Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Studies Careers
Find out what careers you can achieve with an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) & Autism Studies degree from MBU, and how you can get there!
ABA & Autism Studies Careers
These are just some of the many careers an Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Studies BA can prepare you for. Select a career to learn about the job, average salary, employment outlook, required education level, and more.
ABA & Clinical Practice
Educational & Social Services
Use the resources below to find more career profiles on these and hundreds of other jobs you could achieve with an ABA & Autism Studies BA.
Career Spotlights
Registered Behavior Technician
Implements Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) treatment plans and tracks the patient’s reaction to and progress in treatment.
Education: High school diploma (bachelor’s degree preferred) + certification
Workplaces: Inpatient and outpatient mental health centers, schools, in-home
Median Pay: $23.61/hour
Job Outlook: 22% (faster than average)
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Develops individualized treatment plans for people with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, or behavioral issues to achieve personal behavior goals.
Education: Master’s degree + state certification
Workplaces: Inpatient and outpatient mental health centers, schools, in-home
Median Pay: $77,145/year
Job Outlook: 22% (faster than average)
Child, Family & School Social Worker
Provides social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families.
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Workplaces: Government and social services agencies, non-profit organizations
Median Pay: $58,570/year
Job Outlook: 4% (average)
MBU Alumni Employers
Our ABA & Autism Studies majors have gone on to build impactful careers with public and private schools, school districts, community services organizations, therapeutic agencies, and non-profits.
- Advanceable ABA
- Autism Center of Excellence
- Bierman Autism Centers
- Compassionate ABA Service
- Connect Behavioral Health, LLC.
- Hamilton County ESC
- Hanover County Public Schools
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Papillon Family Health
- ShisaCare
- Spotsylvania County Public Schools
- St. John’s Health
- STEPS Behavioral Health
- Sunray ABA
- The ARC of Loudoun
- The Behavior Doc
- The Early Start Center for Learning and Development
- The Stepping Stones Group, LLC
- Wise County Public Schools
- YMCA of the USA (National Resource Office)
Alumni Story: Kristen Kobylarz, ’25
Kristen Kobylarz earned her BCaBA certification while at Mary Baldwin University. She now works as a Behavioral Supervisor at Bright Light Behavioral Services, overseeing clinical operations, mentoring RBTs, and supporting staff training and onboarding. Kristen is finishing a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at MBU, set to graduate this December, and plans to sit for the BCBA exam as soon as she’s eligible.
Kristen credits Mary Baldwin’s coursework with building both a strong foundation in behavior analysis and the confidence to step into a leadership role. Looking back, Kristen sees the program as having given her the tools to grow into a stronger clinician and supervisor, and now finds fulfillment in mentoring others entering the field while working toward becoming a BCBA herself.
What’s your path?
MBU offers dozens of complementary minors, majors, clubs and more to enhance your study of ABA and autism studies and put you on the right path to your dream career.
Consider pairing your ABA & Autism Studies major with…
A minor in:
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- English
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Leadership Studies
- Management
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Subject-specific Education minors
A double-major in:
- Criminal Justice
- Elementary Education
- English
- Health Sciences
- Healthcare Administration
- Public Policy
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Special Education
- Strategic Communications
Build one of these Skill Stacks to gain an edge in the job market:
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Inclusivity
- Collaboration
- Data Fluency
Join one of these MBU clubs or professional organizations for connection and networking:
- Sociology Club
- Social Work Club
- Psychology Club
- Criminal Justice Club
- A Brighter Tomorrow
- Residence Hall Association
- Student Standards Board
- Virginia Association for Behavior Analysis
- International Society for Autism Research
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Consider one of our outstanding MBU graduate programs:
*We offer an Accelerated Pathway for this program. Earn two degrees faster!
Consider pairing your ABA & Autism Studies major with…
A minor in:
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- English
- Human Resource Management
- Leadership Studies
- Management
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Subject-specific Education minors
A double-major in:
- Criminal Justice
- Elementary Education
- English
- Public Policy
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Special Education
- Strategic Communications
Build one of these Skill Stacks and gain an edge in the job market:
- Communication
- Creativity
- Inclusivity
- Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
Join one of these MBU clubs for connection and networking:
- Sociology Club
- Social Work Club
- Psychology Club
- Criminal Justice Club
- A Brighter Tomorrow
- Residence Hall Association
- Student Standards Board
- Virginia Association for Behavior Analysis
- International Society for Autism Research
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Consider one of our outstanding MBU graduate programs:
*We offer an Accelerated Pathway for this program. Earn two degrees faster!
Explore Internships
No matter your major, an internship is a chance to explore your interests, build real-world skills, and give you a real competitive edge in the job market. The McCree Center for Career Success can help find the right opportunity for you.
Planning for Graduate School & Certification
If you plan to continue your education in ABA & Autism studies or are interested in a career that requires a graduate degree, thinking about graduate school early can save you a lot of stress in the future.
Some positions require certification by special behavior analyst boards and organizations. Certification can be granted at different levels, and may or may not require graduate education.
Certification during your BA
As an ABA & Autism Studies major, you’ll fulfill the “Pathway 2” coursework requirements necessary to take the certification exam and become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®) or a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®).
However, other eligibility requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) must be met before taking these exams (including the possession of a master’s degree to become a BCBA®).
Certification during graduate school
If you are looking to become an International Behavior Analyst (IBA)™, you’ll have to pursue certification and a master’s degree through a graduate program with an International Behavior Analyst (IBA)™ Approved Content Provider (ACP)™.
Mary Baldwin’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is an IBA™ Approved Content Provider™.
Some graduate programs require entrance exams such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). Preparation can take weeks or months, so check requirements early to give yourself time to study and practice.
See what graduate programs Mary Baldwin has to offer!
McCree Center for Career Success
The McCree Center for Career Success helps students connect their education to their future careers. Services include:
- Career exploration and planning
- Resume and cover letter support
- Interview preparation
- Internship and job searches
- Networking and professional development
- Graduate school preparation
Visit us to learn more!
