In this article, we profile the 10 best ABA master’s degree programs in the East.
There are many reasons to earn a master’s in ABA. These include:
- research opportunities
- the potential for peer-reviewed publications
- knowledge of advanced therapy development
The key benefit is a promising career trajectory. In order to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) exam, a minimum of an ABA master’s with regulated curriculum and BCBA course sequence is required.
Featured Programs
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University of Dayton
Master of Applied Behavior Analysis
Bachelor’s holders, earn your master’s in ABA in as few as 24 months with the University of Dayton’s online program without taking the GRE. Through the ABAI-verified course sequence, you’ll complete fieldwork practicum hours and be prepared to sit for the BCBA® exam and advance your career. Learn more.
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Simmons University
Simmons University’s Online Master’s in Behavior Analysis
No GRE is required to apply to Simmons’ respected, ABAI-verified MS in Behavior Analysis. Graduate in 20 months with all required supervised field hours and the knowledge to take the BCBA® exam and assume leadership roles in the growing field of applied behavior analysis.
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Pepperdine University
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
OnlinePsychology@Pepperdine
Earn your master’s in applied behavior analysis in less than 2 years online at Pepperdine. Experience clinical training and prepare to sit for the board certified behavior analyst exam. GRE not required.
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Ranking Methodology for ABA Master’s Degree Programs in the East
For the purpose of this list, we looked at approximately 48 ABA master’s degree programs. We sorted the programs by region and carefully examined the schools located in the East. From this pool of schools, we looked at programs that were accredited and prepared enrolled students to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification examination. We gathered the graduate tuition and fees from the most recent information offered by the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator) and listed the schools by raw affordability.
Below is our list of the 10 best ABA master’s programs in the East for 2023.
See Also: 10 Best Online ABA Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
10. Drexel University
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,995
Drexel University offers accredited ABA master’s programs. The programs are approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. This means that completing the program provides eligibility to take the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst Examination. Also, this program offers an online option for working students. Are you interested in focusing your studies on autism? The program has a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Some of the classes offered include:
- behavioral assessment and functional analysis
- behavioral interventions
- ethical considerations and professional conduct
- fundamental elements of behavior change
- measurement and experimental design
The online degree offers the same faculty, curriculum, and research opportunities that Drexel’s on-campus ABA program offers. Also, Drexel’s program in ABA ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 97th best national university.
See Also: 20 Most Affordable Online ABA Graduate Certificate Programs
9. Florida Institute of Technology
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Melbourne, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,588
Another one of our top ABA master’s programs on our list is the master’s in ABA from Florida Institute of Technology. This traditional, on-campus program prepares you to take the BCBA certification exam. Coursework and curriculum focus on behavior analysis. For those interested, online options are available. Also, the program is designed for those interested in becoming board certified or pursuing further study to obtain a PhD at Florida Tech. Research opportunities are available and allow students to develop a portfolio of published work through organizations and research centers. In addition to quality curriculum, Florida Tech ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Current 2020 rankings include #202 in best national universities.This is one of the best ABA master’s programs in Florida.
8. Simmons University
Online Master’s in Behavior Analysis
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,894
Simmons University offers an ABA master’s accredited program that is available online. This highly esteemed degree program has won awards and received rankings from top publications. The rigorous course sequence is approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). It meets the requirements and standards for the BCBA examination. To apply to the program, applicants need not submit GRE scores. Letters of recommendation are required. Courses are taught by expert faculty who are members of nationally recognized organizations and dedicated to empowering students as leaders in the field. Simmons is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 14th best regional university in the North.
7. University of Maryland
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Baltimore, Maryland
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,456
The University of Maryland offers an ABA master’s accredited program. It is accredited by the Association of Behavior Analysis International. It is also listed among the approved programs of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. This means that students who complete the master’s program are qualified and prepared to sit for the BCBA certification examination. Application to the program requires:
- a satisfactory undergraduate GPA
- GRE scores
- three letters of recommendation
- work experience related to applied behavior analysis
U.S. News and World Report recognizes University of Maryland as a top health professional school. Also, several of the university’s graduate schools and programs have received top rankings.
6. Florida State University
Master’s in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
Tallahassee, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,553
Florida State University’s ABA master’s programs include this programs. It’s a master’s in psychology with applied behavior analysis specialization. This ABA degree program is one of the few accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The curriculum has been approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). The program and school boast a certification pass rate of 95% in recent years. To be admitted to the program:
- applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
- a personal statement
- three letters of recommendation with at least two letters from faculty
- a completed resume
Courses include:
- basic principles of behavior
- behavior analysis in education
- experimental analysis of behavior
In addition to accreditation, FSU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 57th best national university and 114th best value school in the country.
5. Endicott College
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Beverly, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,191
The Van Loan School at Endicott College offers a master’s in ABA with several certificate options and specialized areas of study like autism and severe disabilities. The curriculum and coursework meet the standards and requirements to sit for certification by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Some of the required core courses include behavioral assessment, behavior change procedures and system supports, conceptual issues in applied behavior analysis, ethical issues in behavior analysis, and measurement and experimental evaluation of behavioral interventions. U.S. News and World Report ranks Endicott #23 in best regional universities in the North.
4. University of South Florida
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Tampa, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,428
University of South Florida’s ABA master’s programs are designed to meet the needs in Florida and beyond for experienced practitioners who can work in fields like autism, child protective services, developmental disabilities, and mental health. To apply to the master’s in ABA, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of a 3.0 from a regionally accredited institution and have a background in ABA (either in coursework or experience). GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and career goal compatibility are also required. University of South Florida is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 140th best national university and 81st best value school in the country.
3. Jacksonville State University
Master’s in Psychology – ABA
Jacksonville, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,080
Jacksonville State University offers an ABA master’s accredited program that is designed for students interested in pursuing certification. The master’s in psychology is much like the master’s in ABA, offering a track that allows students to take classes designed for preparation for the BCBA exam. In fact, the course sequence meets the standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, and the program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board. Classes emphasize the application of psychological principles and research and practice in real world situations. In addition to offering accredited ABA programs, JSU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. As of 2020, JSU ranks #72 in best regional universities in the South and #29 in top public schools.
2. University of West Florida
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Pensacola, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,062
One of the most affordable ABA programs in Florida on our list of best in the East is offered by University of West Florida. This accredited master’s in ABA offers a BCBA-verified course sequence and is even available online so that busy or working students may earn their advanced degree. Cohorts begin at several times each year, and students receive the same kind of interaction with peers and professors as their on-campus colleagues. Some of the courses offered include advanced single case design, behavior assessments and interventions, foundations of applied behavior analysis, measurement in single case design, and positive behavior supports and systems. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of West Florida #34 in best regional universities in the South and #52 in best value schools.
1. McNeese State University
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,955
McNeese State University’s master’s degree in ABA ranks as the most affordable on our list. This is one of the top ABA masters programs in Florida. The program has been approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board, and the on-campus program has been accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Also, this is an ABA program that provides the academic training and supervised experience necessary for eligibility to sit for the BCBA exam. Application for admission requires a satisfactory undergraduate GPA and qualifying GRE scores. Research and practicum experiences are also part of the program and designed to help prepare students with hands-on study that is helpful outside of academia. The U.S. News and World Report 2020 rankings for McNeese include #92 in best regional universities in the South and #43 in top public schools.
ADP Staff
Related Resources:
- 10 Best ABA PhD Degree Programs
- 10 Best ABA Master’s Degree Programs
- 10 Best ABA Master’s Degree Programs in the West
- 5 Traits of a Successful ABA Therapist
- 10 Duties of an ABA Therapist in an Autism Clinic
- 5 Conditions that Benefit from ABA Therapy
- What Jobs Can I Get with an ABA Degree?
- What is the Difference Between an ABA and an LBA?
- What Does an Applied Behavior Analyst Do?
