Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis
- Chicago, IL
- Full-Time, Part-Time
- 3 years full time or 5 years part time
The post-master’s Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis program provides students with a solid foundation in the science and application of behavior analysis. Promoting an interdisciplinary and translational approach to clinical practice through the integration of theory and practice, the program expands knowledge by strengthening students’ research, clinical, and leadership skills.
The aim of the program is to prepare students for a rewarding career in the rapidly growing field of behavior analysis. Doctoral graduates are prepared to become lead practitioners and researchers in educational, clinical, and business settings who can successfully respond to the diverse needs of consumers in behavioral interventions and therapies. Graduates will also develop the skills necessary to teach and mentor students of behavior analysis in university settings.
Distinctive Academic Program Features
One key aspect that separates this program from competitors is the concentration in organizational behavior management. Additional benefits of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology community include:
- Alignment with Association for Behavior Analysis International standards
- A deeper emphasis on preparation for multicultural practice
Career Outcomes
The ideal student for this program is a master’s-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) who wishes to advance their career to become a BCBA-D® as a practitioner, supervisor, or academician with an emphasis on behavior analytic research. Career possibilities may include:
- University professors and researchers
- Organizational consultants
- Supervisors
- Program directors
- Expert practitioners in educational, clinical, organizational, and other settings
- Consultants or staff at learning centers or schools
- Consultants or staff at residential facilities for adults with developmental disabilities
Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis: Chicago Student Experience
The Chicago Campus provides students an opportunity to immerse themselves into a culturally diverse city with nearly unlimited academic resources as well as excellent networking opportunities. Chicago is also home to some of the nation’s finest dining, entertainment, museums, and other activities.
At our flagship campus, The Chicago School has demonstrated a continued commitment to a diverse student population and expanding mental health services to multicultural and underserved communities.
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PA 602: Advanced Professional Development (1 credit)
This course provides a forum for students to explore issues of professional and career development in behavior analysis while orienting to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and its institutional policies and procedures. Students plan for their progression through the applied behavior analysis program, receiving regular advisement and reviewing the program specific policies and procedures, including the process for completing the comprehensive projects and dissertation.
PA 608: Clinical Supervision (3 credits)
In this course, students will learn how to supervise behavior analysts and other practitioners. Topics include supervising direct care staff, teachers, and parents; professional development and training; in-home and school consulting; and competency-based staff training. Ethical issues associated with supervision as a behavior analyst will also be discussed.
PA 610: Organizational Behavior Management (3 credits)
Organizational behavior management is the application of principles and tactics from behavior analysis to the management of performance in organizational settings. In addition to the foundations of organizational behavior management, we will cover advanced issues in organizational behavior management such as behavioral systems analysis, behavior-based safety, goal setting and feedback topics.
PA 756: Dissertation Development I (1 credit)
In this course, students meet regularly with their dissertation chair to monitor the ongoing progress of their dissertations. Specific deadlines are set for identifying a topic, creating an outline, and beginning a literature review and method section.
For information on where The Chicago School of Professional Psychology meets, does not meet, or has not determined if the program meets licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit: https://staging.thechicagoschool.edu/admissions/licensure-disclosures/
Application to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Ph.D. Behavior Analysis program is open to any person who has earned a master’s degree as specified below from a regionally accredited institution and who meets other entrance requirements.
The school admits applicants whom it judges to possess sufficient academic aptitude, as well as the emotional and social maturity to function effectively as a professional behavior analyst. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to engage in graduate work.
Admission requirements:
- Completed application form
- Nonrefundable application fee ($50)
- A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and hold a current Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BCBA®) certification in good standing, or be eligible to sit for the BCBA® credentialing examination
- Applicants must submit official transcripts from school where the qualifying degree was earned. It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all schools where credit was received to enhance their applications
- GPA from undergraduate and graduate schools; An undergraduate or graduate GPA of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission to the school’s Behavior Analysis doctoral program
- Relevant work history
- Admission essay
- 3 letters of recommendation
Optional Fieldwork Requirements
The generalist concentration allows students to enroll in two internship electives that provide a total of 300 hours that focus on organization subcultures and cultural discrepancies.
The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will help provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.