What is Behavior Analysis?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a profession that focuses on improving the human condition. ABA is a well-developed discipline among the helping professions, with a strong research foundation, established standards for practice, distinct methods of service, and recognized experience and educational requirements for practice. ABA entails the comprehensive use of principles of learning theory and operant psychology to enhance the abilities of children and adults in human services and other areas, including education, human factors, business, medicine, and rehabilitation.

The application of applied behavior analysis is very broad, ranging from assisting individuals in overcoming drug addiction to studying criminal behavior to improving workplace organizations. Behavior analysis has been applied to programs related to diet, exercise, juvenile delinquency, toilet training, education, organizational structures, and more. 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. Many people also recognize that applied behavior analysis is capable of producing remarkable results in classroom learning.

What do Applied Behavior Analysts do?
Behavior analysts function as individual clinicians or are employed in organizations in numerous fields. These include education, behavioral medicine, mental health, disability, and children's services, business, and institutions of higher learning. Behavior analysts often supervise associates or other personnel in the implementation of intervention services, or consult to other personnel. Behavior analysts possess a wide range of knowledge about human behavior, and demonstrate competence in helping people meet personal goals. Typically, behavior analysts define intervention so that the changes to be achieved are measurable; analyze personal, social, and environmental conditions to better understand the variables that are influencing behavior; recommend and develop the goals of behavior change; implement agreed-upon solutions; and monitor progress. National certification in applied behavior analysis exists to standardize qualifications of anyone practicing as a behavior analyst.

Preparing for a Career in Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis professionals will have bachelor's or master's degrees in applied behavior analysis or related fields such as health services, human services, education, occupational therapy, psychology, etc. In addition to licensing and other required credentials for their specific field, professionals can enhance their credibility and job opportunities by earning a certification by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). The BACB's certifications include Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). >> FAQs about ABA and Certification

Salary for Applied Behavior Analysis professionals can vary greatly because there is such a wide range of occupations that integrate ABA.

To be eligible for the BCBA or BCaBA certifications, candidates must have earned a bachelor's (for a BCaBA) or master's degree (for BCBA) in ABA or a related field, completed a BACB approved sequence of coursework, performed a required number of hours of supervised fieldwork, and pass the certification exam.

Applied Behavior Analysis - Certificate (Includes Fieldwork 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 BACB approved 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).

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.

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