Best Online Master’s in Behavioral Psychology Programs of 2026

Choosing the right online master’s program in behavioral psychology means finding one that fits your budget, offers flexibility, and positions you for career success.

We can help you take the guesswork out of your search with our list of the best behavioral psychology programs. Using data from reputable sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), we compared programs based on factors like:

Dive into our list to find out which program can offer you the greatest potential return on investment.

According to our 2025 Online Education Trends Report:

Comparing the following factors when researching behavioral psychology master’s degrees can help you find a program that aligns with your academic personal needs and career goals:

The latest data from the NCES shows that earning a master’s in psychology online can save you about $1,400 per year on tuition compared to on-campus students. In two years, which is how long a master’s usually takes to complete, this amounts to a total savings of around $2,800.

However, these figures are averages. Actual costs can vary significantly across schools.

For example, at the University of South Florida, in-state students pursuing a master’s in applied behavior analysis pay $8,350 per year, compared to $19,048 for out-of-state students. At Simmons University, all students pay $21,654 per year — regardless of their residency status.

How much you’ll pay for tuition also depends on your financial aid eligibility. To get a clearer picture of your potential tuition costs, consider using each school’s net price calculator.

This tool estimates your expenses after accounting for grants, scholarships, and other financial aid you might qualify for based on your personal financial situation.

The data in the table above represents the average number of credits and years it takes to complete most master’s degree programs, including those in behavioral psychology.

However, credit requirements often differ across institutions, and whether you’re a full- or part-time student significantly impacts how quickly you’ll graduate.

Check out the credit requirements of some of our top picks to get a better sense of what to expect:

Most master’s in behavioral psychology programs have the following application requirements:

However, application requirements can vary, so it’s important to carefully read each program’s details.

For example, some programs require or prefer recommendation letters from board-certified or licensed behavior analysts. Other programs may require specific undergraduate classes or relevant work experience.

Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t match a program’s exact requirements. Some universities offer alternative admission pathways, such as provisional or conditional admission.

This allows you to complete prerequisite courses or gain additional experience after enrollment. With this in mind, talk with an enrollment advisor to see if they can accommodate you.

When researching programs, verify that they hold regional accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency, such as the Higher Learning Commission. You can confirm a school’s accreditation status through the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

If you’re specifically interested in studying applied behavior analysis (ABA), you’ll also want to look for programmatic accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). ABAI-accredited programs follow high academic standards, offering solid training in behavioral analysis techniques, ethical practices, and research skills.

Core courses for behavioral psychology programs typically include:

Most programs also require an in-person practicum or internship, where you’ll take part in supervised fieldwork and learn from experienced professionals.

However, not all curricula offer the same specialization options. You may notice differences in emphasis on certain approaches (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy versus ABA) or variations in fieldwork or thesis requirements.

Comparing these details can help you find a program that aligns with your specific career goals.

The best behavioral psychology degree programs offer online students the same excellent student services that on-campus learners receive. For instance, at Simmons University, online master’s students benefit from:

Having access to student services such as these can enhance your college experience, helping you explore career options, stay organized academically, and build a professional network.

Earning a master’s degree in behavioral psychology can open doors to diverse career paths, depending on your program’s specialization. Potential roles include applied behavior analyst, behavioral consultant, and educational specialist.

Other positions, like addiction counselor or marriage and family therapist, usually require a professional license because they involve counseling and therapy with clients.

To get licensed, you’ll typically need an accredited master’s degree and supervised fieldwork hours. You’ll also need to pass a licensing exam and background check.