Applied Behavior Analysis is a therapeutic approach that use tried-and-true techniques to modify behavior and teach new skills. The objective is to reduce undesirable or bad habits while increasing positive ones. Schools and organizations that work with people on the autism spectrum or those with other developmental impairments often seek out ABA practitioners. They might help people and kids become more self-reliant, communicate more effectively, or do better at job or school.
One excellent method to acquire the information and abilities required to succeed as an ABA professional is to complete an online master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Working people can finish their degree without moving or sacrificing valuable time away from their family or career thanks to online master’s programs in ABA.
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The Board Certified Behavior Analyst accreditation is one of the most sought-after ABA certifications. Following successful completion of a demanding professional exam, this master’s level qualification is granted. Students must finish a number of ABA courses as well as a supervised practicum or fieldwork experience in order to be qualified to take the test. Thankfully, there are plenty of excellent online BCBA programs that include the Association for Behavior Analysis-approved Verified Course Sequence.
1. Endicott College – Beverly, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis – Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $662/credit
Student/Faculty Ratio: 13:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 81%
Points: 10
One of the best ABA programs available online is provided by Endicott College’s Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, which uses innovative techniques to enhance a range of human behaviors. There are several concentrations available in this 40-credit program in subjects like:
- Autism
- Clinical Conditions in Children
- Organizational Behavior Management and Mental Health
New students are admitted to the program three times a year, and there is no GRE requirement for entrance. The curriculum satisfies the educational prerequisites for taking the Board Certified Behavior Analyst test. In as little as 27 months, students can finish their degrees.
2. Western Connecticut State University – Danbury, Connecticut
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Online – Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,159.50/term Tri-state and $9,234.50/year out-of-state
Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 75%
Points: 9
Western Connecticut State University offers an affordable online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis through their Education and Educational Psychology Department. Courses cover content areas like:
- Personnel Supervision and Management
- Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation
- Behavior Assessment
The program accepts new students in the fall and spring semesters. Courses are taken by students in a specific order. Every course is offered in an adaptable online format. Graduates can pursue doctoral studies or use their degree to pursue a job in ABA.
3. Saint Cloud State University – St. Cloud, Minnesota
Master’s Program in Applied Behavior Analysis – Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $705.38/ credit
Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 90%
Points: 9
The program accepts new students in the fall and spring semesters. Courses are taken by students in a specific order. Every course is offered in an adaptable online format. Graduates can pursue doctoral studies or use their degree to pursue a job in ABA.
- Autism
- Program evaluation
- Organizational development.
Courses cover areas like:
- Ethics in Psychology and Behavior Analysis
- Behavioral Applications
- Functional Analysis
To finish their degree, students have to decide between doing a thesis and sitting for a comprehensive exam. Every student must finish a mandatory internship under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or a behavior analyst with a BCBA certification. The BACB’s academic requirements are met by this prestigious master’s program in ABA, which is accredited by the ABAI.
4. Montana State University – Billings, Montana
Online Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies, ABA Emphasis – Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,120/year in-state and $20,280/year out-of-state
Student/Faculty Ratio: 15:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 72.73%
Points: 8
A distinctive Master of Science in Special Education program with advanced coursework in ABA is offered by Montana State University at Billings. The degree program in applied behavior analysis can be finished by students in two to three years. Offerings for courses include:
- Assessment and Program Planning for Special Populations
- Data Based Instruction
- Conceptual Issues in Radical Behaviorism
The features and strategies unique to autism or teaching students with emotional and behavioral issues are covered in elective course offerings. Students have the option to finish
5. University of Southern Maine – Portland, Maine
MS in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis Online – Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $548/credit
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 66%
Points: 8
A cutting-edge master’s program in educational psychology with an emphasis on applied behavior analysis is available at the University of Southern Maine. The Association for Behavior Analysis International has recognized this reasonably priced, 36-credit online master’s program in behavior analysis, which fulfills the prerequisite courses for the BCBA exam. Both synchronous and asynchronous formats are used to deliver the courses. Courses in the following are required for the program:
- Consultation and Collaborative Problem Solving
- Psychopathology
- Behavioral Principles of Learning
Full-time students can complete the program in six semesters. Part-time options are available.
6. Ball State University – Muncie, Indiana
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with an Emphasis in Autism – Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $464/credit in-state and $696/credit out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 56%
Points: 8
Ball State University offers an inexpensive online master’s degree in applied behavior analysis with a focus on autism. The Teachers College, which has received multiple awards and national rankings, is home to this 30-credit applied behavioral analysis degree program. All courses can be taken online, and there are no restrictions for on-campus living. Courses that are required include:
- Behavioral Consultation
- Interventions and Treatments for Persons with Autism
- Verbal Behavior
Students can choose to complete a field-based experience in autism or ABA. New students are admitted to the program at the start of each semester.
7. University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Online Program – Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $19.584/year in-state and $35,382/year out-of-state
Student/Faculty Ratio: 21:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 88%
Points: 8
One of the best online master’s programs in ABA is offered by the University of Wisconsin College of Education, and it welcomes new students in the autumn semester. Students enrolled in this cohort program receive the authorized coursework required to take the BCBA exam. The UW ABA program offers students the opportunity to pursue an optional practicum placement. Courses that are required include:
- Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies in ABA
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Designing Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions
Synchronous online courses use interactive, state-of-the- art technology to keep students engaged. Students can expect to complete the program in two to three years.
8. University of South Florida – Tampa, Florida
Online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis – Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $600/credit
Student/Faculty Ratio: 22:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 89%
Points: 8
The University of South Florida’s online master’s degree in applied behavior analysis offers a thorough curriculum that gets students ready to earn their Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification. In brief, eight-week sessions, courses are taught by seasoned behavior analysts with doctorates. Among the courses are:
- Observational Methods and Functional Assessment
- Ethics in ABA
- Behavior Theory
Practicum seminars assist students in completing the 1,500 clock hours of supervised experience required for Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. Students can finish a literature review and research proposal through independent research options. The program can start in the fall or spring semester, and students can finish their degree in two years.
9. University of West Florida – Pensacola, Florida
Online Masters in Exceptional Student Education – Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $384.60/credit in-state
Student/Faculty Ratio: 21:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 55%
Points: 7
Cohorts for the University of West Florida’s distinctive master’s program in exceptional student education start every semester. Students have the option of specializing in applied behavior analysis or special education. The authorized course sequence needed to pass the BCBA exam is provided by the ABA concentration. Among the advantages provided to online learners are career counseling services, a thorough curriculum, and one-on-one advising. Students can finish their degree in 18 to 24 months, with courses lasting eight to sixteen weeks.
10. Purdue University Global – Indianapolis, Indiana
Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis – Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $420/credit
Student/Faculty Ratio: 27:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 48%
Points: 7
An online master’s degree in applied behavior analysis is available from Purdue University Global, a pioneer in online learning. The courses required for students to take the BCBA exam is fulfilled by the ABA program. A scientist-practitioner method is used in the coursework to address ABA ideas and principles. Among the subjects are:
- Behavior assessment
- Treatment intervention
- Program evaluation
Students choose to complete either the thesis track or the comprehensive exam track. All students in the ABA program need to find their own location to complete their field placement hours.