Behavior Analysis
Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis
Help shape the future of behavior analysis as you grow as a leader in your field. Capella’s online PhD in Behavior Analysis builds on your BCBA® certification, providing advanced knowledge and research skills to help you prepare for leadership positions in academic, research or clinical environments. The competency-based program goes beyond theory: you’ll conduct research with the goal of improving the lives of individuals with behavioral needs and advancing the science of behavior analysis. Professionally aligned coursework, a dissertation, three virtual residencies and a comprehensive exam all combine to prepare you to apply for the BCBA-D® designation and take your career to the next level.
At a glance
- Online
- 93 Quarter credits
- 11 Core courses
- 3 Elective courses
- 3 Virtual residencies
- 15 Max transfer credits
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
Reduce your tuition up to $20,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
Explore Behavior Analysis courses
- This program requires a total of 93 program credits
- You’ll need to complete eleven core courses, three elective courses, three doctoral project development seminars, one comprehensive exam and one dissertation
Learning outcomes
The PhD in Behavior Analysis is designed for professional behavior analysts seeking to become academic, research, or clinical leaders. Learners integrate the practice of behavior analysis with basic behavior analytic theory and basic and applied research to develop advanced scientist-practitioner repertoires.
Learners who complete the program with a behavior-analytic dissertation can apply for the doctoral designation as a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA-D).
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
- Critically evaluate cultural humility and compassion in communication, assessment, and interventions in the field of behavior analysis
How much does the PhD in Behavior Analysis cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
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
$570 per credit, 78 coursework credits, 15 max transfer credits
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
OTHER COSTS
Resource kit
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Resource kit
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 No application fee
Application fee
$0
No application 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 2025–26 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. 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 specialist.
Cost Scenarios
Complete dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each dissertation milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$44,460.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$61,140.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$41,140.00 |
| Resource Kit: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 18 quarters |
$43,240.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$44,460.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$63,920.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$43,920.00 |
| Resource Kit: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 19 quarters |
$46,020.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $570/credit 12 quarters |
$44,460.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 9 quarters |
$25,020.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$72,260.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$52,260.00 |
| Resource Kit: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 22 quarters |
$54,360.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella 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.
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
- Goal Statement with rationale for seeking a doctoral degree and research interests
- 2 letters of recommendation completed by professionals who can assess your aptitude for doctoral education in Behavior Analysis
- Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
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.
What support does Capella offer online students?
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 support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Helping Professions Program Guide
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.
Which psychology career path is best for me?
You’re interested in using research and analysis to understand how people think and help them thrive.
What can you do with a PhD in Behavior Analysis degree?
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 Behavior Analysis.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct faculty
- Behavioral health specialist
- Board certified behavior analyst
- Director of behavioral health
- Postdoctoral fellow
- Program director
- Program manager
- Program specialist
Employment settings to explore*
- Child and youth services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Individual and family services
- Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
- Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals
- Residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities
*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. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program.