Online ABA Master's Programs: View & Compare Top Schools

Grad School Profiles: Inside Look at Online Master’s ABA Programs

Looking for more quality online applied behavior analysis programs to add to your shortlist? Consider the following two universities, each of which have coursework that has been approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Montana State University

Based in Billings, Montana State University (MSU) provides an online M.S. in Special Education Advanced Studies with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. MSU is only the 21st school to receive ABAI accreditation, and graduates enjoy impressive employment and promotion rates.

The curriculum was designed to prepare learners for the BCBA examination and covers topics such as learning and the experimental analysis of behavior, education and human services ethics, and assessment and program planning for special education. As they near graduation, degree seekers can choose to complete either an internship or a thesis, depending on professional and/or academic goals.

Applicants must supply official transcripts demonstrating an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above, GRE scores, fingerprints, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a completed application with a nonrefundable $40 fee. Graduates hold titles such as behavior consultant, forensic behavior analyst, and special education teacher.

University of Washington

The College of Education at the University of Washington (UW) offers a fully online master’s in applied behavior analysis, consisting of 35 credits. Unlike other distance learning programs, UW’s degree is taught on a synchronous basis, with classes starting at 5:00 p.m. PST each day to accommodate the schedules of working teachers. New students can start the program each fall.

Topics covered include measurement and assessment in applied behavior analysis, designing comprehensive behavioral interventions, and methods of applied behavior analysis research. While a supervised practicum is not required, a few limited opportunities exist.

Applicants should possess at least six months of direct experience in applied behavior analysis, but the department does not set specific requirements around undergraduate degrees. Other application components include a statement of purpose, official transcripts, GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and TOEFL scores for international learners. For the 2019-2020 academic year, students can expect to pay $589 per credit.

Why Accreditation Matters for Online ABA Master’s Programs

Finding an accredited online ABA master’s program is of critical importance as it can dictate whether you’re able to transfer credits to a different school, apply for BCBA certification, and compete against other job candidates for roles. Within the world of applied behavior analysis accreditation, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is the name to know.

ABAI uses two methods to approve programs, including direct program accreditation and verified course sequences (VCS). Both methods provide paths to take the BCBA exam and receive certification, but key differences exist. The direct accreditation path is the most traditional option and provides a rigorous review of the program as a whole. The VCS option looks solely at the curriculum. If selecting a VCS school, it’s important to make sure it also maintains regional institutional accreditation.

If you aren’t interested in becoming a BCBA, institutional accreditation may be sufficient. To check the programmatic accreditation of a school, be sure to review the ABAI website. If you’re looking for details on institutional accreditation, review the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

FAQs About Getting Your Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Online

When researching prospective online master’s in applied behavior analysis programs, it’s important to consider a few critical factors that can affect your overall experience. These variables can differ by student, but they typically include plan of study, cost of attendance, career prospects, and rates of graduation. Here are key questions you need to answer first.

How much does an online ABA master’s degree cost?

The cost of an online master’s in applied behavior analysis depends wholly on several important factors. The type of school can have the biggest impact, as public universities receiving governmental funding typically cost less than private institutions—especially if you qualify for in-state tuition. Other influences include how long it takes you to complete the degree and how much funding you manage to secure. To give you a better idea of what to expect for tuition, we provided costs for three different programs below.

University of West Florida

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Master’s in Applied
Behavior Analysis

Total Credits: 30

$378/credit (in-state);
$1,037/credit (out-of-state)

Texas A&M University

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M.Ed./M.S. in Special Education with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis

Total Credits: 36

$974/credit (in-state);
$1,475/credit (out-of-state)

Drexel University

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M.S. in Applied
Behavior Analysis

Total Credits: 45

$977/credit

Where to Get Help Paying for Your Online ABA Master’s Degree

The price of higher education continues to rise each year, creating a need for cost-conscious students to find ways of lessening their financial burden. While it may require some legwork to find funding, taking advantage of scholarships, fellowships, and other awards can help you avoid substantial debt. A few options to consider include the following:

Career Options and BCBA Certification After Your ABA Master’s

Before diving into any online master’s in applied behavior analysis, you need to fully understand whether the industry is slated to grow, decline, or stagnate. You also need to ensure it qualifies you to take on the types of roles that offer a livable salary for yourself and any dependents. Take a deeper dive into average wages and common careers in the following sections.

What can you do with a master’s in applied behavior analysis?

Completing an online ABA master’s qualifies you for numerous roles focused on helping others live their best lives. The most common path is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and work with individuals who have been diagnosed with autism or other behavioral/developmental disabilities. BCBAs spend their days assessing current behavioral needs, instilling new behaviors, and working with the overall goal of helping clients live healthier, more independent lives. Specific responsibilities include setting treatment objectives, using evidence-based therapies, creating progress reports, and updating objectives to reflect current client needs.

While many graduates choose to work with individuals diagnosed with autism or other behavioral disorders, skills learned in this degree also translate to other positions. One benefit of this career path is that ABA grads have the luxury of finding jobs that cater specifically to children, elderly, individuals, or group settings. Regardless of your interests, the most important thing is to take your time to find a job that speaks to your long-term interests. The chart below highlights a few roles to consider with this degree.

How much can you earn with a master’s in ABA?

As demonstrated in the following table, graduates of applied behavior analysis master’s degrees can earn substantial salaries. When looking at these numbers, however, remember that several variables can affect the bottom line. The most impactful of these include where you live, the industry in which you work, the level of education you possess, how much experience you’ve gained, and whether or not you maintain certification.

* Payscale.com as of Jan 29, 2025; Based on 1,124 salary profiles

** BLS.gov as of May 2023; behavioral disorder counselor data reflects earnings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors

How do I get my Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification?

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification is provided by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. When applying for this credential, you can choose from four different paths to qualify, including completion of coursework, faculty teaching/research, postdoctoral experience, or qualification via past certification. Eligibility requirements and pathway options are changing slightly for candidates who apply after January 1, 2022.

The process for receiving certification consists of these elements:

• Meeting eligibility requirements, including graduating with an approved graduate degree and completing supervised experience for most candidates.
• Completing an application.
• Submitting supplementary documents.
• Waiting for a determination email.
• Passing the BCBA examination, which consists of 160 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete.

Are there any other professional certifications I should consider?

While not required, some behavior analysts opt to pursue a Certified Autism Specialist qualification to help stand out during the job hunt. Offered via the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, this certification requires a master’s degree, two years of experience, 14 continuing education hours, and passage of an exam.

Continuing Education & Related Degrees

After reviewing this page, you may decide you want to pursue education beyond a master’s in applied behavior analysis by enrolling in a doctoral program or that you want to add another graduate-level degree to your list of accomplishments. Check out the next two sections to gain additional details on both.

Continuing Education

Online PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis

Individuals who pursue a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis typically want to work in an academic and/or research setting. These programs prepare you for such roles by building skills in research and writing alongside a deepened and nuanced understanding of the discipline. The ABAI offers credentials at this level in the form of the BCBA-D certification.

Online Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

While behavior analysts work to improve everyday behaviors of their clients, occupational therapists work to improve an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities. An online OT doctorate can build upon existing knowledge in behavioral analysis to create a well-rounded practitioner.

Related Degrees Programs

Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

These programs typically appeal to students who already hold a master’s degree in a related subject but want to build specific knowledge and skills around applied behavior analysis. They usually require approximately 18 credits and take 9-12 months to complete.

Master’s in Occupational Therapy

A master’s in occupational therapy is a great fit if you want to help clients better carry out activities that became difficult due to illness or injury. This degree offers a wide-ranging curriculum and usually takes two to three years to complete.

Best Online Options for Master’s ABA Programs

We’ve analyzed and vetted the top online applied behavior analysis (ABA) master’s programs in the U.S. to ensure you find a school that meets your needs. Each of the programs listed below satisfy vital considerations that prospective students like you should keep in mind, including accreditation, online components, career placement services, and academic counseling. See which online ABA master’s programs stood above the rest in our rankings.