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Behavior Analysis (PhD)

Please visit the program page to learn about curriculum, faculty, careers, and more! To request more information about this degree, please fill out our form. Questions? Contact admissions via email or at 617-521-2915.

How to Apply

To get started on your application, click the link below:

Already started an application for? Check your application status.

Please allow at least three business days for received documents to be reflected on your application status page.

*Please access the application through a newer version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Users will not be able to access forms through Internet Explorer 6, 7 or 8 on Windows XP.

Application Requirements

Candidates for the PhD in Behavior Analysis are required to hold a master's degree in behavior analysis or a related field. Candidates must hold BCBA certification or have significant behavior analytic coursework and/or experience in the field.

Application Checklist

  1. Completed online application form
  2. Current résumé that outlines employment and volunteer experiences
  3. Statement of purpose: 2-3 pages
    Make sure to answer all of the following items in a cohesive essay:
    • Explain your reasons for pursuing your PhD at Simmons, including what professional goals you hope to achieve after earning the degree.
    • Discuss how your background has prepared you to succeed in rigorous coursework, conducting research, and writing a doctoral dissertation.
    • Discuss your specific research interests as well as publication and presentation goals. Please also discuss the faculty members with whom you are interested in working, and why.
  4. Analytical writing sample: 10 pages maximum
    Please provide an academic or professional writing sample that demonstrates your analytical, logical, and organizational abilities.
    • Examples include: a thesis chapter, literature review, journal publication, APA-style paper from a course, or clinical report like an FBA, preferably with a functional analysis.*
  5. Three letters of recommendation
    Only letters from supervisors or academic sources will be accepted. At least one letter should be from a professor who can attest to your ability to succeed in graduate coursework.
  6. Official Transcripts
    Official transcripts are required from every college or university attended since the completion of high school, regardless of whether or not a degree was earned.

    Please note:
    The online PhD in Behavior Analysis program is only available to students residing in the United States at this time.

    Simmons alumni, please let the Admission team know if you would like us to request your Simmons transcript on your behalf by emailing [email protected].
  7. A non-refundable application fee of $80 (payable to Simmons University)
  8. Interview Candidates may be invited for an interview with admissions and the faculty in Behavior Analysis to address additional questions that both the committee and candidate may have.

As part of our holistic approach to reviewing applications, GRE scores are not required. The admission committee considers all aspects of a candidate's application, including the academic record, professional experience, recommendations, essay and analytical writing sample to evaluate preparedness and potential for success in the PhD program.

*For alternative formats to ensure access and to support varying learning profiles/styles, please consult with the Admission team at [email protected].

Application Deadlines

The following chart details the application deadlines for the Behavior Analysis Ph.D. Program

ProgramSemesterDeadline
PhD in Behavior AnalysisFallPriority: March 1

Final: June 1
PhD in Behavior AnalysisSpringOctober 25
PhD in Behavior AnalysisSummerFebruary 1

 

Can I submit my online application before all of my required materials are received?

Yes, and we encourage it! Once you submit your application, you will be able to log in to the self-service center to check the status of your application and to see if your materials have been received. Prior to submitting your application, you will not be able to check your status online.

What should I do if my recommenders did not receive an email requesting a letter?

First, suggest your recommender check her/his spam folder. Since the notifications come from an automated system, the messages often end up in spam. Not there? Contact us and we can resend the notification. You can also resend invitations from your self-service center. And, finally, recommenders are always welcome to email a recommendation letter to us. We'll be glad to manually add it to your application.

How quickly are my application materials processed?

Once you submit your application, we will look for any previously received materials to attach to your application. It usually takes 1-5 business days for our office to process and attach materials. To ensure receipt of your materials in our office, please ensure that items sent by mail are issued to the following exact address:

Simmons University
Graduate Studies Admission
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115

How long will a decision take after my application is complete?

Admission decisions on master's degree applications are generally available within 2 to 3 weeks of application completion. Doctoral candidates will be contacted with an update from the admission committee within 2 to 3 weeks of application completion, and admission decisions are generally available within 6 weeks of application completion.

Will my decision letter be emailed or mailed?

Official decision letters are issued by mail. If you notice that your application status has changed to "Decision Mailed" please allow at least one week for the letter to arrive before contacting our office.

Can I take classes before I apply?

If you are unsure about enrolling in a graduate program, or just want to advance your educational experience, all of our master's degree programs offer the option to enroll in up to two graduate-level courses (eight credits) as a non-degree student before formally applying to a program. Additional details about non-degree registration, including current course offerings, can be found on our Non-Degree Options page.

Do I need to submit the FAFSA and Simmons University Student Information Form by the priority admission deadline?

No. Students interested in applying for federal financial aid, which is awarded in the form of loans, may do so at any point by submitting the FAFSA and the Simmons University Student Information Form to the Simmons University Office of Student Financial Services. Contact their office via email or at 617-521-2001.

Upon acceptance, eligible applicants receive automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships. Most merit-based scholarships are awarded based on the overall strength of an application for admission, and no separate application is required.

Resources

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees at Simmons are updated annually each spring. They are assessed each semester based on the number of credits enrolled, the level of degree, and the particular program of study.

Health insurance

All students taking 9 or more credits are required by Massachusetts State law to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan or be covered by a health insurance plan with comparable coverage.

Non-degree enrollment option

If you are unsure about enrolling in a graduate program, or just want to advance your educational experience, non-degree study at Simmons is the best option for you. 

Contact us

Questions? Contact us via email or at 617-521-2915. We're happy to schedule visits and campus tours. 

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