Best Online Masters Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis

Northeastern University offers high-quality graduate instruction in applied behavior analysis (ABA) through its online graduate programs. These programs are designed to develop teaching and intervention skills based on the principles of behavior analysis, ultimately leading to the potential for graduates to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA™) who work to enhance the lives of clients worldwide. The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and meets the coursework requirements to sit for the 5th Edition Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam.

The program consists of seven core courses in behavior analysis, supplemented by three additional courses that enhance students' familiarity with clinical procedures and the research supporting them. The program's courses are designed to offer flexibility, with students having the option to complete lectures and other learning tasks at their own pace. There are also opportunities for synchronous meetings for real-time interaction with professors and classmates. This program prepares students to become BCBA professionals and equips them with the skills to develop teaching and intervention techniques grounded in applied behavior analysis.

Discover how people learn and explore theories of behavior change.

Content of the program is in compliance with the Verified Course Sequence and the 5th Edition Task List.

If you are considering a career centered on application of behavior analytic principles to teach new behaviors and decrease undesired behaviors, particularly in the areas of education or human service, then this program is for you. Be prepared to: work with individuals with moderate to severe disabilities, including autism, across settings work with individuals with and without disabilities who engage in challenging behavior and or who are in need of increasing skills consult with teachers and school systems to create positive behavior support systems train parents and collaborate with medical professionals. The courses included in all of our applied behavior analysis degree options are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International® (5th Edition Task list).

NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY!

(For residential students only in the masters program).

Online and hybrid students enjoy the same rigorous academic programs as on-campus students, but with a much flexible class schedule. Assignments, discussions, and other coursework are posted each week in the virtual classroom.

Online Master of Science in Educational Studies in Applied Behavior AnalysisThe 30-credit program offers students a fully online opportunity.

Residential Master of Science in Educational Studies in Applied Behavior AnalysisThe 30-credit program offers students a hybrid model (mix of online and face-to-face) opportunity.

Applied Behavior Analysis does not lead to licensure in the state of Indiana.

Applied behavioral science is a broad field of study using behavioral research and knowledge to solve real-world problems. The study of applied behavioral science is based on principles of exploring and understand complex human behavior. ABA can be used to teach new skills, enhance performance, or reduce challenging behaviors in people of all ages, with or without disabilities. The specific focus of ABA therapy is unique to each person or situation, but in general, the goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and promote learning. Applied behavior analysis can be used with any population including children, adults, families, and communities.

Our applied behavior analysis degree will focus on ethical principles and evidence-based best practices. This includes practicing assess behavior, develop personalized therapy plans and use data to track progress. The opportunities and rewards within the profession are plentiful.

Practicing clinical behavioral analysis in a university, hospital, residential or primary care setting.

The curriculum completely follows the BACB task list and prepare you to sit for the exam by requiring the CBA modules to be apart of the graduate program.

Purdue gave me the opportunity to increase my scope of competence in both the applied aspect of ABA and as well as the research component. I am proud to say that Purdue prepared me to take on a bigger role as a leader in my current position in the field of ABA.

I know work part-time consulting doing behavior management! This has been very rewarding to me to work one on -one with children with autism.

Purdue University provided me the education, resources, and connections to become a better clinician, professional, and father. Within the field of ABA, Purdue continues to establish research and resources to aid the surrounding area in understanding and accepting autism through their PARC (Purdue Autism Research Center) program. As a parent of a child with autism, I am proud of the work they do in supporting the autistic community.

The ABA program at Purdue was a great experience for me. Becoming a BCBA has made me look at teaching differently and the skills that I learned in the program helped my students to be successful in my classroom both academically and behaviorally.

Because of these connections I am now pursing this degree and gaining even knowledge special education and support teachers and students in the classroom.

After completing the program, I felt prepared to take the BCBA exam.

Pepperdine University's online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program prepares students to become board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and equips them with a comprehensive understanding of applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques to improve the lives of individuals.

Program Highlights

• Online Format: The program offers online coursework with both synchronous and asynchronous components. This approach provides students with the flexibility to learn while working with individuals from diverse backgrounds in various settings, including education, developmental disabilities, autism, residential support, rehabilitation, and organizational behavior management.
• Clinical Experience: Students gain in-person experience and BCBA supervision through practicum courses at approved clinical sites. These courses allow students to discuss clinical cases and receive feedback, providing invaluable real-world experience.
• BCBA Eligibility: After completing the program and obtaining the necessary experience hours, students become eligible to sit for the BCBA exam, positioning them to qualify for BCBA certification.
• Duration: The program can be completed in as few as 18 months.
• Units: To graduate, students need to complete 37 units, which encompass a wide range of clinical interventions for children, adolescents, and adults.
• Clinical Training: The program emphasizes clinical practica, where students receive mentorship from a BCBA at their fieldwork site. This training focuses on the practitioner-client relationship, diversity, and multicultural considerations. Students must complete a minimum of 20 hours of BCBA-supervised clinical training per month during the PSY 620 Practicum in ABA course.

This program prepares students for careers as behavior analysts in various settings, including healthcare, education, and social assistance. Graduates can work as behavior analysts, clinical supervisors, educational consultants, and more.

Empire State College offers a comprehensive online program where students can earn a Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Students will receive the same diploma as on-campus students upon graduation. This fully online curriculum is paired with mandatory clinical experiences, ensuring a rigorous yet flexible program. This will prepare students to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and become a New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst.

Key Program Highlights

Live Classes: Students will learn in real time with an instructor leading the class. The online courses closely resemble in-person classes, with active online participation.

Flexibility: Courses follow a semester-based structure, allowing students to complete their coursework at their convenience, tailored around their work and family commitments. No specific log-in times are required.

Expert Faculty: The faculty members who teach the online classes are the same experienced instructors encountered on campus.

Hands-On Learning: Engage in practical field experiences such as internships, clinical placements, and service learning to apply your academic knowledge in the real world.

As part of the program, students will have the opportunity to gain field experience in diverse settings, such as schools, residential facilities, healthcare organizations, or community settings. Students can opt for full or part-time enrollment and can complete the 41-credit program in two years.

The University of Arizona offers an online Master of Arts in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis program that is designed to prepare students to provide evidence-based applied behavior analysis services in clinical, educational, and residential settings. This program is well-suited for individuals interested in working with those who need to develop their communication, social, and adaptive skills.

The coursework for this program has been verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), ensuring that it covers all 7 courses required to be eligible to take the Board Certification Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.

Students have the flexibility to complete this degree in either 6 semesters or 24 months, allowing students to tailor the program to their schedule and preferences.

Drexel University's online Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis program is designed to empower students to not only advance their own professional careers but also to positively impact the lives of others using well-established and scientifically-supported ABA concepts, techniques, and tools. Throughout the program, students engage in practical learning opportunities through collaborations with local organizations.

The program combines scientific theory with proven behavioral techniques, equipping students to drive positive change across various settings. They learn to employ functional analysis, social and adaptive behavior methods, and performance evaluations, particularly in response to the growing population of children and individuals with autism. Graduates may also become eligible to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination (BCBA) upon program completion.

Differentiating from the traditional two-semester approach, this 46.5-credit ABA program is structured around four 10-week quarters each year, allowing students to take more courses in a shorter timeframe. This unique structure is tailored to meet the needs of professionals in the fields of education and behavioral health, including special education teachers, school psychologists, social workers, case managers, and more. Those earning an MS in ABA are well-prepared for diverse careers in research, teaching, and behavioral health. Graduates have pursued roles such as social workers, behavioral analysts, educators, program coordinators, senior clinical directors, and interventionists in both public and private institutions, demonstrating the program's success in preparing professionals for a variety of impactful roles.

Online Master of Arts in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis).

With an applied behavior analysis degree, you will learn the principles and foundations of applied behavior analysis and how it can be used to teach new skills and improve human behavior. The courses in this program are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International® and can prepare you to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® exam.

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Applied behavior analysis, or ABA, is a systematic and scientifically-based approach to understanding behavior. ABA can be used to teach new skills, enhance performance or reduce challenging behaviors in people of all ages, with or without disabilities. The specific focus of ABA therapy is unique to each person or situation, but in general, the goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and promote learning. Applied behavior analysis can be used with any population including children, adults, families and communities. There are also a variety of settings in which ABA is useful such as education, business and health care.

Our applied behavior analysis degree will teach you the process of ABA while focusing on ethical principles and evidence-based best practices. This includes practicing assess behavior, develop personalized therapy plans and use data to track progress.

The need for ABA expertise is growing across the country meaning there are ample career opportunities in the field. A recent report from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board found demand for individuals holding BCBA or BCBA-D certification has increased by 80%. Likewise, ABA professionals can achieve comfortable salaries while engaged in meaningful work. According to PayScale, applied behavior therapists earn an average of $60,900 per year. ABA degree holders can also experience strong job satisfaction because their career assists individuals who often benefit from the extra support.

Becoming an ABA therapist is one of the potential career paths for graduates from this program. While this is a special education degree with an ABA concentration, the program is designed to prepare you for any and all ABA careers not just those in education.

The authority to practice applied behavior analysis, or use the title of behavior analyst, is granted on a state-by-state basis. Many states require BCBA certification for licensure. However, not all states have enacted legislation to create a regulatory body for ABA licensure and not all states that have licensure require BCBA certification. No Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College ABA program leads to teacher certification.

Applied behavior analysis.

Philosophical Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis in Educational Settings.

For example, in special education ABA is useful in helping students who face learning or behavior challenges such as autism or ADHD. ABA can also be used to improve workplace culture, increase sustainability practices and boost performance in sports. Students in this program are not required to earn the BCBA certification and there are many careers where ABA skills are useful but BCBA certification is not required. This degree does not lead to teacher certification. Potential careers include:.

Applicants to the Master of Arts in special education who want to pursue the applied behavior analysis concentration must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA in an applicable master program.

An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.

The letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant potential for success in a graduate program.

The personal statement should describe the applicant interests and reason for seeking this degree.

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of individual educators and the performance of education systems. According to U.S. News World Report, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is the only U.S. college of education to rank in the top 15 in both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.

The University of Dayton's online Master of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program, consisting of 33 credits, offers a convenient 24-month completion timeframe. This program provides two distinct tracks, including a certificate option, along with comprehensive educational materials designed to prepare you for the BCBA certification process.

Through the School of Education and Health Sciences, the University of Dayton's online ABA program equips students to become board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA). BCBA professionals are dedicated to empowering individuals with behavioral disorders or challenges and their families with the effective coping strategies necessary for achieving positive outcomes. The program's courses have received approval from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), ensuring that they meet the educational prerequisites for taking the BCBA exam.

Throughout this online master's degree in applied behavior analysis, students gain proficiency in tailoring their core competencies to meet the unique needs of their prospective clients. Collaborating with licensed behavior analysts, you will learn to identify and assess the requirements for intervention in both individual and group settings. The program provides you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the field of applied behavior analysis.

Simmons University offers an online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis program that equips students with the necessary coursework requirements to become certified behavior analysts and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. The 20-month master's program provides students with the knowledge and skills to excel in the field of behavior analysis. The program is led by a dedicated faculty of established practitioners who prioritize building strong relationships with students. They guide you in learning how to assess behavior, communicate effectively, and excel in your career.

Students in the program will complete a total of 40 credits for the master's degree and have the opportunity to graduate in as little as 20 months. This prepares them with the essential coursework requirements needed to sit for the BCBA exam. The program features eight core courses and two practicum courses, offering a comprehensive and immersive educational experience. The Department of Behavior Analysis at Simmons University is dedicated to making behavior analysis understandable and accessible, publishing innovative research, including students in scholarly activities, demonstrating the broad influence of behavior analysis, and preparing students for BCBA certification.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified that the program's courses meet the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst or the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst examination. However, applicants must satisfy additional eligibility criteria and demonstrate residency in an authorized country to be eligible for the examination.

The University of Cincinnati Online offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program with a focus on the principles of human behavior.

The program is designed to help students build positive social skills and improve the lives of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and more. It provides a foundation in applied behavior analysis, education, and psychology for use in education, agency, and other settings. The program offers the specific Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) verified course sequence required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for those pursuing the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.

The 30-credit-hour curriculum focuses on providing core skills to serve individuals with behavioral and learning challenges across various settings, including clinics, schools, residential facilities, and in-home.

The program is 100% online and asynchronous, allowing students to study at their own pace without the need for classroom visits. This flexibility is ideal for individuals with busy schedules.

The University of Cincinnati Online's ABA Master's program offers a flexible, supportive, and community-oriented learning experience to prepare students for careers in applied behavior analysis.