult, teach or lead in diverse professional settings.

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Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university or getting credit for prior learning

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Tuition discounts and scholarships are available for eligible employees of our partner organizations.

Program specializations

Various factors impact your time and cost to complete your degree, such as your program specialization. For more information, visit the PhD in Psychology specialization pages.

PhD in Psychology specializations

• General Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology

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The purpose of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board is to provide a critical link between the strategic objectives of the school and the needs of external constituents through input, insight, feedback and consultation. Board members have backgrounds in the fields of applied behavior analysis, clinical psychology, clinical mental health counseling, general psychology, marriage and family therapy, school counseling and school psychology.

The advisory board will help ensure that Capella University provides:

• Innovative, student-centered education that is competency-based, rigorous, relevant and transformative
• Preparation to help graduates be change makers in behavioral health to meet the needs of a diverse, ever-evolving society

PhD in Psychology outcomes

The PhD in Psychology program provides students with advanced academic preparation with an emphasis on research and scholarship. Students pursue a specialization during which they engage in a competency-based, scholar-practitioner curriculum that can be applied in a range of fields, including psychology, behavioral health, education, business and public policy. Successful graduates of this degree program will be prepared to apply psychological principles within the field of psychology.

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Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023 

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“My enrollment counselor at Capella made the process very easy and educated me on how my practical experience can be blended with my academic pursuits to further my career.”

Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel

PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

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As a graduate, you’ll have a community of Capella students, alumni and faculty you can tap into for career advice and networking.

1 87% of doctoral alumni agree that Capella provided the flexibility they needed to pursue their degree.

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Explore your career options, navigate your job search and move toward your goals with help from our Career Development Center . We offer a variety of resources, including one-on-one career coaching. Start planning early.

PhD or professional doctorate: which is best for you?

There are two kinds of doctoral degrees: PhDs and professional doctorates. Deciding which is right for you depends, in part, on how you want to use your education and the standards in your professional field. The kind of research that most interests you should also play a part in your decision. For either option, our GuidedPath learning format offers the flexibility to study when it works for you, with set deadlines to keep you focused and on track.

1 93% of alumni agree Capella provided the flexibility they needed to pursue their degrees.

Research focus: original or applied.

PhD students are expected to create, expand and contribute to knowledge, research and theory in their discipline. This kind of discovery is often called original research.

Professional doctorate students are expected to expand and apply existing knowledge and research to existing problems in their professional field. This is often referred to as applied research.

Final deliverable: dissertation or project?

PhD students summarize the findings of their research in a five-chapter paper called a dissertation. At completion, they must defend their work in front of a faculty committee. The dissertation is ultimately published and shared with other scholars in the field and the general public.

Professional doctorate students present their research in one of a variety of forms including projects, portfolios, journal articles or even dissertations. In some instances, students are required to defend their work in front of a faculty committee.

Frequently asked questions

How do i apply for the phd in psychology program.

Applicants to the PhD in Psychology program must provide the following information for admission:

• Admission application – no application fee required 
• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution
• Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.

View full admission requirements for PhD in Psychology specializations: General Psychology , Developmental Psychology , Educational Psychology , Industrial/Organizational Psychology

International student requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about international student admissions .

What is a PhD in Psychology?

The online PhD in Psychology from Capella is for experienced professionals who want to build on their expertise and expand their opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives. Choose from four specializations that can help you build skills and knowledge in a specific area of focus.

What will I learn in the PhD in Psychology program?

Our faculty and students collaboratively explore the way humans, organizations and systems work and work together to promote optimal functioning. Using Capella’s competency-based curriculum design, the faculty focuses on assessing students on the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field of psychology.

Is the PhD in Psychology degree online or in person?

The PhD in Psychology is offered online in the GuidedPath learning format.

Learn more about the student experience at Capella and explore what additional support resources we offer to help you find and succeed in your degree program.

Additional PhD in Psychology resources

Explore your path in the field of psychology

Find ways to gain the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the field of psychology.

Helping Professions Guide

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10 Best Value ABA PhD Programs

In this article, we profile the 10 best ABA PhD degree programs.

You’ve finished a master’s in ABA or a closely related topic. Now you’re interested in a PhD in ABA. Maybe you’re planning to get a PhD right away, or just curious to know what’s involved. Either way, this article contains the information you need. PhD ABA programs can prepare you with the advanced knowledge and skills you need. They can prepare you to conduct behavioral research and design treatment plans to help with behavioral problems. When you graduate from a BCBA doctoral program, you are prepared to take the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst certification exam. Once you pass the test and become certified, you will be ready to practice ABA as a BCBA-D.

Featured Programs

10 best aba phd degree programs ranking methodology.

For the purpose of this list, we looked at approximately 17 ABA PhD degree programs and BCBA D programs. We confirmed accreditation (regional and/or national) and selected those schools that offered accredited programs. Few online ABA programs exist, so we gathered information on both on-campus and online BCBA doctoral programs. The graduate tuition and fees were taken from the most recent information offered by the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator). After gathering our information, we listed the PhD in ABA programs according to affordability .

Table of Contents

• Utah State University
• University of Nevada Reno
• Florida Institute of Technology
• Marquette University
• University of South Florida
• Tennessee Tec h
• Cambridge College Boston 
• Caldwell University
• Capella University
• St. Cloud State University

Ranking the 10 Best ABA PhD Degree Programs

10. utah state university, phd in behavior analysis, logan, utah.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $2 4,008

Utah State University offers a program where you can work towards a PhD. Or, if you prefer, you can earn the PhD + Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The first option focuses more on research, theory, and academics. The second approach prepares students to practice or research in a clinical setting. 

This first track offers benefits such as: 

• training in experimental analysis of behavior
• a curriculum that is tailored to the interests of the student
• a dissertation project

The second track:

• offers training in both experimental and applied behavior analysis
• requires thesis and dissertation projects
• offers experiences in a clinical practicum over the course of several years 
• prepares students for the BCBA examination from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board

No matter which track you choose, this is one of the best applied behavior analysis doctoral programs available. This university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities. Utah State University, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report, ranked among top performers in social mobility as well as among top public schools.

9. University of Nevada Reno

Reno, nevada.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $ 22,986

The Department of Psychology in the University of Nevada at Reno offers one of the few ABA doctoral programs in the country. You’ll learn about topics such as:

• basic & applied research in human behavior
• the philosophies of behaviorism
• basic research in animal behavior
• how the study of behavior applies to organizations

This program, which is one of the best PhD ABA programs, requires 89 graduate credits. It is accredited by the ABAI and prepares you for the BCBA examination. The University of Nevada at Reno ranks with U.S. News & World Report among the best national universities and top public schools, and offers one of the top ABA doctoral programs. 

8. Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, florida.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $22,588

Florida Institute of Technology does not offer BCBA doctoral programs online. However, it does offer a traditional PhD in behavior analysis. The classes are not delivered online, but the program is designed for ABA professionals. Once you graduate, you can plan to :

• continue your researc h
• instruct others in applied behavior analysis
• practice ABA yourself

Core courses required in the program include:

• advanced organizational behavior management
• applications of behavior analysis to college instruction
• behavioral & functional assessment
• ethical & professional standards in ABA
• verbal behavior

Florida Tech ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report among best national universities.

7. Marquette University

Milwaukee, wisconsin.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $2 2,410

Marquette University offers this PhD in behavior analysis through its Psychology Department, and 63 credits are required to earn this degree. We reached out to Dr. Tiffany Kodak, the Behavior Analysis Program Director at Marquette, asking how the program stands out. This was Dr. Kodak’s response:

“Our program stands out and is unique in several ways. The faculty work closely with students to publish clinical research that focuses on teaching important pre-academic, academic, functional communication, self-help, social, and vocations skills to neurodiverse children and adolescents. The purpose of this research is to develop and evaluate practices that help individuals acquire the skills to participate fully in their education, advocate for themselves, build relationships with others, and live fulfilled lives.

“Students are drawn to our program because they work closely with faculty mentors who are renowned in the field and have won awards for mentorship from various organizations, our on-campus clinics provide specialized training to students seeking to conduct patient-driven research as well as develop supervisory skills, and our program’s emphasis on professional skills training so our students can become leaders in the field following graduation.”

In addition, says Dr. Kodak, “all of our doctoral students have assistantships that come with a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend, making the program no cost to the students.”

Marquette University, according to U.S. News & World Report, tied for #83 among best national universities.

6. University of South Florida

Phd in applied behavior analysis, hillsboro county, florida.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $21,126

One of the top ABA PhD programs available is the PhD in applied behavior analysis offered at the University of South Florida. To be admitted to this program, you must have a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a closely related degree area that includes multiple courses in behavior analysis. Other requirements include:

• a GPA of at least 3.5
• a personal statement
• three strong letters of recommendation

Curriculum requirements include:

• 21 credit hours of core courses
• 15 credit hours of independent research
• dissertation consisting of a minimum of 18 credit hours

Courses you’ll see in the ABA PhD program include:

• experimental analysis of behavior
• statistical applications in translational research and evaluation
• conceptual foundations of behavior analysis

U niversity of South Florida ranks with U.S. News & World Report among top national universities. This is among the best options for BCBA PhD programs.

5. Tennessee Tech

Applied behavior analysis – phd, cookeville, tennessee.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $20,708

One of the least expensive ABA PhD programs on our list is this applied behavior analysis PhD. The degree is technichally in exceptional learning, with a concentration in applied behavior analysis. This program offers two specializations within that concentration. The first is Young Children and Families (abbreviated YCF). The second is School-Aged Children and Adult Populations (ABAS). This second option prepares you to take the BCBA examination.

Some of the career options listed on the program website are:

• clinical director/supervisor
• crime, delinquency, & forensic behavior analyst
• organizational behavior manager
• positive behavior support consultant
• university faculty member

Tennesse Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools’ Commission on Colleges, and is one of the top BCBA degree programs. 

4. Cambridge College Boston

Phd in applied behavior analysis with specialization in autism intervention, boston, massachusetts.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $1 6,923

The ABA PhD program at Cambridge College requires 48 credits. It takes nine terms to earn the degree–one of the top BCBA doctoral programs in the country. This program focuses on autism intervention. You’ll take classes such as:

• behavior analytic perspective on child development
• early intensive behavioral intervention
• evaluation & treatment of severe behavioral disorders

This program is offered mostly online, with the exception of two summer residencies during the first two years of the program. To be admitted into the program, you must complete an interview with the program chair and faculty, as well as completing other requirements. Cambridge College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and ranks with U.S. News & World Report among the top regional universities in the North, as well as among top performers on social mobility. 

3. Caldwell University

Caldwell, new jersey.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $16, 536

Caldwell University offers an ABAI-accredited PhD in applied behavior analysis. The program has five main learning objectives. The first is that graduates understand the theoretical concepts behind behavior analysis. The second is that graduates are able apply these concepts in a practical and effective way in real-world environments. The third is that graduates are able to supervise and train others in behavior analysis. The fourth is that graduates understand advanced topics in behavior analysis. And finally, the fifth is that graduates are able to develop and complete independent research in this field. Caldwell University ranks with U.S. News & World Report. Rankings include #14 in best value schools, and tying for #85 in regional universities in the North. This is one of the top BCBA doctorate programs.

2. Capella University

Phd in psychology with a specialization in education and teaching in applied behavior analysis, minneapolis, minnesota.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $14, 826

Capella University offers a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Education and Teaching in Applied Behavior Analysis. This degree is offered entirely online. The program, according to the website, requires:

• three elective courses
• six specialization courses
• seven core courses
• three doctoral project development seminars
• one comprehensive exam
• one dissertation

Some of the core courses you’ll need to take to complete this program are:

• foundations of theory and practice for doctoral psychology learners
• advanced single-subject research design for behavior analysis
• ethics and multicultural issues in psychology

Some career options listed by the website are:

• board certified behavior analyst
• clinical director
• behavior analyst
• professor of psychology

While this is not strictly a PhD in applied behavior analysis, it is a good option for those who want to learn more about behavior and is worth looking into for those searching for the top BCBA doctoral programs . Capella University ranks with U.S. News & World Report among top psychology schools. 

1. St. Cloud State University

Applied behavior analysis (psy. d.), st. cloud, minnesota.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $14, 387

St. Cloud State University’s PhD in ABA program is an on-campus program that focuses on ABA for children with autism spectrum disorder. This is a great option if you’re looking for BCBA PhD programs. The coursework is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, and at the end of the program, you’ ll be equipped to become certified as a doctoral-level board certified behavior analyst, or BCBA-D.

The program requires that you complete 90 credits in order to graduate. Graduate assistantships are offered, and the program has access to a modern autism clinic, through which you will be trained using the latest research. According to U.S. News & World Report, St. Cloud State University tied for #95 in best regional universities in the Midwest, #85 in top performers on social mobility and #29 in top public schools. Due to the institution’s affordable graduate tuition, St. Cloud State University earns the #1 spot on our list of the best value ABA PhD programs.

ABADP Staff

November 2023

Related Resources:

• 10 Best Online ABA Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
• 10 Best ABA Master’s Degree Programs
• 20 Most Affordable Online ABA Graduate Certificate Programs
• 5 Conditions that Benefit from ABA Therapy
• What Does an Applied Behavior Analyst Do?
• 20 Best Online ABA Master’s Degree Programs

This concludes our list of the top 10 PhD in ABA programs.