Applied Behavior Analysis

Career potential

Behavior analysis is a scientific approach to understanding why people and animals do what they do. By majoring in applied behavior analysis at the University of North Texas, you will learn how people's behavior is affected by events in the social and physical environment, and what you can do to change behavior and improve lives. Knowledge of this science of behavior and its technology will assist you in a wide variety of careers.

You may work with clients in group homes or institutions who have developmental disabilities. Or you may work as a trainer for families with autistic children. You may also apply your knowledge of behavior analysis in business and industry.

People with bachelor's degrees in applied behavior analysis are competitive for entry-level positions in a variety of fields, as well as positions that make specific use of their specialized skills. These jobs generally involve working directly with client populations or helping more experienced behavior analysts with projects and research.

You will have the opportunity to advance your career and increase your earning potential by becoming board certified or pursuing an advanced degree. The Department of Behavior Analysis offers a master of science degree in behavior analysis.

UNT's Career Center can help you prepare to pursue your career. The center has information about jobs and employers, and the staff can help you with resume and letter writing, job search strategies and interview preparation.

Majoring in applied behavior analysis

As a field, behavior analysis consists of concepts, principles and techniques. As an applied behavior analysis major, you will learn the basic skills by which behavior can be understood and changed. These skills include techniques to define and measure behavior, create behavior change programs and evaluate their effectiveness. Many of these techniques and strategies are taught in the courses that combine theoretical and practical learning to produce an in-depth knowledge base and marketable skills.

A major in applied behavior analysis requires 34 hours of formal course work, allowing you to graduate with two majors or several minors in other disciplines. You may declare a major in applied behavior analysis immediately upon enrolling at UNT.

Degree programs in the Department of Behavior Analysis are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International [1219 South Park St., Kalamazoo, Mich., 49001, telephone (269) 492-9310], meaning the programs have passed strict academic standards for excellence in education.

Getting hands-on experience

Faculty members in the Department of Behavior Analysis are involved in numerous application and research projects. Some projects involve working with troubled adolescents, providing services for autistic children, consulting with area businesses, providing services to area schools, and conducting research at the Denton State School or in human and nonhuman laboratories at UNT. You can gain practical experience in applied behavior analysis through fieldwork required in courses, and you'll have many opportunities to join the ongoing application and research projects described above.

Upon completion of 12 semester hours at UNT with at least a 2.5 GPA, you may work in a job related to your major through UNT's office of Cooperative Education and Internships. Co-op employers pay extremely well, and the jobs usually last several semesters, often until graduation.

Preparing for UNT

If you are a high school student, we suggest you prepare for college by becoming computer proficient and taking:

• English … 4 years
• Math … 4 years
• Social science — economics, geography, government, history … 4 years
• Science … 3 years
• Foreign language … 3 years
• Fine arts … 1 year

You will need to take courses in most of these subjects under the university core curriculum required of all undergraduates, in addition to your major courses. Talk with your high school counselor about preparing for college, including the entrance exams (SAT Reasoning Test or ACT) that you should take during your junior year. High school classes in human biology and psychology will help prepare you for the major, as will courses that emphasize a scientific approach to their subject matter.

As a benefit for transfer students, UNT participates in the Texas Common Course Numbering System. This system makes it easier to transfer credits for general academic courses from one Texas institution to another.

If you're attending a Texas community college, you should consult the UNT Transfer Guide, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor to discuss your degree plan. Proper planning will help you receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Charting Your Path with Academic Advising

The College of Public Affairs and Community Service advising staff will help you develop a degree plan and select the courses necessary to achieve your bachelor's degree. Faculty members also provide career advice. The Department of Behavior Analysis is in Chilton Hall, Room 360.

Curious about courses and other features of this major?
See the current catalog.