Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Behavior Analysis is a research-based program preparing you to teach at the university level or work as a scientist-practitioner involving business/industry, developmental disabilities (including autism), education, and public policy.
The Behavior Science Research Track is focused on the development of skills in scholarly research, including in basic, human operant, translational, and applied contexts.
The Behavior Analytic Practice Track is focused on the broad application of the science of behavior across populations, industries, and professional landscapes.
Both tracks develop professionals with deep expertise in conducting research, teaching in higher education, collaborating with professionals from multiple disciplines and industries, and engaging in the dissemination of the science of ABA.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Organize the knowledge, principles, and skills of Applied Behavior Analysis in the conduct of problem-oriented research.
- Formulate research questions that are in keeping with a problem-oriented model.
- Design problem-oriented research projects to provide evidence-based solutions to socially significant problems.
- Demonstrate skill in planning curriculum and instruction, delivering effective instruction, managing classroom climate, promoting equality and meeting professional standards.
- Analyze and compare previous research solutions to topics within the scope of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Applied behavior analysis is devoted to the understanding and improvement of human behavior by:
- Objectively defining and measuring the behavior under question, while
- Demonstrating a reliable relationship between the procedures employed and the behavioral improvements gained, by
- Utilizing methods of science, including description, quantification, and analysis.
The Ph.D. program is offered in a synchronous, online format, affording students living outside of the Greater Boston area the opportunity to complete the program from their home states and other countries without the need to relocate.
Program Features:
- Program can be completed in as little as three years.
- Cohorts begin each September.
- No residency requirement.
- Offered as a synchronous online model.
- 60 semester hours.
30 hours of coursework.
30 hours of research and clinical immersion.
Applicants must have completed a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis or the equivalent. It is recommended that applicants be a licensed behavior analyst or an active BCBA certificate from the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.
Doctoral Admission Requirements
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Faculty
Endicott’s ABA Program is led by Mary Jane Weiss, the Dean of the Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, who brings exceptional knowledge and an extensive background in ABA to our students. You will learn from expert, approachable adjunct faculty who share their real-world experience in the classroom, and teach both the technical and soft skills you need to make an impact in the field.
The ABA Career Track is Experiencing Significant Growth
Many factors are converging to create a rising demand for qualified ABA professionals, and the broadening application of behavioral science across multiple industries is contributing to a promising career track.
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Contributing Factors
Around 2008, insurance began to reimburse for behavioral therapy. This created a need to quickly train a large workforce to meet the demand.
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Increased Demand
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) reported a 58% increase in jobs requiring a BACB credential from 2023 to 2024 alone, with job postings consistently outpacing the number of certified professionals.
In 2024, there were 103,150 job openings for BACBs nationwide, but only 64,907 certified BACBs available to fill them, indicating a severe and ongoing shortage of qualified professionals, and a huge opportunity for ABA students and future graduates.
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Potential Careers
Possible global careers our program can help you attain:
- Teacher or counselor working with individuals with autism, childhood clinical disorders, or mental health challenges.
- Organizational behavior professional in corporate environment creating analytic models for staff training for performance management, supervision, and systems creation.
- Applying behavior analysis to public school contexts across students, classrooms, and systems.
- Incorporating environmental sustainability into behavior analytic curricula to apply design thinking and other systemic change approaches to address climate change and environmental justice.
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Key States for Career Opportunities
Demand is especially high in states with large populations and developed autism service infrastructures, such as California, Massachusetts, Texas, New Jersey, and Florida.
What Sets Endicott Apart
The Endicott ABA program is one of the premier programs in the country, working in cutting-edge areas that are highly impactful and recognized in the field as important examples of advancing science.
The program teaches the technical side of the science but also focuses on developing the interpersonal skills—collaboration, compassion, cultural responsiveness—that are crucial to becoming effective and supportive partners for the individuals you will work with.
It is our unique curriculum, our deeply knowledgeable and approachable faculty, and our ethical and humane program, led by ABA expert Mary Jane Weiss, that make Endicott one of the leading ABA programs in the U.S.
Flexible, Online, and Tailored to Your Schedule
Endicott’s graduate program is online, flexible, and tailored to your schedule, and you will learn from highly skilled adjunct faculty with real-world experience.
Mary Jane Weiss, Dean of the Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, describes Endicott’s unique program design: “We have created a program that works for people who have so much to offer the field, and our job as the instructional designers and instructors is to make this a high-quality educational experience, and to infuse those active instructional opportunities and high-quality discussions into the course, regardless of the format. I think it’s created an incredibly vibrant and varied intellectual experience for everyone.”
Learn More About Endicott
Enrolling in graduate studies at Endicott means you’re not just a number. You will receive personalized attention throughout your entire enrollment:
- Pre-registration: get guidance from our helpful Admission staff on the right program for you, as well as advice on tuition and financial aid.
- During your courses: connect with professors and peers and access unique experiential learning opportunities.
- Approaching graduation and beyond: gain career and networking support to help you get where you want to go, now and into the future.
Endicott’s graduate programs are taught by highly skilled faculty who have practiced the work they teach and bring real-world experience to your studies, so you don’t just learn from a book; you learn best practices from real-world practitioners.
You will benefit from unique hands-on learning experiences and get the Endicott Experiential Edge, real-world experience and career support that gives you an edge in the competitive job market. And you’ll gain lifelong access to our alumni network and knowledgeable Career Center staff, who are there to help you meet your goals at any stage of your career, now or in the future. Once a Gull, always a Gull!
Want more information about Endicott? We’ll be happy to provide additional materials about your program of interest, our faculty, and upcoming admission events.
How Endicott is Redefining ABA Education
Dean Mary Jane Weiss shares her passion for instruction and how Endicott became a big name in applied behavioral science.
