Online Certificate Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis

Dr. Kerry Ann Conde is the director and program coordinator of the applied behavior analysis (ABA) graduate programs at St. Joseph’s University, New York. She also serves as the social media coordinator for the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) and chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Panhandle Behavioral Services, LLC. 

Dr. Conde’s 20-year career in the field began as a behavior technician before it was called that. She attended Florida State University for her master’s in ABA, earned her PhD in behavior analysis under the advisement of Dr. Amanda Karsten at Western New England University, and completed her pre- and postdoctoral internships through Trumpet Behavioral Health in Colorado and Arizona under the direction of Dr. Linda LeBlanc. She co-founded and served as chief science officer and clinical advisor at SaaS company Behavior Science Technology. Dr. Conde has also served as a guest reviewer for some of the top peer-reviewed behavior analytic journals and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications.

CounselingSchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about Applied Behavioral Analysis? 

Dr. Conde: Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a science that, when applied, aims to change behavior. In terms of a therapeutic approach, behavior analysts want to support individuals in learning skills that help them to thrive. For example, when behavior analysis is applied in the workplace the goal is to help support employees in feeling satisfied at their job and help managers support their employees. 

When applied in schools, sometimes the goal is to help teachers create effective environments and classroom management procedures, and other times it’s to help provide individual support to students who may be struggling to stay on task, make friends, or communicate their needs. 

I think behavior analysts are put into a box where all we do is work with autistic individuals who have behavioral struggles. But I wish people knew that we are here to help make sustainable change and teach skills/behaviors that will lead people to getting their wants and needs met, in a way that is in alignment with their values.  

CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in this area? 

Dr. Conde: This is one of my favorite questions! When I advise students, I always ask, “Where do you see yourself in five, ten, or 15 years? Okay, so now let’s backtrack and see how we have to get there.” 

I also remind students that it’s okay to move so that they can access great training and job opportunities; you can always come back to your home base. There are some great training programs out there and there is funding available in a lot of places. Don’t let the financial piece deter you from checking out programs that may be halfway across the country. Then, from a practice standpoint, understand that burnout is real. We all must make sure we’re taking the time to take care of ourselves so we can fulfill our responsibilities in the workplace and at school. 

CounselingSchools.com: What does the future of the field look like to you? 

Dr. Conde: There have been some significant shifts in the field over the last several decades, but in the last ten years, in particular, I believe we’ve seen some big changes. I think we’re all doing a better job of taking a trauma-informed approach to treatment. I think we’re also doing a better job of having conversations about what it means to be a behavior analyst and how we need to support our behavior technicians so that they feel empowered to do their work. We’re also moving in a direction of less rigid programs with our clients. I think we’ll continue to see positive changes in the field with additional training opportunities, more support for behavior technicians, and therefore, better services for the stakeholders (i.e., families, schools, businesses, etc.).

Dr. Hannah MacNaul is an assistant professor of educational psychology (applied behavior analysis) at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She received her master of arts degree in school psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she also completed specialized training in applied behavior analysis (ABA). She earned her PhD in ABA from the University of South Florida. 

Dr. MacNaul’s research interests include evaluating translational approaches to the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior as well as developing non-obtrusive interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related developmental disabilities. She also conducts research related to multidisciplinary training and collaboration for higher education students and has conducted several projects evaluating university pedagogical teaching practices.

CounselingSchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about Applied Behavioral Analysis?

Dr. MacNaul: One important aspect of applied behavior analysis (ABA) that I wish the public understood is that it is a highly adaptable and evidence-based approach beneficial for a wide range of populations, which includes supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

While ABA is particularly crucial for supporting individuals with ASD and other disabilities, it extends far beyond that scope. For those with ASD, ABA therapy typically involves a team of professionals, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), who collaborate with individuals and their families to set meaningful goals. These goals often focus on fostering independence, enhancing communication, building daily living skills, and reducing challenging behaviors—all aimed at improving quality of life. 

Beyond its clinical applications, ABA is also widely used in organizational settings through a subfield called organizational behavior management (OBM). OBM applies behavioral principles to optimize workplace efficiency, enhance employee performance, and create reinforcing work environments. Ultimately, ABA is a versatile science centered around understanding and improving behavior in various settings to promote meaningful and lasting change.

CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in this area?

Dr. MacNaul: For aspiring students interested in applied behavior analysis (ABA), now is an excellent time to enter the field, as demand for board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) continues to grow. In Texas, the average salary for a BCBA is $82,000 per year, and employment opportunities are expanding nationwide in ABA. Choosing the right graduate program is critical. Starting in 2032, all students pursuing BCBA certification must graduate from an accredited program. 

At the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), we prioritize hands-on learning and structured fieldwork to ensure students are well-prepared for the BCBA exam and professional practice. Unlike fully online programs, UTSA’s in-person courses allow students to practice essential ABA skills in a supportive learning environment. 

Additionally, our fieldwork coordinator works directly with students and local organizations to secure paid placements, so students can gain valuable experience while earning an income. UTSA is committed to producing highly skilled, job-ready BCBAs, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enter this rewarding field. 

CounselingSchools.com:  What does the future of the field look like to you?

Dr. MacNaul: The future of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is extremely promising, especially as the field adapts to advancements in technology and evolving service delivery models. While artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming many industries, behavior analysts are uniquely positioned to leverage AI to enhance interventions and improve outcomes. Rather than replacing human practitioners, AI can support BCBAs by streamlining data collection, refining behavior intervention plans, and personalizing treatment strategies. 

Additionally, ABA continues to expand beyond traditional clinical settings, with behavior analysts providing services in homes, schools, telehealth platforms, and community-based environments. This versatility allows BCBAs to work in a variety of roles based on their interests and expertise, making the field both dynamic and resilient. As demand for behavior analysts continues to grow, the profession will remain essential in helping individuals achieve meaningful and socially significant behavioral outcomes.

Dr. Kenda Morrison is a principal lecturer in the at the University of North Texas’s Department of Behavior Analysis. She earned a PhD in developmental and child psychology from the University of Kansas.

Dr. Morrison has used ABA to assist children with autism and their families for several decades. She worked for the Early Childhood Autism Program in Lawrence, Kansas, the UCLA Young Autism Project, and the Princeton Child Development Institute. 

CounselingSchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about Applied Behavior Analysis?

Dr. Morrison: Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the science of behavior and its relationship to the physical and social environment. The methods and products of this applied science support people, especially individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities to live a joyful and meaningful life. Those we serve learn to communicate, interact, and engage in preferred activities. 

Research has demonstrated that punishment is not the best way to reach these goals. Instead, there is a focus on positive reinforcement, compassion, assent, and consent.

CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in this area?

Dr. Morrison: Consider applying for an entry-level position as a registered behavior therapist (RBT). Becoming an RBT requires a high school diploma and initial training. There are part-time positions, so it could be an opportunity during college to learn whether you would like to complete a master’s degree to become a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA).