In this article, we profile the 20 best online master’s in applied behavioral psychology degree programs from accredited colleges and universities in 2020.
An applied behavior analysis (ABA) or applied behavioral psychology master’s program is designed to address concepts and methods associated with behavior. Few online programs exist, and even fewer lead to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Those that do provide curricula leading to certification offer approved course sequences required to sit for the certification examination.
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 24 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 21 months, from Simmons University. No GRE required. BACB® verified course sequence. 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
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Pepperdine University
Master of Science in Behavioral Psychology
Complete Pepperdine's online master's in applied behavior analysis in as few as 15 months. The program offers in-person field experiences and prepares you to sit for the board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) exam. No GRE required to apply.
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Ranking the Best Online Master’s in Applied Behavioral Psychology
For the purpose of this list, we looked at approximately 50 regionally and nationally accredited colleges and universities that offer online master’s in applied behavioral psychology or applied behavioral analysis degree programs. We chose accredited online ABA master’s degree programs with graduate tuition (inclusive of fees) of less than $42,000 per year. Most of the schools on our list are certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. We ranked the schools according to raw affordability.
Below is our list of the 20 best online master’s in applied behavioral psychology degree programs for 2020.
#20 – Regis College
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Weston, Massachusetts
Graduate in 20 months from the online ABA master’s program at Regis College.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $41,585
Regis College earns a spot on our list of online ABA master’s degree programs. The online ABA offers three start times per year, requires no GRE for admission, and allows you to graduate in 20 months. The program consists of 39 credits and serves as preparation and qualification to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification exam. Coursework covers topics like behavior assessment, ethical practices, and treatment evaluation. Regis is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education and recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Regis ranks with U.S. News as a top health professional school.
#19 – Drexel University
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Drexel University’s online ABA master’s program is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,995
Drexel University, a top-ranked private institution, offers an accredited online master’s in applied behavioral psychology degree program through its School of Education. Part-time and full-time options are available, so the program is ideal for working students. Also, the course sequence has been certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, an organization responsible for disseminating professional standards in the field of behavior analysis. For those interested in earning a concentration in autism spectrum disorders, this option is available. Drexel offers a strong reputation for rigorous classes and is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent 2020 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 97th best national university in the country.
#18 – Monmouth University
Online Master’s in Special Education – Autism and ABA
West Long Branch, New Jersey
Qualify to sit for the BCBA Certification exam! Monmouth University, offering an online ABA master’s degree program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,814
Monmouth University offers a master’s in special education with an ABA certificate. This program, designed for individuals who want to increase their knowledge in ABA, qualifies students to sit for the Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) exam. By taking the online six-course sequence, students qualify to sit for the certification exam. Courses cover topics like applied behavior analysis, assessment and analysis of behavior change, and ethics and professionalism for behavioral analysis. Pass rates are not published on the school’s website, though Monmouth reports favorable results for students taking the exam. In addition to accreditation, Monmouth ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Monmouth ranks #28 in best regional universities in the North.
#17 – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Chicago, Illinois
Part-time, online, and 28 months of study! The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s online master’s in ABA.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,601
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online master’s in applied behavior analysis guided by practitioner faculty. This part-time, online program takes 28 months to complete and offers hands-on experience through online classes and curriculum. Sample courses cover career-driven topics like behavior assessment, measurement and design in behavior analysis, and science and human behavior. To be admitted to the master’s in ABA program, applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools where degrees have been earned. Additional admission requirements include three letters of recommendation and a two-page essay. Ranked and accredited, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top clinical specialty school.
#16 – Simmons University
Online Master’s in Behavior Analysis
Boston, Massachusetts
Simmons University’s online ABA program requires no GRE for admission.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,894
Simmons University offers an accredited online applied behavioral analysis master’s program dedicated to preparing the next generation of ABA practitioners. Admission requires no GRE scores, so the program is ideal for busy and working students with an earned bachelor’s degree. Weekly online courses include advanced topics in behavior analysis, behavioral assessment, ethics and legal issues, introduction to applied behavior analysis, introduction to single subject research designs, and methodologies for behavior change. Students should plan to earn their degree in approximately 18 months; however, a work-at-your-own-pace plan is available. The program meets the BACB requirements for the Intensive Practicum model, and as part of the program, students become eligible to sit for the BCBA exam. Simmons ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 125th best national university and 35th best value school.
#15 – Pennsylvania State University
Online M.Ed. in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis
University Park, Pennsylvania
The online ABA master’s degree program at Penn State has an optional practicum.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,772
The online applied behavioral analysis master’s program at Pennsylvania State University is BACB-approved and accredited. Students earn a master’s in special education with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis (ABA), which includes an 18-credit BACB course sequence. Some of the courses include basic principles of applied behavior analysis for special education, ethical considerations for special populations, and extended applications for ABA. An optional practicum (ten credits) is also available for interested students. The program prepares individuals to sit for the BCBA certification examination. Penn State is a nationally ranked institution and is one of the more affordable schools on our list.
#14 – Saint Joseph’s University
Online Master’s in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Study Special Ed and ABA – Saint Joseph’s University!
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,992
The online ABA concentration offered through the master’s in special education at Saint Joseph’s University can be completed 100 percent online. Through ABAI-approved curriculum, students focus their skills in all areas of the highly specialized field. Courses cover ABA topics like behavior assessment, behavior change procedures, concepts and principles of behavior analysis, ethics and professionalism in behavior analysis, and science and philosophy of behavior analysis. In addition to the master’s degree, students may earn two or more certifications as part of the online program. These certifications include autism spectrum disorder endorsement, hearing impaired PK-12 concentration, and Wilson Reading System certification. Saint Joseph’s ranks #10 in best regional universities in the North, according to U.S. News and World Report.
#13 – Oregon Institute of Technology
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Klamath Falls, Oregon
BCBA course sequence followed! Oregon Institute of Technology’s online ABA master’s degree program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,562
The Oregon Institute of Technology offers an online master’s in applied behavior analysis. This fully online program prepares students to meet national certification and Oregon licensure requirements. Following the BCBA course sequence, completion meets the eligibility requirements to take the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst exam. Students take nine BCBA courses and additional electives. Some of the possible electives you will see within the program include ABA and education, ABA and health, clinical behavior analysis, community behavior analysis, and organizational behavior management. In addition to accreditation, OIT ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. 2020 rankings include #6 in regional colleges in the West and #12 in best value schools.
#12 – University of Cincinnati
Online Master’s in Behavior Analysis
Cincinnati, Ohio
Ranked with U.S. News! University of Cincinnati’s online ABA master’s degree program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,466
University of Cincinnati’s online master’s in behavior analysis is a fully online M.Ed. program focused on providing students with the core skills to serve populations in various settings. Courses adhere to the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) verified course sequence. Also, coursework meets the requirements for eligibility to take the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. Ten total courses are required and most students graduate in as few as 20 months or five semesters. Courses cover topics like applied behavior analysis, child development, ethics for behavioral practice and research, and working with cultural and linguistic diversity in schools. The most recent rankings for University of Cincinnati include #139 in best national universities and #150 in best value schools.
#11 – Cairn University
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
A ranked and accredited online ABA program – Cairn University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,384
Cairn University offers an online master’s in applied behavioral analysis that consists of 30 credits and takes 20 months to complete. The program is designed to equip professionals with teaching and intervention skills based on ABA principles. Intensive practicum courses have earned verification from BACB and meet the experience requirements necessary to sit for the BCBA exam. Coursework is delivered online and covers topics in behavioral analysis and autism assessment, ethics for behavior analysts, interventions for autism and other disabilities, and supervision and management. In addition to accreditation, Cairn is also ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 126th best regional university in the North and 22nd top performer on social mobility.
#10 – Western Connecticut State University
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Danbury, Connecticut
One of the most affordable online ABA master’s degree programs on our list is offered by Western Connecticut State University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,204
One of the most affordable online ABA programs on our list is offered by Western Connecticut State University. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education and have earned an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.8. Classes are delivered online and include behavior change systems, concepts and principles of behavior analysis, ethical and professional conduct, fundamental elements of behavior change, intervention and behavior change considerations, and research in applied behavior analysis literature. The program is BACB approved and meets the requirements necessary to sit for the certification exam. Western Connecticut is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 129th to 170th best regional university in the North.
#9 – Endicott College
Online M.Ed. in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis
Beverly, Massachusetts
100% online – Endicott College’s online M.Ed. in autism and ABA.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,191
The Van Loan School at Endicott College offers a 100 percent online master’s in autism and ABA for students wishing to meet the needs of this population. This 40-credit program requires no GRE for admission and offers small class sizes. Coursework is delivered online and classes are flexibly designed to accommodate working professionals. As the program is fully online, no residency requirement must be met. Endicott College ranks #23 in best regional universities in the North, according to the most recent publications of Best Colleges. U.S. News and World Report also ranks Endicott #11 in best colleges for veterans.
#8 – Arizona State University
Online Master’s in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis
Tempe, Arizona
A ten-class program! Arizona State University offers online ABA master’s degree programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,132
Arizona State University’s online master’s in special education offers a concentration in applied behavior analysis (ABA). This 30-credit, ten-class program pairs research and hands-on experience to prepare students to work in professional settings with special needs patients. Classes run 7.5 weeks in length and cover topics like behavior analytic assessment, behavior change procedures, concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis, ethics of applied behavior analysis, and philosophical foundations of applied behavior analysis in educational settings. In addition to affordability and accreditation, ASU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 117th best national university.
#7 – Brandman University
Online Master’s in Special Education – Behavior Analysis
Irvine, California
Brandman University’s online master’s in special education offers a concentration in behavior analysis.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,080
Brandman University’s online master’s in special education with behavior analysis concentration prepares students to advocate for individuals with disabilities. Also, the program helps graduate students improve teaching strategies and enhance performance in the classroom. Courses cover various ABA and special education topics like advanced assessment and program evaluation in special education, collaboration in special education, leadership and policy in special education, and research and evaluation. The behavior analysis emphasis delves into topics like ABA advanced applications, ABA ethics, and ABA procedures and experimental design. According to U.S. News and World Report, Brandman University ranks among best national universities.
#6 – Texas A & M University
Online Master’s in Special Education
College Station, Texas
Affordable online ABA programs! Texas A&M University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,812
Texas A&M University offers one of the most affordable online ABA programs on our list. The program leads to eligibility for ABA certification through online coursework that teaches scientifically supported assessments, practices, and intervention. The behavior analyst certification option requires 18 credit hours that are completed online through asynchronous and synchronous course formats. Some of the courses offered include assessment in school settings, consultation in special education, educating individuals with autism spectrum disorders, ethical and professional conduct in special education and applied behavior analysis, and transition from school to work. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 70th best national institution in the country and the 78th best value school.
#5 – Ball State University
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Muncie, Indiana
Ball State University’s online master’s in applied behavior analysis is accredited and affordable.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,392
One of the most affordable online master’s in applied behavioral psychology or analysis (ABA) degree programs on our list is offered by Ball State University. The 30-credit hour ABA program is offered entirely online and can be completed in less than two years. Housed within Ball State’s Teachers College and accredited by the National Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (NCATE), the program is ideal for working students from a variety of educational backgrounds. Students also have the opportunity to earn an emphasis in autism. BACB-approved courses include advanced applied behavior analysis, behavioral consultation, introduction to applied behavior analysis, and professional issues in applied behavior analysis. Ball State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 192nd best national university.
#4 – University of West Florida
Online Master’s in Exceptional Student Education
Pensacola, Florida
The online ABA program at University of West Florida is a specialization added onto a master’s in exceptional student education.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,062
The University of West Florida offers a graduate degree in exceptional student education with an online applied behavioral analysis master’s specialization. Admission is for students who hold or are seeking a current professional teaching certification and have earned a 3.0 GPA on a bachelor’s degree. Official GRE or MAT scores are also required. The program is part of the NCATE-accredited professional education unit and is designed to develop teachers in this highly specialized area of study. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of West Florida in the most recent publication of Best Colleges. In fact, these rankings include #34 in best regional universities in the South and #52 in best value schools.
#3 – Saint Cloud State University
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
St. Cloud State University’s online master’s in applied behavior analysis is BACB-approved.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,040
Saint Cloud State University offers one of the most affordable online ABA programs on our list. The online applied behavioral analysis master’s is both accredited and BACB-approved. In fact, the program is one of the only online ABA-accredited programs in the world. All courses are led by PhD-level instructors, and coursework is designed to prepare students for PhD level programs and readiness for certification. Some of the courses include advanced applied behavior analysis, behavioral applications, experimental analysis of behavior, and social bases of behavior. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum GPA of 2.75. The GRE is required. St. Cloud ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 105th best regional university in the Midwest and 30th top public school.
#2 – University of Southern Maine
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Portland, Maine
At the top of our list for affordable online ABA master’s programs is offered by University of Southern Maine.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,192
The University of Southern Maine offers one of the most affordable online master’s in applied behavioral psychology degree programs on our list. Students earn an online master’s in educational psychology with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board approves the course sequence, and the program is designed to prepare students for the BCBA exam. The low graduate tuition price makes it one of the most affordable online ABA programs on our list. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #129-#170 in best regional universities in the North and #100 in top performers on social mobility.
#1 – Southeast Missouri State University
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
#1 most affordable online ABA master’s degree program – Southeast Missouri State University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,680
Ranked #1 on our list of most affordable online ABA master’s degree programs, Southeast Missouri State University’s ABA program equips students with the skills needed for a successful career. Not only is the degree program affordable, but entirely online. Students learn when it’s convenient for them. This means holding a job is possible while earning an online ABA master’s at Southeast Missouri State. Courses offered include conceptual topics in behavior analysis; ethics, disciplinary systems, and professionalism in applied behavior analysis; and methods for studying the behavior of individuals. Southeast Missouri State ranks #78 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #16 in top public schools.
ABA Staff
January 2020
