Program Overview

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Introduction to the Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis

The behavior analysis graduate program at Florida Tech offers a PhD for students looking to pursue further study in this discipline. PhD graduates become behavior-analytic researchers, instructors, and practitioners. Florida Tech professors expect graduates of the behavior analysis doctorate program to approach the world from the perspective of a behaviorist; to continue to contribute to behavioral research; to inform their practice with current research findings; to obtain academic and professional positions; and to effectively manage other behavior analysts under their supervision.

Program Details

Flexible ProgramProfessional Culture

Florida Tech students include a mix of working professionals to students from around the globe seeking to obtain higher-level consultation skills. Students who choose one of Florida Tech's applied behavior analysis programs build the foundation necessary to become a well-respected professional. Students in the Behavior Analysis Ph.D. program can choose to specialize in either clinical applications of behavior analysis or organizational behavior management by conducting research in one of these areas.

Accreditation

Florida Tech's PhD program in Behavior Analysis is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board. The BACB has approved the Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork in Behavior Analysis as meeting the fieldwork requirements for the experiential component of the BCBA examination.

Dedicated Faculty

Professors in the applied behavior analysis programs are dedicated, productive researchers and practitioners with a commitment to developing the field of behavior analysis. Training the next generation of behavior analytic researchers and practitioners, the faculty is made up of Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Students receive one-on-one attention from professors who work alongside them in research and through client interaction. A close student-professor culture in the applied behavior analysis programs creates a professional environment where students are viewed as research professionals and colleagues and demonstrate competency in research, teaching, supervision, and consultation.

Research Opportunities

Florida Tech professors perform applied research outside of their teaching responsibilities working in settings such as clinical treatment or organizational consulting. Ph.D. students participate in this research, often publishing research articles in respected ABA journals. Leading training sessions for educators on classroom behavior problems and working with children and their families to provide assessment, training, and behavior therapy at the Scott Center for Autism Treatment are examples of how Florida Tech's applied behavior analysis programs provide real-world experience.

Facilities & Resources

The School of Psychology houses classrooms, human research areas, observation and treatment rooms, computer facilities, two conference rooms, and a student workroom/lounge. In addition, the Scott Center for Autism Treatment is located directly on Florida Tech's campus providing real-world experience and research with children with autism and related disorders. The Society for Performance Management and Behavior Analysis Student Association are also available resources for students in applied behavior analysis programs.

Career Options

Though behavior analysts are often best known for advances in autism treatment and support, the field offers a variety of options for graduates with a PhD in behavior analysis. Alumni of Florida Tech behavior analysis programs reside around the world, working in businesses, schools, clinics, residential treatment centers, group homes, and private practice.

• Private practice as a certified ABA providing early intervention services to children with autism
• ABA in a school district assisting teachers to manage students with problem behavior
• ABA in a group home
• ABA consultant to companies focusing on improving employee performance
• ABA internal consultant to improve employee performance
• Program manager or director of specialized school
• ABA for state or federal government

Applied Behavior Analysis Training at the Doctoral Level

The mission of Florida Tech's applied behavior analysis training is to develop PhD behavior-analytic practitioners and consultants who have obtained their BCBA certification and contribute to behavioral research and practice.

Research Areas

Applied behavior analysis training at the doctoral level includes participation in a high-degree of behavior-based research projects under the mentorship of a faculty member. Many professors are published authors and experts on many facets of applied behavior analysis, such as:

• Behavioral economics
• Token economies
• Self-management
• Sports psychology
• Organizational behavior management

Portfolio of Published Articles

Outside of research, ABA students often publish research in respected ABA journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, and Behavioral Interventions. Organizations and research centers located both on and off campus help students delve deeper into applied behavior analysis training, such as:

• The Society for Performance Management Designed to facilitate up-to-date information on the newest research and practices performed by professionals in the field.
• Behavior Analysis Student Association MS and PhD students who meet regularly to discuss topics in behavior analysis and hold an annual conference on the field.
• The Scott Center for Autism Treatment Specializes in working with children with autism and related disorders.
• Florida Tech Continuing Education Professional development courses and certification programs online.