Behavioral Science, PhD

Pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, June 2026.

The PhD in behavioral science at ��Ƶ will build student capacity in advanced clinical practice, teaching, conducting evidence-based research and developing leadership skills.

Doctorally-prepared professionals in behavioral sciences are critical leaders providing support and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have complex needs.

Program Overview

The PhD program in Behavioral Science at ��Ƶ is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in research, teaching, consulting, advocacy/public policy, and systems change.
The curriculum includes 50-56 credits of required courses including Behavior Analysis of Child Development, Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA in Education, Severe Behavior Disorders, Verbal Behavior Disorders, Critical Thinking, Public Health Biostatistics and Lab, Behavior Science and Social Justice, Leadership and Advocacy, Advanced Research Methods, Implementation Science, Advanced Behaviorism, Teaching at the College Level.

Program Benefits

Evening courses to accommodate working professionals
Focus on developing leaders and social scientists who can apply behavioral science across diverse systems, settings, and populations
Concentrations in Education, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, and Behavioral Health

Napolitano Receives Prestigious APBA Award

Dr. Debbi Napolitano, Associate Professor in the Behavioral Science Department at ��Ƶ, has been awarded the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) 2025 Jerry Shook Award for her exceptional work as a board certified behavior analyst.

Career Opportunities

Development and oversight of parental and family support services
Leading systems change projects in industry, schools, and human-service organizations
Consultation with school-districts and multi-tiered systems of support
Leadership in residential and vocational settings
Membership on interprofessional teams that support patients and youth in hospitals, foster care, and juvenile justice settings
Leadership roles in business, particularly in organizational behavior management and training
Public policy advocacy and legislative roles

Program Specifics

Program Objectives

Students will gain an advanced understanding of the science and the field of
behavior analysis and the broad range of potential applications for the science.
Students will gain leadership skills in areas of their choosing to achieve leadership
positions in the field of behavior analysis, regardless of the industry, and
effectively mentor professionals newer to the field.
Students will conduct research and disseminate important findings across a
variety of areas to the benefit of society as a whole.

��Ƶ Requirements

Complete the online application.
Minimum GPA requirement is 3.4. Provide official transcript(s) from all accredited colleges or universities attended indicating the award of an undergraduate degree (international applicants must submit foreign transcripts in the original language and an English copy).
Qualified applicants for the program must possess a master’s degree in behavioral analysis or related field from an accredited college or university with the equivalent of prerequisite courses obtained through an accredited or equivalent university program (e.g., Association for Behavior Analysis Tiered Model, Behavior Analysis Certification Board Verified Course Sequence).
Applicants without a New York State ABA licensure or a BCBA certification must have completed prerequisite courses in the following subjects: behaviorism, concepts & principles in behavioral science; research methods & experimental design; functional assessment; ethics & professional conduct; advanced applications of behavioral science; and organizational behavior management.
Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview

Application Requirements

Provide a written statement describing your interest in the program.
Provide three letters of recommendation from an employer, professional colleague, or academic professor.
Applicants must upload four writing submissions. For all writing responses, please use APA Seventh Edition style and ensure compliance with ��Ƶ Guidelines for the use of AI
- Personal Essay – PhD Motivation and Career Goals (750–1,200 words)
  - Please submit a personal essay describing:
    - Why you wish to pursue a PhD in Behavioral Science
    - Your professional goals and long-term career aspirations
    - How you believe this program will help you achieve your professional goals
- Your research interests and areas of focus within behavioral science (250-500 words). Describe your primary research interests within behavioral science (150–300 words).
- Critical Thinking Essay (1,000–1,500 words) from Case Vignettes provided.
- A Professional or Academic Writing Sample (10–25 pages) that demonstrates your ability to communicate clearly within a scholarly or professional context.
  - Examples may include:
    1. Published or unpublished research papers (indicate your role)
    2. Master's thesis or thesis excerpt
    3. Capstone project
    4. Manuscript prepared for publication (indicate your role)
    5. Professional reports or applied research documents
  - Recommended Length 10–25 pages
  - This document will be used to evaluate:
    1. Scholarly writing ability
    2. Organization of ideas
    3. Use of evidence and references
    4. Professional communication

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