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PhD in Human Behavior
PhD in Human Behavior
While searching for a Ph.D. program in the field of human behavior, you could choose from several different programs that will teach you about the effects of relationships, abnormal psychology, structure and authority on people. Learn more about these programs and their related coursework.
Can I Earn a Ph.D. in Human Behavior?
Doctorate degree programs specifically in human behavior are essentially nonexistent. If you want to learn about human behavior at the doctorate level, you'll need to consider an alternative program. The two programs most closely related to human behavior available at the Ph.D. level are in organizational behavior and applied behavior analysis. These two programs cover different aspects of behavior, while looking at social disorders, mental disorders, sociology and psychology.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Specializations</b></td><td> Organizational behavior, applied behavior analysis</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Organizational Behavior Courses</b></td><td> Decision theory, sociology, statistics, social psychology, human resources</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Applied Behavior Analysis Courses</b></td><td> Motivation, cognitive psychology, functional behavior, scientific writing, stimulus control</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Doctor of Education programs in applied behavioral analysis offer completely online coursework</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$80,790 <i>(for postsecondary psychology teachers)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)</b></td><td>9% growth <i>(for all postsecondary psychology teachers)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnThroughAPh.D.ProgramInOrganizationalBehavior">What Will I Learn Through a Ph.D. Program in Organizational Behavior?</h3><p>Organizational behavior studies at the doctoral degree level focus on teaching you how to research and write about behavior in organizational, particularly workplace-related, settings. You'll also learn techniques to teach students about behavior and psychology. Some of the subjects you'll study during your program include human resources, social psychology, sociology of organizations, statistics, organization and environment, personalities and decision theory. Along with writing and defending a dissertation, you'll be expected to complete a teaching experience.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnThroughAProgramInAppliedBehaviorAnalysis">What Will I Learn Through a Program in Applied Behavior Analysis?</h3><p>Behavior analysis degree programs spend more time on abnormal behaviors and social disorders. Often, this includes studying how different environments affect the behaviors of people. Some of the courses you'll study through your program include functional behavior, stimulus control, motivation, scientific writing, cognitive psychology, Asperger's syndrome and autism. Some colleges offer the Ph.D. jointly with a master's degree in counseling. Other programs in applied behavior analysis award Doctor of Education degrees and are meant for those who seek work in public K-12 school systems.
</p><h3 id="section---AreTheseDegreesOnline">Are These Degrees Online?</h3><p>Ph.D. programs in these areas are often rare finds through Internet extension programs because teaching practicums, clinical trials and internships are often required. Depending on the school, you may be able to take a few didactic courses online. Some Doctor of Education programs that offer applied behavior analysis studies offer all courses online.</p>
