Starting your career with an M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) allows you to play a vital role in improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges. Getting a Master of Science degree can offer many different career opportunities depending on what interests you and offers professional growth. There are myriad career goals available to those who study behavioral psychology. These are six common career choices for someone graduating with an M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis:
- Board certified behavior analyst
- Clinical supervisor
- ABA professor
- Autism specialist
- Behavioral therapist
- Early intervention specialist
What does an applied behavior analysis degree cover?
An M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis provides students with foundational knowledge in behavioral psychology, allowing them to use data-based decision-making to provide behavior-analytic interventions. The Chicago School offers the M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis at campuses in Chicago, Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. The program is also available online for someone looking for a more flexible school schedule. A degree in applied behavior analysis is great for someone looking to help people with developmental disabilities such as autism or Down syndrome.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Becoming a BCBA is a popular career path for individuals with an M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis. BCBA professionals conduct assessments, design behavior intervention plans, and oversee their implementation to improve behaviors and skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and other behavioral challenges. BCBAs must be able to adapt treatment strategies on an individualized basis because developmental disorders are diverse.
BCBAs often work in schools, clinics, or private practice settings. Once a student graduates with an M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis degree, they must pass the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam to become a practicing BCBA.
How much does a board certified behavior analyst make?
The national average salary for a BCBA is $75,910, according to Zip Recruiter*.Â
*Data gathered in 2023.
Clinical Supervisor
Clinical supervisors provide guidance and oversight to behavior analysts and technicians working directly with clients. They review data, ensure treatment plans are implemented correctly, and provide feedback and training to the applied behavior analysis team. Assisting with complex cases and overseeing the practitioner’s procedures, the clinical supervisor holds weighty responsibilities. In addition to those responsibilities, a clinical supervisor is also responsible for creating and assessing programs and procedures, ensuring compliance with policies.Â
Clinical supervisors typically work in clinics, residential facilities, or community-based programs. To become a clinical supervisor, there are licensing requirements that differ by state. Visit this page for more information about licensure.
How much does a clinical supervisor make?
The national average salary for a clinical supervisor is $70,135, according to Zip Recruiter*.Â
*Data gathered in 2023.
Applied Behavior Analysis Professor
Some individuals with an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis choose to teach courses in applied behavior analysis at the undergraduate or graduate level. They share their expertise with aspiring behavior analysts and other professionals, preparing them for careers in the field. Applied behavior analysis professors are expected to create lesson plans, present to a classroom of students, assess completed coursework, advise/mentor aspiring applied behavior analysts, and, at some colleges or universities, they may conduct research studies.
Teaching positions can be found in colleges, universities, and professional training programs. Depending on the university you’d like to work at, you may need to pursue a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis.
How much does an ABA professor make?
The national average salary for a professor teaching a psychology subject is $67,193, according to Zip Recruiter*.Â
*Data gathered in 2023.
Autism Specialist
Autism specialists work specifically with individuals with autism spectrum disorders, using applied behavior analysis principles to develop individualized treatment plans, conduct assessments, and provide support to families and educators. Another aspect to being an autism specialist is the ability to aid in the early detection of autism in children. Only medical professionals are able to make official diagnoses, but an autism specialist should be able to use professional observations to make an educated recommendation to see a medical professional.
Autism specialists typically work in school environments as special education teachers and aides, but some may work in home settings for certain patients. Depending on where you get employed, you may need a certification to become an autism specialist.
How much does an autism specialist make?
The national average salary for an autism specialist is $46,446, according to Zip Recruiter*.Â
*Data gathered in 2023.
Behavioral Therapist
Behavioral therapists work directly with clients in therapy sessions to identify and assess behaviors that can be deemed harmful or unproductive. The goal of these therapy sessions is to come up with a plan and a process to help break these habits and form productive habits. One of the ways to do that is to identify the root of these habits.
Behavioral therapists often work in clinics, schools, private practices, or homes. Licensure is required to practice as a behavioral therapist. Visit this page for more information about licensure.
How much does a behavioral therapist make?
The national average salary for a behavioral therapist is $41,356, according to Zip Recruiter*.Â
*Data gathered in 2023.
Early Intervention Specialist
Early intervention specialists focus on providing applied behavior analysis-based interventions to young children with developmental delays or disabilities. They work closely with families and other professionals to support early skill development. The role of an early intervention specialist is a key part of supporting autistic childrean and their families after diagnosis. This role involves the coordination of scheduling, planning, implementing, and evaluating of the developmental intervention.
An early intervention specialist can work in schools, clinics, hospitals, or homes. For most positions in this field, only a master’s degree is required for employment.
How much does an early intervention specialist make?
The national average salary for an early intervention specialist is $48,274 according to Zip Recruiter*.Â
*Data gathered in 2023.
| Career Path | BCBA | Clinical Supervisor | ABA Professor | Autism Specialist | Behavioral Therapist | Early Intervention Specialist |
| Minimum Degree Needed | Master’s degree | Master’s degree | Master’s or Ph.D. | Master’s degree | Master’s degree | Master’s degree |
| Licensure or Certification Needed | Certification | License | N/A | Certification | License | N/A |
| Average Salary* | $75,910 | $70,135 | $67,193 | $46,446 | $41,356 | $47,274 |
*Average yearly salary in the US collected in 2023.
Pursuing an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Chicago School offers a wide range of degrees in applied behavior analysis, including an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis. Offered online and at our Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Anaheim campuses, the program prepares students with practicum experiences and a capstone project—either a master’s thesis or a clinical demonstration project.