In this article, we profile the 10 best online ABA degree programs (bachelor’s) from accredited colleges and universities for 2020.
The interaction between learning and behavior gives rise to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Individuals seeking certification as an applied behavioral analyst must sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board examination. To be eligible to take this exam, students must have completed a sequence of board-certified courses. Few online options are available, especially from accredited institutions. However, we created a list of the 10 best online ABA degree programs (bachelor’s) that are accredited, affordable, and meet appropriate and necessary standards.
Ranking the Online Bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Degrees
For the purpose of this list, we looked at approximately 24 regionally and nationally accredited colleges and universities that offer online bachelor’s in applied behavior analysis or closely related degree and/or certificate programs. Several of the ABA programs on our list either lead to certification or meet the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification exam criteria. This means the program adheres to the standards of BCBA certification and offers a course sequence required to sit for the exam. We ranked the programs according to raw affordability.
Featured Programs
University of Dayton
Master of Applied Behavior Analysis
University of Dayton’s online Master of Applied Behavior Analysis program is accepting applications now. The online curriculum, which is designated as a Verified Course Sequence by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, fulfills the coursework requirement to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam. Complete the online program in as few as 21 months. Bachelor’s required. 3.0+ GPA preferred.
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Simmons University
Simmons University's Online Master's in Behavior Analysis
Earn your MS in Behavior Analysis online in as few as 23 months, from Simmons University. No GRE required. BCBA® verified course sequence. 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
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Pepperdine University
Master of Science in Behavioral Psychology
With the online master’s in applied behavior analysis (ABA) at Pepperdine University, you can earn your degree in less than two years—no GRE required. The program offers in-person field experiences and prepares you to sit for the board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) exam.
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Below is our list of the 10 best online ABA degree programs (bachelor’s) for 2020.
#10 – Mary Baldwin University
Online Bachelor’s in Autism Studies and Applied Behavior Analyst
Staunton, Virginia
Mary Baldwin University’s online ABA degree programs – accredited and affordable.
Undergraduate Tuition: $31,110
Recognized as the first Virginia college or university to offer the major in autism studies and ABA, Mary Baldwin University earns a spot on our list for accreditation and affordability. The online ABA degree program, which is also available on campus, prepares students for careers in the applied behavior analyst field. Coursework, also available online, covers ABA topics like ABA ethics and professional standards, behavior assessment, behavior change procedures, and data collection and research design. Courses in the autism sequence include characteristics and assessment of autism spectrum disorders and social skills instruction. Mary Baldwin ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, current 2020 rankings include #272 in best national universities and #21 in top performers on social mobility.
#9 – Central Methodist University
Online Bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Fayette, Missouri
Central Methodist University’s online ABA program is designed to meet the standards needed to sit for the national exam.
Undergraduate Tuition: $24,420
Central Methodist University offers one of the best online ABA degree programs on our list. The bachelor’s in applied behavior analysis is an online program designed to prepare students to work with children who have autism, developmental delays, and other related conditions. Classes may be completed online and include behavior assessment, behavior change procedures, leadership and management in ABA, research and data analysis methods, and verbal behavioral analysis. The program is designed to meet the educational requirements to sit for the national accrediting examination. 2020 rankings for Central Methodist by U.S. News and World Report include #78 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #15 in top performers on social mobility.
#8 – Purdue University Global
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Board-Certified! Purdue University Global’s online ABA programs.
Undergraduate Tuition: $14,343
Purdue University Global offers an online bachelor’s in psychology that is designed to prepare students to sit for the Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst examination. Courses run ten weeks in length and require approximately 15-18 hours per week of study. Courses offered through the online program include autism spectrum disorders in young children, clinical psychology, exceptional needs of children, personality development, and program design and evaluation. Purdue Global accepts transfer credit from community colleges. 2020 rankings for Purdue include recognition from U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #57 in best national universities and #30 in best colleges for veterans.
#7 – Ashford University
Online Bachelor’s in Applied Behavioral Science
San Diego, California
Ashford University’s online ABA degree requires 30 credits at the school to meet the residency requirement.
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,160
Ashford University offers accredited online ABA degree programs, including the online bachelor’s in applied behavior analysis. This completely online degree program offers courses one at a time that run five weeks in length. Courses include applied behavioral sciences, introduction to applied behavioral science, psychological assessment, research methods, and statistics for the behavioral and social sciences. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford to meet the residency requirement. This program does not lead to licensure or certification but offers courses that adhere to the standards for those seeking certification. Ashford is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.
#6 – University of Hawaii
Online Bachelor’s – BcaBA Certification
Honolulu, Hawaii
12-credit BcaBA Certification! University of Hawaii’s online ABA program.
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,970
University of Hawaii is one of the few schools that allow individuals to apply for the Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) course sequence. As long as you hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, you may qualify for admission. Courses for the BCaBA program are delivered online and a total of 12 credits must be earned. Coursework includes four classes that cover topics like advanced behavior analysis; assessment, planning, and instruction – severe autism; introductory topics in ABA; and principles of behavior. University of Hawaii ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 166th best national university. Additional rankings include #177 in best value schools and #134 in top performers on social mobility.
#5 – Oregon Institute of Technology
Online Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Oregon Institute of Technology offers an online bachelor’s in applied psychology for those interested in an ABA program.
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,118
Oregon Institute of Technology offers an applied psychology bachelor’s degree designed for those interested in online ABA degree programs. The degree meets the American Psychological Association standards while offering curricula that span areas of behavior modification, counseling, developmental, and research psychologies. Some of the online courses include behavior modification, biopsychology, cognitive psychology, human growth and development, psychological research methods, and social psychology. Oregon Institute of Technology ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 6th best regional college in the West. Additional 2020 rankings include #4 in best colleges for veterans and #12 in best value schools.
#4 – Ball State University
Online Bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (Autism)
Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University’s online ABA program is BACB-approved.
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,896
Ball State University’s online bachelor’s in applied behavior analysis program is one of the most affordable online ABA degrees on our list. Several undergraduate options are offered, including the minor in autism spectrum disorders, the applied behavior analysis specialization, and minor in applied behavior analysis. The minor prepares students for careers in ABA with course content that is approved by the BACB for the Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam. This 15-credit hour minor is offered entirely online. Ball State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 192nd best national university and 53rd top performer on social mobility. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #25 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#3 – University of Colorado
Online Bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Denver, Colorado
University of Colorado offers online ABA programs for professionals who want to become board certified.
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,283
For those interested in online ABA degrees, University of Colorado offers two course sequences in applied behavior analysis – the Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA). These programs are designed for ABA professionals who want to pursue certification or pursue a master’s in special education. Some of the approved courses include assessment and inquiry; family, professional, and community collaboration; intentional interventions for exceptional learners; understanding disability in contemporary classrooms; and universal design for learning. UC Denver is ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, 2020 rankings include #254 in best national universities and #123 in top public schools.
#2 – Troy University
Online Bachelor’s in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
Troy, Alabama
Troy University’s online ABA programs include courses approved by the BCBA certification standards.
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,908
Troy University offers a psychology degree designed for those interested in an online bachelor’s in applied behavior analysis program. In fact, the online bachelor’s in psychology offers four minors, which include applied behavior analysis. There are more than 40 courses offered and commonly seen in online ABA degrees. These courses include the same ones approved by the BCBA certification standards. The program also offers small class sizes and rigorous curriculum. Troy is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 65th best regional university in the South and 14th most innovative schools. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #173 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#1 – University of West Florida
Online Bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Pensacola, Florida
#1 most affordable online ABA degree program! University of West Florida.
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,360
University of West Florida now offers an ABAI-verified online bachelor’s in applied behavior analysis. This fully online degree is designed to prepare students for BCBA, BCaBA, and RBT Certification. The cohort begins every semester, so that students may jump in and start taking classes immediately. Coursework for the undergraduate program meets the requirements for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board 4th Edition Task List. These courses cover topics like functional applications of behavior analysis in health science, health science essentials of behavior analysis, methodology in behavior analysis in health science, and problem identification and functional assessment in health science. UWF ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 34th best regional university in the South and 52nd best value school. UWF is also the most affordable school on our list to offer online ABA degree programs.
ABA Staff
January 2020
This concludes our list of top 10 online ABA degree programs (bachelor’s) of 2020.
More Rankings of Interest:
- 10 Best Online RBT (Registered Behavioral Technician) Training Programs
- 20 Best Online ABA Master’s Degree Programs
- 10 Best ABA Master’s Degree Programs in the West
- 10 Best ABA Master’s Degree Programs in the East
