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Behavior Analysis
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
When you reach for the highest level of education in psychology with the Capella online behavior analysis specialization PhD, you can become a research leader in behavior analysis. With the skills you develop, you can help people change their behavior to improve their quality of life and thrive.
You’ll expand upon the theoretical foundations of behavior analysis and perform research that can make a positive contribution to your field.
Classes start January 10
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a Glance
- Online
- 7 Core courses
- 6 Specialized courses
- 25 max transfer credits
- 3 Elective courses
- 3 Doctoral Project Development Seminars
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
Reduce your tuition by $20,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Current BCBA certification.
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Comprehensive exam
$2,780 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,780
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2021–22 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2021. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost Scenarios
Complete dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each dissertation milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $540/credit 15 quarters |
$45,019.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$61,699.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$41,699.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 15 quarters |
$2,625.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 21 quarters |
$44,374.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $540/credit 15 quarters |
$45,019.00 |
| Comprehensive 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$64,479.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$44,479.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 15 quarters |
$2,625.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 22 quarters |
$47,154.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $540/credit 15 quarters |
$45,019.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation 9 quarters |
$25,020.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$72,819.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$52,819.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 15 quarters |
$2,625.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 25 quarters |
$55,494.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Your doctoral-level coursework in behavior analysis is designed to help you gain real-world academic and research expertise in this area of psychology.
| PSY8301 |
Single-Subject Research Design Methods
In this course, learners expand their foundational knowledge about the basic methods of research used in single-subject research. Learners describe the different methodologies within, as well as the strengths and limitations of, single-subject research. Learners expand on their skills in visual analysis to determine research findings. For PhD Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY8302 |
Behaviorism
Learners in this course expand their knowledge on the basic theories of behavior analysis. Throughout the course, learners evaluate the basic principles described in the theories of behavior analysis science. Learners identify some of the common misconceptions in these basic theories. For PhD Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY8303 |
Experimental Analysis of Behavior
In this course, learners explore the history of, and synthesize the research in, the experimental analysis of behavior. Learners describe the importance of the link between experimental analysis of behavior and the application of the science. For PhD Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY7305 |
Organizational Behavior Management
In this course, learners describe the field of organizational behavior management and its relationship to the science of behavior analysis. Learners synthesize research in the field of organizational behavior management. Throughout the course, learners apply basic assessment techniques and develop interventions commonly used in the field of organizational behavior management. For PhD Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY7306 |
Education and Teaching in Applied Behavior Analysis
In this course, learners examine the theories of behavior analysis and how they influence teaching and educational programs. Learners synthesize research related to teaching skills in the field of behavior analysis, and explore how they will use principles from theory and research to inform their teaching. For PhD Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
This degree program goes beyond theory to give you research experience and opportunities to apply what you’ve learned to further the field. It’s designed to help you obtain the relevant expertise to advance your career. Successful completion of the coursework in this program meets the educational requirements to be eligible to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral designation on your BCBA credential.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Synthesize the science behind the behavior of living organisms and the relationship between behavior and environmental variables
- Apply scientifically supported theories into the practice of behavior analysis for behaviors of social significance
- Design and conduct research consistent with the basic principles of behavior analysis to contribute to the field of behavior analysis
- Adhere to ethical expectations of the field in personal and professional interaction
- Communicate professionally in the field of psychology
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
Your education can help you reach your personal and professional goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Psychology, Behavior Analysis.
Related job titles to explore*
- Board certified behavior analyst (BCBA)
- Clinical director
- Behavior analyst
- Professor of psychology
Employment settings to explore
- College or university
- Community or technical college
- Private practice
- Individual and family services
- Skilled nursing facility
- Hospital
- K-12 public or private school
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Meet your faculty
Our distinguished psychology faculty are industry leaders, bringing real-world relevance into the courseroom to enrich your education and career.
Dana Reinecke, PhD, BCBA-D
Associate Chair
Kaori Nepo, PhD, MEd, BCBA-D
Part-Time Faculty
Support to reach the finish line
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have with support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
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