Explore Your ABA Career Options/ABA Career Salaries
If you are looking for a career helping people, want to be assured of finding a job, while making a reasonable living, consider a degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the systematic use of reinforcement to improve the quality of life. ABA has evolved over nearly 100 years of scientific research, which has firmly established ABA as an “evidence based” approach to improving communication, learning and appropriate social behavior of children and adults diagnosed with intellectual/psychiatric disorders, typically developing children in public schools, environmental sustainability in recycling and energy conservation, and even safety in the workplace and on the roads.
ABA is most commonly recognized as the “Gold Standard” treatment for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but is also regularly applied to many other challenging behaviors, including conduct problems, learning challenges, disorders of self-regulation.
What Degree Do I Need?
Upon first glance, it can be tricky to sort out the alphabet soup of career options in the field of behavior analysis. The following is a very brief review of career paths, titles and educational requirements. Much more information can be found at Endicott College's web site.
Undergraduate Degree in ABA
ABA therapist: ABA therapists usually work one-on-one with children with autism spectrum disorder, using various evidence based strategies to help their clients develop social and life skills. Education required varies according to employer, but most require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field of study.
Job prospects for ABA therapists are quite strong.
Master’s Degree in ABA
Applied Behavior Analyst: To become an Applied Behavior Analyst, you will need to complete a master’s degree program. Twenty six states, including Massachusetts, now require all practicing ABA analysts be a Licensed Behavior Analyst. To find out the requirements for ABA licensure in your state, visit http://bacb.com/licensure-regulation/
There are several ABA degree path options that are designed to help you develop skills around your particular interests. Job prospects are very strong for graduates with a master’s degree in ABA; recent studies showed over 90 percent employment rate, with salaries ranging from $40,000 - $80,000 depending on where you work.
Which ABA Program to Choose?
If you are interested now or may in the future be interested in working in a school setting, consider an ABA and Special Education program. While this degree requires a few more classes than a traditional ABA M.Ed. program, it also allows you the greatest flexibility in terms of work setting. Graduates can work in private practice, or in public schools as Special Education Teachers, lead classroom teachers, or consultants.
If your passion is working with individuals diagnosed with ASD, an M.Ed. in Autism and ABA is for you. This program allows you a truly in-depth understanding of the science and best practices for working with autistic populations.
If you know you want to work in a private practice setting, an M.Ed. in ABA is a great option. With this degree, you may work with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, but could also pursue work in any number of other special interest areas, such as health, sports, business, criminal justice, or with military populations.
Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
This degree is for those who have a master’s in ABA or a related field and want to go on to leadership positions, teaching at the university level and/or conducting research as scientist-practitioners involving business and industry, developmental disabilities (including autism), education, and public policy.
The intangible rewards
Most behavior analysts also report feeling pride and accomplishment in changing the lives of others for the better. This profession allows individuals to impact the lives of people in life altering ways, teach significant others to have more effective and meaningful interactions with clients, and make the world a better place. ABA is an up and coming field, with new applications of the science being innovatively tried each day, and with a world of promise ahead for young professionals choosing this field of study.
