Applied Behavior Analysis

The mission of the University of Memphis, Applied Behavior Analysis program is to prepare students to effectively work as behavior analysts in various capacities, including clinical, teaching, and research, across a multitude of settings by providing them with the skills, techniques, knowledge, and philosophical foundations of behavior science. 

The University of Memphis Behavior Analysis program is the ideal place for students looking to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts while earning an MS or EdD degree. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a rapidly growing field dedicated to using the science of learning to change and improve the behavior of those in need. Our Behavior Analyst Certification Board® Verified Course Sequence offers a rigorous sequence of face-to-face coursework, with classes in the evenings during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) work with children and adults experiencing various behavioral difficulties, and the demand for BCBAs is quickly growing across the United States and abroad.  Many BCBAs work in the area of autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities in school, clinic, and home settings; however, ABA has been successful in a range of applications, including substance abuse, gerontology, classroom management, and many more.

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Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with the ABA program

Behavior analysts work in many applied fields, including education, business, and clinical psychology, and demand for BCBAs has increased 5,852% from 2010-2021. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has received much attention for its effectiveness with children with autism. Researchers and clinicians recognize ABA as the treatment of choice for behavior problems and learning difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder. Many BCBAs work in schools as teachers or psychologists working with special education students. Many also work as scientists and scholars in higher education. Some BCBAs provide in-home supervision of direct care providers or provide direct care for children with developmental disabilities and Autism. Others provide clinical services, including functional analysis of behavior and treatment of serious behavior disorders such as self-injury and physical aggression. Still others work in business, training new employees and improving training programs.

However, not everyone who calls themselves a behavior analyst or a behavior therapist is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®. A BCBA is a professional who has documented graduate training and supervised, hands-on experience in applying the principles and procedures of behavior analysis and has passed an examination in ABA given by the BACB.

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Verified Course Sequence:

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants must meet additional requirements before being deemed eligible to take the examination.