Top Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Programs of 2025

Many therapists are drawn to the career to help others build connections and improve their lives. Applied behavioral analysts, or ABAs, are crucial in the field of behavioral therapy.

To become an ABA therapist, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree and meet all licensing requirements. The most common license to earn is the board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). As a specialized ABA therapist, you can work with individuals on the Autism Spectrum or with neurodiverse conditions who could benefit from behavior change systems.

In addition to helping people, therapy is a growing field, with the number of jobs projected to grow much faster than the national average over the next 10 years. Below, you’ll find an overview of everything you need to become an ABA therapist.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of a graduate degree as of the 2020-2021 academic year was $20,510. The average for private institutions in the same year was $29,930, while the average cost at public institutions was $12,596.

However, the cost of a master’s in applied behavioral analysis depends on the university and program you choose, as well as the program structure. The program’s credit requirements, internship requirements, and timeline can all affect total costs.

You have the option of online or on-campus degree programs, as well as synchronous or asynchronous courses. An accelerated degree program can help you earn a master’s degree in as little as a year, potentially leading to cost savings.

How much ABA therapists make varies by workplace and specific career path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals who worked as substance use, behavioral disorder, or mental health counselors earned a median annual salary of $53,710 as of May 2023, while marriage and family therapists made a median salary of $58,510.

The BLS predicts that careers within these broad categories will grow much faster than the national average. From 2023-2033, job openings for professionals working as substance abuse, behavioral disorder, or mental health counselors are predicted to grow by 19%. Family therapist jobs are projected to grow by 16%.

The skills you gain with a master’s in ABA include blending communication skills across writing, public speaking, and listening. You’ll also learn how to observe behavioral patterns to suggest appropriate changes or therapies.

While historically, ABA therapy focused on the area of developmental disabilities related to autism spectrum disorder, the scope of the field has expanded to include professions and industries from business management to health and fitness.

As an ABA practitioner, you can choose various workplace settings, including:

You can consider related careers with your master’s degree such as:

Here is an overview of common career paths: