If you’re drawn to a helping profession, one area you may have imagined yourself working is one-on-one with children or adults who are experiencing a mental health challenge. In broad terms, counseling is one field that allows you to do that. Behavior analysis falls into this area. This rapidly growing field focuses on human behavior: observing and assessing it, and taking steps to help influence and improve it.
Typically, to become a certified or licensed counselor of any kind, including a behavioral analyst, you’ll need an advanced degree. So if you are considering getting your master’s, behavioral science might be the perfect fit for your career goals.
Table of Contents
- What does a behavior analyst do?
- What Can I Do With a Graduate Degree in Behavioral Analysis
- What Can I Do With an Undergraduate Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Career Opportunities for Behavior Analysis Degree Holders
- What Do You Learn in an Applied Behavioral Science Program?
- How Do I Become Certified as a Behavioral Analyst?
What does a behavior analyst do?
A behavior analyst applies principles of behavioral science to help individuals improve their behaviors and skills. They assess behaviors, develop treatment plans, and use techniques like positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.
Working in various settings such as schools, healthcare facilities, and private practices, behavior analysts often specialize in areas like autism, developmental disorders, or organizational behavior. They play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families by addressing behavioral challenges in a structured and supportive manner.
What Can I Do With a Graduate Degree in Behavioral Analysis
One of the defining characteristics of a graduate-level program (master’s degree) in behavioral analysis, such as National University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis, is that it prepares you for certification by the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Board-certified behavioral analysts are qualified to have a private practice.
According to the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board, behavioral analysts are most commonly found working with patients with autism or other intellectual and developmental disorders. In fact, the amount of children and adults on the autism spectrum has risen in recent years. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in 59 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder. The CDC also reports that in the next decade, more than 500,000 teens with autism will enter adulthood.
Professionals in applied behavioral analysis may also sometimes work with teens or adults to help them overcome addictive behaviors; the rise in opioid use in the United States is one suspected reason behind the growing demand for counselors in this area.
What Can I Do With an Undergraduate Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
Earning an undergraduate, or bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a great starting point, especially if you’re aiming for a career in counseling. This behavior analysis degree prepares you for roles like an assistant to a behavior analyst, where you can gain hands-on experience in a professional setting.
This experience is invaluable as it lays the groundwork for further education and career advancement, providing practical skills that will benefit you in advanced studies and future job opportunities.
Career Opportunities for Behavior Analysis Degree Holders
Individuals with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in applied behavior analysis have various career opportunities. Here are some prominent options:
1. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Education Requirement (Master’s degree): BCBAs provide assessment and intervention strategies for individuals with behavioral challenges. They often supervise teams and develop comprehensive treatment plans. The average annual salary for a BCBA is approximately $72,818, and the career outlook is promising, with a projected job growth of 23% from 2022 to 2032. For more information, you can visit the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
2. Assistant Behavior Analyst
Education Requirement (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree): Assistant Behavior Analysts work under the supervision of BCBAs to implement treatment plans, collect data, and support client interventions, often with individuals with autism or other developmental disorders. They typically earn starting salaries of around $50,000 annually.
3. Behavioral Therapist
Education Requirement (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree): Behavioral Therapists develop and implement treatment plans to improve behavior, often focusing on individuals with developmental disorders. The average salary for a Behavioral Therapist is around $60,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
4. Clinical Supervisor
Education Requirement (Master’s degree): Clinical Supervisors oversee teams of behavior analysts or therapists, ensuring the efficacy and ethical standards of treatment plans. Salaries for Clinical Supervisors can vary widely, generally averaging around $80,000.
5. Research Analyst
Education Requirement (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree): Research Analysts in behavior analysis conduct studies on the effectiveness of various behavioral interventions and therapies. This role typically offers a salary of around $70,000, depending on the institution and research focus.
6. Special Education Teacher
Education Requirement (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree): Special Education Teachers, often requiring additional teaching certification, work in schools to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavioral strategies for students with special needs. The average salary for this role is about $61,030 annually.
7. Behavioral Consultant
Education Requirement (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree): Behavioral Consultants develop and implement strategies and programs for organizations, schools, or families. They generally earn between $60,000 and $70,000 annually.
8. Case Manager
Education Requirement (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree): Case Managers coordinate care and services for individuals with behavioral or developmental issues, typically working in healthcare or social service settings. The average salary for this role is around $57,040 per year.
9. Academic Researcher or Lecturer
Education Requirement (Typically a Master’s degree, but a PhD is often preferred): Academic Researchers or Lecturers focus on teaching and conducting research in higher education institutions. Salaries in this field vary widely, with averages around $65,000.
10. Social Worker
Education Requirement (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree): Social Workers provide support and resources to individuals and families, often dealing with behavioral issues. This role typically requires additional certification and offers an average salary of approximately $51,760 per year.
What Do You Learn in an Applied Behavioral Science Program?
As you’re working toward your master’s, behavioral science courses at this level will likely cover topics such as client assessment and observation, treatment tactics and strategies, and parent/teacher collaboration and consulting.
As many behavioral analysts work in schools or with school-age children in other settings, you may also take courses that specifically focus on learning the norms and integrating behavior analysis into these environments.
How Do I Become Certified as a Behavioral Analyst?
Many specific positions in the health and human services field require certification from a professional organization before someone can practice in them. The BACB is the certifying board for behavior analysts. With this certification, you can provide behavioral analysis services as an independent practitioner.
To become certified as a behavioral analyst, you’ll need to meet a few requirements:
- Earn a master’s degree from an accredited, BACB-verified institution.
- Take the BACB-designated coursework (earning a grade of C or better).
- Complete the required amount of supervised work experience hours as outlined by the BACB.
- Pass the BACB exam.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Behavior Analyst?
The journey to becoming a behavior analyst typically involves earning a relevant undergraduate degree, followed by a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or a related field. The master’s program usually takes about two years to complete.
Additionally, to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), candidates must complete supervised fieldwork and pass the BCBA exam. Overall, the process can take approximately 6-7 years, depending on the individual’s educational background and pace of study.
Maintaining Your BCBA Certification and License
Maintaining your BCBA certification requires ongoing professional development and adherence to ethical standards. Certified behavior analysts must complete continuing education units (CEUs) regularly, as specified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Additionally, BCBAs must adhere to the BACB’s Professional and Ethical Compliance Code, ensuring that they maintain high standards of practice. Staying current with these requirements is essential for retaining certification and license validity, allowing practitioners to continue offering high-quality services.
NU’s Master’s Degree in ABA
If you’re aiming for a career as a behavioral analyst, National University offers a comprehensive master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. This program provides in-depth training in the principles of ABA, preparing you for roles in various professional settings.
It covers critical skills such as behavior assessment, intervention strategies, and ethical considerations. To explore the program further, get in touch with our admissions team, or visit the MS in Applied Behavioral Analysis program page for more information about the available courses and requirements.