Behavior Analysis (PhD)
Description
The PhD program in Behavior Analysis is a 48-credit online doctoral program designed to train and position qualified behavior analysts to make significant contributions to science and the practice of behavior analysis. The overall mission of the Doctoral Program in the Department of Behavior Analysis at Simmons University is the shaping of future leaders in behavior analysis. Expectations for students within the doctoral program include developing competencies related to: Science; basic principles; clinical application; research; dissemination; diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB); teaching/supervision; and ethics. These skills will be acquired through a variety of settings in the doctoral program from the classroom, to lab, to hands-on experimental practice. Prior to graduation, each doctoral candidate must demonstrate all of these skills, as measured by the program objectives.
Requirements for Entry into Program
Candidates must have a Master's degree or higher in Behavior Analysis, or a related field (e.g., Psychology, Health Science, and Special Education). Candidates must also meet one of the following criteria: (1) Be licensed and/or certified in the country where they clinically practice, (2) Have 2 years of experience in the following practice areas: Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Organizational Behavior Management, Animal Training, Translational Research, Behavioral Medicine. Research experience is preferred. Additional requirements include official transcripts from all coursework completed since high school, three letters of recommendation, a résumé, a statement of purpose, an analytical writing sample, and an interview.
*Please note that the PhD program at Simmons is an online degree-seeking program. We welcome both domestic and international applicants to apply as long as said applicant is eligible based on the criteria detailed above. The PhD program is not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship, and does not yield in eligibility for the BCBA® exam.
Degree Requirements
This program requires 48 credit hours, 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 may enroll on either a full- or part-time basis beginning in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.
Required Cognate Courses
| DABA 634 | Group Design and Statistical Analysis | 4 |
| DABA 630 | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | 4 |
| DABA 633 | Advanced Single Subject Design | 4 |
| DABA 601 | History of Behavior Analysis | 4 |
| DABA 632 | Diversity and Advanced Professional Practice Issues for Behavior Analysts | 4 |
| DABA 640 | Dissemination | 4 |
Special Topics Courses
[Three courses required.]
| DABA 661 | Complex Stimulus Control | 4 |
| DABA 610 | Verbal Behavior | 4 |
| DABA 662 | Behavioral Analysis in Higher Education | 4 |
| DABA 660 | Organizational Behavior Management and Consultation | 4 |
| DABA 625 | Advanced Functional Assessment & Analysis | 4 |
| DABA 635 | Behavioral Medicine | 4 |
Dissertation Lab Courses
[12 Credits Required, minimum.]