Behavioral Science, PhD

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Pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, June 2026.

The PhD in behavioral science at Daemen University will build student capacity in advanced clinical practice, teaching, conducting evidence-based research and developing leadership skills.

Doctorally-prepared professionals in behavioral sciences are critical leaders providing support and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have complex needs.

Program Overview

The PhD program in Behavioral Science at Daemen is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in research, teaching, consulting, advocacy/public policy, and systems change.
The curriculum includes 50-56 credits of required courses including Behavior Analysis of Child Development, Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA in Education, Severe Behavior Disorders, Verbal Behavior Disorders, Critical Thinking, Public Health Biostatistics and Lab, Behavior Science and Social Justice, Leadership and Advocacy, Advanced Research Methods, Implementation Science, Advanced Behaviorism, Teaching at the College Level.

Program Benefits

Evening courses to accommodate working professionals
Focus on developing leaders and social scientists who can apply behavioral science across diverse systems, settings, and populations
Concentrations in Education, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, and Behavioral Health

Napolitano Receives Prestigious APBA Award

Dr. Debbi Napolitano, Associate Professor in the Behavioral Science Department at Daemen, has been awarded the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) 2025 Jerry Shook Award for her exceptional work as a board certified behavior analyst.

Career Opportunities

Development and oversight of parental and family support services
Leading systems change projects in industry, schools, and human-service organizations
Consultation with school-districts and multi-tiered systems of support
Leadership in residential and vocational settings
Membership on interprofessional teams that support patients and youth in hospitals, foster care, and juvenile justice settings
Leadership roles in business, particularly in organizational behavior management and training
Public policy advocacy and legislative roles

Program Specifics

Program Objectives

Students will gain an advanced understanding of the science and the field of
behavior analysis and the broad range of potential applications for the science.
Students will gain leadership skills in areas of their choosing to achieve leadership
positions in the field of behavior analysis, regardless of the industry, and
effectively mentor professionals newer to the field.
Students will conduct research and disseminate important findings across a
variety of areas to the benefit of society as a whole.

Admissions Requirements

Complete the online application.
Provide a written statement describing your interest in the program.
Provide three letters of recommendation from an employer, professional colleague, or academic professor.
Provide official transcript(s) from all accredited colleges or universities attended indicating the award of an undergraduate degree (international applicants must submit foreign transcripts in the original language and an English copy).
Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview.
Minimum GPA requirement is 3.4
Qualified applicants for the program must possess a master’s degree in behavioral analysis from an accredited college or university.
Applicants without a New York State ABA licensure or a BCBA certification must have completed prerequisite courses in the following subjects: behaviorism, concepts & principles in behavioral science; research methods & experimental design; functional assessment; ethics & professional conduct; advanced applications of behavioral science; and organizational behavior management.