What Jobs Use Applied Behavior Analysis in Schools? Careers and Insights With an ABA Degree Online

Experienced educators often recognize the signs before a behavior issue escalates — a pause, a glance, a refusal. But knowing what is happening isn’t the same as knowing why. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers a way to interpret student behavior with clarity and act with consistency.

For professionals who want to use those skills to drive change in school settings, the online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis program from Arcadia University provides the structure and depth needed to move from instinct to evidence-based impact.

According to Psychology Today, applied behavior analysis (ABA) is defined as “a type of therapy frequently applied to children with autism and other developmental disorders that focuses on imparting skills in specific domains of functioning, such as social skills, communication, academic and learning skills, motor dexterity, hygiene and grooming, and more.” Rooted in decades of research, ABA helps professionals understand how behavior works and how it can be shaped using reinforcement, prompts and environmental modifications.

It is particularly helpful when it comes to students with autism, and ABA is widely known for its role in neurodivergent services. In structured settings like classrooms, where consistent reinforcement and measurable outcomes are possible, ABA interventions seem to thrive. It is a tool not just for therapy, but also for day-to-day needs.

Over the years, ABA has become an integral part of how schools support students with behavioral or developmental challenges. It can be implemented through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), social skills training, behavior support plans and more. Educational leaders can also use ABA principles for curriculum design and policy design, as noted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

For teachers, ABA provides clear frameworks for managing behavior and responding to student needs. Some of the pillars of ABA are, for example, using positive reinforcement for good behavior (through rewards or incentives) or teaching aggressive or overly-emotional students to self-regulate.

A key strength of ABA is its reliance on data. Educators collect information on student behavior and use it to shape interventions that are specific and effective. According to Autism Speaks, ABA principles can be implemented with the help of a qualified and trained behavior analyst who, together with therapists, teachers and guardians, “customize the ABA program to each learner’s skills, needs, interests, preferences and family situation.”

Although many school-based roles now incorporate ABA principles, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are still the most specialized professionals. But a broader range of professionals also benefit from ABA training. Professionals across multiple disciplines can apply behavior analytic methods in their work:

A graduate program focused on ABA, such as the one from Arcadia University, can serve as a launch point for those who may also be interested in becoming clinical directors, clinical supervisors or ABA therapists, for example.

The online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arcadia University is designed for anyone working in the field of education or mental health who wants to build expertise in applied behavioral science. This graduate program provides a comprehensive foundation for professionals seeking to advance their careers in behavior analysis.

The curriculum covers ethics, research, behavior assessment and intervention design. These courses align with the coursework required to sit for the BCBA exam.

For professionals working in education, ABA is a particularly helpful toolkit for creating more inclusive learning environments that make individual students feel safe and secure. This evidence-based approach provides practical strategies that can be implemented across diverse classroom settings.

Whether you’re looking to expand your role in a school or pursue certification as a behavior analyst, graduate study in ABA equips you with specialized skills. These skills enable you to support meaningful, measurable progress for students with special needs.

Learn more about Arcadia University’s online MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis program.