Graduate Programs in Behavior Analysis
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvements in behavior.
ABA includes the use of direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of the relations between environment and behavior.
Based on the findings of descriptive and functional analyses, ABA uses antecedents and consequences to produce practical change.
ABA is based on sound scientific principles and has a solid research foundation that proves its effectiveness. ABA focuses on explaining behavior in terms of external events (that can be manipulated) rather than internal constructs (that are beyond our control).
The School of Behavior Analysis offers three M.S. programs and the Ph.D. on campus; online offerings include an M.A. degree and graduate certificate options.
On-Campus Programs
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis provides training for individuals interested in careers in ABA, including (but not limited to) working with people with autism and related intellectual disabilities. Earning a masters in applied behavior analysis opens the door to a variety of challenging jobs.
With a masters in applied behavior analysis, graduates may specialize in clinical applications (e.g., working with people with intellectual disabilities), educational applications (e.g., designing and evaluating instructional technology), health and fitness, and other areas. Applied behavior analysis careers usually involve spending time in the problem environment. That is, behavior plans are implemented in the settings where behavior problems occur, rather than the client attending sessions at an office.
The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis is offered at the main campus in Melbourne and at our Orlando location.
Master of Science in Organizational Behavior Management
OBM is the application of behavioral principles to solve problems in organizational settings. OBM is applied like traditional industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology, but is behavioral rather than cognitive or eclectic. It is analytic in that it relies on the systematic manipulation of environmental events and on directly measuring and graphing behavior (rather than reliance on written tests and interviews for assessment and evaluation). It is technological in that it precisely describes procedures in such a way that others can replicate them.
Graduates may apply and enroll in the Ph.D. program in behavior analysis, I/O psychology, or combine the OBM degree with an MBA. The masters in organizational behavior management provides coursework and experience for those who plan to work as performance management or OBM consultants in business, industry, government and human service organizations.
Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of organizations helping management with training and staff development, improving staff performance, staff productivity and behavioral safety, reducing absenteeism and direct-line supervision of employees. With a masters in organizational behavior management from the Florida Institute of Technology, the opportunities are endless!
The M.S. in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) is offered at the main campus in Melbourne.
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Organizational Behavior Management
The intensive program of study for the M.S. in ABA and OBM provides graduates with the skills and credentials to work in clinical or human service settings, and in business and industry. It also prepares graduates to work as consultants or in managerial or administrative positions.
The masters in ABA and OBM degree program is offered at the main campus in Melbourne.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Behavior Analysis
The applied behavior analysis graduate programs at Florida Tech would not be complete without the Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis.
The mission of the Ph.D. in behavior analysis 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 of the behavior analysis graduate program at the doctoral level 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.
Applicants to the behavior analysis doctoral 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®. The behavior analysis Ph.D. requires completion of a minimum of 92 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. Students must demonstrate competency in research, teaching, supervision and consultation. Candidates must present a completed dissertation and successfully defend the results to the dissertation committee.
Behavior analysis graduate programs at the doctoral level are few; the Florida Tech program provides some of the best training available.
The Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis is offered at the main campus in Melbourne.
Online Programs
Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis Professional Practice
The M.A. in Behavior Analysis Professional Practice offers the convenience and flexibility of earning your ABA degree online while working with experts to build a solid foundation in ABA principles and practice.
This online ABA master's degree provides the background and knowledge needed to become a behavior analyst. It meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) 2027 degree and behavior analytic coursework requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) Certification Pathway 2.
Online Behavior Analyst Graduate Certificate
The Online Behavior Analyst Graduate Certificate is ideal for individuals with a master's degree who want to complete behavior analytic coursework for board certification. It offers the convenience and flexibility of completing your coursework online while working with experts to build a solid foundation in ABA principles and practice.
This online ABA certificate program meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) 2027 behavior analytic coursework requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) Certification Pathway 2. Individuals must have a master's degree and meet additional BACB requirements to be eligible to take the BCBA certification exam.
Prospective students seeking a Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) credential are strongly encouraged to consult the Behavior Analyst Certification Board website for information about education and other requirements that apply to them.
Assistant Behavior Analyst Graduate Certificate (5th Edition)
The online Assistant Behavior Analyst graduate certificate program is suited for those who have a bachelor’s degree who want to complete behavior analytic coursework for board certification. It offers the convenience and flexibility of completing your coursework online while working with experts to build a solid foundation in ABA principles and practice.
Completion of the course sequence will allow students who hold a minimum of an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and who go on to obtain the supervised field experience required by the BACB, to qualify to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®) examination.
This program is designed to fulfill behavior analytic coursework requirements under the BACB's 2022 (5th Edition) requirements. Those applying to the BACB to take the BCaBA certification exam after January 1, 2027 must meet the BACB's 2027 Certification Requirements. If you intend to sit for the BCaBA exam after January 1, 2027, please contact ABA Online for information about your options.
Prospective students seeking a Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) credential are strongly encouraged to consult the Behavior Analyst Certification Board website for information about education and other requirements that apply to them.