Behavior Analysis

Mission

The mission of the PhD program area in Behavior Analysis at West Virginia University is to produce an individual who can function effectively in various academic or applied settings, advance our understanding of the principles of behavior, and apply those principles to socially significant problems.

Training Model

The behavior analysis program area trains students in basic research, theory, and applications of behavior principles. Through research, course work, and practica, students develop skills in the experimental and applied analysis of behavior, including a strong conceptual background and methods appropriate for developing behavioral technologies. The basic, conceptual, and applied areas are integrated in the curriculum; however, a student may emphasize either basic or applied research.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to WVU’s  general admission requirements, applicants for graduate studies in Psychology must meet the requirements outlined in the Academic Catalog for the Psychology PhD Admissions Procedures . 

Degree Requirements & Learning Outcomes

Visit the Academic Catalog to learn more about the Degree Requirements and Learning Outcomes. Note that students who enter the program with a bachelor’s degree must complete a master’s degree and a master’s thesis en route to the doctoral degree. They have two options: an MS in Psychology or an MS in Behavior Analysis. The MS requirement normally is waived for students who enter the PhD program with a master’s degree, if their thesis is judged to be equivalent to WVU theses by the Behavior Analysis faculty. The MS in Behavior Analysis also is accredited by ABAI (through 2030), but enrollment in the program is limited to students who have been accepted into the PhD program. We do not accept students seeking a terminal MS degree.

Research Opportunities

Learn about research opportunities with the Behavior Analysis graduate faculty:

• Karen Anderson
• Ray Joslyn
• Kathryn Kestner
• Kennon A. Lattal
• Michael Perone
• Claire St. Peter

Facilities & Financial Support

Our basic research laboratories are located in the Life Sciences Building. Each lab is outfitted with operant-conditioning chambers for pigeons or rats or both. Applied researchers also have laboratory spaces within the Life Sciences Building equipped with one-way mirrors from observation bays to therapy rooms and equipment for real-time data collection of behavior. Additionally, applied researchers conduct studies in the community, including local public schools.

We have been able to provide funding for each student in good standing in our program. Doctoral students gain teaching experience, including opportunities for senior students to design and teach their own courses. Teaching serves as one source of funding for students. Students may also be funded through practicum placements in which they conduct clinical work to support children in the local community. Graduate students may also be hired as research assistants to work on grant-funded studies. In addition to a nine-month stipend, each student in good standing receives a university tuition waiver.

Becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst

The program includes the coursework and experiences necessary for graduates to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts. These courses are not mandatory, and completing the requirements is optional.    Pass-rate data are not available for our program because such data are not published for programs with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year   (our cohorts include four students per year on average, and not all students choose to pursue the BCBA credential).

Academic Policies & Procedures

• WVU Graduate Catalog
• Psychology Graduate Student Handbook (includes information on credit for previous graduate work)

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