Graduating with a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis leads to a rewarding career helping children and their families cope with issues that only a professional can help with. Below, we name the best online schools for those seeking a graduate degree in ABA.
Originally published: December 2017
Last updated: March 2024
B.F. Skinner or “the grandfather of behavioral analysis” taught pigeons how to spin and peck. What appeared on T.V. to be pigeons reading was actually B.F. Skinner’s use of a series of reinforcement and punishment strategies would guide and shape those pigeons’ behaviors.
Applied Behavior Analysis is a method of learning new things using the application of B.F. Skinner’s principles. Through a series of behavioral modification techniques, individuals may engage in behavioral change.
Today Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is used to help change maladaptive behaviors, teach new life skills, help with reading comprehension and so much more.
The principles that surround ABA were once applied to birds but now are used by many to change behavior in humans. But Skinner didn’t stop at pecking and spinning, he argued that language was in fact influenced by the environment and verbalizations too could be modified just like physical movement. His then theory would become a very important component of the ABA pedagogy- verbal behavior.
Whether you’re looking to teach a student with autism how to communicate their needs, help the elderly reclaim independence, or simply modify your own behaviors, learning about the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis is essential. In today’s world, where insurance companies are required to cover services for autistic individuals, it is essential to provide these companies with evidence-based practices that show improvement.
While ABA therapy has its pros and cons, it is one of the few practices approved through medical insurance companies. If you’re ready to change the lives of individuals from all types of backgrounds try one of our graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Methodology:
- Affordability (1/3): Combined analysis of overall tuition of the program, financial aid or scholarship assistance programs, and estimated cost per credit hour for out-of-state students.
- Flexibility (1/3): The number of flexibility-enhancing elements specific to the degree program including teaching philosophy concentrations, degree specialties, prior learning or life experience crediting options, accelerated or self-paced courses, personalized student advisement/guidance, and competency-based credit options.
- Academic Prestige (1/3): The academic prestige of the parent institution is operationally defined through the analyses of the rankings/reviews of prominent education review entities such as US News & World Report and The Princeton Review.
1.) Arizona State University
- Program Website
- Location: Tempe, AZ
- Academic Prestige: Education Department Ranking 11
- Affordability 11/50
- Flexibility: Online
Arizona State University (ASU) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. This coursework is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
We selected ASU for the high-quality academic programming and for the affordable tuition rates.
This online degree requires 30 credit hours for completion and offers course materials in:
- Reading and Communication Strategies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
- Foundations of ASD
- Methods for Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Exceptional Populations
- Behavioral Change Systems
- ABA in Inclusion
This program includes research and culminates with a capstone experience.
If you are looking for an affordable and high-quality master’s degree, the master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from ASU is a great option.
PROS:
- An immersive educational experience
- The school provides unmatchable professors and opportunities
- Financial aid is available
CONS:
- The program is a little pricey with an online tuition rate of $718 per credit hour
- Limited in-person interactions
- Student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1 which some may consider high
2.) California University of Pennsylvania
- Program Website
- Location: California, PA
- Academic Prestige: Education Department Ranking N/A
- Affordability: 4/50
- Flexibility: 2 tracks
California University of Pennsylvania offers a number of routes to a Master of Education (M.Ed) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Students may select from the following options:
- M.Ed. in Special Education (autism track) with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis
- M.Ed. in Special Education (general track) with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Preparation Certificate
The certificate is a viable option for individuals who already hold a Master’s degree in a related field of study and are looking to pursue their BCBA. The master’s degree programs require between 33 and 39 credit hours for completion and were selected for their flexibility and affordable tuition rate.
For an affordable degree or certification in ABA, try the Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis from California University of Pennsylvania.
PROS:
- 97% acceptance rate
- Financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships is available; 95% of students receive financial aid
- The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1
- Many students agree that the course load is manageable
- 85% of students feel confident in finding employment after they graduate
CONS:
- Getting in touch with advisors was a noted issue with PennWest
- $774 per credit hour for non-resident students
3.) Bay Path University
- Program Website
- Location: Longmeadow, MA
- Academic Prestige: Education Department Ranking
- Affordability: 5/50
- Flexibility: 3 tracks, part-time or full-time available
Bay Path University offers three routes to a degree with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA):
- M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Ed.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis/ Applied Research Focus
- M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis/ Autism Spectrum Disorders
We selected this program for the flexible options. All courses may be taken either full-time or part-time. Those pursuing the autism course will be required to complete 45 credit hours of course material before graduation.
All online degrees are pre-approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.
Students who wish to pursue certification must complete 1500 hours of supervised fieldwork. Unlike other programs that focus on ABA and autism, Bay Path allows individuals to use behavioral principles outside of the autism community.
If you are looking for an affordable and flexible route toward a career in Applied Behavior Analysis, Bay Path University is a great option.
PROS:
- 75% acceptance rate
- SAT/ACT is considered but not required
- Students note that it’s easy to get the classes they want
- A 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio is a plus!
CONS:
- The program is 100% online, but some class meetings are synchronous
- Students have noted that getting financial aid is not ideal due to communication issues
4.) University of Washington
- Program Website
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Academic Prestige: Education Department Ranking 9
- Affordability: 18/50
- Flexibility: On-campus only
The University of Washington offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Applied Behavior Analysis. We selected this online degree for its high-quality academic prestige. The UW College of Education ranks as the 9th best education college in the country. UW offers a verified course sequence (VCS) through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
The VCS includes among others:
- Methods of ABA Research
- Behavioral Measurement and Assessment
- Ethics
- Application of Principles
- Educating Students with Autism
Additional course material includes:
- Special Education and Families
- Collaboration and Supervision
- Special Education and the Law
- Capstone experience
If you are looking for a top-notch degree in the field of behavior analysis, the online master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at UW is second to none.
PROS:
- A high 84% graduation rate beats the national average
- 91% employment rate of their students within 2 years of graduation
- Diversity of the student population is high
CONS:
- The school is a mostly liberal school which is a pro or con depending on your preference.
- Students speak of the passionate professors and TAs but find that reaching them is difficult
5.) Ball State University
- Program Website
- Location: Muncie, IN
- Academic Prestige: Education Department Ranking: 101
- Affordability: 6/50
- Flexibility: Online
Ball State University offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with an emphasis on autism. We selected this online degree for its high-quality academic programming and affordable tuition rate. All students will complete a course load sequence that has been pre-approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
As an autism-centric degree, the course material focuses on ABA and its application to persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). You will study:
- Introductory to ABA
- Behavioral Consultation
- Advanced ABA
- Research Methods
- Verbal Behavior
- Professional Issues in ABA
All students will complete a field-based experience in autism and ABA. For a high-quality degree that will prepare you for work in the field of behavior analysis, the online master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Ball State is a phenomenal choice.
PROS:
- 80% of students receive financial aid
- On par with the national average of 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- They offer an Adult Student Grant with awards up to $2,000 that’s renewable each year
CONS:
- $451 per credit tuition costs can be a little steep for some graduate students
- A 2.75% fee for using a credit card to pay your tuition and fees
- Only a 66% graduation rate
6.) UMass Global, formerly Brandman University
- Program Website
- Location: Irvine, CA
- Academic Prestige: Education Department Ranking
- Affordability: 8/50
- Flexibility: Accelerated
UMass Global offers an online certification in Applied Behavior Analysis and includes the verified course sequence (VCS) to meet the requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
This certification program is designed for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in education or a related field. We selected this program because it is accelerated and affordable. Classes are just 8 weeks in length and may be taken full-time.
All students will learn about:
- ABA
- Ethics
- Application
- Procedures
- Experimental Design
- Advanced Applications
If you are looking to sit for the BCBA exam, this certification in Applied Behavior Analysis is a great way to get you ready.
PROS:
- No application fee
- SAT/ACT is not required
- CommonApp is accepted
- Super fast feedback from the staff
- Half-price tuition for active military students and their families
CONS:
- A graduate degree tuition costs $709 per credit hour
- The rebranding of Brandman University caused some chaos for some attending the school
7.) University of Northern Colorado
- Program Website
- Location: Greeley, CO
- Academic Prestige: Education Department Ranking
- Affordability: 1/50
- Flexibility: Online
The University of Northern Colorado offers an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Graduate Certificate. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate. This is our most affordable program selection costing approximately $495 per credit hour.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board approved this course sequence (VCS) and this certification prepares students for the BCBA examination. All students will study:
- Concepts and Foundations of ABA
- Measurement and Experimental Design
- Identifying Functions or Problem Behavior
- Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating Interventions
- Behavior Change Systems
- Ethics, Management, and Supervision
- ABA Through the Lifespan
If you hold a master’s degree in a related field and are ready to become a board-certified behavior analyst, this certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at UNC is a great pick.
PROS:
- A whopping 99% of students receive financial aid
- According to Niche.com, the professors received a B- rating noting that they were very helpful
- The school boasts a “Students-First” philosophy and the student reviews reflect this
CONS:
- We were hard-pressed to find students who were unhappy with their time at UNCO
8.) University of Southern Maine
- Program Website
- Location: Portland, ME
- Academic Prestige: Education Department Ranking
- Affordability: 2/50
- Flexibility: Online
University of Southern Maine (USM) offers both a Master of Science in Education Psychology with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis.
A certificate is a great option for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in special education, educational psychology, or a related field. The M.S. requires 36 credit hours for completion and is our second most affordable pick. You will learn about:
- Functional Behavioral Assessment
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Ethics in Behavior Analysis
If you are looking for an affordable route to an online master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis try the programming at USM.
PROS:
- A high acceptance rate of 87%
- SAT/ACT optional
- Your high school GPA is also not required
- Tuition is quite a bit lower than the national average
CONS:
- According to Niche.com, only 54% of students surveyed say that the coursework is easy to manage
- Graduation rate sits low at only 34%
- Students note that class transfers can put you behind
9.) Penn State World Campus
- Program Website
- Location: University Park, PA
- Academic Prestige: Education Department Ranking 38
- Affordability: 22/50
- Flexibility: Online
Penn State World Campus offers a Master of Education in Special Education with an Emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis. We selected this online degree for its high-quality academic prestige.
This online degree follows the verified course sequence (VCS) approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and prepares students to sit for the BCBA exam. The programs require 32 credit hours for completion 24 of which are in Applied Behavior Analysis. The program culminated with a capstone experience.
All students will study ABA principles, applications, current issues as well as ethical considerations. Individuals who are looking for a high-quality program in ABA should try the Master of Education in Special Education with an Emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State.
PROS:
- SAT/ACT is not a requirement to attend at Penn State World Campus
- FULLY online college
- A 62% retention rate for full-time undergraduates
- Their online platform is easy to navigate
CONS:
- Students noted that the course material was sometimes outdated
- Rigorous courses that take a large investment of time
10.) George Mason University
- Program Website
- Location: Fairfax, VA
- Academic Prestige: Education Department Ranking 62
- Affordability: 19/50
- Flexibility: Online
George Mason University offers an online graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. (ABA). We selected this online course for its high-quality academic offerings. This certificate follows the verified course sequence (VCS) approved through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
The certificate will prepare students to sit for the BACB examination that leads to ABA certification. Through this VCS you will learn about:
- ABA Principles, Procedures, and Philosophy
- ABA Empirical Bases
- ABA Assessments and Interventions
- ABA Applications
- ABA Verbal Behavior
- Ethical and Professional Conduct for Behavior Analysts
If you are looking for a top-notch certification in ABA, the program at George Mason is a great option.
PROS:
- A 91% acceptance rate makes getting into George Mason more of a reality
- Received a B+ score on Niche.com for “faculty accomplishments”
- High graduation rates and employment rates after graduation
CONS:
- The net price of tuition is a little higher than the national average
- Registering can be difficult as you have to wait for your “time slot” to open
Sources:
U.S. News and World Report
The Princeton Review
Niche.com
