Behavior Analysis Programs
Change Behavior. Change Lives.
At Simmons, you’ll join a behavior analytic community grounded in research and evidence-based practice that uses the science of behavior to improve lives. Our campus-based MS degree program and our online MS degree program are both accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board and meet the degree and coursework eligibility requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam (Pathway 1). Our rigorous curriculum and expert faculty prepare you to become a scientist-practitioner, developing clinical and research skills for a variety of behavior-analytic roles post-graduation.
Choose Your Pathway
- Master of Science/EdS (On-Campus)
The on-campus MS program prepares you to become a behavior analytic scientist-practitioner through rigorous coursework, clinical training, and supervised research experience. Located in Boston, you’ll benefit from a robust regional job market and a network of local ABA providers, clinical partners, and alumnae/i leaders, opening doors to rewarding practicum placements, research opportunities, and post-graduation careers in high-demand settings.
- Master of Science (Online)
This program prepares you to work in the field of behavior analysis through flexible, fully online, synchronous, and asynchronous coursework. You’ll develop an understanding of the science and learn assessment and intervention techniques to prepare you for clinical roles post-graduation.
- PhD in Behavior Analysis (Online)
This program prepares experienced behavior analysts to advance their clinical, research, and leadership skills. You’ll work with faculty to design and conduct original research to further the science, while learning advanced behavior analytic processes to address complex clinical, organizational, and societal behavior.
"We have the wonderful privilege of teaching students the science of behavior, and helping them become scientist-practitioners who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the field in clinical and research roles post graduation."
— Gretchen Dittrich, PhD, Associate Professor, Chair of the Behavior Analysis Department, and Director of the Master’s Program
Simmons Behavior Analysis at a Glance
1st
Accredited Program
Our campus-based MS in Behavior Analysis program was the first master's program in New England to be accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board.
28%
Growth
The US demand from 2024–25 for employees credentialed as a BCBA® or BCBA-D® rose 28%.
5
Semester Program
40-credit MS program completed over five semesters, with evening and online classes to allow flexibility for working students.
Comprehensive Training in Behavior Analysis
As a Simmons Behavior Analysis student, you will build a strong foundation in experimental and applied behavior analysis, including assessment, ethics, research, and behavior-change methods. Through a combination of coursework and supervised research, you’ll prepare for clinical and leadership roles post-graduation while exploring how behavior analysis is used across a variety of clinical and research settings, such as education, supervision, staff training, and animal behavior.
A Hands-on Approach
Simmons’ Practicum program pairs MS/EdS students with a faculty thesis research advisor, who supports students as they plan, carry out, analyze outcomes, write up, and defend their thesis research project. Before beginning practicum, you’ll complete a Practicum Orientation course that prepares you to start your research. Each practicum course is four credits (8 total), and you’ll complete 90 hours of supervised experiential learning at a University-approved Practicum site. Throughout the experience, you’ll learn research ethics, empirical methods, and data analysis, and work to further a line of behavior analytic research under the supervision of your thesis committee.
