PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis

The ABAI-accredited PhD program in applied behavior analysis at UNMC's Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) provides students with training experiences that integrate research and clinical practice. Through coursework, specialized practica and research, students develop a strong conceptual background in behavior analysis and its application within human services. Graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles in academic, clinical and research arenas. 

To be eligible to apply, applicants must have completed a master’s degree and qualify to obtain credentialing as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

 

This three-year doctoral training program provides intensive clinical and research training in applied behavior analysis within a collaborative academic and clinical environment.

 

Program Highlights

The program includes:

• Competitive funding, including
  • a stipend aligned with the NIH NRSA predoctoral stipend level (currently $28,788 per year; last updated May 2025),
  • full tuition remission for up to 12 credits per semester, and
  • comprehensive health insurance coverage.
    Stipends are adjusted whenever the NIH updates the national predoctoral training stipend scale.
• Clinical and research mentorship from leading experts in behavior analysis, including faculty who regularly publish in flagship journals and who serve on the editorial board or as associate editors of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA).
• Extensive opportunities for scholarly productivity, with doctoral students regularly publishing research generated through the ABA PhD program.
  (View research publications generated by our doctoral students.)
• Integration of coursework and applied training, with principles and concepts introduced in the classroom immediately applied within clinical and research practica.
• Professional development support, including funding for travel, meals, and accommodations to attend local and national behavior analysis conferences (subject to budgetary availability).
• Supervised grant-writing training, including opportunities to prepare and submit competitive research grants.

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Program Faculty

This program is directed by Nicole M. Rodriguez, PhD, BCBA-D and other UNMC faculty members associated with Applied Behavior Analysis.

• Regina Carroll, PhD, BCBA-D – iCASD, Autism Care for Toddlers Clinic
• Mary Halbur, PhD, BCBA-D – iCASD, Autism Care for Toddlers Clinic
• Bethany Hansen, PhD, BCBA-D – Pediatric Feeding Disorders
• Cynthia Livingston, PhD, BCBA-D – Severe Behavior Department
• Catalina N. Rey, PhD, BCBA-D – iCASD, Early Intervention Program
• Nicole M. Rodriguez, PhD, BCBA-D – iCASD, Early Intervention Program | Director of ABA PhD Program
• Alice Shillingsburg, PhD, BCBA-D – iCASD Director