Best Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
Students who graduate with a master's in applied behavior analysis degree use evidence-based interventions to improve the quality of life of people who have autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and other developmental disabilities.
Applied behavior analysts have the opportunity to work in a rapidly growing field. Some examples of careers that the degree may lead to include a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), an applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist, or an FBI profiler. The University of Cincinnati indicates that students who have a master's degree in applied behavior analysis may work in business management, human resources, or occupational safety.
2026 Best Online Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis Programs
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA - Public 4-Year - virginia.edu
Master's - Master of Education in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis)
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University of Virginia's online Master of Education in Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis concentration provides a robust pathway for professionals seeking Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Delivering synchronous coursework, the program enables students to balance academic pursuits with professional responsibilities. Comprehensive curriculum integrates specialized ABA training with core special education principles, preparing graduates for leadership roles. No GRE is required for admission, making the program accessible to working educators. The fully online format accommodates diverse learning needs, with coursework designed to develop advanced behavioral intervention strategies and research-based methodologies in supporting students with disabilities.
- Fully online program
- Synchronous courses
- Concentration in ABA
- Prepares for BCBA exam
- Flexible for working professionals
- Core special education courses
- Leadership roles preparation
- Bachelor's degree required
- Two recommendations needed
- Goal statement submission
Master's - Master of Education in Special Education (Special Education General Curriculum)
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The University of Virginia's online Master of Education in Special Education with Special Education General Curriculum concentration offers a comprehensive professional development opportunity. Designed for educators seeking advanced skills, this synchronous program provides flexible full-time and part-time learning tracks. With a nationally ranked #7 special education program, students benefit from experienced faculty and research-driven instruction. No GRE scores are required, streamlining the admission process. The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse roles in special education, including potential state endorsements and opportunities to support students with varied learning needs across multiple grade levels.
- Fully online synchronous program
- 1-2 year completion time
- Multiple emphasis areas available
- No GRE scores required
- Bachelor's degree prerequisite
- Optional BCBA exam preparation
- State endorsement options
- Experienced faculty instruction
Master's - Master of Education in Special Education (Special Education Leadership)
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UVA's online Master of Education in Special Education with Special Education Leadership concentration equips educators to become transformative leaders in disability support services. This flexible program offers a strategic pathway for professionals seeking advanced credentials without disrupting current employment. Featuring synchronous coursework and no GRE requirement, the curriculum emphasizes leadership development, policy implementation, and specialized intervention strategies. Graduates can pursue roles as special education administrators, program coordinators, or enhance existing teaching endorsements. The program's comprehensive approach prepares students to drive systemic improvements in educational support for students with diverse learning requirements.
- Fully online synchronous program
- Three concentration options
- No GRE required for admission
- 1-2 years program length
- Leadership and BCBA pathways available
- Guaranteed admission for UVA undergrads
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN - Public 4-Year - purdue.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Educational Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis
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Purdue University's online Master of Science in Educational Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis offers a comprehensive 33-credit program tailored for professionals seeking advanced behavioral science expertise. The curriculum prepares students for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® exam through rigorous coursework in ethical principles, assessment techniques, and evidence-based interventions. Featuring flexible learning formats with synchronous and asynchronous options, the program accommodates working professionals. ABAI-approved course sequences ensure high-quality training, while the cohort learning model promotes collaborative engagement. Program costs range from $14,820 to $21,150, making it an accessible option for those committed to understanding and improving human behavioral dynamics.
- 33-credit online master's program
- BCBA exam preparation
- Synchronous and asynchronous classes
- Cohort learning model
- ABAI approved course sequence
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
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The University of South Florida's online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis delivers a comprehensive professional training pathway for aspiring behavior analysts. This meticulously designed program uniquely integrates scholarly research with practical clinical skills, preparing students for board certification. Distinguishing itself through flexible online delivery, students complete the program in just 5 semesters while accumulating 1,500 supervised fieldwork hours. The curriculum strategically meets Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements, with an admission process that eliminates GRE requirements. Military-friendly and featuring scholarship opportunities, the program is taught by experienced doctoral-level behavior analysts who provide cutting-edge insights into ethical scientist-practitioner models.
- Fully online program
- 5 semesters to complete
- No GRE required
- In-state tuition for all
- 1,500 fieldwork hours
- Scholarship opportunities
- Doctoral-level instructors
- Flexible scheduling
- Board certification prep
What Will I Learn in an Online Applied Behavior Analysis Master’s Degree Program?
A master's degree in applied behavior analysis focuses on providing students with core skills and knowledge to serve people who have behavioral and learning challenges.
The online University of Cincinnati Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis program provides students with the skills to serve people who have mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, and other disorders in a variety of settings. The University of Cincinnati students complete 30 credit hours to earn the degree in an entirely online format.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International verifies the course sequence as "meeting coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards.”
Some courses in the program include:
- Child Development
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Ethics for Behavior Analysts
- Practicum in Behavior Analysis
Each university is likely to have courses that vary from those offered at another school. One example is that the University of Cincinnati online program requires students to complete a functional behavior assessment.
Students should make sure that whatever program that they enroll in qualifies them to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. It is important that students know the licensure requirements for the state where they intend to practice.
Admissions Requirements for a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis
Check the admissions requirements before enrolling in a master's degree program in ABA. Do not assume that admissions requirements are the same for every applied behavior analysis program.
Common admissions requirements include:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Letters of reference
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Submission of resume or curriculum vitae
Some applied behavior analysis programs have additional requirements. The Rutgers University program requires that students have previous coursework or work experience in applied behavior analysis.
2026 Affordable Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of Utah |
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| Florida Atlantic University |
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2026 Shortest Applied Behavior Analysis Master's Program Options
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| University of Virginia |
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| Johns Hopkins University |
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| Vanderbilt University |
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List of Applied Behavior Analysis Master’s Degree Programs
Find an online or campus-based master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.