Best Applied Behavior Analysis Programs

Many individuals with an online bachelor’s in applied behavior analysis become certified assistant behavioral analysts, working under the direction of a graduate-level psychologist or behavior analyst to conduct assessments or implement treatment plans. But the degree can lead to a variety of career opportunities where understanding why people act in a certain way can inform business decisions. Examples include market research analysts and human resources positions.

The skills gained from studying applied behavior analysis can also prepare students for careers as mental health professionals, clinical social workers, or school counselors. Many of these careers require state-specific licensing, graduate-level education, and/or supervised counseling experience.

Maintaining your assistant behavior analyst certification and state license requires ongoing continuing education. You can also continue your education with a graduate degree in applied behavior analysis, psychology, or counseling. Master’s and doctoral degrees increase career opportunities and allow you to specialize in a specific type of counseling or behavioral science.

Earning a graduate degree in applied behavior analysis or counseling often requires 2-3 years of additional coursework. Becoming a clinical psychologist or mental health counselor also includes rigorous licensing requirements and practical experience working with patients through an internship or residency. The BLS projects 8% growth in the employment of psychologists from 2020-2030. Psychologists earned a median annual salary of $81,040 in May 2021, according to the BLS.

Salaries vary depending on a person’s education, experience, and location. Other factors impacting pay include a professional’s certification and industry. According to Payscale, assistants earn between $36,000 and $82,000. Behavioral analysis assistants work with healthcare providers, in schools, and with social assistance organizations. Skills that can increase earning potential include case management and clinical supervision experience.

The BLS does not provide occupation-specific data for assistant applied behavior analysts, which is a new field within behavioral health. However, data for substance misuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors suggests that Utah offers the highest average pay for these professionals, followed by Alaska.

A bachelor’s in applied behavior analysis builds skills in human behavior that can increase a professional’s earning potential and lead to a wide variety of career paths. Graduates can work as human resources specialists, for instance. These professionals recruit job applicants, conduct interviews, and review compensation and benefits programs to retain employees. Human resources specialists reported a median salary of $62,290 per year in May 2021, and the BLS projects 10% growth in employment from 2020-2030.

Graduates with this degree also have skills that can help companies make important business decisions or identify marketing opportunities. The BLS reports market research analysts earned a median salary of $63,920 in May 2021, with a projected 22% increase in employment from 2020-2030.