In this article, we profile the 20 most affordable online ABA graduate certificate programs of 2020.
A graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis (ABA) is generally for students who hold a master’s degree but want to earn an additional 18 credit-graduate ABA certificate. Individuals seeking certification as an applied behavioral analyst are required to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam. Eligibility to sit for the examination requires the completion of a sequence of board-certified courses, as seen in ABA graduate certificate programs. Few online ABA programs exist, especially those that are accredited and adhere to the stringent guidelines set forth by the BACB. To help with your research, we found online ABA graduate certificate programs and listed them below.
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20 Most Affordable Online ABA Graduate Certificate Programs Ranking Methodology
For the purpose of this list, we looked at approximately 49 regionally and nationally accredited colleges and universities that offered online ABA graduate certificate programs. To be included on our list, schools must offer online programs with an approved course sequence for certification that cost less than $20,000. The program cost and/or price per credit was gathered on the school’s website or from the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator). The programs were then listed according to raw affordability.
Below is our list of the 20 most affordable online ABA graduate certificate programs for 2020.
#20 – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Chicago, Illinois
Earn a one-year online ABA certificate from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology!
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,601
The one-year online ABA graduate certificate program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology prepares students to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. The BCBA exam is needed to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst or BCBA. Courses are delivered online and guided by practitioner faculty. Online courses cover BCBA topics such as applied behavior analysis, assessment and intervention, concepts and principles in behavior analysis, and group supervision. Successful admission to the online BCBA program requires an earned master’s degree from an accredited institution, conferred in behavior analysis or a closely related degree. Ranked and accredited, The Chicago School has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#19 – Pennsylvania State University
Online Applied Behavior Analyst Certificate
University Park, Pennsylvania
Penn State’s online ABA graduate certificate consists of only 18 credits.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,772
For individuals wanting to prepare for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) examination, Pennsylvania State University offers an affordable certification program. Consisting of 18 credits, the ABA online certificate program is open to professionals who can benefit from earning this important credential. Online courses from Penn State’s ABA program cover topics like assessment of behavior in contexts, behavior change interventions and management, concepts and principles in ABA, and foundations of applied behavior analysis. Penn State is a fully accredited institution. In addition to accredited programs, Penn State offers rankings with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, current rankings include #57 in best national universities and #158 in best value schools.
#18 – St. Joseph’s College
Online Applied Behavioral Analysis Certificate
Brooklyn, New York
St. Joseph’s College’s online ABA graduate certificate prepares for the BCBA exam.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,792
The online ABA graduate certificate programs from St. Joseph’s College meet the most recent academic requirements for licensure as Licensed Behavior Analysts in accordance with the New York State Commissioner’s Regulations. The online ABA program is open to students who wish to receive licensing and want to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. Classes are delivered online and consist of 29 credits that include topics like advanced research methods in autism, assessment of autism spectrum disorder, basic principles of applied behavior analysis, ethics for behavioral analysis, and maintenance of student records. An optional 6-credit supervised practicum is also available for students who want to earn additional experience. Students seeking the ABA graduate certificate must possess a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, conferred in related fields of study like behavior analysis, education, or psychology.
#17 – National University
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
La Jolla, California
National University’s online ABA certificate follows the BACB guidelines.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,480
Another one of the top online ABA programs on our list is the graduate certificate program offered by National University. The six-course sequence in applied behavior analysis is designed to prepare students for the ABA certification exam and meets the requirements set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Some of the course requirements include advanced applications, applications of ABA, assessment in ABA, basics of behavior analysis, ethics for behavior analysts, and process of ABA. Successful completion of all required courses and 1500 hours of supervised fieldwork qualify students to take the national Board-Certified Behavior Analyst examination. Candidates for admission must have a bachelor’s degree. National University ranks with U.S. News and World Report and offers fully accredited online ABA programs.
#16 – George Mason University
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Fairfax, Virginia
George Mason University’s online ABA graduate certificate program is for working professionals.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,138
George Mason University offers an applied behavior analysis certification online that consists of 18 credits and does not require any field experience (internship or practicum). Instead, the coursework offers built-in simulations and online activities designed to prepare students with ABA skills and knowledge. This graduate certificate is BACB-verified and designed for busy and working professionals with demanding schedules. Part-time enrollment allows flexibility for those with little time to take classes as a traditional student. Some of the courses offered include ABA assessments and interventions, ABA empirical bases, ABA principles and procedures, ABA verbal behavior, and ethical and professional conduct for behavior analysis. Successful completion of the ABA certificate program meets the requirements to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst Examination. George Mason ranks #153 in best national universities by U.S. News and World Report and is fully accredited.
#15 – University of Massachusetts
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Lowell, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts has an online ABA program with autism certificate for qualifying students.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,060
University of Massachusetts offers online ABA graduate certificate programs that prepare qualifying students for BCBA preparation. The certificate program is fully approved by the BACB to fulfill specific coursework requirements necessary to become eligible to sit for the BCBA examination. Required courses consist of 18 credits covering topics like behavioral intervention program models in autism, functional analysis and treatment of challenging behavior, introduction to behavioral intervention in autism, legal and ethical issues in professional practice, and teaching and positive behavioral support in autism. Online courses meet ten to fourteen weeks each semester, and students should expect to spend six to ten hours per week engaged in course-related activities for each class. In addition to quality programming, UMASS Lowell offers ranking prestige with U.S. News and World Report as the 179th best national university.
#14 – University of Cincinnati
Online Behavior Analysis Certificate
Cincinnati, Ohio
University of Cincinnati offers a 100% online ABA certificate program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,468
University of Cincinnati offers ABA graduate certificate programs online designed for working professionals who want to maximize their knowledge and become eligible to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analysis Exam (BCBA). The graduate certificate may be earned 100% online and consists of six courses, each running 15 weeks. There is no on-campus residency, and a flexible completion time allows students to earn their certificate in one or two years, depending on the number of classes taken each term. Courses and sequence are approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as meeting the requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA examination. Additional supervised experience is also required in order to meet the eligibility requirements. In addition to accreditation, University of Cincinnati ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 139th best national university and 150th best value school.
#13 – University of Arizona
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Tucson, Arizona
University of Arizona’s online ABA certificate can be completed in just 16 months.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,044
University of Arizona offers one of the more affordable online ABA graduate certificate programs on our list. The six-course sequence meets all coursework requirements for eligibility to sit for the BCBA examination. The courses may be spread out over several semesters or completed as quickly as 16 months, which includes three consecutive semesters and one summer session. This program is fully online and offers courses taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Some of the courses include advanced positive behavioral support, behavior principles and disability – assessment and intervention, ethical issues in behavior analysis, and issues in applied behavior analysis. In addition to offering a reputable and fully accredited program, U of A ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 117th best national institution in the country.
#12 – Cairn University
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Cairn University’s online applied behavior analysis certificate is BACB-verified.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,384
Cairn University is one of the first Christian colleges to offer BACB-verified online ABA programs that integrate extensive autism training. The program may be started in any semester and completed in just four semesters, including one summer. The course sequence is verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) as meeting requirements for exam eligibility. Students must hold a master’s degree in education, psychology, or ABA to enter the program. Some of the required courses needed once enrolled include advanced ethics and supervision, behavior analysis and autism assessment, behavioral intervention in autism, and behavioral measurement and experimental design. Cairn offers one of the most affordable programs on our list and is also ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 126th best regional university in the North.
#11 – Arizona State University
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Tempe, Arizona
ASU offers an online ABA graduate certificate that consists of 18 credits.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,134
Offered through the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University’s online ABA programs are designed for working professionals. The online ABA certificate consists of 18 credits, which include six courses that may be completed over a two-year period while concurrently pursuing an online graduate degree or as a stand-alone graduate certificate. Courses meet the requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, and upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the exam. Some of the courses include applied behavior analysis in inclusive settings, behavior assessment, behavior change systems, ethics of applied behavior analysis, methods of applied behavior analysis for exceptional populations, and research methods in applied behavior analysis. To be eligible for admission, applicants must have earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field or master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. ASU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 117th best national university.
#10 – Brandman University
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Irvine, California
Brandman University’s online ABA graduate certificate program meets the BCBA requirements.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,080
ABA graduate certificate programs online like the one offered at Brandman University are designed with the working student in mind. The online ABA program prepares behavior analysts to help people achieve personal goals, reduce challenges, and improve their quality of life. This 18-credit hour program is offered fully online and consists of six courses, each running eight weeks in length. The courses align with the BCBA programmatic requirements and explore topics like advanced applications in ABA, basic technologies of behavior change in ABA, ethics in ABA, and procedures and experimental design in ABA. Brandman is accredited and has received recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.
#9 – Clemson University
Online Behavior Analysis Certificate
Clemson, South Carolina
Clemson University’s online behavior analysis certificate is highly affordable.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,602
Clemson University’s Center for Behavior Analysis offers ABA graduate certificate programs online that are designed to meet the needs of well-trained board-certified professionals in behavior analysis. The Center offers an online course sequence for those interested in becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst or a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. All courses and coursework meet the requirements for eligibility to take the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst Examination. Some of the courses include applications in behavior analysis, basic principles in behavior analysis, ethics and professional conduct, research methodology, and verbal behavior. Clemson is an accredited institution and has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Clemson’s 2020 rankings include #70 in best national universities.
#8 – Texas A & M University
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
College Station, Texas
Texas A&M University’s online ABA certificate is for working professionals who want to advance their ABA career.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,812
Texas A&M University offers applied behavior analysis certification online programs designed for working students who want to become board-certified applied behavior analysts. Coursework consists of six online classes in ABA and is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). In addition to the coursework, a 3-credit hour practicum course is also offered and meets the supervision requirements necessary to sit for the board-certified exam. The 18-credit hour program consists of online classes offered in synchronous and asynchronous formats. These classes include advanced applied behavior analysis, applied behavior management in the classroom, educating individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and program development for students with behavior problems. Recognized as a top ranked institution, Texas A&M has received accreditation and prestigious rankings with U.S. News and World Report.
#7 – Ball State University
Online Applied Behavior Analysis
Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University offers an online ABA program with completely online courses and no campus visits required.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,392
Ball State University offers online ABA programs, including the ABA certificate, which may be earned independently of a degree to help demonstrate an area of concentration. The certificate is a critical step in becoming board certified. In fact, the graduate ABA certificate program is BACB-approved and upon completion of the coursework and independent BCBA-supervised field experience, provides eligibility to sit for the certification exam. Courses are offered fully online and include advanced applied behavior analysis, behavior consultation, ethics in behavior analysis, introduction to applied behavior analysis, and verbal behavior. To be accepted into the program, applicants must meet the admission requirements of the graduate school. In addition to offering top rated programming, Ball State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 192nd best national university.
#6 – University of Wisconsin
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Whitewater, Wisconsin
Designed for working students–the online ABA certificate from University of Wisconsin.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,957
University of Wisconsin’s applied behavior analysis certification online program consists of 18 graduate credits. The ABA certificate is designed to prepare professionals with undergraduate degrees in education or related fields to use ABA to implement or create interventions with individuals exhibiting challenging behavior, disabilities, or autism. The program is accredited through both the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Also, the coursework meets the requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, which means students completing the sequence are eligible to sit for the BCBA examination. Courses offered include advanced behavior interventions, advanced methods, advanced principles of applied behavior analysis, ethics in ABA, and methods of autism. All credits earned may count toward the MSE in special education through the university. In addition to quality online ABA programs, University of Wisconsin has received rankings with U.S. News and World Report as the 61st best regional university in the Midwest.
#5 – University of Arkansas
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Fayetteville, Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers an online ABA graduate certificate that takes 18 months to complete.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,612
University of Arkansas offers online ABA graduate certificate programs that consist of 18 credits and take approximately 18 months to complete. The graduate certificate program in ABA offers a coursework sequence that has been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, which means graduates may be eligible to sit for the certification examination. Prospective students must be admitted to the University of Arkansas Graduate School and either have a master’s degree or be currently enrolled in a master’s program. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include applied behavior analysis, concepts and principles of behavior analysis, ethical and professional conduct, and research methods in behavior analysis. According to recent rankings published by U.S. News and World Report, University of Arkansas ranks #153 in best national universities.
#4 – University of Oklahoma
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Norman, Oklahoma
One of the most affordable online ABA graduate certificate program on our list is from University of Oklahoma.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,577
The online ABA graduate certificate program at University of Oklahoma is one of the most affordable programs on our list. The six-course ABA sequence can be taken as a stand-alone certificate or as a concentration as part of the graduate degree program. Courses are delivered online and include applied behavior analysis, ethics and professional conduct of behavior analysts, special education instructional methods and programs, and teaching techniques in a functional curriculum. All coursework is approved by the Behavior Analysts Certification Board, and when combined with supervised fieldwork experiences, can lead to eligibility to sit for the certification exam. University of Oklahoma offers a top and affordable online ABA graduate certificate.
#3 – University of Southern Maine
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Portland, Maine
University of Southern Maine’s online ABA graduate certificate program provides BCBA exam eligibility.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,192
University of Southern Maine’s ABA graduate certificate programs online are offered through the school’s educational psychology program and can be completed entirely via distance learning. This 21-credit certificate program is approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board and provides eligibility to sit for the BCBA certification examination. To be considered for admission, applicants must hold a minimum of a graduate degree in behavior analysis, education, or psychology from an institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Course requirements include applied behavior analysis, behavioral principles of learning, behavior therapy, consultation in school psychology, functional behavioral assessment, and professional ethics in behavior analysis. University of Southern Maine’s 2020 rankings with U.S. News and World Report include #129-#170 in best regional universities in the North.
#2 – University of Colorado
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Denver, Colorado
University of Colorado offers an online ABA certificate approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,017
One of the top ABA graduate certificate programs online is offered by University of Colorado and is open to students holding, or completing, a master’s degree in a related field of study. The certificate course sequence is taught fully online by university professors and ABA instructors. The course sequence meets the requirements of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). Students meeting the requirements become eligible to sit for Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination. Some of the required classes include ABA advanced data and behavioral plans and application, ABA data, ABA practical applications, ethics and implementation in ABA, and introduction to ABA and terminology.
#1 – Texas Tech University
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Lubbock, Texas
Texas Tech University’s online ABA is one of the most affordable programs listed.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,015
Texas Tech University offers the most affordable applied behavior analysis certification online program on our list. This program consists of 18 credit hours of coursework that meets the BCBA programmatic requirements. The coursework is available as a stand-alone certificate or as an emphasis area for those pursuing the online MEd in special education. Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to apply for admission. Classes are delivered online and include advanced issues in ABA, applied behavior analysis, behavior change procedures, ethics and professional conduct, and functional behavior assessment. To sit for the certification exam, students must also complete 1,500 hours of supervised experience. Texas Tech ranks #218 in best national universities.
ABA Staff
February 2020
