Behavior Analysis Ph.D.
Now accepting students for fall 2026
Elevate the Standard for Behavior Analysis
Behavior analysis is a rapidly growing profession with continuously evolving opportunities for professional development. The Ph.D. in behavior analysis at Salve Regina University exemplifies purpose-driven and transformative education, all while fostering compassionate mercy leadership that strives toward respect and dignity for all.
Our doctoral program provides a high-touch educational experience that will advance your professional and academic goals while maintaining academic rigor and emphasizing experiential learning through coursework, practicum and the dissertation phase. Students in our program are highly productive researchers who publish and present their work at professional conferences.
Graduates of this terminal degree meet the qualifications to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, and are highly equipped for advanced clinical research and teaching positions.
Program Features
26 courses offered as evening classes at our Newport campus. Applicants with master’s degrees in behavior analysis may be eligible to waive some credit requirements.
Average time to complete of 5-6 years. Shorter durations are expected when credit requirements are waived.
Purpose-Driven Education
Rooted in our mercy mission, Salve's commitment to the dignity and well-being of every individual is reflected in every aspect of our program. We train compassionate practitioners not only to meet the needs of their clients, but also to help create a society where all people are uplifted and valued.
Learn By Doing
Following a scientist-practitioner approach, our program features exceptional opportunities to conduct mentored research, practice clinical skills in supervised settings and participate in unique hands-on experiences.
Upon graduation, you will:
- Demonstrate mastery of behavior-analytic research design and methodology
- Demonstrate a mastery of the basic science (i.e., experimental roots) and philosophical underpinnings of behavior analysis
- Apply behavior-analytic concepts and principles while conducting research
- Demonstrate the ability to teach and translate behavior-analytic material to diverse audiences
- Demonstrate the ability to supervise behavior-analytic research and clinical services in diverse settings
Meet the Demand
"More BCBA-Ds are needed in the profession of behavior analysis to help it continue to thrive. Salve’s Ph.D. program helps students gain the leadership, research and advanced clinical skills needed to flourish as leaders and impact meaningful change in behavior-analytic organizations and the field. Our program provides a high-touch educational experience that optimizes each student’s outcome while maintaining academic rigor and emphasizing experiential learning through coursework, practicum and the dissertation phase." - Dr. Cody Morris, assistant professor and program director
Students Making Waves
Megan Ellsworth ’23, ’24 (M)
Board-certified behavior analyst
"Salve’s behavior analysis program has provided me with countless opportunities for personal and educational growth. I’ve had the opportunity to assist professors in conducting research, I’ve presented at international conferences and I’ve been able to work on my own research conducting a thesis project.”
Jacob Oliveira ’23 (M)
Board-certified behavior analyst
"I have been taught and supervised by some of the most compassionate, curious and hardworking individuals I’ve ever met. The faculty within Salve’s behavior analysis program don’t just talk the talk - they consistently walk the walk. I’ve seen professors personally visit clinical sites to assist with complex cases, going above and beyond to support both students and clients. These experiences have truly prepared me to help others lead happier, more fulfilling lives. I am incredibly grateful that my path led me to Salve’s behavior analysis program, and I will always value the knowledge, mentorship and real-world preparation I received here."
Degree Options
Ph.D. in behavior analysis
In this program, you will conduct research and provide services to help address societal issues, including helping individuals with developmental disabilities to increase their autonomy and independence. Evening courses are offered at our Newport campus, while student research, practicum placements and other experiential opportunities are scheduled flexibly in terms of time and location.
Prior to enrolling in the Ph.D. in behavior analysis, you must meet the requirements for Salve's M.S. in behavior analysis. Students who are currently pursuing the M.S. in behavior analysis are eligible to complete an internal application for the Ph.D. program near the completion of their master's program.
Meet Our Experts
Our dedicated faculty are accomplished professionals whose interests span the scope of the field. Their clinical expertise includes assessment and treatment of challenging behavior, skill acquisition and specialized instruction, and training and supervision.
