Build a Career in Behavior Analysis
Rigorous curriculum, immersive learning, and excellent outcomes
Join Simmons University, a community where you use research and evidence-based practices to enhance lives and prepare for a fulfilling career as a behavior analyst. As an MS or EdS student, you build skills through a faculty-supervised thesis research project. In the PhD program, you join a doctoral lab and work with your faculty advisor to design, conduct, interpret, and share research.
Generous scholarships are available.
Priority Application Deadlines
- October 15 | Start Term: Spring 2027
- February 15 | Start Term: Summer 2027
- May 1 | Start Term: Fall 2027
Simmons Behavior Analysis at a Glance
1st
Accredited Program in New England
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%
Job Market 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.
Find Your Behavior Analysis Path
- Launch Your Career in Behavior Analysis On Campus (Boston campus): Master of Science/EdS
Become a scientist-practitioner through rigorous coursework, clinical training, and supervised research. You'll benefit from a strong regional job market and local networks for practicum, research, and career opportunities. - Launch Your Behavior Analysis Career Online: Master of Science (Online)
Prepare for behavior analysis roles through flexible, fully online synchronous and asynchronous coursework. You'll develop assessment and intervention techniques for clinical roles. - Advance into Research and Leadership Roles: PhD in Behavior Analysis (Online)
Advance your clinical, research, and leadership skills. Conduct original research with faculty and learn advanced behavior analytic processes to address complex challenges.
Your Behavior Analysis Experience at Simmons
Gain expertise in experimental and applied behavior analysis through coursework and supervised research. You'll prepare for clinical and leadership roles in diverse settings, including education, supervision, staff training, and animal behavior.
Program Highlights
- Experiential Learning
Build your research and clinical skills to become a scientist-practitioner. In the MS and EdS programs, you'll plan and conduct thesis research and complete at least 90 supervised experiential learning hours as part of your practicum. In the PhD program, you'll join a research lab each term and work closely with a faculty advisor to conduct research. - Accreditation
Our campus-based and online MS programs are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board. The degree and coursework meet the requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination under Pathway 1 (accredited program). Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
A Note From Our Faculty
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
Upcoming Information Sessions
Get started by meeting our expert faculty and staff at an information session.
