Online Master’s and Certificate Programs in Behavior Analysis
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To download a program brochure and learn more about the behavior analysis programs offered by the Lehigh University College of Education, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an admissions coordinator directly by calling us at (866) 760-8978 (toll-free).
- Begin to prepare for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination
- Learn from supportive, experienced faculty versed in behavior analysis
- Thrive in an immersive curriculum and prepare for a variety of potential career outcomes
- Take flexible online courses designed for working professionals
- Work closely with instructors in small class sizes
Drive Positive Change as a Behavior Analyst
Behavior analysts, using behavior assessments and evidence-based interventions, improve the lives of people with behavioral issues and contribute to the overall well-being of a diverse range of communities. They may work with children with autism, individuals with developmental disabilities or those in need of behavioral support in settings like schools, clinics, hospitals and more.
Board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) are graduate-level professionals who can practice independently and supervise technicians and assistants. Granted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the BCBA certification is widely recognized.
Lehigh University offers both a Master of Education in Behavior Analysis and a Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis. Graduates of Lehigh’s behavior analysis programs are equipped to become influential behavior analysts who drive positive change. The programs combine academic rigor, practical application and a supportive community, preparing students for an impactful career in a growing field.
Program Overviews
The 21-credit online Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis is ideal for master’s degree holders who need additional educational credits to meet the requirements to sit for the BCBA exam. People seeking behavioral analysis skills for their current careers will also benefit from the certificate in applied behavior analysis.
The online MEd in Behavior Analysis is designed for professionals who currently have or are working toward the experience requirements needed to sit for the BCBA exam. This 30-credit ABA online master’s includes coursework on diversity and a range of electives.
The curriculum covers topics as varied as research methods, ethics and workplace behavior. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from mentorship and support from faculty who bring a wealth of real-world behavior analysis experience. The online programs’ asynchronous format gives students enough flexibility to balance school, work and life.
Lehigh University’s College of Education has submitted a course sequence to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board course requirements for 2027. This is pending approval and is expected by Summer 2024.
Nationwide demand for individuals holding BCBA or BCBA-D certification increased 23% from 2021 to 2022.
Lightcast™
“The faculty here engage in research, which helps inform our practice and what we teach our students. It helps us stay on top of what’s new in the field and make sure that we are teaching our students new and more effective ways of intervening with children and adults.”
Dr. Lee Kern, Professor and Director of the Center for Promoting Research to Practice
A Career Path in Behavior Analysis
Prospective behavior analysts are often fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior and have a desire to understand the underlying principles behind that behavior. They aspire to improve the quality of life of those facing behavioral challenges or developmental issues. Employers need individuals with behavior analysis skills, as indicated by the high frequency of related job postings, according to Lightcast. This demand may be fueled by increased awareness of applied behavior analysis services and by individuals living with autism and developmental disabilities.
Below are just some of the career opportunities our students choose to pursue after they complete the online master’s or graduate certificate in behavior analysis:
- Clinical director or supervisor
- Educational consultant
- Researcher
- Organizational behavior management (OBM) specialist
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist
- Developmental specialist
- Forensic behavior analyst
- Human services manager
- Private practice
- Health and wellness coach
Advertised wages for BCBA roles increased 20% between March and September 2023.
Lightcast™
“We encourage adjuncts and faculty to create a variety of assignments and activities. It can be difficult to be online and have no interaction. We encourage our educators to do a variety of activities beyond the video and lecture.”
Dr. Lee Kern, Professor and Director of the Center for Promoting Research to Practice
About the Lehigh College of Education
The College of Education is home to top-ranked academic programs. In addition, the college supports interrelated programs in collaboration with Centennial School, the Center for Promoting Research to Practice, Global Online Programs and the Office of Professional Certification.
We prepare students for leadership roles in evidence-based, cross-disciplinary inquiry that shapes educational practices on the national and international level.
While we prepare individuals for leadership roles in school systems, we also prepare individuals for a variety of positions in business, healthcare, private practice, international development and community-based organizations.
In this rapidly evolving world, the work students do at Lehigh is the very foundation of equity, opportunity and positive transformation for individuals.