Where Do Behavior Analysts Work? Exploring ABA Careers

If you’re considering a future in applied behavior analysis, one of the first questions you might ask is “Where do behavior analysts work?”

As demand for evidence-based behavioral services continues to grow, so do opportunities in ABA careers. Today’s ABA professionals work in a range of environments.

Whether you’re a student exploring career options or a professional considering a transition into the field, understanding the various workplaces available to behavior analysts can help you identify the path that fits your interests and goals.

What Is Applied Behavior Analysis?

Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach to studying behavior, with the goal of improving behavior that's important for social functioning. Board-certified behavior analysts® (BCBAs®) use techniques and interventions to reinforce desired behaviors and reduce unwanted behaviors like aggression or self-harm.

There are various behavior modification methods used in applied behavior analysis therapy, including:

• Discrete Trial Training (DTT), which uses step-by-step instructions and positive reinforcement to teach a desired behavior. Undesired responses or behaviors are ignored, and desired behaviors are rewarded.
• Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), which uses play and other typical childhood activities to support pivotal areas of development, including motivation, initiation of social interactions, and self-management of behavior.
• Token Economy systems, which award points that can be redeemed for some type of reward to help reinforce desired behavior.

ABA treatment plans are developed by BCBAs®, who have earned a master’s degree, completed supervised field work, passed the BCBA® exam and have been certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®.

What Do Behavior Analysts Do?

BCBAs® are responsible for assessing client behaviors, collecting data on the frequency and duration of challenging behaviors, and analyzing that information to develop effective treatment plans and interventions.

They provide therapy in both individual and group settings, while monitoring client progress over time. In addition, they collaborate closely with families and caregivers to address behavior concerns and offer strategies for supporting positive behaviors at home.

BCBAs® also coordinate with teachers, physicians, and other professionals involved in a client’s care to ensure consistency across treatment plans. Many behavior analysts also supervise registered behavior technicians (RBTs®) and board-certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs®), who assist in delivering therapy services.

Where Do Behavior Analysts Work?

Here are some of the career settings available to behavior analysts:

Autism Clinics and Treatment Centers

Working with individuals with autism is the most common path for ABA careers. More than 80% of BCBAs® in the United States work in this area of practice, often in clinics and treatment centers that provide individualized therapy for children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

A person with autism might engage in repetitive or disruptive behavior, for instance, or struggle with self-regulation. ABA therapy helps clients improve social interactions, develop coping mechanisms and appropriate ways to handle emotions, and lessen challenging behavior.

Some clinics specialize in early intervention and school readiness programs; others may focus on social skills groups and adolescent services.

Healthcare

In hospitals and rehabilitation centers, BCBAs® may work with patients with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and similar conditions. They help patients improve social skills, memory and attention, for instance, or reduce behaviors like aggression or disruptive vocalizations. They may train healthcare staff on effective communication, de-escalation and reinforcement strategies.

Senior citizens are another client population. Behavior analysts may work with seniors in residential care facilities to reduce behaviors like wandering or refusal to take medicine and to maintain daily living skills like dressing and eating.

Corporate Settings

Within businesses and organizations, behavior analysts work in areas like organizational behavior management, which involves analyzing the work environment and recommending changes to improve office culture and employee performance. BCBAs® might also work in market research or employee training and development.

Criminal Justice System

Some BCBAs® work in correctional facilities or juvenile justice programs, helping to reduce misconduct and improve behavioral outcomes. Others may work as forensic profilers, helping law enforcement uncover the motivations and identities of people who commit crimes.

Health, Fitness and Sports Psychology

BCBAs® can use applied behavior analysis techniques to help clients make positive changes in their lives – from diet and exercise modification to breaking bad habits and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They also work with athletes to improve performance, using a variety of techniques including visualization, self-monitoring, and goal-setting.

How to Become a Behavior Analyst

To work as a board-certified behavior analyst, you must obtain a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis or hold a master’s in a related field and obtain an ABA post-master’s certificate. You’ll also need to:

• complete supervised fieldwork (typically 2,000 hours)
• pass the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® exam
• apply for and receive certification

How The University of Scranton Stands Out in ABA Education

The University of Scranton offers a two-year, online Applied Behavior Analysis MS as well as an online 21-credit post-master’s certificate. Both programs have faculty who are Ph.D.-level Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBA-D)® with extensive experience in a variety of client populations.

The programs are designed for people interested in careers as a BCBA® in school or clinical settings. They also prepare students for doctoral programs in behavior analysis. The curriculum focuses on acquiring specific competencies and skills, but students also have opportunities for self-reflection and personal and professional growth.

The small size of each program fosters a sense of community and enables students to develop close relationships with classmates and professors.

Each program program offers two (7-week) classes per semester with only one class taken at a time. Students have weekly contact with their professor and peers for virtual synchronous meetings, and each student has a faculty mentor who assists with personalized academic planning throughout the program.

Both programs are 100% online, offering flexibility for individuals who work and manage other responsibilities as well as those who may be located outside of the Northeast Pennsylvania geographic region. The programs are designed to meet the BACB© Test Content Outline (TCO) 6th Edition and are aligned with the BCBA © 2027 Pathway 2 Coursework Requirements.

Prepare to Advance Your Career

A graduate degree in applied behavior analysis can open doors to new opportunities and new ways to make a difference. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore the University of Scranton’s Applied Behavior Analysis MS today!