Behavior Analysis (PhD)

How to Apply

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Application Requirements

Candidates eligible for admission should meet the following requirements:

• A conferred master’s degree or higher in Behavior Analysis or a related field (i.e., Psychology, Health Science, and Special Education)
• The candidate must meet one of the following criteria:
  • Must be licensed and/or certified (or eligible for licensure and/or certification, including experience hours and coursework requirements) in the country where they clinically practice 
  • 2 years of experience in the following practice areas:
    • Experimental Analysis of Behavior
    • Organizational Behavior Management
    • Animal training
    • Translational research
    • Behavioral Medicine
• Research experience is preferred

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.^*
   • Non-examples include: a client behavior plan, a clinical meeting note, a writing sample in which most of the content was authored by a coauthor.*
5. Three letters of recommendationOnly letters from supervisors or academic sources will be accepted. At least one letter should be from a professor from a graduate course who can attest to your ability to succeed in doctoral-level coursework** (Note: Mentors or experiential learning supervisors do not meet the requirements for an academic letter of recommendation).
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].

**If an applicant cannot obtain an academic reference, please consult with the Admission team at [email protected]. Applicants should include a supplemental statement providing additional information regarding the matter.

Application Deadlines

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

If you are interested in applying after the final deadline, please contact [email protected] to discuss options.

Priority Deadline applicants benefit from an earlier admission decision. Additionally, Priority Deadline applicants are eligible to receive an application fee waiver. Please contact [email protected] to receive the application fee waiver code.