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Behavior Analysis, BS

Explore behavior through science and application. You can build practical skills in behavioral assessment, data-based decision making and intervention design while learning to evaluate treatment effectiveness across diverse settings.

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A teacher interacts with a young student with a communication tablet, demonstrating the expertise gained in the BS in Behavior Analysis.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: General program math intensity general
First required math course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
or MAT 114 College Mathematics
View more details

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Accreditation and professional licensure

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Behavior Analysis degree description

The Bachelor of Science program in behavior analysis equips you with the knowledge and applied skills to understand and influence behavior in ways that improve individual and community outcomes. Rooted in the scientific principles of learning, this fully online program emphasizes assessment, data-based decision-making, and ethical practice across diverse applied settings. You learn to measure behavior, design and implement research-based interventions, and analyze treatment effectiveness in schools, clinics and various community organizations focusing on learning, behavior and human performance.

The program is designed to meet coursework requirements if you're seeking the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® credential. With its emphasis on accessibility and real-world applications, the program expands inclusive access to high-quality education and contributes to the social, cultural and economic health of local communities.

GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

Why study behavior analysis at ASU?

This BS in behavior analysis is one of the few undergraduate programs focused specifically on behavior analysis, providing early, in-depth preparation in a high-demand, evidence-based field rather than a concentration within a broader major. The program reflects ASU's leadership in developing forward-thinking, use-inspired academic pathways that respond to educational and behavioral health needs.

The program emphasizes applied, instructional and human-service contexts. You benefit from integrated supervised experiential learning at the undergraduate level, allowing you to apply scientific principles to practical problems involving learning and behavior before graduation.

The curriculum blends behavioral science with modern practice, including ethical decision making, data-based intervention, responsible use of artificial intelligence and systems-level applications such as organizational behavior management. Designed for workforce relevance and student success, the program offers flexible online delivery and applied coursework.

Additional details

At Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, you become part of a community of learners, professionals and alumni committed to improving lives through education, behavioral sciences and evidence-based practice. As an ASU student, you have access to the full range of university resources, support services and opportunities available to one of the nation's largest and most innovative public universities.

You can connect with faculty, practitioners, clinical partners, school systems and fellow students who share an interest in behavior, learning and positive social impact. Through experiential learning opportunities, professional networking events, guest speakers and engagement with the applied behavior analysis bachelor's community, you can begin building professional relationships early in your academic journey.

You also gain access to MLFC's extensive alumni network, which includes more than 11,000 graduates working across schools, clinics, health care systems, community organizations and businesses throughout the United States and internationally. These connections provide valuable opportunities for mentorship, career exploration, professional development, and continued engagement with the field long after graduation.

Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
SPE 305 Introduction to Behavior Analysis
SPE 365 Foundations of Behavior Analysis
SPE 366 Measurement and Experimental Analysis of Behavior
SPE 448 Assessing and Improving Challenging Behavior in Schools and Clinics
SPE 449 Assessment and Program Planning for Diverse Learning Needs
SPE 450 Professional and Ethical Practice in Behavior Analysis

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:


Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, behavior analysis students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S., or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Addictions Counselor 18.4% $59,350
Behavioral Health Specialist 2.3% $71,900
Business Analyst 10.1% $101,860
Corporate Trainer 10.8% $69,280
Medical Social Worker 8.5% $67,880
Medical and Health Services Manager 24.2% $123,860
Mental Health Counselor 18.4% $59,350
Social Services Director 7.2% $80,390
Substance Abuse Social Worker 10.3% $60,280

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Careers this behavior analysis degree prepares you for

Graduates are prepared for a variety of entry-level and mid-level positions in behavioral health, education and human services. Career opportunities include:

  • behavior technician or senior therapist
  • behavioral health specialist
  • Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Behavior Analyst®
  • early intervention specialist
  • operations manager in human service agencies
  • program supervisor
  • special education support professional

This program also serves as a strong foundation for graduate study in applied behavior analysis, psychology or special education.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

Division for Advancing Education Policy, Practice | ED 102
ASUeducation@asu.edu
480-965-9995

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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