Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis

The mission of the behavior analysis doctoral degree program is to produce competent behavior-analytic researchers, instructors and practitioners who are solidly grounded in basic principles derived from the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB), who approach the world from a radical behaviorist perspective, who will continue to contribute to behavioral research and inform their practice with current research findings, and who are prepared to obtain academic and professional positions. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue academic positions, to continue active research programs and to effectively manage behavior analysts under their supervision, both in research and practice.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the program must have completed, or be close to completing, a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a master’s degree in a related field with an emphasis in behavior analysis, and/or be a board certified behavior analyst, with a graduate GPA of 3.6 (on a scale of 4.0) or higher, and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Applicants must submit a statement of career objectives, a resumé and the School of Psychology supplemental form available from that office. The application must include three letters of reference and a GRE General Test score of 1100 or higher (based on a combined verbal and quantitative score, where neither score is below 500). Official transcripts of all previous coursework must be submitted. All applications should be submitted by January 15. 

A master’s degree in behavior analysis and/or board certification, graduate GPA, and GRE scores will be used as initial acceptance criteria. Admission is considered provisional until certification as a board-certified behavior analyst is obtained. The admissions committee will then review the applicant’s potential for scholarship and leadership in behavior analysis by evaluating supplemental materials including clinical and research experience, the application package and participation in applicant interviews.

Degree Requirements

The doctoral program requires a minimum of 87 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, of which at least 44 semester credit hours must be completed at Florida Tech with no grades lower than B. Students must demonstrate competency in research, teaching, supervision and consultation, and pass a comprehensive examination, before being admitted to candidacy. Candidates must present a completed dissertation manuscript and successfully defend the results to the dissertation committee.

If a doctoral student has completed a master’s degree but is not a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA^®) or does not meet the supervision requirements to sit for the BCBA examination, the student may be required to take up to 9 credit hours of Intensive Practical Training in Behavior Analysis (BEH 5251).

In addition, students must complete at least 15 semester credit hours of graded coursework in program courses, six credits of supervised research and at least 18 credits of dissertation. Students with a master’s degree from another institution may be required to complete additional coursework if an equivalent course was not completed.

Admission to candidacy requires the successful completion of the following components.

1. A minimum of 18 semester credit hours beyond the master’s degree.
2. Certification as a board-certified behavior analyst.
3. Approval of either of the following by a committee that is identical to the dissertation committee: 
   1. A literature review paper that is deemed acceptable for submission for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Submission is required for admission to candidacy. The topic of this paper must be distinct from the topic of the dissertation.
   2. Completion of a grant application that is deemed by the committee to be acceptable for submission to a granting agency.

Curriculum

(Includes master's degree requirements)

Year 1 (Beyond master's degree in ABA)

Year 2

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED 87