If you look at the U.S. Labor Department of Statistics you will notice the percentages of projected employment growth are all in double digits across the board. That’s excellent news for job seekers currently holding a healthcare-related degree as well as students trying to decide on their career path.

RELATED: The Best-Paying Jobs in Health Care: Top 15 Highest-Paying Medical Specialties

All salaries, education requirements and projected employment growth were sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. If a particular career was not featured on the BLS site, Payscale.com was used for median salary.

1. Optometrist

Read the top line. Now the next line. Can you read the smallest line? Are you reading it with glasses, or your own naked eye? If you’re reading with glasses, odds are, you’ve met an optometrist. (You might have met an ophthalmologist, which is a medical doctor who treats eyes; an optometrist is Doctor of Optometry, specializing in corrective lenses, not medicine.) Optometrists check vision, prescribe lenses, and sometimes prescribe medications for minor eye disorders; some even do basic surgeries.

If you want to help people see better, but you’re not so interested in doing surgery or treating major diseases, consider optometry. It’s a very rewarding career, in the good you can do patients and the income you’ll make.

Median Salary: $97,000
Education Level: Doctorate
Projected employment growth: 24% increase between 2012 and 2022

2. Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse hits that sweet spot where schooling, pay, and responsibility balance out. You can become a registered nurse with an associate’s degree and a license, in only two or three years, and pay is high for such a low level of schooling. You spend a lot of time directly with patients, assessing their well-being, keeping them comfortable, and doing all of the many tasks that come up (medicines, needles, monitors, and bandages). You can specialize in areas such as pediatric, emergency, intensive care, and labor/delivery, or you can work as a school or camp nurse. Some nurses choose lucrative traveling positions.

It’s not a cushy job – you’ll be on your feet a lot, and during your shifts, stress can get pretty high. You’re responsible for people’s lives, after all. But there is no shortage of work for good nurses, and the more experience you get, the more in-demand you’ll be, and the higher pay you can negotiate for.

Median Salary: $65,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 19% increase between 2012 and 2022

3. Respiratory Therapist

Take a deep breath. Appreciate that? What if you couldn’t do it? For millions of Americans, breathing is a daily struggle. Whether from asthma, COPD, emphysema, or any number of other disorders, difficulty breathing calls for a specialist who can help relieve symptoms, do therapy to strengthen the lungs, and practice preventative care. That specialist is a Respiratory Therapist.

Although Respiratory Therapists need to continue their training and education throughout their career, as new technologies and therapies emerge, RT is one of the best-paid professions you can get with only an associate’s degree. Many respiratory therapists work with premature births, children, adults with chronic lung disorders, and the elderly, all demographics, and there is no expectation that the need for RTs will diminish; if anything, the profession is expected to grow.

Median Salary: $56,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 19% increase between 2012 and 2022

4. Hospital Administrator

An exploding medical sector means an unprecedented demand for Hospital Administrators. These are the people who keep the hospital in compliance with regulations, financially stable, staffed, and housed. They may not have direct contact with patients, but they make sure the hospital is there, and that qualified people are on call to take care of the sick and injured.

This is a job with significant responsibilities; whether it’s for-profit or non-profit, a hospital is an expensive operation, and the administrators are the ones who make sure the hospital is making money and staying afloat. Anything that goes wrong is on the heads of the administrators, so they often have to talk to the press and be available during emergency situations. And for that responsibility, they’re very well-paid. A Master’s of Business Administration is recommended, though some administrators are going for Public Health, and even Doctor of Public Health degrees.

Median Salary: $97,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 23% increase between 2012 and 2022

5. Biomedical Engineer

Part of the excitement of working in medicine is using all of the amazing machines, tools, and gadgets that are being developed every day to heal people. Obviously, those incredible inventions don’t design themselves – that’s what Biomedical Engineers are for. Any innovation that has transformed some aspect of medicine in recent years, from brain-controlled prosthetics to imaging machines that can show the hair on a growing fetus, started out in a biomedical research and development facility.

If you like the idea of working in a lab, creating things that will improve and save lives, consider biomedical engineering. You only need a bachelor’s degree to get started, and pay is excellent for the education level.

Median Salary: $87,000
Education Level: Bachelor’s degree
Projected employment growth: 27% increase between 2012 and 2022

6. Dental Hygienist

Can you get past the fact you will be poking around in stranger’s mouths all day long? If so, you’re golden. You clean some teeth, examine for gingivitis and other oral diseases, maybe you do some sealant work and assist with fillings, round it out with patient education and you’ve got your shift in a nutshell.

A Dental Hygienist works for a team with Dentists and Dental Assistants. So for obvious reasons, you need to have excellent social and communication skills. Hygienist are paid very well given the fact that only a 2 year degree is the required amount of schooling for this position.

Median Salary: $70,210
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 33% increase between 2012 and 2022

7. Dermatologist

Who loves their skin? Really, sees no flaws and has no qualms? That’s why dermatologists will always have a job. But it’s not all smoothing wrinkles and removing unsightly moles. Dermatologists treat life-threatening skin cancers, correct disfiguring scars and damage, sooth painful skin conditions that make life miserable, and help patients learn good preventative habits to avoid future suffering.

You’ll have to do a lot of schooling first – a dermatologist is a medical doctor, not just a simple certification. But you’ll have no trouble paying back your student loans, either. Median income is up around $300,000, and in California, where good skin goes on your resume, it can be even higher. Makes you wonder why you’re not a dermatologist already, doesn’t it?

Median Salary: $300,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 18% increase between 2012 and 2022

8. Chiropractor

Chiropractors diagnose and treat disorders of the spine, along with all the muscles and nerves that go with it. To the layman, that means a lot of stretching and joint-cracking. As a chiropractor, you do a little of everything; a session may require working with computer imaging, doing some therapeutic massage, and stretching patients on equipment that looks kind of medieval. You can’t be afraid to try some unconventional treatments, because every patient’s pain is different.

If you want to go into a medical profession, but you’re kind of a lone wolf, chiropractic might be a good choice. Most chiropractors work in private practice. But that, of course, means you have to wear a lot of hats, so it wouldn’t hurt to have some skills in business and marketing in addition to your medical degree. Take a video course and you can even shoot your own late-night local TV commercial.

Median Salary: $66,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 16% increase between 2012 and 2022

9. Podiatrist

Frankly, the human foot is a disaster. It just can’t handle all we put it through, with all our running around, on hard floors and sidewalks, in poorly-designed shoes. Not to mention all the weight we keep putting on them. It’s a wonder they hold up as well as they do. But pretty much everyone experiences foot pain or illness at some time in their lives. The Podiatrist is the one who treats that pain and illness, whether it’s as simple as warts and bunions, or as complex as diabetic feet or deformities like club foot.

RELATED: How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor?

Those Baby Boomers, patron saints of the medical field, just insist on staying active as they age, and that’s a very good thing for podiatrists. Every woman in her 60s whose heel spurs keep her from training for a marathon needs a podiatrist. Every man of a certain age who breaks his ankle rollerblading needs one. So it’s no wonder the profession is growing steadily, or that it pays so well. Anything to keep us on our feet.

Median Salary: $116,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 23% increase between 2012 and 2022

10. Physician Assistant

If you’ve ever been to an urgent care center, you’ve seen a Physician Assistant. You may not have even realized that he or she was not technically a doctor, because PAs are trained to do virtually everything a doctor does – perform exams, diagnose illnesses, even write prescriptions. They have some limitations; they can only assist in surgery, not perform it, for instance. But for your day-to-day sickness or injuries, a Physician Assistant can do it all.

When you become a PA, you can work in any speciality a doctor can, from neonatal to geriatric. You’ll answer to a medical doctor as part of a team, but the responsibility will be yours. Plus, it’s only a master’s degree, which means you’ll get there much faster and with a lot less student loan debt.

Learn more about the top 25 physician assistant (PA) degree programs 2022.

Median Salary: $90,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 38% increase between 2012 and 2022

11. Speech Pathologist

You may think of a speech pathologist helping people overcome stuttering, or learn to speak without a lisp, but speech pathologists treat a wide range of disorders. They help children born with cleft palate or developmental delays, and adults with strokes or Parkinson’s. Surprisingly, speech pathologists can even help treat problems with infant feeding, such a difficulties sucking or swallowing.

Speech Pathologists often work with as part of a team, such as with an audiologist or educators, and they are commonly employed in schools and senior facilities. This is another profession that requires only a master’s degree, and while it may be difficult, it is also very rewarding to help someone who has lost, or never had, the ability to communicate, break through.

Median Salary: $69,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 19% increase between 2012 and 2022

12. Pharmacist

Ever walk into a pharmacy, see the pharmacist counting out pills, and think, “Must be nice to get paid for counting out pills all day”? Well, you don’t know the half of it. Pharmacist is a highly technical job, and people’s health and well-being, even their lives, are in the pharmacist’s hands. The doctor may diagnose and prescribe a course of treatment, but it’s up to the pharmacist to put that prescription together correctly and inform patients how to use it.

Since the pharmacist profession is so important, a pharmacist must have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, and it’s nearly as demanding as a medical doctorate. You’ll have to spend some time working in a pharmacy as a student for hands-on experience, and be licensed. The upside is, you won’t have the pressure and stress of working in an emergency room or dealing with blood and fluids. A patient may sneeze on you asking where to find the cold medicine, but otherwise, it’s a clean, safe job with a lot of responsibility and the income to match.

Median Salary: $116,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 14% increase between 2012 and 2022

13. Radiation Therapist

Radiation Therapist is a straightforward job: you give radiation treatments, usually for patients with cancer (though a few other, rare diseases benefit from radiation). That means working with oncologists to develop a treatment plan, using the equipment to administer treatments, interpreting the results, advising patients on treating side effects, and judging when treatments need to stop or continue.

That’s a major responsibility, and a high pay rate, for only an associate’s degree. Think of it – you could be saving lives in only two or three years. If that appeals to you, Radiation Therapist is one of the fastest ways to get there.

Median Salary: $77,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 24% increase between 2012 and 2022

14. Nuclear Medicine Technician

This is another medical job that requires only an associate’s degree, has a lot of responsibility, and can be explained pretty simply. A Nuclear Medical Technician gives a patient a radioactive drug, uses imaging equipment to perform a scan, and analyzes the results on a computer to determine where abnormalities show up. That includes tests for disorders of the intestinal tract, heart and blood vessels, and brain.

As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, you’ll probably work in a hospital, though some work for physicians or in clinics. Nuclear medicine is growing and improving all the time, so there’s no bad time to get in.

Median Salary: $70,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 20% increase between 2012 and 2022

15. Audiologist

Many people worry about hearing loss, whether it’s their own golden years, or their children’s yearly ear infections. Just about everyone has had a hearing test at some point in their life, and that’s probably all they know of audiology. Of course the audiologist performs hearing tests, but they also treat tinnitus (ringing in the ears), balance issues caused by inner ear disorders like Ménière’s disease, and all forms of hearing loss. They fit hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Thanks to iPod earbuds and Beats by Dre, audiologists don’t have to worry about running out of patients any time soon. The profession is growing much faster than the average rate, and advances in hearing recovery are coming quickly as technology like cochlear implants become more common.

Median Salary: $69,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 34% increase between 2012 and 2022

16. Physical Therapist

A child injured in a car accident learns to walk on crutches; a young baseball pitcher tears a ligament and needs recovery; a grandmother has a hip replacement and needs to practice walking on her new part. All of these people need a Physical Therapist.

Physical therapists work with all kinds of people, often in specialties like sports medicine, geriatric, or orthopedics. PTs use a variety of techniques, often in creative ways, to help improve their patients’ mobility, range of motion, and quality of life. It’s a doctorate degree, so it won’t be obtained easily, but physical therapy is a great choice for those who want to work directly with patients and help them see visible improvements.

Median Salary: $79,000
Education Level: Doctorate degree
Projected employment growth: 36% increase between 2012 and 2022

17. Nurse Practitioner

Whether you already have your BSN, or if you’re just getting started in a nursing program and feel ambitious, Nurse Practitioner is worth considering. A Nurse Practitioner is a master’s-level program which goes beyond the basic tasks of nursing. A Nurse Practitioner has many of the same responsibilities of a doctor, including diagnosis and prescribing treatment, though under the supervision of a doctor.

Many NPs work in hospitals, urgent care centers, schools, and nursing homes, and with the added education and responsibility comes a higher pay. Like all medical fields, Nurse Practitioner is a growing job, and there is no shortage of work in sight.

Median Salary: $96,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 31% increase between 2012 and 2022

18. Occupational Therapist

For millions of people, daily tasks, from brushing teeth to cleaning up after meals, are difficult because of some physical or mental disorder. Occupational Therapists are the experts who help patients do the things they want and need to do to make their lives better. For instance, OTs may help autistic children curb repetitive, destructive behaviors by teaching them more constructive habits; they may help elderly people with limited mobility rearrange their household goods to make them more easily accessible; they may help adults with brain damage re-learn basic life skills while working around their injuries.

To become an Occupational Therapist, you will need a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. You may work for hospitals, clinics, group homes, and other settings where people experience physical limitations, writing up treatment plans and sometimes overseeing a team of assistants.

Median Salary: $75,000
Education Level: Master’s degree
Projected employment growth: 29% increase between 2012 and 2022

19. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

One of the most thrilling moments in a new parent’s life is seeing the sonogram image of their baby for the first time. A Sonographer is the person who makes that miracle possible. A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer uses imaging equipment such as ultrasound to check on the development of a fetus, to look for damage to organs such as the heart or intestines, or to find breast cancers. Some Sonographers assist with surgeries.

Some people may be nervous about working with this equipment all the time, but unlike X-rays, sonography uses no radiation and is totally safe for operator and patient. And with only an associate’s degree, sonography is a well-paid profession with a reasonable entry point.

Median Salary: $60,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 39% increase between 2012 and 2022

20. Radiologic Technologist

The first time Wilhelm Rontgen saw human bones with x-rays, it must have seemed like magic. Now, all it takes to look through people’s skin is an associate’s degree and certification. So why not consider becoming a Radiologic Technologist? As a technician, you will work in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and sometimes even in private practice, if you save up your pennies for your own machine.

The Radiologic Technologist profession also allows for areas of specialization; for instance, you may move on to become an MRI Technologist, a job that usually pays more. You may focus on sports medicine, pediatrics, or mammography as well.

Median Salary: $56,000
Education Level: Associates’s degree
Projected employment growth: 21% increase between 2012 and 2022

For Further Reading: 

What Degree Do I Need to Be an Optometrist?

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Speech Therapist?

Can a PA Prescribe Medication?

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Top 25 Medical Schools

The post Top 20 In-Demand Healthcare Careers appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Working in the field of applied behavioral analysis can be fulfilling. Applied behavior analysts, the professionals responsible for implementing interventions that bring about significant behavior change, make a difference.

To work in the field of behavior analysis, you will need at least a master’s degree. Many aspiring behavior analysts choose ABA online masters programs for their flexibility and convenience.

RELATED: Should I Get a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis?

What Is Applied Behavior Analysis?

The field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) can trace its roots back to B.F. Skinner, the founder of behaviorism.

Skinner claimed that, just like any other, animal humans can be trained through a series of reinforcements and punishments. Over the years, the field of applied behavior analysis has used these founding principles to create a systematic approach to learning. Modern ABA intervention plans are much more sophisticated than the behaviorism from Skinner’s day.

Modern Uses of Applied BehaviorAnalysis

Applied behavior analysis is an evidence-based approach to teaching. One reason you may have heard of applied behavior analysis (ABA) before is its popular use among children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Applied behavior analysis methods have been used to help children with ASD learn skills like the following:

• Communication skills
• Social skills
• Academic skills
• Fundamental life skills

RELATED: What Degree Do People With a Job in Treating Autism Have?

Today, ABA clinics across the nation use the natural environment and other less sterile settings as the backdrop for implementing interventions based on applied behavior analysis. This means that learning using ABA has moved away from the table time 1:1 model to a model that looks a lot more like how kids naturally play. The result is that everyone can benefit.

The applications of applied behavior analysis aren’t limited to this one population. In fact, ABA principles are used for learning applications that each one of us uses on a daily basis.

Studying Applied Behavior Analysis Online

Are you interested in learning about the science of behaviorism as it applies to working with children, teens and adults today? To qualify for professional employment in applied behavior analysis, you’re going to need an education and professional credentials.

Certification in Behavior Analytic Services

Practitioners in the field of applied behavior analysis are known as Board Certified Behavior Analysts, or BCBAs. Certification in the field of applied behavior analysis is granted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst must hold a master’s degree. Either as part of their degree program or through a separate course of study, aspiring BCBAs must complete behavior-analytic coursework.

The most highly educated behavior analysts are designated as BCBA-Ds. They have a doctoral degree, such as a:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree
• Doctor of Education (EdD) degree

Despite the distinct BCBA-D designation, having a doctorate is not required for this role. BCBA-D is not a separate certification from BCBA, and BCBA-Ds fulfill the same role as BCBAs, according to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Both BCBAs and BCBA-Ds are independent practitioners of behavior-analytic services. Further, providers with either designation can oversee the work that Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) perform in implementing the treatment plans the BCBA develops.

RELATED: How Advanced Does My Degree in Behavior Analysis Need to Be to Get a Good Job?

Becoming qualified for BCBA certification requires a specialized education in applied behavioral analysis. It’s important to choose a program that meets one of two characteristics:

1. Has been accredited or recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), or
2. Utilizes a Verified Course Sequence as verified by the ABAI

Without taking coursework deemed eligible by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, you won’t meet the requirements for the BCBA credential.

RELATED: What Courses Will I Take to Become a Certified Behavior Analyst?

Online Education for a Career in Applied Behavioral Analysis

Fortunately for busy students, numerous colleges now offer online ABA programs that meet ABAI standards. Online students can earn a master’s degree and prepare to take the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s BCBA Exam without the hassle of commuting to campus. Some online programs require attendance in live online classes, while others allow students to access course lectures, materials and assignments on their schedule. For working students, students juggling family responsibilities and other non-traditional students, online ABA programs are a flexible and convenient way to pursue graduate-level certification.

The Best Online ABA Certificate Programs and Degree Programs

An online master degree is an excellent option for preparing for a career in applied behavior analysis. Studying applied behavior analysis prepares online students for the BCBA Exam and certification. Online master’s degree programs in this field may be offered under different titles, departments, schools and colleges. Some of the online master’s programs in this field are specialized applied behavior analysis degree programs. Others are concentrations or specializations within special education programs. What these degree programs have in common is that they are all among the best ABA online masters programs in America.

RELATED: 50 Top Applied Behavioral Analysis Degree Scholarships

Check out our list below of the 20 best online master’s degree programs in ABA.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University isn’t just home to one of the best online masters in applied behavior analysis. The public school that dates back to 1885 is also one of the top schools in the world for innovation.

Why Study ABA at Arizona State University

Don’t take our word (or the institution’s own words) for Arizona State University’s reputation for innovation. U.S. News and World Report has recognized Arizona State University as leading the nation on its Most Innovative Schools list. The publication also ranked ASU well on its lists of national universities, top public schools, best value schools and best colleges for veterans.

Arizona State University, located in Tempe, Arizona, is known for its degrees in teaching, engineering, business, science, computer science, psychology and more.

To rank among the top schools in the nation for innovation, ASU excels in both on-campus and online learning. The school is home to some of the best online offerings anywhere.

ASU Online offers more than 300 online degrees and certificates for undergraduate students, graduate students, and non-degree students seeking an online certification. Online undergraduate degree programs at Arizona State University cover a wide range of subject areas, including:

• Global management
• Art
• Geography
• Health
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• Tourism and recreation

The online graduate programs at ASU are wonderful options for adults who are looking to advance their careers while maintaining their jobs and other responsibilities. Some of the online master’s programs Arizona State University has offered include the following programs:

• Master of Arts in Education
• Master of Arts in Global Security – Cybersecurity
• Master of Science in Graphic Information Technology
• Master of Science in Psychology
• Master of Arts in World War II Studies

Among ASU’s many offerings is the institution’s online Master of Arts in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Coursework in Arizona State University’s Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

ASU’s online MA in Special Education program encompasses studies in areas like the following:

• Instructional design, planning and assessment
• Instruction and assessment for learners with exceptionalities
• Instructional methods for language and literacy
• Mathematics methods and assessment
• Language and communication methods and assessment
• Special education foundations
• Research and evaluation in education

The Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration utilizes research as well as experience to prepare students to work professionally with individuals who have special learning and behavioral needs. Through this ABA program, you will learn how to implement applied behavior analysis principles during instruction.

The curriculum of ASU’s Applied Behavior Analysis concentration constitutes a Verified Course Sequence, per the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

Some of the courses in this concentration include:

• Concepts & principles of applied behavior analysis
• Ethics of applied behavior analysis
• Behavior change procedures
• Personnel supervision and organizational behavior management in educational settings
• Philosophical foundations of applied behavior analysis in educational settings
• Measurement, data display, interpretation & experimental design
• Behavior analytic assessment
• Advanced applications of applied behavior analysis
• Verbal behavior
• controversial therapies, science, fad and pseudoscience in educational settings

Completing this coursework satisfies the course requirements for taking the BCBA Exam, although students may need to fulfill additional requirements to be deemed eligible to move forward with the certification process.

If you are passionate about working with special needs students and want to take your career to the next level by applying ABA skills in the classroom, ASU’s ABA online program is an excellent choice. You can also pursue this master’s degree on the path toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

View program details.

2. Ball State University

Next on our list of the top applied behavior analysis graduate programs is Ball State University. At this public institution in Muncie, Indiana, master degrees across numerous disciplines are flourishing both on campus and online.

Why Study ABA at Ball State University

Ball State University ranks among the top public schools in the nation. U.S. News & World Report has also included the university on its lists of national universities, best value schools, best colleges for veterans and best first-year experiences.

In recent years, Ball State has developed some of the best online offerings. Students who study online at Ball State learn from the same professors as on-campus students do.

Over the years, Ball State has increased its online offerings to include a wide array of online masters degrees and online undergraduate degrees. In fact, there are over 100 fully online programs to explore. Among Ball State University’s many online offerings is a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Coursework in Ball State University’s Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

The Ball State ABA masters program is specialized, with an emphasis in autism. Not only does the 30-credit online master program incorporate an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence, but it also constitutes a QABA-approved training program. While graduates can apply the ABA skills they learn through this master’s degree to patients with other developmental disabilities, they will be particularly well prepared to work with children with autism spectrum disorder.

Coursework in this ABA program includes:

• Introduction to applied behavior analysis
• Professional issues in applied behavior analysis
• Behavioral consultation
• Advanced applied behavior analysis
• Verbal behavior
• Supervising human service staff in ABA
• Field-based experience in applied behavioral analysis
• Research methods for behavior analysis

The emphasis on autism consists of three focused courses:

• Introduction to persons with autism spectrum disorders
• Interventions and treatments for persons with autism
• Field-based experience in autism

Ball State University’s online applied behavior analysis (ABA)program is offered through the institution’s highly respected Teachers College. The Teachers College is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

This is the largest program in applied behavior analysis in the nation. However, small class sizes ensure that you can still receive individual attention from instructors. This program can be completed in less than two years.

If your focus is an ABA program that prepares you for the BCBA Exam, Ball State University’s program is for you. In fact, the first-time exam pass rate for Ball State graduates is among the best in the nation.

No matter what your educational background, this program works for you. For most applications, GRE scores are not required. Motivated students can complete this online program in less than two years.

View program details.

3. Drexel University

Another of the best ABA master programs online can be found at Drexel University. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, private institution dates back to 1891. More than 22,000 students attend Drexel.

Why Study ABA at Drexel University

Drexel is a global research university with a strong reputation. The University’s 15 colleges and schools offer a combined total of more than 200 degree programs.

U.S. News & World Report recognized Drexel University on its lists of the best value schools, most innovative schools, national universities and best colleges for veterans. As of 2023, the publication has ranked Drexel as the second-best school in the nation for co-ops/internships.

Drexel has offered online education since 1996. Today, more than 4,000 students attend Drexel University online. Drexel’s online degree options include bachelors degrees, masters degrees, doctoral degrees and certificate programs in fields like the following:

• Engineering
• Psychology
• Medicine
• Broadcasting
• Digital media
• Technology
• Special education

Of particular interest is Drexel University’s applied behavior analysis (ABA) online degree.

Coursework in Drexel University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

This Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program is geared toward aspiring ABA professionals interested in working with children and adults with autism spectrum disorder. The program encompasses an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence and prepares students to take the BCGA Exam.

Drexel University’s ABA degree program is divided into two main components: core coursework and ABA concentrations. Core coursework for this online master’s degree includes:

• Fundamental elements of behavior change
• Applications of fundamental elements of behavior analysis
• Behavioral assessment and functional analysis
• Behavioral interventions
• Measurement and experimental design
• Consultation, systems change and supervision
• Ethical considerations and professional conduct

In the Advanced Topics in ABA Concentration, students take the following classes:

• Analysis of verbal behavior
• Therapeutic approaches using principles of behavior analysis
• Seminar in applied behavior analysis

The Autism Spectrum Disorders Concentration covers subject matter such as:

• Autism characteristics & methods
• High-functioning autism characteristics & methods
• Behavior & sensory support for autism spectrum disorders
• Communication & language interventions for autism spectrum disorders
• Teaching students with autism spectrum disorder

In the Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellness Concentration, topics of study may include the following:

• Understanding social emotional disorders
• Social emotional wellness and evidence-based preventative school practices
• Evidence-based school interventions and trauma informed education/care
• Collaboration and community based practices to promote social emotional wellness

Students in Drexel’s online master’s program also complete a sequence of capstone courses in ABA.

View program details.

4. University of Kansas

Another of the best BCBA online masters programs is based out of the University of Kansas. The public university located in Lawrence, Kansas, was founded in 1865.

Why Study ABA at the University of Kansas

As of 2023, total enrollment at this research university amounted to close to 30,000 students. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school well on several of its college rankings lists, including national universities, top public schools, best value schools and best colleges for veterans.

The University of Kansas offers a number of online programs for students – more than 80, in fact. KU online offers degrees, certificates, and courses for students who are either initiating their programming or heading back to school.

The online undergraduate offerings at the University of Kansas include online bachelor’s degrees in subjects such as:

• Communications
• Liberal arts
• Exercise science
• Nursing.

The University of Kansas also offers a number of online graduate degree programs through its School of Business, School of Education & Human Sciences, School of Social Welfare, School of Nursing and many more schools. Among the more than 400 programs of study at the University of Kansas is an online Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science.

Coursework in the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis Program at the University of Kansas

Although the campus-based Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas is ABAI-accredited, the online program is not yet accredited. Instead, the curriculum now constitutes an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence. In this 30-credit hour program, the curriculum encompasses required coursework in six content areas. Students must also complete elective courses, research courses, a practicum and a thesis to graduate.

Required courses for this ABA online program include:

• Principles of behavior analysis
• Conceptual foundations of behavior analysis
• Introduction to applied behavioral science
• Experimental analysis of behavior
• Within subjects research methodology and direct observation
• Ethical, legal and professional issues in applied behavioral science

This program is intended for students who have a background in psychology or education, ideally with some amount of clinical experience. GRE scores are not required for admission, although having strong scores may positively impact your application. While the coursework for this ABA program is offered online, the defense of the required master’s thesis must be conducted on campus.

View program details.

5. Penn State World Campus

The Pennsylvania State University, better known as Penn State, also offers an excellent online masters in ABA program. Penn State is a prestigious public university that dates back to 1855 and now educates close to 100,000 students annually.

Why Study ABA at Penn State

In recent years, the Penn State World Campus – the online division of the university – has grown to include more than 175 degrees and certifications. Whether you’re a transfer student, a military student or a returning student, Penn State World Campus offers programs of study to fit your needs. The comprehensive programming includes online degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized Penn State’s main campus, University Park, on its lists of national universities, best value schools and top public schools. The publication has also included Pennsylvania State University–World Campus on numerous lists of the best online programs, including the best online bachelor’s programs, best online master’s in education programs and best online master’s in special education programs.

Among Penn State’s many online offerings is the Master of Education in Special Education through which students can acquire ABA skills.

Coursework in Penn State’s Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

The online Master of Education in Special Education program at Penn State includes only two required courses, plus a capstone seminar. Most of the curriculum is devoted to an area of emphasis of students’ choice. The required courses are:

• Teaching learners with disabilities in inclusive settings
• Introduction to research in special education

What lands Penn State’s Master of Education in Special Education program a spot on our list of the best online ABA master’s programs is its optional emphasis in applied behavior analysis (ABA). The ABA Empahsis consists of 21 credits of ABAI-Verified Course Sequence coursework that amounts to 315 hours of preparation. Completing this ABA Emphasis satisfies the course requirements to sit for the BCBA Exam. Coursework in this concentration area includes:

• Current issues in special education
• Foundations of applied behavior analysis
• Concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis
• Behavioral change procedures and management
• Assessment of behavior in contexts
• Ethical considerations for special education populations
• Single-case research

The program also offers tracks in autism and in academic and behavioral supports. Most students take one and a half to two years to finish this 33-credit program.

View program details.

6. University of Nevada at Reno

Next on our list of the schools offering the best BCBA masters programs online is the University of Nevada at Reno. The University of Nevada Reno (UNR) is a public four-year institution founded in 1874.

Why Study ABA at the University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno is a top-notch research university that enrolls more than 20,000 students. The institution offers nearly 500 programs of study in disciplines that range from business to science and criminal justice to psychology.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of Nevada, Reno on its lists of national universities, top public schools and top performers on social mobility.

In recent years, the University of Nevada, Reno has expanded its online degree offerings to include more than 70 programs. Online courses of study at this school may culminate in bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and graduate and industry certifications. Among the online program offerings at the University of Nevada, Reno is the Master of Science in Behavior Analysis.

Coursework in the University of Nevada’s Master of Science in Behavior Analysis Program

The M.S. in Behavior Analysis program at the University of Nevada, Reno is offered through the Department of Psychology in the College of Science. This program is accredited by the ABAI and constitutes a Verified Course Sequence that makes it ideal for students preparing for the BCBA Exam.

This online program prepares students for ABA-related careers in the private, public and government sectors through coursework on the philosophies and applications of behaviorism. Required courses include:

• Principles of behavior
• Behavioral interventions
• Behavior management and consultation
• Behavioral & systems assessments
• Behavioral analysis of language and cognition
• Experimental analysis of behavior
• Research methods in applied behavior analysis
• Ethics in Psychology

Students also devote six credits to a master’s thesis and six credits to a behavior analysis practicum.

View program details.

7. University of South Florida

Don’t overlook the University of South Florida, located in Tampa, as an option for studying applied behavior analysis online. The public four-year institution currently enrolls more than 50,000 students.

Why Study ABA at the University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a newer institution of higher education, having been founded in 1956. Still, the school has cultivated an excellent reputation. In 2023, the University of South Florida joined the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), making it one of the youngest institutions to be part of the Association. Just six members of the AAU have founding dates later than 1950.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school in its lists of top public schools, national universities, best value schools and best colleges for veterans, among others.

The University of South Florida offers comprehensive degree programming on campus and online. USF masters programs online include the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Coursework in the University of South Florida’s Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

The online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis program is recommended for students with at least three months of work experience in a related role, like registered behavior technician or behavior specialist.

Over the course of just five semesters, students can complete the ABIA-Verified Course Sequence and complete 1,500 hours of supervised experience, helping them prepare for the BCBA Exam. Students are also equipped to seek certification from the International Behavior Analysis Organization and the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA).

Required courses for the program include:

• Behavior theory
• Applied behavior analysis basic principles
• Ethics in applied behavior analysis
• Functional assessment
• Applied behavior analysis in complex community environments
• Single case experimental design
• Applied behavior analysis and developmental disabilities Credit Hours: 3
• Supervision and training in applied behavior analysis C

Students also complete 12 credits of practicum seminar work and five credits of directed research. To graduate, students must pass a comprehensive exam that consists of a research literature review.

View program details.

8. University of Southern Maine

An online ABA program may also fall under the category of educational psychology. That’s the case at the University of Southern Maine, a public college located in Portland.

Why Study ABA at the University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine is a regionally accredited institution that was founded in 1878. USM offers degrees for undergraduates as well as graduate students, including professional doctoral degrees.

U.S. News & World Report has acknowledged the University of Southern Maine on its lists of regional universities in the North, top public schools and top performers on social mobility.

The University of Southern Maine offers among its 300 programs of study 70 different undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certifications completely online. The institution’s online Master of Science in Educational Psychology program offers a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that prepares students for a career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Coursework in the University of Southern Maine’s Master of Science in Educational Psychology Program

In the University of Southern Maine’s online Master of Science in Educational Psychology program, students can pursue an ABA Concentration. The 36-hour program encompasses an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence of ABA courses. Required coursework for this program includes:

• Behavioral principles of learning
• Functional behavioral assessment
• Physical bases of behavior
• Consultation and collaborative problem-solving
• Special education regulations, procedures and IEP team
• Psychopathology
• Principles and procedures for instructional intervention
• Principles and procedures for behavior Intervention
• Supervision and performance management in applied behavior analysis
• Professional ethics in behavior analysis
• Research methods and techniques
• Single case research method

Students can complete this degree program in as little as two years or, if studying part-time, in three years. The University of Southern Maine also offers an online non-degree Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis for students who want to develop AMA skills but don’t need a master’s degree.

View program details.

9. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida is a public four-year institution located in Pensacola.

Why Study ABA at the University of West Florida

UWF offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as graduate certificate programs. More than 13,500 students attend the school, distributed across more than 1010 programs of study. The University of West Florida is known for the academic and career counseling services it offers, as well as for awarding credit for life experiences and advanced placement credits.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of West Florida on its lists of the top public schools, best value schools and regional universities in the South.

UWF offers a number of online opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Through UWF Online, students can enroll in more than 600 online courses that lead to upwards of 50 degrees and certificates. Among these online degree offerings is UWF’s online Master of Arts in Exceptional Student Education.

Coursework in the University of West Florida’s Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

Students pursuing the University of West Florida Master of Arts degree can choose between two specialization areas: the Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization and the Special Education Specialization. Naturally, a student interested in becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst will gain more out of the ABA Specialization. The program prepares students to seek BCBA certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board or alternative professional certification, like the Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA) and International Behavior Analyst (IBA) designations.

The University of West Florida Master of Arts degree with an ABA Specialization requires 30 to 33 credits. Required courses include:

• Foundations of applied behavior analysis
• Concepts of applied behavior analysis
• Exceptionalities
• Behavioral assessments
• Applied behavior analysis and system support
• Supervision and Management Fluency
• Measurement and Single Case Design
• Ethics in applied behavior analysis

Students who want to be deemed eligible to pursue the International Behavior Analyst credential should also take the Experimental Analysis of Behavior course.

Students also complete major electives in areas such as the following:

• Intensive intervention in autism and related disabilities
• Autism and the law
• Behavior analysis of performance
• Behavior analysis in organizations
• Behavior systems analyst
• Curriculum design for behavior analysis
• Applied single case design
• Advanced single case design

Students in this program typically finish their degree in 18 to 24 months.

View program details.

10. Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State University is a public four-year institution located in Danbury, Connecticut.

Why Study ABA at Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State University was founded in 1903. Today, more than 4,400 students attend the school.

U.S. News & World Report included Western Connecticut State University on its rankings of the top public schools in the nation, regional universities in the North and top performers on social mobility. Western Connecticut State University currently offers more than 60 programs of study for undergraduate and graduate students, including a number of online options. One of these options is the online masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Coursework in Western Connecticut State University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at Western Connecticut State University is available online. Through this 30-credit program, students complete 330 classroom hours of graduate coursework. Of the 30 total credits required for this master’s degree, 22 credits are part of the Association for Behavior Analysis International Verified Course Sequence. Students can also complete just this Verified Course Sequence to qualify for a non-degree Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Coursework in the applied behavior analysis degree program at Western Connecticut State University includes:

• Introduction to concepts and principles of behavior analysis
• Methods and measurement in applied behavior analysis
• Behavior assessment
• Behavior change procedures
• Assistive Technology for Applied behavior analysis
• Advanced concepts and principles of behavior analysis
• Grant writing in applied behavior analysis
• Ethics and professional issues
• Capstone in applied behavior analysis

This Board Certified Behavior Analyst core coursework helps prepare students for the BCBA Exam.

View program details.

11. Endicott College

Endicott College is a regionally accredited private institution founded in 1939. At this college located in Beverly, Massachusetts, Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is one of more than 80 programs of study.

Why Study ABA at Endicott College

U.S. News & World Report ranked Endicott College on its lists of best value schools, regional schools in the North, best colleges for veterans, best undergraduate teaching schools, and best schools for co-ops and internships.

Endicott College is a great option for working adults, parents and other students with busy lives. The Van Loan School at Endicott caters to working professionals and offers both fully online and blended degrees. Online learners have the same access to services as the on-site students.

Coursework in Endicott College’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

Endicott College’s 40-credit hour online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis offers five different pathways. Required coursework for the M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis degree includes:

•  Basic principles of applied behavior analysis
• Conceptual issues in applied behavior analysis
• Behavioral assessment
• Behavior change procedures
• Measurement & experimental evaluation of behavioral interventions
• Supervision and management
• Ethical issues in behavior analysis

In the Childhood Clinical Disorders Track, students learn about psychiatric disorders, ABA for public school special education and collaboration in childhood clinical disorders.

The Organizational Behavior Management Track encompasses classwork in performance management, translating behavior analysis to the organization and applied organizational behavior management.

The Mental Health Track includes collaboration in mental health settings, using ABA interventions for psychiatric disorders and skill building for adults with psychiatric disorders.

Students in the Autism Track may study autism spectrum disorders, motivation and reinforcement, verbal behavior, treatment of severely challenging behavior and progressive applications in ABA.  

The ABA General Track allows students to combine elective coursework from any of these specialization areas.

View program details.

12. Bay Path University

Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, is home to another of the best applied behavior analysis masters programs online.

Why Study ABA at Bay Path University

Bay Path University is a private four-year institution that was founded in 1897. The school currently serves more than 2,700 students. In addition to offering upwards of 40 career-focused fully online associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree and certificate options through The American Women’s College, Bay Path University offers online and on-campus graduate degrees for both men and women in a dozen different fields, including applied behavior analysis.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized Bay Path University on its rankings lists of regional universities in the North and top performers on social mobility.

Coursework in Bay Path University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

Bay Path University actually offers several different programs in applied behavior analysis (ABA) online. The 48-credit Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is the shortest such program. This ABA degree is intended for students who are interested in becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts and prepares students for the BCBA Exam. Bay Path University’s other applied behavior analysis programs include 57-credit and 60-credit MS in ABA degrees with concentrations in areas like trauma-informed practice and applied verbal behavior. There’s also a 51-credit Educational Specialist (EdS) degree in ABA option.

In the 48-credit Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program, coursework includes the following:

• Science of ABA concepts and principles
• Concepts and principles of advanced applied behavior analysis
• Behavioral assessment and ongoing evaluation
• Interventions & behavior change procedures
• Analysis of verbal behavior
• Personal & management in ABA
• Functional analysis history, methods and applications
• Research methods in ABA
• Ethical practice in applied behavior analysis

Students typically complete this program in 24 to 27 months. During this timeframe, students complete coursework that prepares them for the BCBA Exam and acquire 2,000 supervised independent fieldwork hours.

View program details.

13. Purdue University

Purdue University is a prestigious public institution located in West Lafayette, Indiana, so it’s no surprise that the school’s online masters in behavior analysis is worth checking out.

Why Study ABA at Purdue University

Purdue University’s long history stretches back to 1869. Today, more than 50,000 students are enrolled in the school’s 360+ undergraduate and graduate programs of study. The school offers more than 200 online and hybrid programs, including its online MS in ABA program.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Purdue University highly on its lists of national universities, top public schools, best value schools, most innovative schools and best colleges for veterans.

Coursework in Purdue University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

Purdue’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program prepares students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts. This is a 30-semester-credit hour program that prepares students for the BCBA Exam and meets the Verified Course Sequence standards per the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Courses in this program include:

View program details.

14. Pennsylvania Western University California (Formerly California University of Pennsylvania)

Until 2022, Pennsylvania Western University, California – or PennWest California, as it’s better known – went by the name California University of Pennsylvania. Despite the name change, this public four-year institution has a strong history of academic performance. The school also offers an online special education program with an emphasis on applied behavior analysis.

Why Study ABA at PennWest California/California University of Pennsylvania

The institution now known as PennWest California was founded in 1852. In addition to offering student services that include academic and career counseling, employment services and the opportunity to earn credit for life experiences, the institution now offers online learning through PennWest Global Online.

For more than 20 years, students of this institution have enjoyed online learning options. Online students at PennWest receive the same quality education found on campus. The online programs are military-friendly and intended for busy, working adults.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked California University of Pennsylvania on its college rankings lists of regional universities in the North, top public schools and top performers on social mobility.

Coursework in PennWest’s Master’s in Special Education Program

PennWest offers a 36-credit online Master of Education in Special Education degree with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis Autism. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and meets the requirements for the BCBA Exam. In addition to the ABA Concentration, the program also offers an Autism Concentration and an Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism concentration.

Core coursework for the Master of Education in Special Education program includes:

• Special education foundations and collaboration
• Special education history, theory and exceptionalities
• Assessment and prescriptive teaching
• Evidence-based practice in PK-12 special education
• Secondary transition

The general ABA Concentration includes courses in the following areas:

• Introduction to behavior analysis
• ABA interventions
• Concepts, principles and assessment of behavior
• ABA supervision and assessment
• Foundations of measurement and experiment design
• ABA research design
• Professional and ethical practice in behavior analysis

In the Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Concentration, students take courses in areas such as:

• Introduction to behavior analysis
• ABA interventions
• Concepts, principles and assessment of behavior
• ABA supervision and assessment
• Foundations of measurement and experiment design
• ABA research design
• Professional and ethical practice in behavior analysis
• Nature and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder
• Communication and behavior in autism spectrum disorder
• Life transitions & ASD
• Navigating the social world & ASD

Aspiring special education teachers can also pursue a path that leads to teacher certification.

View program details.

15. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Next on our list of the best master of applied behavior analysis online is the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. This private nonprofit four-year institution offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Why Study ABA at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Unlike other other schools on our list, this entry is an institution with a special focus on health professions. Its academic offerings include programming in health, psychology, counseling, behavioral sciences and business. Of particular interest is the school’s online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Coursework in the Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

The online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares students for the BCBA Exam, Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification and a career in ABA. The online program, like the Chicago campus program, is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

Students who complete this course may work with a wide variety of populations, including children, adults and seniors. Some of the coursework students take includes studies in the experimental analysis of behavior, concepts and principles in behavior analysis and diversity in clinical practice. Throughout the curriculum, students will touch on the different domains within the field of behavior analysis, including theory, application, service delivery and experimental analysis of behavior.

Full-time students can complete this program in two to two and a half years of study.

View program details.

16. Arcadia University

Arcadia University is a regionally accredited institution located in Glenside, Pennsylvania.

Why Study ABA at Arcadia University

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Arcadia University on its lists of regional universities in the North, best undergraduate teaching schools, best schools for study abroad and top performers in social mobility.

This private institution was founded in 1853. Today, the school is home to 65 fields of study, 1,900 undergraduate students and 1,200 graduate students. To support their students’ success, the college offers academic and career counseling. Arcadia University now offers more than a dozen online degrees and professional certifications. The Master of Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis is one such online program.

Coursework in Arcadia University’s Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis

Arcadia’s online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis program encompasses an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence that prepares students to take the BCBA Exam and attain the Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential.

Required Concentration Courses include:

• Concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis
• Educational research & experimental design
• Functional behavior assessment and behavior change
• Behavior analysis and principles of development
• Behavioral consultation in homes, schools and communities
• Ethics and professionalism
• ABA training & supervising human service staff

Elective coursework may encompass studies in the following areas:

• Teaching methods for students with autism
• Characteristics of students with autism spectrum disorders
• Disability studies and special education law
• Positive behavioral approaches
• Special topics in autism

The program also includes 2,000 practicum hours and a required culminating activity.

Students can complete this 30-credit program in 18 months. They also have the option to complete the Online Graduate Certificate in Autism as they work their way through this program.

View program details.

17. McNeese State University

McNeese State University is a regionally accredited institution located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This is a public institution that offers associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and graduate and undergraduate certificates.

Why Study ABA at McNeese State University

McNeese State University offers AP credits, credit for life experiences and academic and career counseling services.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked McNeese State University among its lists of regional universities in the South, top public schools and top performers on social mobility.

Recently, McNeese State University has started to expand its online offerings. The University offers online degrees for undergraduate and graduate students – including its Master of Arts in Psychology with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Coursework in McNeese State University’s Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

The ABA program at McNeese State University isn’t a dedicated ABA degree but rather a concentration within a psychology program. However, this program is an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence. It puts students on the path to taking the BCBA Exam and getting certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

This program is available online or on campus. The online option allows for a flexible schedule, which makes it a good fit for students who are working professionals. The curriculum of the applied behavior analysis degree at McNeese State University includes coursework in areas such as:

• Principles of learning and behavior
• Human growth and development
• Introduction to applied behavior analysis
• Conceptual foundations of behavior analysis
• Behavioral assessment
• Verbal behavior
• Applied behavior analysis interventions
• Advanced topics in behavior analysis
• Experimental analysis of behavior
• Applied research methods in applied behavior analysis
• Single-subject methodology
• Ethics for behavior analysts
• Professional standards for behavior analysts

McNeese offers a comprehensive curriculum and plenty of hands-on experience, integrating more than 1,500 hours of supervised practicum experience into the program.

View program details.

18. St. Cloud State University

Another of the best applied behavior analysis masters programs online is at St. Cloud State University. This public institution, located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, was founded in 1869.

Why Study ABA at St. Cloud State University

U.S. News & World Report has ranked St. Cloud State University on its lists of best value schools, top public schools and regional universities in the Midwest.

St. Cloud State University offers comprehensive degree programming, with more than 260 programs of study. The 10,000 students at this institution benefit from student support services like credit for life experiences and academic and career counseling. The institution is also military-friendly.

St. Cloud State University offers online academic programming, including hundreds of online courses. Among the more than two dozen online programs available is St. Cloud State University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis degree.

Coursework in St. Cloud State University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

St. Cloud State University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program is available both online and on campus. Students in the applied behavior analysis online program follow one of two plans. The thesis plan is a 45-credit program, and the comprehensive exam plan is a 46-credit program. The program is broken into three main components: core courses, electives and research.

Required core courses include:

• Behavioral assessment
• Behavioral applications
• Social bases of behavior
• Experimental analysis of behavior
• Advanced applied behavior analysis
• Ethics in psychology and behavior analysis

Through the elective courses they select, students can develop a greater depth of knowledge in areas like behavior therapy, developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, functional analysis and experimental analysis of behavior.

All students complete nine credits of required internship work, which amounts to an on-site 750-hour clinical internship.

View program details.

19. Texas A&M University

For a great special education master’s in applied behavior analysis, look no further than Texas A&M University.

Why Study ABA at Texas A&M University

Texas A&M is a public university that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The school offers more than 140 programs at the undergraduate level and 270 graduate degree programs.

Founded in 1876, this institution was the first public college in Texas. It’s also a large institution. More than 69,000 study at the main Texas A&M campus in College Station, and the total enrollment in Fall 2022 amounted to almost 75,000.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Texas A&M University on its lists of top public schools, national universities, best value schools, most innovative schools and best colleges for veterans.

In recent years, Texas A&M has expanded its online offerings. Today, the institution offers online degree options through 12 of its 16 academic colleges and schools. Online education at Texas A&M is designed with working professionals in mind. Among the school’s many online offerings is its Master of Science in Special Education.

Coursework in Texas A&M University’s Master’s in Special Education Program

In this 36-credit online master’s degree, students complete both coursework pertaining to special education and ABA therapy. Special education coursework encompasses studies in the following areas:

• Consultation in special education
• Transition education and services for individuals with disabilities
• Early literacy for students with diverse instructional needs
• Adolescent literacy across the content areas for students with disabilities
• Multicultural and bilingual special education

The coursework that prepares students for the BCBA Exam and certification includes:

• Introduction to applied behavior analysis
• Advanced applied behavior analysis
• Assessment in school settings
• Prevention, support, and intervention for students with emotional and behavior problems
• Leadership in applied behavior analysis
• Single-case experimental design
• Ethics and professional conduct in special education and applied behavior analysis

This program is excellent not only for preparing students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts but also for students interested in roles like the following:

• Special education teachers
• General classroom teachers
• Therapists
• Counselors
• Behavior coaches

The program is best suited for students who have some professional experience working with individuals with disabilities, either in a teaching or clinical capacity. Aspiring teachers may need to pursue teaching certification elsewhere.

Students can complete this program in two years.

View program details.

20. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is home to another excellent applied behavior analysis online program.

Why Study ABA at the University of Cincinnati

This public institution in Cincinnati, Ohio, serves a student body of nearly 48,000. The nationally ranked institution was founded in 1819.

U.S. News & World Report has named the University of Cincinnati on its lists of national universities, top public schools, most innovative schools and best colleges for veterans.

The University of Cincinnati now offers a number of online degrees and certification programs designed with working professionals in mind. One such program is the online Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis.

Coursework in the University of Cincinnati’s Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Program

In the University of Cincinnati’s 30-credit Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis, students prepare to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts. The ABAI-Verified Course Sequence helps students meet the requirements to sit for the BCBA Exam.

Ten courses are required for this applied behavior analysis degree:

• Applied behavior analysis I
• Applied behavior analysis II
• Applied behavior analysis-III
• Child development
• Frameworks for disabilities and disorders in childhood
• Behavioral supervision and management
• Functional behavioral assessment
• Working with cultural and linguistic diversity in schools
• Behavioral research and accountability methods
• Ethics for behavioral practice and research

Students at the University of Cincinnati can complete their applied behavior analysis degree in just five semesters, or 20 months.

View program details.

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

The post The 20 Best ABA Online Masters Programs (Applied Behavioral Analysis Degrees) appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

As an extrovert, your outgoing nature and people skills will make you an excellent candidate for a wide range of career paths in sought-after industries like healthcare, finance, education, legal, communication and business. With our Top 10 Careers for Extroverts list, you can discover a profession that will be as personally fulfilling as it is financially and professionally rewarding, one that fits your personality as well as your goals.

Remember, though, that no one is a complete extrovert. If none of these options appeal to you, take a look at our Top 10 Careers for Introverts – you might not be as much of an extrovert as you think.

 1. Lawyer

Lawyers represent individuals, organizations, businesses and government agencies in legal matters that range from criminal trial proceedings to drawing up contracts and wills. They inform and guide their clients in legal matters ranging from business to personal. While television portrayals typically show attorneys at trials, lawyers don’t spend every moment of their time locked in real-life courtroom battles. They do a lot of their work behind-the-scenes, communicating with clients, investigating legal matters and collecting evidence, interpreting laws and drafting legal documents. They must communicate facts both in writing and verbally – and that’s where the career appeals to extroverts.

When a lawyer goes to trial, he or she must be comfortable speaking in front of an entire courtroom full of people. Lawyers need to have the confidence to argue legal matters in court, in front of judges and juries, and to question witnesses and defendants. They must make their arguments compelling. For an introvert, this could be a daunting task, but an extrovert like you might find this to be the most exciting and rewarding part of the job.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $113,530

Education Level: Law school degree (Doctoral degree)

Projected employment growth: 10 percent

2. Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who work with patients to improve their mobility and decrease pain. When patients suffer an illness or injury that restricts their ability to move, it can affect every aspect of their lives. Physical therapists rehabilitate these patients through the use of exercise, hands-on therapy, stretches, heat and cold applications, electric stimulation, assistive devices for walking and other modalities and equipment. A physical therapist’s job is to help patients function better.

A wide variety of patients requires physical therapy. Young people and even babies must see a physical therapist for help with developmental delays. Among older patients, strokes are a common cause of mobility issues that call for physical therapy. Patients may also come to a physical therapist at any age to help with conditions caused by sports injuries or accidents. Sometimes patients need therapy for recovering from a one-time but acute injury, while other times they’re seeking solutions for coping with chronic conditions. A physical therapist must be comfortable interacting with a range of patients. Like other medical professionals, they need to be able to educate and explain treatment plans to patients. More so than many other healthcare workers, physical therapists must motivate and encourage patients, some of whom may feel depressed as a result of their injury and limitations or discouraged by progress that is slower than they would like. An outgoing, extroverted physical therapist can inspire these patients and help them make the best possible recovery for their condition.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $79,860

Education Level: Doctoral degree

Projected employment growth: 36 percent

 3. Dental hygienist

Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals who clean and examine patients’ teeth. They work in dentists’ offices, where they spend most of their workdays interacting directly with patients. When patients visit the office for a cleaning or for other preventive dental care, the dental hygienist is the one who actually cleans and polishes their teeth, using manual, power and ultrasonic equipment to eliminate stains, plaque and tartar. They are often responsible for taking x-rays of the mouth, administering fluorides, applying sealants to teeth and examining patients’ mouths to detect any signs of dental problems or oral diseases.

While patients are in the chair, they typically can’t do much talking themselves, since the dental hygienist is hard at work on cleaning their teeth. It takes an extrovert to feel comfortable doing most or all of the talking, helping to put the minds of sometimes nervous patients at ease. Dental hygienists also advise patients on ways to enhance their dental health, such as the right way to brush and floss and the impact of diet on their teeth and gums. For someone with a compassionate nature and an outgoing personality, the opportunity to interact frequently with patients and to educate them on improving their health can be energizing and fulfilling. 

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $70,210

Education Level: Associate’s degree

Projected employment growth: 33 percent

4. Financial Advisor

Financial advisors use their knowledge of the world of finance to guide clients in choosing the right investment opportunities, decreasing their tax burdens and making insurance decisions to protect their interests. Successful financial advisors are knowledgeable about a wide range of finance topics, from tax laws to stocks, bonds and other types of investments. However, they do more than offer general advice. They interact with clients directly and learn about their personal situations, including their goals and financial situations. Financial advisors then talk with their clients about the different options available to them and the financial risks involved. They research different investment opportunities to discuss with their clients, keep an eye on how clients’ investments are performing and answer any financial questions their clients have.

The people and speaking skills necessary to interact well with clients are among the most important qualities a financial advisor can have, which makes this career an excellent choice for extroverts. After all, financial advisors need to understand their clients’ goals and their current financial situations. They must establish a rapport with clients that will help them discuss important matters that are both financial and personal, such as when the client wants to retire and how to plan financially for life changes like having children. Financial advisors also need strong sales skills to market their own services, especially if they are self-employed.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $67,520

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 27 percent

5. Nurse

Nurses care for patients in a variety of settings, from hospitals and doctors’ offices to nursing home facilities, prisons and schools. Registered nurses fulfill many roles in patient care. They write down medical histories, symptoms and their own observations. Nurses work with other healthcare professionals to coordinate treatment plans, perform diagnostic tests, use medical equipment and interpret test results. Within the healthcare facility, nurses dispense treatments and medicines.

One thing nearly all of a nurse’s many job duties have in common is their interaction with others. Obviously, nurses interact with the patients with whom they work directly. They need to have good people and communication skills to connect with patients, some of whom may be nervous about test results or uncomfortable procedures, and to put their minds at ease. Good nurses draw upon these same skills to explain to patients what to expect and what they must do, including how to take medication. They must also have and express compassion for their patients. Since nurses often work with doctors and a variety of other healthcare professionals, they also use their strong communication and interpersonal skills collaborating with other members of their team.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $65,470

Education Level: Associate’s degree

Projected employment growth: 19 percent

6. Mediator

Mediators are legal professionals who work with the parties involved in a legal dispute to help them resolve the problem outside of the court system. They are neutral or impartial with regards to the case, meaning that they aren’t on the side of either the plaintiff or defendant. Instead, they meet with both parties simultaneously and work to help them communicate effectively to reach an agreement without having to go to trial. Though they do their work in private hearings rather than in the courtroom, mediators are an important part of the legal system. Resolving disputes outside of court means that the parties involved can avoid the cost, time and hassle of a trial and that fewer cases are clogging up an already overburdened court system.

While mediators must know and understand the laws that relate to the cases they mediate, much of their success is based upon skills that are common among extroverts. Mediators must be good listeners and communicators, and they must be able to interact well with others to help them communicate more effectively, too. They have to talk to plaintiffs, defendants and witnesses to learn the background of the case and the events that led to the legal dispute.  They must make sure that everyone involved understands the process and sort out each party’s interests and concerns. Mediators need excellent critical thinking and people skills to get parties on opposite sides of a dispute to put aside their differences and work toward resolving the issue without having to resort to a trial or further litigation. For extroverts who naturally enjoy being surrounded by and interacting with people, the challenge of getting parties on opposite sides to work together can be as exciting as it is rewarding.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $61,280

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 10 percent

7. Human Resources Specialist

In the business world, human resources professionals play an important role: helping companies and organizations hire their employees. Workers are an important asset in every industry, and it’s a human resources specialist’s job to screen and hire quality workers and to handle matters such as training and orientation, employment paperwork, payroll and benefits.

When dealing with new and prospective new employees, human resources specialists will spend a lot of time interacting with people they don’t yet know. They must be comfortable meeting and interviewing new people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and they need to communicate well by being both good listeners and good speakers. Human resources specialists need to be confident in their own decision-making skills when it comes to determining which candidate is the best fit for the position they are trying to fill. Even after the hiring process is complete, human resources specialists guide new employees in filling out paperwork and understanding their job duties and benefits as well as conducting employee orientations. For extroverts, the opportunity to meet and interact with new people isn’t just a necessary part of the job, but may very well be the best part of the job. With experience and ambition, human resources specialists can advance to human resources manager positions. Not only does a management job allow extroverts to put their considerable leadership skills to work, but it also comes with substantially higher pay – a median salary of $99,720 per year.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $55,640

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 8 percent

8. Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are professionals in the field of media and communication who work toward a specific goal: managing the public image of an organization. Some public relations specialists, media specialists or communications specialists work in-house within a government entity, healthcare facility, educational institution or other organization, while others work in firms that handle public relations campaigns for a variety of external clients. Regardless of their work environment and situation, public relations specialists use the same strategies to create and perpetuate a positive image among consumers, investors and the media for the organizations they represent. They draft press releases announcing news concerning their organizations and distribute the information to a network of relevant contacts in the print and broadcast media. They field requests for information from media representatives and coordinate interviews with company spokespeople so that the information can be used in a newspaper or magazine article, a radio broadcast or a television news segment.

Strategy – and skilled implementation of that strategy – is an important part of success in public relations, but being a good problem-solver and writer isn’t enough. Public relations specialists must have excellent interpersonal skills to cultivate a network of relevant media contacts and maintain strong working relationships with those contacts. They must be comfortable not only initiating contact with reports, editors and other members of the media, but also speaking for the organization they represent. Where introverts might shudder at the thought of putting themselves and their company in the public eye and constantly courting the attention of the media, true extroverts will thrive in a busy, fast-paced career like public relations. Experienced public relations specialists can move into management positions, where they can earn a median annual salary of $95,450 and have the opportunity to lead teams and campaigns.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $54,170

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 12 percent

9. Teacher

Teachers are the professionals responsible for educating young people in a variety of subjects and grade levels. Whether teaching very young children at the preschool, kindergarten and elementary school level or teenagers and young adults at the middle school or high school level, teachers must be able to connect with their students and find ways to make learning interesting. They create and carry out lesson plans that illustrate course material. They may procure or develop worksheets and tests. Teachers assign and grade classwork, homework and projects that help students learn not only the material, like a history lesson or science lecture, but also help them develop skills such as critical thinking. They grade tests and assignments and work with struggling students to help them grasp lessons.

Teachers are often the only adult, or one of the only adults, in a classroom full of students. They must not only be comfortable with public speaking, but also getting to know and communicate with each individual student. Successful teachers have the interpersonal skills to interact and communicate with a variety of people, from their young students to fellow adults. Teachers have to discuss students’ progress, including their strengths and weaknesses, with parents and guardians during conferences or when an academic or behavioral issue arises. They also have to work with colleagues, including other teachers, school counselors and administrators. Whether a teacher is standing up in front of a class giving a presentation, facilitating a group discussion or assigning work, he or she must lead students and manage the classroom – tasks that extroverts, who thrive in environments full of people and interaction, will often be comfortable doing. 

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $53,090 – $55,050 per year

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 6 to 12 percent

10. Event Planner

Event planners are the business professionals who organize a wide variety of events that range from weddings and parties to professional conferences, conventions and meetings. They work directly with both clients and professionals in the hospitality, transportation and professional services industries. Prior to the event, planners coordinate all of the details, including the date and time, the venue, transportation and catering or food service. They seek out locations and services that will fit the client’s needs, negotiate prices and coordinate all services required, making sure to keep the cost of the event under the agreed-upon budget. The job doesn’t end once the planning is complete. While the event is going on, planners are busy managing equipment, guest registration and other logistics and resolving any problems that emerge.

As an extrovert, you probably enjoy going out and experiencing events, from weddings to business conventions. What career could be more interesting than planning those events yourself? Event planners spend much of their time interacting with other people. They talk to clients to discover their needs and ideas. Then they work with the appropriate vendors and suppliers to fill those needs and negotiate contracts and prices. Because event planning is such a fast-paced industry, the professionals in it must be composed under pressure and comfortable thinking on their feet to solve problems.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $45,810

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 33 percent

Related Resources:

20 Non-Law Firm Jobs with a Law Degree

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Lawyer?

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Mediator?

How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

The post Top 10 Careers for Extroverts appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1. Doctor

If you have a knack for science and an interest in helping people as well as a preference for a nonstandard work schedule, consider becoming a doctor. Physicians and surgeons are some of the highest-payed professionals in the workforce, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In addition to the earning potential of hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, the best doctors enjoy the fulfilling nature of helping patients get or stay well. Of course, they also make sacrifices. Physicians spend many years preparing for the career, earning a bachelor’s degree, attending medical school and completing residencies and internships to gain hands-on training. This preparation requires candidates to invest a lot of time, work and money into their future career.

Exactly how nonstandard a doctor’s work schedule is depends on his or her place of employment. Hospitals require staffing 24 hours a day, so physicians who work in these settings may be more likely to work early or late shifts (and often, long shifts). Even in private practices, though, many offices are increasingly offering evening and weekend appointments for the convenience of their patients who do work a regular schedule and can’t come in during the day.

Salary: $241,273 to $411,852 or more

Education: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO)

2. Dentist

Like doctors, dentists are increasingly working nonstandard hours to meet the needs of their patients. For many dentists, this means offering occasional or regular evening and weekend hours. While dentists may not have to worry about covering overnight shifts like an emergency room physician does, they may have to deal with dental emergencies that require urgent attention.

Of course, work schedule alone isn’t reason enough to pursue a career in dentistry. However, if you’re already interested in the field and you consider a nonstandard work schedule – one that you set yourself, if you own your own dental practice – to be a plus, that’s a good combination. Keep in mind that you will need to do a lot of preparation for your career. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree (typically in a science-related subject of study) and getting a competitive score on the Dental Admission Test, you will need to graduate from a dental school program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation, the BLS reported. Still, for the right candidate, the high earning potential, schedule and work itself are well worth the preparation.

Salary: $154,640

Education: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)

3. Petroleum Engineer

While a lot of the best jobs with nonstandard schedules do happen to be in the healthcare field, not all of them are. Petroleum engineers are a great example. These engineering professionals – who have a six-figure median salary – develop new ways to extract oil and natural gas from existing wells and underground deposits, the BLS reported.

What kind of work schedule can you expect as a petroleum engineer? When traveling to a dig site, it’s not unusual for petroleum engineers to spend 84 hours on duty and then be off duty for another 84 hours, the BLS reported. While working for a full three and a half days might sound like a crazy schedule, the job has its perks, especially for adventure-seekers. Visiting drilling sites means that petroleum engineers have plenty of opportunity to travel the world during their careers.

Salary: $130,050

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering

4. Air Traffic Controller

At every hour of the day and night, someone somewhere is traveling by airplane. Keeping those in flight – and taking off or landing – safe means having a trained professional on the clock 24/7. Air traffic controllers fill this role, communicating instructions, weather pattern information and emergency information to pilots in the air and on the ground. They play a crucial role in getting planes full of passengers and airline workers safely and efficiently to their destinations. Being responsible for managing the safety of multiple planes at a single time can be stressful, but for those candidates who can cope well with the demands of the job, an early retirement is a major benefit of this career, the BLS reported. So is the six-figure salary.

RELATED: How to Become an Air Traffic Controller: What Degree Do I Need?

If you’re considering embarking on a career as an air traffic controller, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree unless you have years of relevant experience working in the aviation industry, according to the BLS. Look for a school that offers an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program intended to meet guidelines set by the FAA. These degree programs typically cover subjects like airspace, aviation weather, reading maps, clearances and federal aviation regulations. Candidates must also pass the eight-hour Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (AT-SAT) and a personality test before then can undergo air traffic controller training through the FAA academy. If you’re specifically looking for a job with a nonstandard schedule, then you will want to find employment at a large, busy airport that has flights going on all day and night, including on weekends and holidays.

Salary: $122,340

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, FAA Academy Training Course and a Passing Score on the AT-SAT

5. Pharmacist

The last six-figure salary career on our list of the top 20 jobs without a 9-to-5 schedule is, again, in the healthcare industry. Pharmacists are the highly educated professionals who fill and dispense the medications physicians and surgeons prescribe. They not only order and administer the medications, but they also make sure there will be no negative – and potentially dangerous – drug interactions among patients who have to take multiple medications. Pharmacists instruct patients on how to take their medications, answer questions about side effects and allergic reactions and handle the paperwork necessary to bill patients’ insurance companies, according to the BLS. In some states, they even administer vaccinations.

Today, many pharmacies – especially those that are part of major retail stores – offer extended hours to better serve customers and patients who work a 9-to-5 schedule. This means pharmacists increasingly need to work evening and weekend hours. The 19 percent of pharmacists who find employment in hospitals may also need to work nonstandard hours to keep pharmacy departments staffed at all times.

Salary: $120,950

Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

6. Physical Therapist

Physical therapist is yet another healthcare job where a nonstandard work schedule is common. After earning a doctoral degree – which is no easy feat, requiring advanced studies in subjects like anatomy, physiology and biomechanics as well as months of clinical experience – physical therapists work directly with patients to help rehabilitate them after an injury or illness. Through methods such as exercises, hands-on therapy, stretching maneuvers and the use of equipment, physical therapists help patients achieve goals like pain reduction and increased mobility.

Many physical therapists do work during regular business hours, the BLS reported, but there are also plenty of opportunities to work outside the 9-to-5 schedule at facilities that offer evening or weekend appointments for the convenience of their patients. Besides the possibility of a flexible work schedule, there are plenty of other benefits to a career in physical therapy. A median salary well over twice that of all occupations, an expected job growth rate nearly five times that of all occupations, and of course, the rewarding nature of the work are just a few of the advantages.

Salary: $82,390

Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

7. Architect

If you’re more interested in developing building designs than treatment plans, architect is another great job with the potential for a flexible work schedule. Architects are the professionals who plan, design and sketch scaled drawings of indoor and outdoor building structures that range from single family homes to apartment complexes and massive office buildings. They need creative, technical, analytical and visualization skills to thoroughly plan and design a building or space that doesn’t yet exist. If you’re thinking about becoming an architect, expect to be in the career for the long haul. Not only does an undergraduate degree require five years of full-time study, but candidates must also spend years gaining job training through a paid internship and pass the Architect Registration Examination before they can finally attain a license.

Architects begin their days bright and early. In fact, more than a third of employees in the architecture industry are already at work before 7 a.m., according to the BLS. This makes the job a good choice for candidates who are natural early risers as well as good communicators, visualizers and creators. Keep in mind, though, that architects must also work longer hours if necessary to meet deadlines. Work schedules are most flexible among the 20 percent of architects who work for themselves, according to the BLS.

Salary: $74,520

Education: 5-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree or Master of Architecture Degree

8. Dental Hygienist

If a career in dental health interests you but the prospect of spending years upon years earning a doctoral degree doesn’t, consider a career as a dental hygienist. These professionals use hand, power and ultrasonic tools to clean patients’ teeth, the BLS reported. They take X-rays, administer treatments like sealants and fluoride and evaluate patients’ oral health before they see the dentist. They earn a median salary twice as high as that of all occupations – and they do it all with an associate’s degree.

Check out these 15 affordable degrees in dental hygiene (associate’s and beyond).

Dental hygienists work nonstandard schedules for the same reasons dentists do – to offer convenient appointment times to patients who need extended office hours. If you’re specifically looking for the opportunity to work a flexible schedule, seek employment at a dental office that doesn’t just operate 9-to-5.

Salary: $71,520

Education: Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene

9. Producer or Director

If you’ve got a passion for drama or filmmaking, a nonstandard work schedule is typical. Producers and directors are the professionals who create performing arts productions that range from onstage plays to movies and television shows, the BLS reported. While directors and producers start with a written script (which they often select themselves), they choose the cast and crew, manage design decisions, make sure the production stays within budget and supervise the entire preproduction, production and  postproduction process. Directors have a bigger role in the creative aspects of a production, while producers are more involved in the show’s finances, but both are critical to the success of a performing arts venture.

Most producers and directors find work in either the motion picture industry or the television and radio broadcast industry, but some work in performing arts creating live productions. In either case, expect to put in odd hours during your career as a director or producer. If you create live theater performances, you’re likely to find that many show times take place on evenings, weekends and even holidays. Even if you’re not working on a production that is broadcasted live, you may have to work long hours to meet deadlines. Many producers and directors also travel, either to film on location or take a performance on tour.

Salary: $69,100

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Film

10. Nurse

The last healthcare career to make our list of the best jobs with a nonstandard work schedule also happens to be the largest career in the entire healthcare industry, according to the BLS. Registered nurses, or RNs, care for patients under the supervision of doctors in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and doctors’ offices to nursing homes, home health services and even schools. With three different education paths into the career, aspiring nurses have plenty of options to get started.

Nonstandard work schedules are common for many nurses. Of course, hospitals and nursing homes require nurses on staff 24/7 to care for patients who are admitted to the facility overnight, or those who come into the hospital in need of treatment during the evening or early morning. At these facilities, it’s not unusual to work fewer days than a standard workweek, but significantly longer hours than a standard workday throughout. With many private practice medical offices extending their hours to better serve patients, even nurses who intend to work in physicians’ offices may need to work some night or weekend shifts.

Salary: $66,640

Education: Nursing Program Diploma, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)

11. Police Officer or Detective

If you have a drive to protect and serve your community as well as a preference for a schedule outside the typical 9-to-5, you’re in luck. The most fulfilling job you could have also happens to be one where odd hours are common. Crime never sleeps, so law enforcement departments need police officers and detectives on duty round-the-clock.

As a member of law enforcement, you’ll have many serious responsibilities. You will handle patrol and traffic stops, respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, gather evidence and make arrests, the BLS reported. Being a police officer or a detective isn’t easy. The job can be dangerous, and physically and emotionally difficult. For the right candidate, though, knowing that you are saving lives, catching criminals and making your community safer is more than rewarding enough to make up for the challenges of a life in law enforcement.

Salary: $58,630

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice

12. Avionics Technician

If you’ve got an interest in aerospace and great mechanical skills, why not pursue a career as an avionics technician? These trained and FAA-certified technicians maintain and repair planes and other aircraft. Avionics technicians specifically are responsible for the safe functioning of a plane’s electronic instruments, like radar, communication and navigation systems, the BLS reported. To uncover any malfunctions, they review flight test data and use tools and equipment designed for testing electronic flight instruments. They work on and install instrument panels and software.

An associate’s degree in avionics – which includes the studies of computerized flight instruments and aircraft controls – is popular among candidates pursuing the career. Avionics technicians must also earn certification from the FAA.

Avionics technicians need to work nonstandard shifts for the same reasons air traffic controllers do. Travel by aircraft happens at all hours of the day, and it’s necessary to have a professional with the capability to find and repair problems available at all times.

Salary: $56,910

Education: Associate’s Degree in Avionics

13. Telecom Technicians

If you’ve got great mechanical and troubleshooting skills, a career as a telecom technician can offer you a nonstandard work schedule, the chance to put your skills to good use and a median salary well above that of all occupations. You don’t even need to spend several years earning a degree to get there.

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers – telecom technicians, for short – are the professionals who set up, maintain and fix the telecommunications lines used to transmit phone, Internet and cable signals. They work with components like wiring and phone jacks as well as computer hardware and diagnostic equipment, according to the BLS. To develop the mechanical skills and troubleshooting knowledge necessary for success, telecom technicians need an education – but they don’t necessarily need a traditional degree. Some candidates earn a certificate from a technical school, though the BLS reports that telecom technicians with associate’s degrees will have the best employment prospects in this competitive job market.

Not every telecom technician works nonstandard hours. Your work schedule will depend on your employer. If you’re looking for hours outside the 9-to-5 shift, you’ll want to find work with a carrier or contractor that offers 24-hour emergency repair service. You might also find yourself on call in case of equipment malfunctions and emergencies.

Salary: $55,190

Education: Associate’s Degree in Telecommunications

14. Civil Engineering Technician

Early risers with skills in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking can find a great fit in the form of a civil engineering technician career. The job is an especially good choice for candidates who have an interest in civil engineering work but aren’t willing or able to put in the time and money required to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher, complete years of training and attain a license. An associate’s degree is sufficient for aspiring civil engineering technicians to get started in their careers.

Civil engineering technicians work with licensed engineers, and they even handle some of the same tasks, like preparing plans and drawings, estimating costs, monitoring project sites, testing construction materials, analyzing data and using computer aided design (CAD) software, the BLS reported. The only things they specifically can’t do, according to the BLS, are supervising overall engineering projects and approving designs.

Civil engineering technicians tend to start their workdays before 7 a.m., which makes the job ideal for early birds who like to get up with – or even before – the sun.

Salary: $48,340

Education: Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering Technology

15. Real Estate Agent or Broker

If you work well with others and are good at solving problems, you could make a career out of helping people buy, sell and rent homes, business spaces and other real estate properties. Real estate agents and brokers work closely with clients to help them navigate the complex process of making real estate transactions. They show off real estate properties to potential buyers and renters and assist with setting and negotiating prices and preparing contracts, deeds and other essential real estate documents, the BLS reported.

When you’re selling as large a purchase as real estate, it’s essential that you’re available when your clients are. For many real estate brokers, this means working hours in the early evenings and on weekends. On the bright side, you’re not likely to need to work overnight shifts and will probably be done your workday by 10 p.m., if not hours earlier – which means you still have a chance to enjoy the night life or some quality time with loved ones.

Salary: $43,430

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate

16. Chef or Head Cook

A preference for work hours outside the 9-to-5 schedule is ideal for aspiring chefs. After all, chefs and head cooks have to be available to work at the same times when customers are dining out – like early mornings for breakfast, into the evening and even late at night for dinners and snacks and, of course, on weekends.

Of course, chefs and head cooks prepare food. They create recipes, plan menus and design the presentation of a dish. Chefs also order and check ingredients for freshness and make sure equipment and workspaces are clean for food preparation. They are also often responsible for overseeing kitchen staff, from hiring them and training them to coordinating the various tasks necessary to keep a restaurant kitchen operational.

Some chefs attain their position – not to mention their cooking skills – purely through experience and on-the-job training. However, many aspiring chefs seek out formal training through culinary arts education programs at community colleges, technical schools and four-year colleges and universities, the BLS reported.

Salary: $41,610

Education: Culinary Arts Degree

17. Broadcast Technician

Modern television channels and radio stations offer round-the-clock programming. These constant entertainment options wouldn’t exist without trained professionals known as broadcast and sound engineering technicians.

Broadcast technicians handle the audio, video and broadcasting equipment necessary for communication over TV and radio as well as maximizing the sound quality in recorded and live music, the BLS reported. They handle everything from setting up sound and broadcasting equipment to running that equipment during a broadcast and even maintaining and repairing that equipment.

Depending on the medium they focus on and the station, channel, studio or company employing them, broadcast technicians can have very different job duties. Some record music in recording studios or at live performances. Others spend much of their time installing audio and visual equipment in settings like schools, offices and hotels. Those who work in television may be responsible for making sure the dialogue and sound effects used in a program match up correctly with the visual images on the screen.

To keep broadcasting 24/7, radio stations and television networks need to have broadcast and sound engineering technicians on the clock even during nonstandard hours, which is why these professionals tend to work early morning, late night, weekend and even holiday shifts.

Salary: $41,350

Education: Associate’s Degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology

18. Musician

Not every job is easily quantifiable by salary or other factors. Some professional musicians become world-famous stars or celebrities, while many more pursue music as a part-time gig, often while holding other jobs. Overall, the BLS reports that musicians earn a median wage of $24.16 per hour, but there’s plenty of variation in income from one musician to the next.

Likewise, there is also a great degree of difference in education level among musicians. Some musicians have no formal education beyond a high school diploma, while others spend years studying music at the college level to earn a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. What musicians have in common is that they have to spend a lot of time training and practicing to develop their musical talents. They also spend time creating and recording new material and rehearsing for performances.

Live shows are precisely the reason so many musicians work odd hours. Concerts are commonly held on weekends, in the evenings or even late at night. Successful musicians must not only put up with occasional evening work, but deliver energetic and entertaining performances consistently during these nonstandard hours. For most musicians, though, it’s having a passion for their art that makes a career in music fulfilling.

Salary: $24.16 per Hour

Education: Long-Term Music Training, Often a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher in Music

19. Athlete

Given the massive contracts awarded to top athletes in the big leagues, would it surprise you to learn that the median annual salary for athletes according to the BLS is $43,350? Like musicians, professional athletes run the gamut from the rich and world-famous sports stars to more down-to-earth athletes who live normal lives and bring home more modest salaries. While a college degree isn’t a requirement for the career, many professional athletes sharpened their skills playing their sport at the college level.

Still, professional athletes have a couple of things in common. For one, they must work hard at excelling in their sport, which means spending many hours training and practicing. They also work odd and sometimes difficult schedules, often playing on weekends, evenings and holidays. Traveling to compete is typical for professional athletes, which means they may also spend long amounts of time on buses, planes and other forms of transportation, the BLS reported. Like musicians, though, professional athletes tend to dream of their careers for a long time. The best professional athletes play as much for the love of the game as they do for the salary and reputation.

Salary: $43,350

Education: College-Level Playing Experience

20. Actor

Show business is certainly no 9-to-5 job. Like directors, actors and actresses often work unusual hours, whether their performance is live onstage or whether they’re just working overtime to meet a filming deadline. Actors also travel frequently for work, either to take a show on tour or to film on location.

To develop their acting skills, many aspiring actors will take acting classes. Some take these courses as part of their college-level studies to earn a bachelor’s degree, while others take acting classes separately at community colleges or private acting conservatories or film schools, the BLS reported. Relatively few professional actors become world-renowned movie or television stars, but about two-thirds do find full-time acting work, according to the BLS. Others work part-time, often along with other jobs. As with musicians and athletes, actors often pursue the career for the love of the craft rather than an expectation of steady long-term work or consistent earning potential.

Salary: $19.82 per Hour

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre

Editor’s Note:

The salary, education, work environment and career preparation information presented in this article comes from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This article is just a partial list of the many existing careers without a 9-to-5 work schedule. For more information on jobs with nonstandard hours, consult the blog post Careers for night owls and early birds published by the BLS.

For Further Reading: 

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

What Are My Degree Choices to Be a Film/TV Producer?

Best Major for Dentist: What Major Do You Need to Be a Dentist?

Do You Need College to Be a Real Estate Agent?

Top 10 Highest Paying Engineering Careers

Top 10 Paying Jobs That Involve Math

Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

50 Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

The post The 20 Best Jobs Without a 9-to-5 Work Schedule appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.