Behavior analysts are professionals who apply the science of learning and behavior to change behavior, teach skills, and improve outcomes. By assessing the environment, they identify factors that influence behavior. They then develop interventions to change behavior to reach goals, learn new skills, and increase quality of life.
To practice as a behavior analyst, you must earn a master's degree and meet the clinical credentials and regulatory requirements to practice in your area of expertise. You can choose from a variety of career paths. You may work with people, animals, organizations, or communities, and conduct research or provide clinical services. In applied settings, you often oversee caseloads and supervise and train clinical staff.
Where Do Behavior Analysts Work?
Behavior analysts work in a wide range of clinical, educational, and research practice areas:
- Education: Many work with neurodiverse children, including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, acquired brain injury, and ADHD.
- Research and Academia: Some behavior analysts contribute to the literature and advance science by conducting and publishing research that advances the field as a whole.
Other areas include behavioral gerontology; animal training; organizational behavior management; staff training; public health and clinical services; and health, sports, and fitness. They work closely with them to improve communication, social, academic, and daily living skills.
Some behavior analysts pursue advanced degrees, such as a PhD. These advanced credentials open opportunities for teaching, research, and leadership roles in the field. To explore the full breadth of the field, you can browse the Special Interest Groups through the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
