College of Arts & Sciences

PhD in Behavior Analysis

Advancing Research & Practice in Behavior Analysis

This world-renowned program was developed in response to the increasing demand for scientists and practitioners of evidence-based methods for the education and treatment of individuals with autism and related disabilities. The PhD program in Behavior Analysis at Western New England University will give you the skills to fill this void and become a leading voice in the field. Through a combination of coursework and supervised practical and research experiences, the aim of the Department of Psychology is to train researchers and scientist-practitioners in the discovery, translation, and application of knowledge toward solving human behavior problems of societal importance. Our graduates have gone on to contribute critical research to the field and work in a variety of clinical and academic settings.

Why Choose the PhD in Behavior Analysis?

One of the strengths of the program is our partnership with the prestigious New England Center for Children to offer this program to staff with faculty on their campus. The Center, located in Southborough, MA, is home to a school for over 250 children with autism and includes a faculty of over 1000 educators. The Center provides state-of-the-art education for children with autism and related disorders. Student funding and support are available for this program.

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What to Expect

“As soon as I started the program, it felt like a great match. Some of the benefits of the graduate program, for one, are that it is very accessible. I think a lot of people struggle with the decision to work full-time or go to school full-time, and it’s nice that you can have both here.”–Gianna Davino

What Will You Study?

Students are expected to complete 54 credit hours with at least 27 of those hours being seminars (the remaining 27 may be dissertation credit, behavior analysis practica, and additional elective seminars). Courses will be offered in three of the four 11-week terms scheduled by the Western New England University Graduate Program (Fall, Winter, and Spring terms).

Students are expected to enroll in 7 total credits in three of the four terms in each of the initial two years of the program. Students are expected to enroll in a total of 4 credits in three of the four terms in the third year of the program. Students not finished with the program by the end of the third year register for 1 credit of dissertation continuance in all subsequent years until completion of all degree requirements.

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Top Five Reasons to Choose The Behavior Analysis Doctoral Program

Widely Published Faculty and Graduates

Your research is guided by a faculty advisor and committee members who routinely publish high-quality articles. Our faculty members have published over 400 peer-reviewed articles, with 100 being published in the last five years. On average, 90% of graduates have published at least one paper from a program requirement; more than half publish more than one.

PhD Publications

Connection to Leading Experts in Behavior Analysis

You will consistently interact with leaders in our field and fellow behavior analysts conducting original research at various sites throughout southern New England. Six-yearly research colloquia allow for students and faculty to discuss ongoing research. Fifteen yearly practicum meetings allow for access to a diverse group of practitioners for reflection on practice and provide faculty and peer support of progress towards professional and scholarship goals.

Breadth of Scholarship Opportunities

The coursework and scholarship represent all branches of the field: conceptual, basic, applied, and practice. You will study learning and problems of behavior in general, while having strength in developing a better understanding of autism.

Preparation to Contribute to Behavior Analysis Knowledge

Program requirements are geared towards developing professionals who will contribute to the behavior analytic knowledge base through teaching, presenting, writing, publishing, reviewing, and disseminating. Dissertation and review paper format requirements are designed to facilitate the submission of student work for publication.

Our Graduates Become Tomorrow’s Behavior Analysis Leaders

Our doctoral candidates work as faculty, consultants, and directors in a variety of settings, including universities, schools, and hospitals.

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