Applied Behavior Analysis Programs

Applied Behavior Analysis is a psychology subspecialty that focuses on modifying, or changing the behavior of people within certain populations, such as people with autism. ABA encompasses the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental modifications to change unwanted behavior.

Walden University

Featured Programs:
BS in Psychology - Graduate School Prep

Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology/Child & Adolescent Development (Online)

The goal for someone about to enter the field of applied behavior analysis is to create conditions in which human beings with mild to extreme psychological handicaps can grow into fully functional persons. Professionals in this area of psychology have found that environment can play a significant factor on behaviors and human activity. As such, modifying that environment to optimize one's growth potential is beneficial to the subject and their families.

Useful Applied Behavioral Analysis Resources

• Kennedy Krieger Institute: Applied Behavioral Analysis Overview
• Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis
• Association for Behavior Analysis International

Capella University

Featured Programs:
MS in General Psychology (Online)
MS in Child and Adolescent Development

Post University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology (Online)

Methods of Operation for Applied Behavioral Analysis

A professional working in this field will study first the behavior, secondly the environment, and thirdly how the behavior and the environment interact. He will also measure outstanding factors like punishment, reinforcement, and any repercussion that may come out of the subject's behavior within the environment. It's for this reason that many professionals in the field are known to work with children, who suffer from autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Tourrettes.

Applied behavioral analysts must have the a certain degree of patience and understanding when it comes to working with subjects, who often suffer from mental disorders that seriously detract from their ability to become fully functioning adults. They must be able to focus on the factors and not get caught up in the emotional side of treatment. They must also be able to make practical applications from their observations.

Kaplan University

Featured Programs:
BS Psychology (Online)

Northcentral University

Featured Programs:
MA in Health Psychology (Online)

Careers in Applied Behavioral Analysis

Applied behavior analysis professionals must be highly experienced in what they do. For the board certified, Ph.D candidate, there is high demand, especially as modern science is able to better detect and diagnose autism and other related psychological conditions.

Many board certified behavioral analysts can make $75 per hour or more with annual salaries depending on the amount of hours worked. Since most individuals in the field are quite passionate about what they do, many work longer hours than the standard 40-hour week that most 9-to-5 jobs require. It really is more than a calling. It's a career.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Featured Programs:
MA in Applied Forensic Psychology (Online)

Applied Behavior Analysis Education and Training

To have a chance at a lucrative career in the field, a candidate should be board certified and have prior experience working in the field. Attaining a Ph.D or the doctoral equivalent of a Ph.D for your applied behavior analysis degree is a must, and each state has their own requirements from there. Classes will run the gamut from teaching one how to perform functional behavior assessments to creating behavior plans for the individual, and teaching the individual new life skills.