An Applied Behavior Analyst is someone who has in-depth knowledge of the field and methods of the study of the science of behavior. They help people learn new behaviors, increase or reduce existing behaviors, and teach individuals when to use specific behaviors in specific instances. The scope of these services is broad, from addressing challenging behaviors of an individual person to changing the behavior of an entire organization or community.

Behavior analysts provide services to individuals, families, group homes, schools, mental health agencies, hospitals, industrial and business settings, and other agencies working with individuals who require intensive behavioral training and / or consultation. Training and consultation are performed in the areas of educational and adaptive living strategies, challenging behaviors, and staff management. Special populations such as individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities have been shown to benefit greatly from ABA services. In fact, over the past 60 years, applied behavior analysis has become recognized as the treatment of choice for behavior problems associated with mental retardation, autism spectrum disorders, brain injury, and other disorders. ABA is also frequently used in the field of education from typical students to students with disabilities.

Applied Behavior Analyst Education and Skills
Postsecondary education (Master's or PhD) and training are required to become a Behavior Analyst. Degrees should be in applied behavior analysis, or related fields such as psychology, special education, rehabilitation, social work, or human services. A behavior analyst must be comfortable with people who have behavior disorders. The following skills are also very important: good observation, detail-oriented, excellent communication skills, analytical skills, math, compassion, and patience.

Individuals who are not interested in pursuing graduate work, can become Associates or Assistants. They typically work under the supervision of a Behavior Analyst. To be an assistant requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field as well as supervised fieldwork experience. An assistant must also be comfortable around people with behavior disorders and should possess the same skills as the behavior analyst.

Applied Behavior Analyst Certification
Most states require behavior analysts to be board certified. The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) offers two internationally recognized certifications: the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). Requirements for BCBA certification include a Master's degree in a relevant field, approved ABA coursework, supervised fieldwork, and passing the examination. Requirements for BCaBA certification include a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, approved ABA coursework, supervised fieldwork, and passing the examination.

Applied Behavior Analyst Career Outlook
Jobs are abundant at this time and demand far outstrips the supply of trained and certified behavior analysts due to the broad range of applications. The demand for BCBAs specializing in Autism is particularly high and continues to grow, as diagnoses of ASD have increased significantly in recent years and there is still a lack of trained ASD-specific professionals. According to the Florida Association of Behavior Analysts, there are 4 job openings for every BCBA.
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Applied Behavior Analyst Salary
According to Payscale.com, an Applied Behavior Analyst holding a BCBA credential has a median salary of $57,777. The salary for most master's level graduates who possess a BCBA certification ranges from $40,000 to $60,000. However, salaries can differ greatly based on numerous factors. According to Payscale.com, the median hourly rate for a BCaBA certified Applied Behavior Analyst is $25.47/hour.

Behavioral Intervention in Autism - Online Graduate Certificate Program
Developed in collaboration with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, this award-winning BACB approved program is one of the very few in the country available entirely online for individuals interested in expanding their knowledge of behavioral intervention for autism. With a critical shortage of skilled early intervention professionals in the United States, UMass Lowell's autism program is meeting the growing demand for specialists is this field. This online Autism Certificate program offers two track options.

The BIA Certificate track is the 4-course Graduate Certificate Program in Behavioral Intervention in Autism, designed to provide professionals working in education, child care, speech and language disorders, and mental health and human services with an understanding of autism and related development disorders, as well as an introduction to behavioral methods and how and where such methods can be used. This track has also attracted a large number of parents of autistic children. Applicants for this track must have a bachelor's degree.

The BCBA Certification Preparation track is the 5-course Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) preparation program, which involves a sequence of online autism courses approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) to meet coursework requirements towards national certification as a Behavior Analyst. Applicants for this track must have a master's degree in ABA or a related field.

Curriculum and Instruction / Autism Studies - MEd
The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Autism Studies Option is a 30-credit (10-course) master's degree program which can be completed entirely online. Offered through UMass Lowell's Graduate School of Education in cooperation with the Psychology Department, this interdisciplinary program combines UMass Lowell's award-winning Behavioral Intervention in Autism online graduate certificate program with one of the University's most popular online Master's degree programs in Curriculum and Instruction.

Psychology / Applied Behavioral Analysis - BS
The Applied Behavioral Analysis specialization will explore behavioral development from birth to adolescence. Students will extensively examine design, analysis, and application of learning theories and behavioral principles to understand what motivates human behavior. They will learn the skills required for a myriad of jobs, including working with autistic children and adults with special needs and assisting certified behavioral analysts who conduct research or create behavior modification programs.

Psychology / Applied Behavioral Analysis - MS
Pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology from Kaplan University offers students a unique opportunity to blend the rich, academic tradition of psychology with exciting, contemporary applications of the science. The program will focus on the processes that underlie the individual human experience and behavior, as well as core knowledge, theories, and research in the field. Students of the Applied Behavioral Analysis specialization will focus on the developmentally disabled, the autistic, and individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Students will utilize behavioral concepts and theories, and develop assessment and intervention skills.

Applied Behavior Analysis - Certificate (Includes Field Experience)
This BACB approved post graduate certificate program is designed to assist behavior analysts and those working in related fields with updating their licensure and further expanding their expertise related to developmental disabilities, geriatric conditions, behavioral and learning difficulties, and mental illness. This certificate prepares students to sit for the examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Applicants must have a master's degree in a related field and five years' experience. The program can be completed in under a year, depending on field supervision availability.

Note: Completing supervised practical work experience required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board while enrolled in an approved program, such as this one, can lead to a significant reduction of required field experience hours (1,000 versus 1,500).

Behavior Analysis - Certificate
The BACB approved post-graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis online program is designed for professionals pursuing careers as a behavior analyst, behavior manager or consultant in the justice system, school system, or community services. This program focuses on developing new and innovative investigative approaches and techniques to the study of behavior and motivation. Graduates of this program will be trained to effectively work with behavioral problems and disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. This program provides the BACB approved sequence of coursework toward BCBA certification eligibility.

• Criminal Justice / Behavior Analysis - MS
• Business Intelligence / Behavior Analysis - MS

Special Education / Autism - MS
The Master of Science in Special Education program at Drexel University seeks to produce professionals who are equipped with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies they will need to meet the needs of students at risk for and with disabilities in multiple settings. The Autism concentration is designed for those who seek additional expertise in this critical need area. It will provide knowledge and skills for working with both students with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome as well as effective teaching methods, interventions, and supports.

Special Education - MAEd
The Master of Arts in Education (MAED) with a specialization in Cross-Categorical Special Education is a graduate degree program preparing candidates for teacher licensure in the field of special education. Candidates for this program have already earned a bachelor’s degree and wish to gain the pedagogical skills and knowledge that will assist them in becoming effective special education educators. The program’s curriculum includes orientation to the exceptional child, foundations and methodologies of mild disabilities, diagnosis and assessment of disabilities, structured English immersion, reading and language arts instruction, inclusion strategies, and collaboration and resource management for the special educator.

Throughout the program, students are required to complete verified field experiences with the focus of each observation relating to specific course content. Documentation will be maintained in the student’s electronic portfolio.