
Earn Your PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis
If you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and adults with autism, you’re in the right place. Cambridge College’s program is nationally ranked and affordable.
- Our ABA PhD program is ranked #4 in the U.S. for Best Value 1
- This renowned program has a summer start date. Apply now for next summer!
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A Growing Need for ABA Professionals
In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that approximately 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis with Specialization in Autism Intervention, you’ll be prepared to take on advanced leadership and management positions in this important field.




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"I got my ABA master's at Cambridge College in 2011. I had such a great experience that I came back and completed my PhD in Applied Behavioral Analysis in 2023. The faculty were working in my field so they knew what I did every day. That made it so much easier for us to be successful in the program."
Alicen Cutting, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA
Vice President, Beacon ABA Services
MEd Autism/Behavior Analysis 2011
PhD Applied Behavior Analysis 2023
Highlights of the PhD Applied Behavior Analysis program
Designed for working professionals, the PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis with Specialization in Autism Intervention program offers clinical leadership training that ensures you develop the management skills necessary to succeed in high-level leadership positions in ABA.
The program also focuses on advanced research of applied behavior analysis. Coursework is designed to further develop your clinical skills and enhance your ability to conduct, evaluate, analyze and apply research findings in clinical settings.
- Flexible, hybrid program. Courses are taught in a mix of remote live (Zoom) classes to promote discussion and build rapport with your cohort, as well as online (asynchronous) classes to support study at times that are convenient for you. In addition, there are two separate week-long, on-campus summer residencies at our Boston campus in years 1 and 2.
- No GRE required. Start your PhD degree quickly. Cambridge College offers an easy application process and does not require GRE exams for admission to the PhD program.
- Faculty with real-world expertise. PhD faculty hold administrative and supervisory positions at partner organizations, such as Beacon ABA Services and The Evergreen Center. A low 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows close connections with your professors.
- Program start term: Summer
Career Outlook
The PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis with Specialization in Autism Intervention prepares you to serve in leadership positions in private companies and public entities that provide behavior services to a wide range of populations.
According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary in 2023 for BCBA-D's is $110,371. 2
The Cambridge College Experience
Excellence in Adult Learning
As the leader in adult learning, 100% of our programs are designed for busy adults. We provide the flexibility and support working professionals need, such as night, weekend, and online classes.
Affordable Tuition
Cambridge College is an accredited nonprofit college with a mission to provide academically excellent, cost-effective higher education for adult learners. It’s why we keep our tuition affordable and offer a multitude of scholarships, transfer credits, and financial aid.
Faculty: Experts who Care
CC faculty are accomplished practitioners with distinguished careers who bring a wealth of industry knowledge into the classroom. They genuinely care about students’ lives and outcomes, and small class sizes allow for close student-faculty connections.
A Legacy of DEI
Since its inception over 50 years ago, the College has been committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion – in faculty, staff, leadership, and curriculum. By design, you’ll learn alongside students from 50+ countries who range in culture, age, experience, and perspectives.
Career Advancement Outcomes
Cambridge College offers career-building workshops, job fairs, seminars, online tools, a job-matching portal, and one-on-one sessions to help students and alumni grow professionally. In fact, over 94% of alumni reported that CC prepared them for their careers.
1Programs ranked by ABA Degree Programs in 2024.
2 www.glassdoor.com (visited Dec. 20, 2023).

Ranked #4 in U.S. for value by ABA Degree Programs


Ranked #11 in MA on gender parity
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Cambridge College • 500 Rutherford Avenue • Boston, MA • 02129
A fully accredited non-profit college. Est. 1971