Top Master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis Programs of 2025
When exploring master’s in applied behavioral analysis programs, consider career outlook, salary, course curriculum, and structure to choose the right one.
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2025Applied behavioral analysis is a psychological discipline focused on helping people alter behavior. Applied behavioral analysts (ABAs) often work with individuals with autism and their families to build communication and social skills.
To become an ABA therapist, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree before you become licensed and certified to practice ABA. As a specialized ABA therapist, you can work with individuals with autism or neurodivergence who seek to change aspects of their behavior.
Read on to learn more about ABA therapy and what you can expect from an online master’s in applied behavior analysis.
Master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis Highlights
- A master’s degree in ABA can help you better understand human behavior and is a stepping stone to becoming a certified behavior analyst.
- These programs typically take full-time students two years to complete.
- A master’s degree in ABA can allow you to get a job as a counselor or therapist, but it can also lead to roles in industries from business management to health and fitness.
Top Master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis Programs of 2025
How We Rank Schools
Pepperdine University
- Malibu, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Pepperdine University offers an online master's in applied behavior analysis program that will help prepare you for a multitude of psychology careers. According to Pepperdine, full-time online students can earn this master's degree in as little as 12 months.
The program's 85% graduation rate sets it apart from other master's in behavioral analysis programs in the U.S. Pepperdine also boasts among the highest completion rates for low-income students, middle-income students, and Pell Grant recipients, meaning a degree can be attainable for most enrolled students.
Pros
- High graduation rate
- Solid post-graduation earnings
- Short timeline
Cons
- High tuition rate
- Selective admission
- Live class attendance required
42%
$39,100
86%
$39,100
- Acceptance Rate
- 50%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,545
- Institution Type
- Private
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Drexel University markets its online ABA program as the premier program for those interested in helping and educating autistic children and adults. Available courses include behavioral interventions and therapeutic approaches to behavior analysis.
Drexel organizes its program into four 10-week quarters, rather than the standard two-semester system. This program is among one of the pricier programs, but graduates tend to earn higher salaries upon completion.
Pros
- Assigned faculty advisor
- High graduation rate
- Low faculty-to-student ratio
Cons
- Pricey tuition
- Semi-selective
42%
$36,234
90%
$36,234
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,573
- Institution Type
- Private
Saint Joseph's University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Saint Joseph University's online master's ABA program was designed for students with a background in education or the social sciences but is open to all interested in the subject of behavioral analysis. Its curriculum is approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International.
This program is among the easiest master's in ABA programs to be admitted into and also has a graduation rate significantly higher than the national average.
Pros
- Designed for working professionals
- Prestigious online faculty
Cons
- Few networking opportunities
- No field practicum requirement
- 100% online education requires self-discipline
43%
$18,504
88%
$18,504
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,201
- Institution Type
- Private
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of South Florida's online ABA program prioritizes preparing students to become board-certified behavior analysts after graduation. The program includes one-on-one academic advising to ensure students are in line for certification, as well as field practicum requirements so students are prepared for this certification requirement.
The university also promises small class sizes, with a 9-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio. The institution also hosts weekly group meetings with faculty and students for further help or networking.
Pros
- Dedicated field work coordinator
- One-on-one advising
- Lower tuition
Cons
- Highly selective
- Live online lectures
67%
$ 8,350
92%
$19,048
- Acceptance Rate
- 41%
- Students Enrolled
- 48,566
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Cincinnati offers an online master of education in applied behavior analysis degree. The program's mission is to prepare students so they can help educate and improve the lives of autistic people and those with learning disabilities.
The University of Cincinnati Online program is flexible and allows you to complete work at your own pace. Its ABA offering is relatively low-cost for a flagship university program.
Pros
- Fully asynchronous program
- Student success coordinators offered
- Lower cost
Cons
- Flexible learning requires self-discipline
- Lower admission rate
62%
$13,224
86%
$24,966
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 43,976
- Institution Type
- Public
Simmons University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Simmons University, a private institution based in Boston, offers a master's in ABA program accessible to a wide range of students. This program has an 87% admissions rate, which is high for a master's-level program.
Simmons prides itself on the high percentage of its students who go on to become certified in behavior analysis. According to the university, 86% of students passed the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam on their first attempt in 2022.
Pros
- High BCBA exam pass rate
- Solid post-graduation earnings
- High acceptance rate
Cons
- Fairly high tuition
- Lower admissions yield
68%
$27,152
82%
$27,152
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,053
- Institution Type
- Private
Shenandoah University
- Winchester, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Shenandoah University's online master of science in applied behavior analysis program can be completed in just 16 months, making it a solid option for students looking for a quicker master's degree. Its scheduling makes it a solid choice for those looking to work part or full time while pursuing their degree. This includes a six-credit capstone requirement.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) approved Shenandoah's course sequence, ensuring it meets the requirements for students to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam after graduation.
Pros
- ABAI-certified course sequence
- Good student-to-faculty ratio
- Not as highly selective
Cons
- No required practicum component
- Few online programs
37%
$22,680
83%
$22,680
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,343
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Missouri-St Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Missouri-St. Louis' ABA program is among the least expensive master's programs in this field. This, plus its high admission rate, makes it one of the more accessible ABA master's programs in the U.S.
Students must complete 10 credit hours of practicum experience, as well as six credit hours working on a thesis.
Pros
- Higher admission rate
- Lower tuition cost
- Ample research opportunities
Cons
- Lower graduation rate
- Primarily an undergraduate institution
42%
$13,154
68%
$32,294
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,815
- Institution Type
- Public
Daemen University
- Amherst, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Daemen University offers an 18-month master's in applied behavior analysis program for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a field related to learning or behavioral changes. The online program is slightly shorter than Daemen's on-campus ABA program.
Daemen's graduate merit scholarship program reduces the per-credit-hour tuition rate for graduate students by 30%. This scholarship only applies to a handful of graduate programs, and students must have had a 2.7 minimum GPA during undergraduate studies to qualify.
Pros
- More affordable net price
- Solid faculty-to-student ratio
- Flexible course pace
Cons
- Highly selective
- Requires bachelor's in related field
45%
$25,344
80%
$25,344
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,635
- Institution Type
- Private
Wayne State University
- Detroit, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Wayne State University's online ABA master's program is focused on teaching students how to work with autistic patients. The university's program is an interactive, discussion-based model. Students within the same cohort are expected to work collaboratively throughout the five-semester program.
Students begin field practicum work in their first semester at Wayne State, which is uncommon among most master's in applied behavior analysis programs. The program requires five credit hours for a capstone project.
Pros
- More affordable tuition
- Field placement assistance
- Same tuition for out-of-state students
Cons
- Highly selective
- Lower graduation rate
58%
$17,682
82%
$38,299
- Acceptance Rate
- 82%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,702
- Institution Type
- Public
Why You Should Get a Master’s in Behavioral Analysis
Next step to becoming certified: A master’s degree is required to become a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and qualify for state licensure.- Job security: A master’s in ABA can lead to a career as a counselor. Counselors are consistently in high demand, especially in the rehabilitation, substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health fields.
- Flexibility in work environment: ABA practitioners can work in various industries, from mental health to business management and health and fitness.
Benefits of Getting a Master’s Degree Online
- Just over 2 in 5 students enrolled full time in online programs of any major also work full time, according to our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report.
- According to our survey, 93% of online students and program graduates say their degree will have or has had a positive return on investment — and 97% say they would recommend online education to others.
- 100% of online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
How to Choose the Best Online Master’s in ABA Program for You
There are several factors to consider when evaluating an online ABA master’s program, including cost, program length, accreditation, and career outlook.
How Much Does a Master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis Cost?
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$12,048
Avg. Net Price
$11,013
Source: NCES PowerStats, for Online Master’s in Psychology (2019-2020)
During the 2019-2020 academic year, the average tuition and fees for an online master’s in psychology was around $12,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, the average net price was approximately $11,000 when considering grants and scholarships.
You can explore several options to help lower the cost of a psychology degree, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), loans, grants, Work-Study programs, and scholarships.
Students studying ABA can also take advantage of specific scholarships dedicated to learners in the discipline. These include scholarships offered by foundations, interest groups, and nonprofit organizations, such as the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis.
Find Financial Aid for Your Master’s in Psychology Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in ABA?
Typical # of Credits
30-45 Credits
Typical Program Length
2 Years
A master’s degree in ABA typically requires between 30 and 45 credits and can be completed in around two years. An accelerated online degree program can help you earn a master’s degree in as little as a year, saving you time and money.
Additionally, several schools offer 4+1 programs that allow students to earn a master’s degree in ABA within a year of finishing their bachelor’s program.
Accreditation for a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
When considering an online master’s in ABA, make sure it has programmatic accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
All ABAI-accredited programs undergo a comprehensive review, which evaluates their mission, curriculum, outcomes assessment, and administration and meeting necessary eligibility requirements.
Currently, there are almost 30 universities with ABAI-accredited master’s programs.
What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis?
A master’s in ABA can lead to several career paths, including behavior analyst, clinical supervisor, ABA professor, autism specialist, and behavioral therapist.
While ABA therapy historically has focused on the area of developmental disabilities and autism, the scope of the field has expanded.
| Job | Median Annual Salary, 2024 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $63,780 | Work with couples and families to help solve issues that impact their relationships |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $46,110 | Help people with disabilities develop strategies to independently live and work |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $65,140 | Support students through school and assist them in pursuing a career path |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $59,190 | Counsel and provide support to people on issues relating to addiction, depression, and more |
Learn More About Psychology Jobs
Is a Master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis Worth It?
An accredited master’s in ABA is necessary for those who want to pursue careers as applied behavior analysts. The degree is worth the time and money if becoming an ABA therapist is your goal. These programs help students gain hands-on experience and fulfill other requirements to be licensed and certified.
An online ABA degree offers a blend of theoretical classroom learning and hands-on clinical experiences. Depending on the program, some students can earn their ABA certification in fewer than two years.
Education Beyond a Master’s in Behavioral Analysis
A master’s in ABA is a common degree for those aiming to become licensed and certified behavior analysts. If you want to advance even further in your career, increase your salary potential, or conduct behavioral research, you can pursue a Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis.
A Ph.D. in ABA can lead to leadership roles, academic positions like professor or researcher, advocacy work, or work in specialized fields. A Ph.D. typically requires between 3-4 years of full-time study, though the exact program duration may vary based on course load, specific requirements, and research complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Graduate Programs
Yes, you will usually need a master’s degree to work as an applied behavioral analyst. The master’s degree could be in applied behavior analysis, psychology, early childhood education, or a related field.
To become a board-certified behavior analyst, the most common certification for BCBA therapists, you’ll need a master’s degree and then to meet additional practicum requirements before taking (and passing) an exam.
On the other hand, the BACB offers two levels of certification, and you could earn the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with just a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of a 40-hour training program, and passing an exam.
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