Applied Behavior Analysis EdD

The ABA Doctorate of Education program - similar to the Master of Science Program - is a 60-credit-hour program, plus additional coursework identified by both the student and advisor, that operates on a cohort model, and begins in the Fall semester. Many courses will have built-in field placement options, starting as early as the spring of your first semester, so that you can begin accruing practicum hours before the official practicum course begins.

Our coursework covers all the requirements of the most current Behavior Analysts Certification Board Edition Task List.  Students will learn key principles of learning, many different intervention strategies, the philosophy of behavior analysis, how to ethically operate as a professional, how to apply interventions in diverse settings, how to assess and analyze behavior to determine causes, to supervise and manage staff, and how to measure behavior to determine change. You will effectively learn all the skills necessary to effectively operate as a BCBA. The specific course requirements will vary based on the doctoral student and their advisor.

Why Pursue a Degree in ABA?

A Close-Knit Community

Our ABA program is designed to make you successful as a student and a future BCBA.  This requires both a strong clinical skill set as well as a community of supportive professionals.  To promote this community we operate on a cohort model which means you take all classes in a set sequence with the same students each semester.  We also have an active student association – The University of Memphis Association for Behavior Analysis – that further promotes student involvement and engagement outside of class.  Our program is also highly engaged with the Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis – TABA – which is a statewide organization promoting all things behavior analysis.  Faculty are heavily involved in TABA and students present, volunteer, and network with professionals across the state to further foster a broader community.  Upon graduation, you’re sure to find a familiar face wherever you go!

Active and Involved Faculty

The faculty in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program have a range of clinical and research backgrounds to ensure all students receive a broad range of experiences while in the program.  Clinically, our faculty have worked in a range of settings (e.g., homes, schools, clinics) across a spectrum of behaviors (e.g., problem behavior, selective mutism, phobias, skill development, and athletics).  The research interests of the faculty are equally broad and range from experimental research dealing with complex behavior phenomena to clinical application of virtual reality, to school-based interventions.  Faculty develop a close relationship with students both in and out of the program and support students even after graduation. Whatever your interest, there’s something here for you!

Working as a Behavior Analyst

Behavior analysts work in many applied fields including education, business, and clinical psychology and demand for BCBAs has increased by %5,852 from 2010-2021. Currently, applied behavior analysis (ABA) has received a lot of 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 school psychologists working with students enrolled in special education. 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 providing training for 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.