Applied Behavior Analysis Opportunities
Are you interested in a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Whether you want to pursue graduate school in this field, or credentialing options as an undergraduate, UNCW Psychology has a range of opportunities available!
ABA in North Carolina
There are several unique needs and programs in place to support Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) training and practice in North Carolina. North Carolina’s children with disabilities require 300% more Behavior Analysts in the state to meet their needs.
The Behavior Analysis Certification Board credentials Behavior Analysts at the Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral levels, as well as a Registered Behavior Technician credential undergraduate students may obtain while still in school.
The North Carolina Behavior Analysis Licensure Board (NCBALB) credentials BCaBAs to work in North Carolina.
Opportunities for Undergraduate Students
Students may obtain their Registered Behavior Technician credential during and after their undergraduate education and work in local clinics with children with disabilities. The Psychology Department offers PSY 316: Applied Behavior Analysis for Behavior Technicians course, which meets the 40-hour course requirement for the RBT credential.
Students can pursue DIS or Honors Thesis opportunities with Behavior Analysis Faculty, and gain a variety of experience in basic, translational, and applied topics. Such experiences are invaluable should the student choose to pursue graduate studies in behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis faculty include Drs. Galizio, Bruce, Hughes, Pitts, Donlin, Van Camp, Cariveau, Baxter, and Williams. Faculty contacts can be found here.
Students wishing to work more independently in applied behavior analysis pursue their Masters or Doctoral degrees. As Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), former students coordinate and provide services in ABA clinics across the state and country. Those with Doctoral degrees may also pursue a career in research and academia.
Graduate Programs to Consider Next
UNCW provides both a Master's and PhD program in Applied Behavior Analysis.