In response to a nationwide surge in demand for professionals in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Western New England University (WNE) is preparing the next generation of leaders through its Master of Science (MS) in ABA and PhD in Behavior Analysis programs.

According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BCBA), job postings requiring BCBA or BCBA-D certification have grown from 789 in 2010 to more than 103,000 in 2024—a 13,000%increase. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that 1 in 36 U.S. children has autism spectrum disorder, the need for skilled practitioners is urgent.

“Students in our programs receive exceptional academic, practical, and research training with leading experts in the field,” said Rachel Thompson, PhD, BCBA-D, professor of psychology and director of behavior analysis graduate programs. “They graduate ready to lead in clinical, educational, and research settings.”

Through a partnership with The New England Center for Children, students gain real-world experience while benefiting from generous funding opportunities. WNE’s graduates enter the workforce equipped to deliver evidence-based interventions that improve quality of life and advance the ABA field.