ABA Therapist Programs

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) involves the application of behavior modification techniques in order to help individuals adapt to their environment and increase their learning capabilities. This area of psychology is often associated with autism therapy. Many ABA therapists work in schools, hospitals or research facilities.

Several reputable universities and colleges programs in applied behavior analysis, both for undergraduate and graduate students, to teach students how to be an ABA therapist.

  1. University of North Texas

    • Located about an hour north of Dallas, the University of North Texas (UNT) offers an undergraduate major in applied behavior analysis. This bachelor of science degree includes coursework in measuring behavior, behavior-change techniques and therapy analysis. Students are also encouraged to participate in UNT's Cooperative Education and Internships program to get hands-on training in the field under the supervision of university faculty. This can include working with autistic children, providing services to nearby schools or participating in research projects. UNT also offers a master of science degree in behavior analysis for students interested in advanced studies in the field.

      University of North Texas
      1155 Union Circle
      Denton, Texas 76203
      940-565-2000
      unt.edu

    Becker College

    • Located in Worchester, Massachusetts, Becker College offers an option for a concentration in applied behavior analysis to all psychology majors. This concentration includes three ABA courses as well as three practical courses which involve working with individuals using ABA techniques. Other coursework includes research methods, statistics and general psychology classes. Upon completion of the program, students can take the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) national certification exam to become a certified behavior therapist.

      Becker College
      61 Sever St.
      Worcester, MA 01609
      877-523-2537
      becker.edu

    Georgia State University

    • Georgia State University (GSU), located in downtown Atlanta, offers a certificate program in applied behavior analysis. Students in this program learn the concepts and principles of ABA, as well as how to design and implement therapy programs using ABA techniques. Coursework in the program is approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BABC), meaning that graduates can are eligible to become board certified behavior analysts. Any students majoring in GSU's master or doctoral educational psychology program with an emphasis in ABA are automatically eligible for enrollment. Other students must submit an application and letter of recommendation in order to be considered for program participation.

      Georgia State University
      33 Gilmer St. S.E.
      Atlanta, GA 30303
      404-413-2000
      gsu.edu

    Penn State

    • Penn State's Harrisburg campus, located in Middletown, offers a graduate degree program in applied behavior analysis. Students can enroll either part- or full-time to earn this master's degree, which includes courses in single subject research, behavior modification and behavioral assessment and treatment. Students also complete a supervised internship as part of the program. Eligible applicants must have a bachelor's degree and at least 18 credits in psychology, education or a related field.

      Penn State
      777 West Harrisburg Pike
      Middletown, PA 17057
      717-948-6250
      psu.edu