Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A behavior analyst is concerned with improving and understanding human behavior (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007). A behavior analyst uses direct observation and experimentation to find causes for desired and undesired behaviors. Behavior analysts design strategies to alter socially significant behavior by changing existing behaviors, teaching new behaviors, teaching what behaviors are appropriate to use in different situations, and consistently evaluating the effectiveness of their behavioral interventions. To learn more about the criterion for judging research and practice in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as well as the scope of work in the science, see Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968/1987).

A behavior analyst is Board Certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) after passing the BCBA certification exam. To sit for the exam, a candidate must apply to the BACB® providing evidence of having a minimum of a master's degree, completion of 270 classroom hours of graduate level instruction in the specified content areas established by the BACB®, and accumulated supervised experience hours that meet the BACB® standards. For more specific information regarding the certification process, visit the BACB home page.

The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (MS-ABA) program at California State University, Northridge has been approved by the BACB® to meet the course work requirements.

The career options of behavior analysts are limitless since the research, scope and practice of behavior analysts vary tremendously (see Association for Behavioral Analysts International website for various special interests). Many behavior analysts also hold licenses in clinical psychology, psychiatry, educational psychology and more. Depending on state funds and regulations, behavior analysts work with people of all ages (i.e., from early childhood to geriatrics) and in any setting (e.g., home, school, hospital, residential facility, rehabilitation center, research lab or a place of business). Behavior analysts may directly work or consult with organizations or programs.

Despite the age of client, setting and/or scope, the typical work of a BCBA includes:

1. Interview and learn more about target behaviors of client(s);
2. Conduct direct and indirect assessments and analysis of behavior(s);
3. Propose strategies for behavior change based on assessment results and knowledge of effective treatment plans for similar issues;
4. Implement the intervention;
5. Collect data before and during the intervention;
6. Evaluate effectiveness of behavioral intervention;
7. Make modifications if necessary and plan for maintenance and generalization.   

Since behavior analysis covers a broad scope, according to BACB® Guidelines for Responsible Conduct, behavior analysts must:

• (1.02a) Provide services, teach, and conduct research only within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience, or appropriate professional experience.
• (1.03) Behavior analysts who engage in assessment, therapy, teaching, research, organization consulting, or other professional activities maintain a reasonable level of awareness of current scientific and professional information in their fields of activity, and undertake ongoing efforts to maintain competence in the skills they use by reading the appropriate literature, attending conferences and conventions, participating in workshops, and/or obtaining Behavior Analyst Certification Board® certification.

The demand for well-trained Board Certified Behavior Analysts is very high and continues to grow every year. Salaries for behavior analysts will vary depending on the geographic location, employment setting and the type of work performed within that setting.

The following resources provide information on average expected earnings, employment opportunities and workforce demand:

• California Association for Behavior Analysis website
• International Association for Behavior Analysis website
• Behavior Analyst Workforce-Demand Report released by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board®
• Professional Employment Survey released by the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts

Behavior analysts work with people of all ages, from early childhood to geriatrics, and in multiple settings such as homes, schools, hospitals, residential facilities, rehabilitation centers, research labs and places of business.

The scope of Applied Behavior Analysis includes, but is not limited to:

• Developmental disabilities (e.g. Autism, Mental Retardation)
• Severe problems (e.g. Schizophrenia)
• Anxiety
• Parenting
• Marital conflict
• Gerontology
• Behavioral medicine
• Sexual dysfunction
• Addiction
• Crime and delinquency
• School, classroom and organizational management

You should pursue this certification if you enjoy working directly with clients and organizations or see yourself consulting with schools and businesses. Many interested candidates of this program have been exposed to the field because they have worked under the supervision of clinical directors and/or BCBA’s carrying out behavioral plans with children who have special needs in the client’s home or school. BCBA’s are trained to make effective change in the lives of their clients and those involved in the clients’ lives, therefore, BCBA’s are marketable and in high demand.