The field of psychology is experiencing a growing demand for licensed psychologists due to a shortage of such professionals, and it is an incredible feat of educational technology to know that there are online Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology degrees available for those pursuing this complex yet exciting career path. To help prospective students find the school that’s right for them, we have taken the liberty of compiling the following list of the top 10 Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology programs based on a specific set of ranking criteria.
Methodology
We developed this ranking in order to help prospective students identify the best Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology programs based on several factors. To gather data, we conducted a search for the term “Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology degree online” using the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator database. We then took the initial pool of 25 results and narrowed it down to the top 10 graduate programs based on the ranking criteria as outlined below.
Average Cost of Graduate Attendance
The first thing prospective students look at when considering schools is often the cost of tuition. When comparing the average cost of graduate attendance, it is important to not only consider the rate but also the quality of the program as well. We used data from both the College Navigator Tool and each college’s website to determine the tuition obligation and assigned points according to the following table.
Points:
Under $30,000: 3 points
$30,001 to $45,000: 2 points
$45,001+: 1 point
College Ranking
In addition to the cost of a program, it is important to determine whether a school and the program it offers are recognized by a national body dedicated to reviewing colleges and universities such as U.S. News & World Report. We used data for each institution’s ranking in areas such as regional status, national status, best value, graduate psychology programs, and status among other public institutions in the country.
Points:
U.S. News & World Report: Best National School, Best Graduate Psychology Program Ranking:
Top 50: 5 points
Top 100: 3 points
Top 150: 2 point
Top 200: 1 point
U.S. News & World Report: Best Regional University, Best Value School, Top Public School Ranking:
Top 50: 3 points
Top 100: 2 points
Top 150: 1 point
Accreditation
Tuition cost and ranking are only two factors that can help you determine whether a school is right for you. Accreditation for both the institution and the programs it offers is also a critical component of this ranking methodology. Schools that are either regionally or nationally accredited are given more points than those who are unaccredited, and institutions that have earned program-specific accreditation are awarded additional points.
Points:
Approved course sequence through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB): 3 points
Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI): 3 points
American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation: 3 points
Regional accreditation: 2 points
Ranking Top 10 Doctoral Degree Programs in Behavioral Psychology
10. Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Points: 19
Program Website
Arizona State University is a public research university that operates four regional learning centers across the state and four campuses throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Enrolling more than 80,000 students, it is one of the largest public universities in the country. The school confers a Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience that combines neuroscience solutions with real-world challenges. Throughout the program, students will learn how to use applied and theoretical models to conduct translational research into the psychosocial and neurobiological processes that underlie health and behavior. Students must complete 84 credit hours of study, including core coursework, a prospectus, an oral comprehensive exam, a written comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Students may complete the program in five years.
Degree Options:
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology With an Emphasis on Behavioral Neuroscience
Average Program Cost: $71,512
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#39 in Psychology
#52 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#115 (tie) in National Universities
#119 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Approved course sequence through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
American Psychological Association
Higher Learning Commission
9. Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
Points: 19
Program Website
Established in 1898, Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts is a post-secondary institution that offers undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 18,000 undergraduate students and 8,000 graduate students. Northeastern offers a Ph.D. in Psychology, and students can choose one of four specializations: personality/social, perception, cognition, and behavioral neuroscience. The program strives to train students to become experts in their field, and those following the behavioral neuroscience path will benefit from a curriculum that integrates genetic, pharmacological, and neuroanatomical techniques to understand the biological basis of processes like mental illness, stress, addiction, learning, and memory. Students complete core psychology courses, behavioral neuroscience emphasis courses, a thesis, research project, and a doctoral dissertation.
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $57,000
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#44 (tie) in National Universities
#66 (tie) in Psychology
#72 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Approved course sequence through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
American Psychological Association
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
8. Queens College and Graduate Center of CUNY
Queens, New York
Points: 19
Program Website
Founded in 1937, Queens College and Graduate Center is one of the four-year colleges in the City of New York (CUNY) system. The school’s study body represents more than 170 countries, and it is consistently ranked for the quality of its affordability, the achievement of its students, and the quality of its faculty and academic programs. The school’s doctoral program in psychology is divided into 14 training areas, including a concentration in behavior analysis. Students are provided with a firm foundation in the practice and principles of behavior analysis with courses that focus on the applied and experimental analysis of animal and human behavior, including behavioral pharmacology and behavioral neuroscience.
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Psychology: Behavior Analysis
Average Program Cost: $53,850
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#14 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#55 (tie) in Regional Universities North
#79 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Approved course sequence through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Association for Behavior Analysis International
American Psychological Association
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
7. Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Points: 23
Program Website
Founded in 1855 as the Farmers High School of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as PSU or Penn State, is a doctoral, land-grant, state-related university that operates facilities and campuses throughout Pennsylvania. Penn State offers undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education programs via on-campus and online delivery formats, including a doctoral degree in educational psychology. The major steps in this program include a candidacy exams after the first year, comprehensive exams after coursework is completed, a dissertation proposal, and a final oral dissertation defense. In addition, students can choose to specialize in one of two areas: learning or educational and psychological measurement.
Degree Options:
Doctoral Degree Program in Educational Psychology
Average Program Cost: Waived
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#20 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#26 in Psychology
#59 (tie) in National Universities
#131 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Approved course sequence through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
American Psychological Association
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
6. University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas
Points: 24
Program Website
Founded in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin is a public research university and the flagship institution of the University of Texas System, offering more than 100 undergraduate and 170 graduate degrees, including a Ph.D. in Psychology. This hybrid program allows students to choose their own area of expertise such as a cognate area in behavioral psychology. This research-based program means that students must complete original research as part of the school’s requirements. Students must also satisfy residency requirements and complete 60 credit hours of coursework, including cognate and core curriculums, as well as a dissertation or research paper. Courses delve into topics such as advanced behavior pathology, theory and explanation in social psychology, and principles of sensory and behavioral neuroscience.
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $50,460
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#8 (tie) in Psychology
#15 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#49 in National Universities
#128 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Approved course sequence through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
American Psychological Association
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
5. The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Points: 24
Program Website
The Ohio State University was founded in 1870 as a land-grant university. It has since grown into the third-largest university campus in the U.S., offering undergraduate and graduate programs for on-campus and online students across the country. Students pursuing the doctoral program in behavioral neuroscience are prepared for research-oriented careers in industry or academics, and they have the opportunity to pursue one of several main areas of emphasis within the program. Students may earn their degree in four to five years, and the program offers opportunities for research completed either independently or collaboratively. Areas of study include psychopharmacology, behavioral neuroscience, biological psychiatry, and the psychobiology of learning and memory.
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience
Average Program Cost: $47,028
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#17 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#24 (tie) in Psychology
#56 (tie) in National Universities
#126 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Approved course sequence through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Association for Behavior Analysis International
American Psychological Association
Higher Learning Commission
4. University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Points: 24
Program Website
The University of Kansas, located in Lawrence, Kansas, was founded in 1865 and now operates five campuses across the state. KU offers more than 345 degree programs available on-campus and online, including a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology. This program’s curriculum provides instruction that integrates courses in the basic principles of research, experimental methods, and behavior as well as training in intervention, applied, and basic research. Ph.D. students must take one course in seven content areas as well as two practicum courses. They must also complete an orally defend an empirically based master’s thesis. In some cases, theses from other graduate programs may fulfill this requirement. After the completion of competency exams, students must propose, conduct, and defend an empirically based dissertation.
Degree Options:
Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology
Average Program Cost: $40,000
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#50 in Psychology
#61 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#98 in Best Value Schools
#129 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
Approved course sequence through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Association for Behavior Analysis International
American Psychological Association
Higher Learning Commission
3. Teachers College, Columbia University
New York, New York
Points: 25
Program Website
Teachers College, Columbia University is a graduate school of health, education, and psychology in New York City. It is the largest and oldest graduate school of education in the U.S. The school confers a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis, a program with a focus on special education in which students engage in research as well as core coursework in areas such as philosophic foundations, single-case design, research/experimental design, qualitative approaches, and an advanced study of problems and issues in special education. Specialization requirements for the applied behavior analysis focus include topics in behaviorism, behavioral disorders, single-case experimental design, and individual educational programming. Before graduating, students are required to complete a doctoral dissertation.
Degree Options:
Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Behavior Analysis
Average Program Cost: $165,112
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 (tie) in National Universities
#6 in Best Value Schools
#17 (tie) in Psychology
Accreditations:
Approved course sequence through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Association for Behavior Analysis International
American Psychological Association
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
2. University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Points: 22
Program Website
Situated on a 2,000-acre campus in Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida traces its origins to 1853. UF is divided into 16 colleges and more than 150 education, service, and research centers, institutes, and bureaus, offering more than 100 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate degrees, including a program in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. Students experience a multidisciplinary training in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience and learn to use practical techniques ranging from genetic and biochemical manipulations to brain imaging. Students can earn their degree in five years, and graduates are prepared for careers in teaching and industrial or academic research.
Degree Options:
Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
Average Program Cost: $31,850
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#8 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#35 (tie) in National Universities
#39 in Psychology
#91 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Approved course sequence through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
American Psychological Association
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
1. University of Illinois
Champaign, Illinois
Points: 26
Program Website
The University of Illinois was founded in 1867 as a land-grant institution, with a 6,370-acre main campus located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, Illinois. The university operates 16 schools and colleges, offering more than 150 undergraduate and more than 100 graduate programs of study, including a Ph.D. in Psychology. Students must complete 96 hours of graduate work, a master’s thesis, core and specialization courses, a doctoral qualifying exam, an oral preliminary exam, and a Ph.D. thesis and defense. Ph.D. candidates are also required to gain teaching experience as part of their academic work via a two-semester teaching assistantship.
Degree Options:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology
Average Program Cost: Waived
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#7 in Psychology
#13 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#46 (tie) in National Universities
#111 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Approved course sequence through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
American Psychological Association
Higher Learning Commission
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology Degree?
Not only is an online Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology a professional degree, but it is a terminal degree as well, meaning that those who complete these programs have reached the peak of education in their field. In other words, they have the knowledge and skills to fill any position within the behavioral psychology industry, and in some cases, they may even be overqualified.
The most common career path for graduates with a doctorate in behavioral psychology is that of a behavioral psychologist. These professionals work in the public or private sector, in the government, in schools, or for themselves in a freelance capacity. Behavioral psychologists have many options in terms of careers, and they simply go where their profession is in demand.
Graduates may also choose to pursue an academic route via professorships, working within colleges and universities to educate the next generation of psychologists. This option is ideal for those who have a passion for teaching, and it is the main reason why so many curriculum requirements include a teaching practicum.
Finally, although not a common choice, graduates may decide to become researchers and benefit from fulfilling work and a feeling of purpose. Students typically work on psychological experiments within the government, think tanks, or university settings. The results from these experiments may lead to breakthroughs within the field of psychology.
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for psychologists is $77,030 per year, or $37.03 per hour, as of May 2017. However, several factors contribute to the salary one can expect to earn, including the demand in the area for psychologists as well as the region in which they live. In addition, some psychologists earn more in private practices that typically provide weekend and evening sessions, which generally constitute overtime for the psychologists.
What Are the Various Disciplines of Behavioral Psychology?
Also known as behavior analysis, behavioral psychology is a broad subfield of psychology. It is considered transdisciplinary, meaning that the field transcends the standard, traditional lines that are often drawn between disciplines. Most professionals will encounter neuroscience, sociology, and psychology in their day-to-day job duties. Other disciplines at play may include communications, research methodologies, counseling, and, to a degree, public administration. It is important to note that the various disciplines of behavioral psychology greatly depend on a student’s focus area; not all disciplines are equally represented in every available career option.
Is Accreditation Important for an Online Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology?
Finding an accredited doctoral program in behavioral psychology may seem tricky, but it is definitely possible. The Association for Behavioral Analysis International (ABAI) is the most prominent accrediting body for the behavioral psychology specialization. In addition, attending a doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) can provide graduates with a massive advantage over candidates who did not complete a program with specialized accreditation.
Although accreditation is important for every student, it is particularly vital for those seeking a counselor or licensed psychologist career path. In some cases, earning an unaccredited degree can wreak havoc on a student’s chances of becoming licensed or from seeking reputable employment. Students may find themselves needing to take an additional workshop or courses from another institution, which costs additional money and time, in order to get back on track for licensure.
Keep in mind that not all online doctoral programs offer licensure tracks, and licensure requirements vary by state. Students who are considering this path should take the time to consider their options prior to making a decision about a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology.
This concludes our ranking of the Top 10 Ph.D./Psy.D. in Behavioral Psychology degree programs.
By OPD Staff