Applied behavior analysis

Have you ever tried to break a bad habit? Studies suggest that relying on will power is not an effective strategy. Instead, using strategies to alter the environment within which we make decisions has a far more powerful effect on what we do. Part of the explanation for this is that many of our actions are habitual rather than conscious. That means we do them almost without thinking. Using the thinking brain to change what we do subconsciously is, unsurprisingly, quite difficult.

Social psychologist Wendy Wood used a research technique known as experience sampling to find out what percentage of people’s actions are habitual as opposed to consciously done. Participants recorded their actions over 2 days. Her findings indicated that our actions are habitual 43% of the time.

“All our life, so far as it has definite form, is but a mass of habits—practical, emotional, and intellectual—bearing us irresistibly toward our destiny.” William James

What is applied behavior analysis?

Applied behavior analysis (ABA), also called behavioral engineering, is a therapeutic technique for modifying human and animal behavior. It is carried out using psychological principles related to learning. ABA can be used to understand behavior and how it is influenced by environment. The most important task of an applied behavior analyst is to increase desirable and helpful behavior and decrease harmful or undesirable behavior.

ABA is mainly known as a treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and is currently the only evidence-based therapy for the treatment of behavioral issues associated with ASD.

ABA is also used for treating:

• dementia
• eating disorders
• anger management issues
• cognitive impairment
• anxiety
• panic disorders
• substance abuse
• obsessive-compulsive disorder
• borderline personality disorder
• phobias
• consequences of brain injury

Behavior analysts study:

• how reinforcement processes strengthen new behavior
• how we make choices
• where addictions come from
• how impulsivity and self-control work
• how we choose and form new behavior
• what makes us discriminate and generalize

As a form of therapy, ABA:

• can be adapted to suit everyone
• can be provided at home, at school, and in the community
• teaches skills that are useful in everyday life

The primary strategy in ABA is to use positive reinforcement for achieving meaningful behavior change.

What do applied behavior analysts do?

How to become a behavior analyst

In the U.S., the profession of behavior analysis is becoming increasingly regulated. As of 2022, 33 states have passed legislation to regulate behavior analysts. In addition to specific state requirements,  the 2 main credentials available are:

• Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Bachelor’s degree

Earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step towards becoming an ABA therapist, also known as an applied behavior analyst. Majoring in psychology or counseling provides excellent preparation for future studies in this field. Some colleges and universities offer courses or a major in ABA. With a bachelor’s degree in ABA, you can apply for licensure as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).

Majoring in ABA

ABA bachelor’s programs usually provide an interdisciplinary approach combining education, special education, psychology, and applied behavior sciences.

Examples of courses you may take as part of a bachelor’s degree in ABA:

• cognitive psychology
• advanced behavior supports
• ABA methods, procedures, and tools
• contemporary social problems and the workplace
• ethical, professional practice in behavior analysis
• psychological assessment
• behavior analysis processes for behavior change
• teaching and positive behavioral support in autism

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam

If you’d like to practice in the field with a bachelor’s degree, look for programs that include fieldwork experience and coursework required to sit the the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam.

The BCaBA is an undergraduate-level certification in behavior analysis.

The BCaBA is an undergraduate-level certification in behavior analysis.

BCaBA-level certified behavior analysts can provide behavior analysis under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Look for programs with:

• curriculums from the BACB’s Verified Course Sequence (VCS) list; or
• programs with Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accreditation

You can qualify to take the BCaBA exam without completing a program that meets these requirements, but it would need to be individually evaluated by the BACB to make sure it meets the board’s standards.

Majoring in other fields

If you choose a different major altogether, the following undergraduate electives may be beneficial for future graduate studies in ABA:

• cognitive psychology
• memory and learning
• psychological assessment
• lifespan development
• professional and ethical standards
• behavior intervention and support
• personality development

Gaining work or volunteer experience in behavior analysis or another helping profession could benefit your application to a master’s program in ABA.

Master’s degree

To become an independent practitioner of ABA, you commonly require a master’s degree in the field. A master’s in ABA may be structured as either a master of arts (M.A.) or a master of science (M.S.). Since both types of programs are aimed at preparing students to complete the required supervised field work and sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination, there usually aren’t significant curriculum differences between the 2.

A master’s degree in ABA provides a foundation for meeting the proficiencies mandated by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

The curriculum and number of credits required to complete a master’s program vary widely depending on your school and specialization. However, a typical master’s program in ABA includes courses in:

• ethical and professional conduct
• BACB compliance
• concepts and principles of behavior analysis
• experimental design
• philosophical concepts and principles
• identification of the problem and assessment
• behavior assessment
• behavior change procedures and interventions
• measurement, data display, and interpretation
• implementation, management, and supervision

The coursework is usually structured towards students passing the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination upon graduation, with an aim towards becoming a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). In many states, holding the BCBA credential automatically qualifies candidates for state licensure.

Board Certified Behavior Analysts are eligible to supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts and other lower-level professionals in the field.

Practicum

A practicum involves learning to apply this therapy safely and ethically, under the supervision of a licensed BCBA. Fieldwork may make up almost half of the credits in an ABA master’s program. Some schools provide a practicum location, while others require you to find your own placement. During a practicum, you provide client services just as you would after certification.

Your practicum can take place in various settings, including schools and inpatient or outpatient mental health services. Regardless of the location, you’ll be gaining experience in the responsibilities of an ABA position.

Ph.D.

Doctoral training in behavior analysis makes practitioners eligible for Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) certification. The BCBA-D designation does not grant any privileges beyond master’s-level BCBA certification.

This program is primarily research-oriented. Students who pursue this path are likely seeking roles as professors, researchers, or clinical directors rather than seeking to advance their clinical expertise in ABA.

Financial aid

Financial aid is vital for many students. Eligibility may depend on where your university is located, what you’re studying, how long the program is, how much you can afford yourself, and how many scholarships or grants you’re awarded. Fill in the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) form as soon as possible to find out what you’re eligible for.

Accredited programs

It is important to choose an ABA program that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). If you want to pursue a career in ABA, you should also look out for courses that meet the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) requirement. ABAI awards courses a VCS if they meet the criteria for specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards.

Programs receive approval in 3 ways:

1. as part of the curriculum included in a master’s degree program in education, psychology, or behavior analysis
2. as a graduate certificate earned concurrent with a master’s degree in education, psychology, or behavior analysis
3. as a stand-alone post-graduate certificate program available to those who already hold a master’s or doctorate in education, psychology or behavior analysis

An institution may offer a VCS embedded within a degree program, as a stand-alone sequence (certificate program), or both. A VCS may offer coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level. Some programs can choose to separate VCS programs by master’s and doctoral-level coursework.

Careers in applied behavior analysis

ABA is now a mandated service covered in most states. Certified analysts are greatly sought after across the nation and the demand is increasing fast. The demand for certified behavior analysts has increased each year since 2010, with an 80% increase from 2018 to 2019.