Doctorate in Behavioral Psychology Program Guide
If you’re interested in helping others overcome mental and behavioral issues, consider earning a doctorate in behavioral psychology online. This degree will give you the specialized skills needed to treat psychological conditions and assist people in leading healthier, happier lives.
To become a licensed behavioral psychologist, you need a doctorate in the field. These programs teach research skills and how to apply the knowledge learned to real-life situations. Graduates are in a position to help advance the field and share their insights to improve our understanding of behavior and mental processes.
What Is a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology?
48-90
Required Credits
5-7 years (full-time)
Program Length
A Ph.D. in behavioral psychology studies human behavior through research and analysis. Alternative program names and closely related fields include behavior analysis, applied behavior analysis, and behavioral science. The goal of these programs is to become a skilled researcher or academic, conduct original research, contribute to advancements in the field, and share knowledge.
Behavioral psychology doctoral students focus on research, analyzing data, and applying their skills in real-world situations. They explore topics like stimulus control, the history of behavioral analysis, and human development. Some schools offer hybrid programs, which can help you balance your studies with other commitments.
Program Timeline
- Year 1-2: Focus on core classes, build research skills, and start your master’s thesis.
- Year 2-3: Continue classes and research, finish your master’s thesis, and complete a practicum.
- Year 3-4: Finish any remaining core and elective courses, choose a dissertation topic, and pass the qualifying exam.
- Year 4-5: Start dissertation research, develop your proposal, and gain clinical skills through community placements.
- Year 6-7: Complete your dissertation, defend your proposal, finish any outstanding classes, and apply for an internship.
What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis?
A Ph.D. in behavior analysis or behavioral psych offers many career options in psychology, education, and healthcare. Common roles include behavioral psychologist, behavior analyst, and college professor. This degree lets you work in settings like hospitals, schools, and research centers. You can help clients with behavioral challenges or advance our knowledge of behavioral psychology.
Behavioral Psychologist
Behavioral psychologists study how thoughts, emotions, and environments affect behavior. They treat mental health issues using therapy techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy. Behavioral psychologists usually work in hospitals, private practices, schools, or research institutions.
To work in clinical settings, you must graduate from a doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and become licensed in your state.
Behavior Analyst
- Average Salary (April 2025): $74,002
- Projected Growth Rate (2023-2033): No data
Behavior analysts help people solve behavior-related issues using applied behavior analysis techniques. They create personalized treatment plans and may focus on autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, or learning challenges. These professionals work in many settings, such as schools, clinics, and private practices.
The field of applied behavior analysis is regulated in most states. To enter the field, you may need to graduate from a program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and become certified through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
College Professor
A college professor teaches courses, conducts research, and mentors students. They help students grasp psychological principles and apply them in real life. They also publish their research and attend academic conferences to share findings. Professors mainly work in colleges and universities.
How Much Can I Make With a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psych?
$105,000
Average salary for Ph.D. in psychology
The average salary for professionals with a Ph.D. in psychology is around $105,000. Several factors influence your earning potential in this field. Your experience is a key factor — more experience usually means higher pay. Getting relevant certifications, such as via the BACB, can boost your salary and create more job opportunities.
The industry you choose also impacts your salary. For example, jobs in research and development pay more than those in physician offices, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Your location is important, too. Urban areas often offer higher salaries than rural ones. Some states, such as California, Oklahoma, and Nevada, also have higher pay levels.
How Much Does a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psych Cost?
The average annual cost for full-time Ph.D. students in psychology is $39,192, which averages around $200,000-$275,000 after 5-7 years. Several factors affect this cost: type of institution (public vs. private), program length, and location (urban vs. rural).
Financial aid options such as grants and scholarships can significantly reduce these expenses. Many Ph.D. programs in psychology offer partial or full funding to help students manage costs.
How to Get Into a Behavior Analysis Ph.D. Program
To enter a behavioral psychology or analysis Ph.D. program, you usually need an undergraduate and a graduate degree with a strong academic record. These programs are competitive and attract many qualified candidates each year.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, behavior analysis, or a related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or 3.5
- Personal statement that outlines your goals and research interests
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
Depending on the program you are applying to, you may also need to meet additional requirements, such as those listed below.
- Relevant research experience is valuable, and admissions may prefer or require it.
- GRE scores might be requested, and competitive scores can enhance your application.
- Certification or licensure as a board-certified analyst is a common requirement.
How to Choose Your Behavioral Psych Program
1. Identify your goals and research interests.
Figuring out your career and education goals is an important first step. Knowing this will help you choose a program that matches your goals and ensures that the curriculum, research options, and specializations match your career path.
2. Check for accreditation.
Applying to schools with institutional accreditation is the key to ensuring the credibility and quality of your education. Also, depending on your career goals, you may need to check for programmatic accreditation from groups like the APA or the ABAI. This is key to meeting licensure requirements in most states. Note that the APA does not accredit fully online doctoral programs in psychology.
3. Connect with faculty and alumni.
Connecting with faculty can help you find a potential research mentor and ensure your research interests align. Also, speaking with alums can give you some insight into the program’s strengths, weaknesses, and post-graduation opportunities.
4. Consider format, length, and location.
Choosing a program that fits your schedule and preferences is important. Consider factors like program format (full-time or part-time; in-person or hybrid), program length, and location. Meanwhile, determine if you need to relocate for the program and if the program structure aligns with your lifestyle and commitments.
5. Compare funding packages.
Comparing funding packages is essential once you receive acceptance offers. Funding packages may include opportunities such as assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, or stipends. Looking at these offers can help you decide based on financial support, tuition coverage, and job opportunities in the program.
Explore Similar Programs
Clinical Psychology Degree Programs
The job can be equally challenging and rewarding, as clinical psychologists help their patients strive towards better mental and emotional health.
Doctorate in Forensic Psychology Program Guide
A Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in forensic psychology can help you make a difference in your career. Discover clinical and research careers and tips for acceptance.
Earning an Online Child Psychology Bachelor’s Degree
Explore online bachelor’s programs in child psychology and learn what it will take to earn your degree.
Beyond the Doctorate
After earning a Ph.D. in behavioral psychology, you can pursue several postdoctoral credentials or fellowships. In most states, you must complete a supervised practicum and pass a licensing exam to become a licensed psychologist. Then, you can seek different certifications to prove your training and experience. Here are some options:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): This certification shows you can provide behavior-analytic services independently and supervise others.
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D): A BCBA with doctoral or postdoctoral training can apply for BCBA-D. This designation indicates advanced skills and research abilities in applied behavior analysis.
- American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP): The ABPP offers specialty certifications in areas such as behavioral and cognitive psychology.
A fellowship can also help you gain skills for your chosen career path. You can pursue fellowships in behavioral psychology at institutes, hospitals, and universities. The APA offers a search for accredited practice postdocs on its website.
