Top Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Programs
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For empathetic critical thinkers with strong communication skills, a master's in applied behavior analysis offers an academic and professional path leading to a meaningful helping career. And while a master's in applied behavior analysis often tackles a broad spectrum of mental health conditions and developmental disorders, the application of skills learned throughout this degree is often found in organizational behavior management and sports.
Leaning on academic areas like behavioral science and psychology, an applied behavior analysis master's introduces various topics essential to behavioral change, as well as hands-on learning opportunities in clinical settings. Whether enrolling online or in-person, accredited applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs all offer an approved sequence of courses that culminates with practicum experiences.
Enrolling in graduate school typically requires a significant investment, and the true cost can exceed tuition rates. But those passionate about entering the applied behavior analysis field can anticipate a growing field with an earning potential similar to other education-based professionals.
Keep reading to see which schools top the list of our best master's in applied behavior analysis for 2022.
University of Southern California - Los Angeles, California
Why It's #1: University of Southern California is an elite, Los Angeles-based private institution that is home to the number one program on our Best Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis list. Owing to its standout academics and reputation, USC has a competitive 11% admission rate with small cohorts and a 9-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Additionally, this program has a 92% graduation rate. While this program has a relatively high price tag, 69% of enrolled online students receive financial aid.
Popular Online Applied Behavior Analysis Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $2,137
Out-of-State | $2,137
Credits to Graduate
34
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
The University of Southern California is an elite private research institution that offers a 100% online master's in applied psychology. Taking a project-based approach, students work closely with other students to address real-world issues.
Students can complete this 34-credit curriculum in as few as 16 months. In addition to core classes like consumer psychology and organizational psychology, students complete an applied psychology internship.
Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree and submit an online application with transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $1,287
Out-of-State | $1,287
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
Boston's Northeastern University plays home to a master's in applied behavior analysis that students can complete in 18 to 24 months. Throughout this 100% online program, degree-seekers complete a 30-credit curriculum that includes core classes such as behavior assessment, service administration, and behavioral concepts and principles.
Prospective students can apply online and must include three letters of recommendation, official academic transcripts, a personal statement, and a professional resume.
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $1,700
Out-of-State | $1,700
Credits to Graduate
37
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology is home to an online master's in behavior analysis. Online learners can complete this program in as few as 15 months and supplement online coursework with in-person clinical training.
This 37-credit program covers essential coursework, including applications of ABA for behavior change, multiculturalism and diversity in ABA, and autism spectrum disorders. Before graduation, degree-seekers complete an in-person practicum.
Pepperdine applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Prospective students must submit an application with official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining academic and career goals.
CUNY Queens College
Queens, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On-Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $470
Out-of-State | $855
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
CUNY Queens College offers an in-person master's in applied behavior analysis. In addition to core requirements, students have the opportunity to work alongside experts in topics such as autism, staff training, and developmental disabilities.
Throughout this 42-credit program, students complete core classes such as ethical issues in psychology, statistical methods in psychology, and applied behavior analysis. As a degree-culminating experience, students complete either a comprehensive exam or a thesis project.
Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a personal essay and three letters of recommendation.
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $1,070
Out-of-State | $1,070
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
Saint Louis University is home to a master's in applied behavior analysis that offers students extensive classroom-based and clinical learning opportunities. In addition to core academic requirements, students can tailor their clinical work to areas such as autism spectrum disorders, organizational behavior, and sports.
Available for both part-time and full-time students, this 39-credit program covers classes such as behavioral assessment, philosophy of behavioral science, and principles and concepts in behavior analysis.
SLU applicants can apply online and must include academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a professional statement. Some applicants may need to complete an admission interview upon request.
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On-Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $415
Out-of-State | $1135
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Behavior Analyst Certification Board
The University of Missouri-Columbia is the state's flagship public institution and offers a master's in applied behavior analysis. During this 39-credit master's, students complete core requirements such as advanced behavior management, individualized assessment and intervention, and systems level behavior analysis. In addition to classroom-based requirements, students also complete extensive hands-on fieldwork.
Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students must submit an online application, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and a professional resume.
Simmons University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $1,100
Out-of-State | $1,100
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
The Boston-based Simmons University is home to a master's in behavior analysis that students can complete in as few as 23 months. Students complete online coursework and attend weekly virtual classes.
In online classes, degree-seekers complete core requirements such as introduction to applied behavior analysis, introduction to single-subject research designs, and behavioral assessment. In addition, students complete ten credits worth of mentoring and supervised clinical work.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Alongside an online application, prospective students include a current resume, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Simmons does not require GRE scores.
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On-Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Year
In-State | $16,965
Out-of-State | $34,650
Credits to Graduate
53
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Syracuse, New York, the Upstate Medical University offers a master's in behavior analysis studies. Over two years, students tackle a mix of classroom-based and hands-on learning.
This six-semester sequence covers core classes such as basic principles of learning, record-keeping in behavior analysis, evidence-based treatments for autism, and school-based consultation for autism. Before graduation, degree-seekers also propose, write, and defend a thesis project.
Prospective students must complete an online application and include three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a personal statement. If requested, applicants must complete an admission interview.
Rollins College
Winter Park, FL - 4 years
- Campus
On-Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $652-$701
Out-of-State | $652-$701
Credits to Graduate
57
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
Rollins College is a private liberal arts school based in Winter Park, Florida. Rollins is home to a master's in applied behavior analysis, where students complete a blend of classroom-based and hands-on experiential learning in clinical settings.
Rollins students take a sequential curriculum that builds upon foundational courses such as behavioral assessment, single-subject experimental design, and a seminar in radical behaviorism. Before graduation, students complete either a thesis or capstone project.
Prospective students should submit an application with transcripts, a resume, and two recommendation letters. Applicants also complete an admission interview with the program director.
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes and Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $565
Out-of-State | $565
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Association for Behavior Analysis International
Located in Winchester, Virginia, Shenandoah University offers a 16-month master's in applied behavior analysis. Whether preparing graduates for work in classrooms or boardrooms, this online program utilizes synchronous and asynchronous deliveries and is a flexible option for working students.
Academic requirements for this 33-credit curriculum include topics such as research methods in applied behavior analysis, foundations of ABA, and classroom management. As a degree-culminating experience, students also complete a capstone research project.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Successful candidates often have academic experience in areas such as psychology, special education, and social work.
How We Rank Schools
Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 77 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a master's degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.
To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).
The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.
BestColleges' Ranking Factors
Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Graduate Programs
Is a master's in applied behavior analysis worth it?
For individuals interested in jumpstarting a career as an applied behavior analyst, completing an online master's is definitely worth it. Those pursuing this career must complete an accredited applied behavior analysis program and all the requirements necessary for certification. Standout online programs prepare students for certification and the career challenges they will inevitably face.
An online ABA degree offers a blend of theoretical classroom learning and hands-on clinical experiences. Depending on the program, some students can earn their ABA certification in fewer than two years.
What can I do with a master's in applied behavior analysis?
Applied behavior analysts utilize their training to address various behavioral disorders by initiating changes in areas like behavior and speech. These professionals often work in educational environments alongside other special education professionals. Additionally, applied behavior analysts can work in medical environments like hospitals and clinics.
Most individuals completing a master's in applied behavior analysis strive to complete the requirements necessary for board certification. In addition to academic requirements, graduates complete over 1,000 hours of supervised work in clinical settings.
Are applied behavior analysis graduates in demand?
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report data on applied behavior analysts or board-certified behavior analysts, reviewing adjacent careers can offer helpful metrics. The BLS projects that special education teachers can anticipate their field to grow by 8% between 2020 and 2030. Additionally, BLS projects marriage and family therapy roles to grow by as much as 16% over that same ten-year span.
Those wanting to expand their career options can complete additional coursework through graduate programs and graduate certificate opportunities.
How much money can I make with a master's in applied behavior analysis?
Earning potential can vary based on experience, job market, location, and the specific job. That said, earning a master's in applied behavior analysis offers practical skills that can lead to professional certification.
According to Payscale, the average base salary for behavior analysts is just over $66,710 per year. The BLS shows a median pay of about $50,000 for marriage and family therapists and $62,000 for special education teachers.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in applied behavior analysis?
Top earners in this field typically have years of experience and often take on managerial or leadership roles. According to the BLS, the top 10% of earners for both therapists and special education teachers hit $100,000 or more.
While applied behavioral analysts can work in public education settings, applying their skills to various fields in the private sector can often lead to better earnings.
Feature Image: Arturo Peña Romano Medina / E+ / Getty Images
