Growing Demand for Applied Behavior Analysis Skills
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) provides a science-based approach to helping people improve behaviors and learning skills through evidence-based techniques. It is most widely recognized for its role in supporting those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. However, ABA principles are also used in education, healthcare, and business settings.
As the demand for ABA services grows, so does the need for trained professionals with applied behavior analysis skills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) places behavior analysts into an occupational group that includes mental health and substance abuse counselors. The BLS expects jobs in those careers to increase by 19% over the next decade. [1]
More specifically, an analysis of federal job data for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board found that the demand for behavior analysts “is greater than ever.” The analysis, which included online job postings from 65,000 sources, found a 58% increase in job openings for behavior analysts between 2023 and 2024 alone. [2]
For those who aspire to a career in ABA, earning a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis provides a clear path toward leadership in the field. Graduates from the program understand the theories behind behavior change principles and how to apply them in real-world scenarios.
The Rising Demand for Applied Behavior Analysis Skills
The surge in demand for ABA professionals is driven in part by the increasing prevalence of ASD and other developmental disabilities. About one in every 31 children in the United States is now diagnosed with autism, a number that has steadily risen over the past two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [3] The CDC also reports that while ASD is four times more common among boys than girls, it occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.[4]
As a result, more families, schools, and healthcare providers are seeking ABA-trained professionals to deliver effective interventions. In addition to working with children on the autism spectrum, those with applied behavior analysis skills are also needed in other fields. [5]
They include work in the education system, helping students with behavioral challenges succeed in school. They may also work directly as part of a multidisciplinary team providing mental health services, focusing on behavior analytic strategies for addressing behavioral symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
Some ABA professionals work directly for healthcare and rehabilitation organizations, helping people manage neurodevelopmental disorders. And some may work as human resource specialists in a corporate environment, using ABA principles to improve employee productivity and workplace culture.
How an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis Prepares Professionals for Success
An MS in Applied Behavior Analysis builds upon the foundation created in a BA in Applied Behavior Analysis program. An ABA program curriculum typically includes courses that cover the principles of behavior analysis, which support students in developing an understanding of reinforcement, punishment, and behavior modification strategies.
At the graduate level, students gain a comprehensive understanding of behavior change principles rooted in the work of psychologists. They learn theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing them to systematically improve socially significant behaviors, conduct behavior assessments, and implement ethical, evidence-based interventions. A typical curriculum includes coursework in behavior assessment and behavior intervention procedures that compliments supervised independent fieldwork for students who are accruing experience hours.
Graduates from a master’s program are prepared for roles in various settings, including schools, clinics, and businesses.
Advancing Your Career with a BA and MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Earning a degree from a high-quality program is essential for those looking to build a fulfilling career in ABA. Mary Baldwin University offers both an online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies and an online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, equipping students with the skills necessary to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
The BA in Applied Behavior Analysis program provides students with a solid foundation in behavioral science and prepares them for entry-level positions in ABA-related fields. I’d suggest “Throughout the seven-week term structure, students learn from expert faculty about behavior analysis across many subfields, which may include behavioral pediatrics, organizational psychology, K-12 education, and forensic settings. They also gain insight into becoming strong advocates for those with ASD. The program provides real-world experience through a 70-hour ASD practicum, with dedicated support in securing qualified supervisors.
Students also complete a culminating capstone project, allowing them to apply their learning meaningfully. The BA program also serves as a stepping stone for graduate study.
The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program is designed for students who wish to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts and take on leadership roles in the field. This advanced degree focuses on in-depth behavior analysis, assessment, and intervention techniques while preparing students for BCBA certification.
Courses in the graduate ABA curriculum program include:
- Behavior Assessment
- Measurement, Data, and Experimental Design
- Principles of Behavior
- Ethics in Behavior Analysis
- Behavior Intervention Procedures
- Organizational Behavior Management: Applied Behavior Analysis Management
- Conceptual Analysis
- Experimental Analysis of Behavior
- Practice and Experiential Skills
- Applications of Professional Inquiry
Mary Baldwin University also allows students to accelerate their education by earning both a BA and MS in just five years.
[1] “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
[2] “U.S. Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts 2010 – 2024,” Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2025, https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lightcast2025_250204-a.pdf
[3] “Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html#:~:text=About%201%20in%2036%20children,Read%20Summary%5D
[4] “Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html#:~:text=About%201%20in%2036%20children,Read%20Summary%5D
[5] “15 Jobs You Can Get in Applied Behavior Analysis,” Indeed, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-for-applied-behavior-analysis