Online Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis

Individuals who pursue an online Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis develop therapeutic approaches to treat populations that contend with developmental disabilities, functional challenges, and mental disorders. Through quality, web-based instruction that accommodates the lifestyle demands of those who want to earn an online behavior analysis masters degree, enrollers of top online master’s programs in behavior analysis will graduate as practitioners who can practically apply textbook knowledge and theory to real-world experiences. The best online masters behavior analysis graduates will contribute to a growing field that can only be strengthened through additional expertise in the discipline.

Online Master’s Degrees in Behavior Analysis Requirements

Online masters programs in behavior analysis attract individuals who seek to provide counseling to those in need through various modes of delivery. Students pursuing an online master’s in behavior analysis should be highly-driven and dedicated to their studies, and exhibit strong communication skills.

Most online master’s degree in behavior analysis programs require a bachelor’s degree prior to admission. Preferred degrees include:

• Applied Behavioral Science
• Psychology
• Sociology

While the professional experiences of those who enroll in online masters degree programs in behavior analysis vary, many have worked as special education teachers, counselors and social science research aides.

Online Behavior Analysis Master’s Degree Education

Good online master’s degree programs in behavior analysis typically take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of behavior analysis degrees offered by the best behavior analysis master’s programs online include:

• Master of Science in Behavior Analysis (MS in Behavior Science)
• Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis (MA in Behavior Analysis)

Information on Behavior Analysis Courses

Online master degree programs in behavior analysis instruct students in counseling theories and practice, ethical counseling, and diagnosis of and strategies for treatment. Behavior analysis master degree online students complete required classes and assignments via the internet, with the exception of a supervised practicum that provides experiential learning. Accredited online master programs in behavior analysis offer coursework that is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Top online master in behavior analysis classes address topics such as:

• Behavior Analysis and Learning
  This class introduces the principles of the field based on analyses of scientific research. Concepts addressed include reinforcement, extinction, punishment and stimulus control, as well as various behavioral definitions.
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling
  Online master degree in behavior analysis students examine the legal constraints affiliated with the roles and responsibilities of professional counselors. They learn how best to apply the appropriate code of ethics to decision-making and problem-solving situations.
• Psychopathology and Assessment
  Individuals study child and adult abnormal psychological processes, behavior, symptomology, assessment and treatment. They acquire skills in using diagnostic tools to understand clients in various settings.
• Stimulus Control
  Online masters in behavior analysis degree candidates investigate the processes that influence how individuals learn to respond to different situations. They review literature that explores stimulus generalization and discrimination, object labeling and concept learning.
• Developmental Disabilities
  Learners identify pervasive cognitive impairments and their prevalence in the general population. They deepen their knowledge of special education policies as well as assess appropriate educational strategies for young people with developmental disabilities.

Specializations and Concentrations

Because behavior analysis is a broad field, in order to become an expert in a specific niche, some online master’s behavior analysis students will pursue specialties or concentrations in areas including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Developmental Disabilities
• Behavior Therapy
• Functional Analysis
• Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Careers in Behavior Analysis

Online master’s in behavior analysis degree holders may enter occupations in an array of workplace settings in which they can best apply their expertise. They may find employment in clinical, educational and medical facilities.

Graduates with accredited online master’s degrees in behavior analysis may enter careers such as:

• Social Science Research Assistant
  This occupation supports social scientists in laboratory, survey and related social research through data collection and analysis. These professionals earn an average $40,340 a year. The number of social science research assistants in the field will increase by almost one-fifth by 2018, most likely because of the increased number of advanced degree candidates, particularly those who enroll in graduate rather than professional school.
• Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
  These professionals advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug and/or other problems through counseling and preventative programming. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average salary of substance abuse counselors to be $40,420. The number of professionals in the field is expected to increase by 21% by 2018 as more people recognize addictive behaviors and seek treatment.
• Mental Health Counselor
  These individuals provide guidance and counsel with an emphasis on prevention, suicide and depression. The average income for mental health counselors is $41,710. By 2018, there will be approximately a 24% increase in the number of practitioners in this occupation, primarily because of increasing health insurance coverage for those who wish to seek this type of help.
• Educational, Vocational and School Counselor
  Practitioners in this occupation provide individuals and group educational and vocational advisory services. They earn, on average, $55,030 a year. The 14% increase in the number of educational, vocational and school counselors over the next several years is attributable to multiple job and career changes that individuals undergo as well as to the increased number of school guidance counselor positions.
• Marriage and Family Therapist
  These professionals diagnose and treat disorders within the contexts of marriage and family. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average salary of marriage and family therapists to be $49,020. The number of professionals in the field is expected to increase by 14% by 2018 as more people recognize the availability of this kind of support.

Individuals who earn an online master’s in behavior analysis are well-prepared to strategically assess the developmental and cognitive needs of others, and to think critically about how best to support their challenges. Earning an online masters degree in behavioral science blends the theoretical and the practical to address the complexities with which many contend in a thoughtful and impactful way that effects positive change.