Program Overview
Simmons University's online PhD in Behavior Analysis program trains students to conduct experimental research and make significant contributions to the field. The program offers a flexible schedule, hands-on learning through lab meetings, and opportunities for collaboration with faculty and peers. Graduates are eligible for the BCBA-D® credential and are prepared for careers in research, education, and clinical work.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The PhD in Behavior Analysis program at Simmons University is a 48-credit program designed to train and position qualified behavior analysts to make significant contributions to the science and practice of behavior analysis. The program is offered fully online with live classes, providing access to students across the country. The program focuses on developing skills required to design, conduct, and interpret experimental research. Students are immersed in faculty research through lab meetings and have opportunities to conduct and publish their own research.
Outline:
- Program Structure: The program requires 48 semester hours of coursework, including six (6) cognate courses, three (3) special topics courses, and twelve (12) dissertation lab credits, in addition to writing and defending a dissertation. Students can enroll on a full- or part-time basis and can start in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
- Course Schedule: The program is self-paced, and most students work full-time while taking two classes per semester (generally a course and a lab enrollment). Students can graduate in 4-7 years.
- Cognate Courses:
- DABA634 Group Design and Statistical Analysis (4 credits)
- DABA630 Experimental Analysis of Behavior (4 credits)
- DABA633 Advanced Single Subject Design (4 credits)
- DABA601 History of Behavior Analysis (4 credits)
- DABA632 Diversity and Advanced Professional Practice Issues for Behavior Analysts (4 credits)
- DABA640 Dissemination (4 credits)
- DABA690 Dissertation (1 credit)
- DABA699 Dissertation Extension (0 credits)
- Special Topics Courses:
- DABA661 Complex Stimulus Control (4 credits)
- DABA610 Verbal Behavior (4 credits)
- DABA662 Behavioral Analysis in Higher Education (4 credits)
- DABA660 Organizational Behavior Management and Consultation (4 credits)
- DABA625 Advanced Functional Assessment & Analysis (4 credits)
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including online lectures, discussions, and group projects.
- Faculty: The program is taught by a team of nationally renowned faculty members who are experts in their fields.
- Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on learning through lab meetings and research opportunities. Students are also encouraged to collaborate with faculty and peers on research projects.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in behavior analysis, including:
- Research
- Education
- Academia
- Advocacy
- Clinical work
- Opportunities: Graduates are eligible to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Doctoral® (BCBA-D®) credential.
- Outcomes: Graduates have assumed impactful leadership roles in a variety of settings.
Other:
- Collaboration: The program benefits from decades-long professional collaboration between behavior analysis department faculty and discipline-specific clinical and research organizations in New England and beyond.
- Clinical Research: Prominent clinical and research groups in the field welcome the opportunity to collaborate in clinical research with Behavior Analysis PhD students.
- Teaching Experience: Students have the opportunity to gain experience in the field of academia by working as Simmons University Department of Behavior Analysis teacher’s assistants, course instructors, and tutors for the Master of Science (MS) and Educational Specialist (EdS) degree programs in behavior analysis.
- Lab Meetings: Each faculty member hosts a weekly lab meeting where students discuss research progress, problems, and insights. Methodologies of behavior analytic research and important experimental results from behavior analytic literature are also discussed.
