What Can You Do With a Master’s in Behavior Analysis?

26 November, 2024

Human behavior impacts almost every aspect of our lives, which is one of the reasons why many individuals dedicate their entire professional lives to studying it. Behavior analysis is the science of behavior, encompassing the causes of behavior patterns and how those patterns can be positively changed or influenced.

The study of behavior is a broad field, offering a variety of paths for individuals considering their career options. Many behavior analysis professionals work to improve the lives of people with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodiversities. But behavior analysis can be applied in many ways. For instance, behavior analysts might contribute to workplace optimization, assist teachers with classroom management, develop behavior plans for people in detention or residential settings or support children in meeting developmental milestones.

Pursuing Advanced Education for Behavior Analysis Success

Students aspiring to careers in applied behavior analysis might pursue a Master of Education in Behavior Analysis. This is one of the pathways toward eligibility to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam, leading to certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst demonstrates expertise in delivering behavior-analytic services and supervising other professionals in the field.

Lehigh University’s M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis prepares students for success on the BCBA exam through a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum. This degree program also offers flexibility of asynchronous online learning, making it accessible for a wide range of students. For those who already hold a master’s degree, Lehigh’s Certificate in Behavior Analysis program provides focused preparation for the BCBA exam.

9 Jobs and Salary Potential with a Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis

If you’re interested in behavior analytics or pursuing a degree in applied behavior analysis, you also might be curious what kinds of careers you can pursue in the field. Behavior analysis is a broad field with many applications and diverse career opportunities.

Behavior analysts work in a broad range of fields, including in education, research and commerce. As such, behavior analysts work with populations that are diverse in age, disability status, gender, racial identity, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. Many behavior analysts seek careers as social workers, patient advocates or counselors for individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral disorders. They can also work in a broad range of settings and with many different kinds of organizations — from schools and homes to enterprise businesses and government entities.

It’s important to note that a master’s degree in behavioral analysis does not guarantee a certain position or salary. Career opportunities and pay can vary depending on experience, location and other factors. Still, understanding the wide-ranging career paths that students might pursue after obtaining a behavior analysis degree can help you plan your own path.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist

Average Hourly Rate: $40,447

Applied behavior analysis therapists specialize in understanding, influencing and modifying behavior in a wide range of settings, including schools, universities, residential care, clinics and other health care facilities. They frequently work with children, using evidence-based techniques to help manage challenging behaviors. Their role often entails collaborating with parents, teachers and caregivers to promote positive change for their clients.

Developmental Specialist

Average Hourly Rate: $42,469

Developmental specialists, also referred to as child development specialists, focus on helping children meet crucial milestones. They assist parents, teachers, and schools in identifying and addressing potential developmental delays, offering strategies and support to foster growth.
Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) Specialist

Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) Specialist

Average Annual Salary: $43,916

Organizational behavior management (OBM) specialists apply behavior analysis principles to help employers improve workplace environments and processes. By examining what drives behavior, they might aim to boost productivity, enhance employee experiences or optimize organizational efficiency. OBM specialists work across all industries and may tailor their professional approach to specific organizational needs.

Health and Wellness Coach

Average Hourly Rate: $45,198

BCBAs who pursue a career in health and wellness coaching use their expertise to help clients achieve desired behavioral outcomes. While they are not medical or mental health practitioners, health and wellness coaches often help their clients navigate life challenges surrounding their personal well-being.

Researcher

Average Annual Salary: $62,351

Researchers may study and analyze behavior across a wide range of settings and for various applications. Depending on their expertise and interests, they might work in universities, healthcare institutions, nonprofit organizations or the private sector.

“Lehigh students need to understand fundamental principles so they can effectively work with clients. We teach students how to understand research, which is a skill they will access long after they graduate.”

Dr. Lee Kern, Professor and Director of the Center for Promoting Research to Practice

Human Resources Professional

Average Annual Salary: $67,061

Human resources professionals serve in a wide range of capacities, and workers with a background in behavior analysis can offer especially valuable insight into hiring, recruitment and employee relations. They may use their expertise in understanding and influencing behavior to help manage interpersonal dynamics and improve organizational culture.

Educational Consultant

Average Annual Salary: $70,323

Educational consultants collaborate with administrators, school districts, educators and families to offer expert guidance on teaching practices and behavior management. They often provide coaching to improve educational outcomes, assess and address behavioral challenges and equip parents and teachers with supportive strategies.

Forensic Behavior Analyst

Average Annual Salary: $72,565*
*Reflects general behavior analyst salary

Forensic behavior analysts work within the criminal justice system to address behavioral challenges among detained people. They often assess individuals, create behavior plans and develop strategies to assist staff in managing problematic behaviors. They may sometimes contribute to investigations by providing insight into criminal behavior or by helping law enforcement develop offender profiles.

Clinical Director or Supervisor

Average Annual Salary: $86,609

Clinical directors and supervisors lead teams in care settings, overseeing treatment plans and ensuring the quality of behavioral interventions. Often, they are also responsible for staff management, compliance with laws and regulations and the day-to-day operations of their clinic or facility.

What Do You Learn in a Behavioral Analysis Degree?

Behavioral analysis requires you to understand the drivers of behavior and uncover ways to influence that behavior. Behavior analysis is an empirically driven field, meaning that the ability to demonstrate clear cause and effect relationships is critical.

Lehigh’s Master of Education in Behavior Analysis is designed to provide students with this expertise. The rigorous curriculum also prepares students for the BCBA exam, complying with program requirements laid out by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Students study subjects such as organizational behavior management, research methods in behavior analysis, behavior assessment and behavior change.

Graduates leave the program prepared for a variety of careers, including but not limited to the roles we’ve discussed above. Behavior analysis is broadly applicable and can be valuable in any field that involves behavior, such as management, human resources and social work.

Bridge Theory and Practice With an Online Behavior Analysis Master’s

Lehigh’s Master of Education in Behavior Analysis program equips aspiring leaders with the skills to drive meaningful change through evidence-based analysis and interventions. Our curriculum is designed for professionals who currently have or are working toward the experience requirements needed to sit for the BCBA exam. Through a combination of academic rigor, practical application and a supportive community, you will graduate prepared for an impactful career in a growing field.

The Lehigh College of Education is home to top-ranked academic programs taught by expert faculty. We prepare students for leadership roles in evidence-based, cross-disciplinary inquiry that shapes educational practices on the national and international level. In this rapidly evolving world, the work students do at Lehigh is the very foundation of equity, opportunity and positive transformation for individuals.

Download a brochure to learn more about the program, or start your application today.