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 an applied behavior analyst, a board-certified behavior analyst (BABA), 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.

2025 Best Online Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis Programs

Looking for the best online master's in applied behavior analysis programs? CounselingPsychology.org has ranked top programs to help you find the right fit. Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier to balance studies with work or family. They are great for those who need distance learning or prefer a virtual classroom. Learn more about how we rank these programs at https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Touro University

New York, NY - Private 4-year - touro.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Touro University's Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis stands out for its hybrid format, blending online convenience with on-campus engagement, ideal for students balancing commitments. This program is tailored for aspiring behavior analysts focusing on autism spectrum disorders, offering a curriculum rich in practical applications to enhance academic and life skills across various age groups. With no GRE requirement, it opens doors for a broader range of applicants. The faculty's real-world expertise enriches learning, preparing graduates for LBA and BCBA licensure. Its military-friendly approach and flexible scheduling options underscore Touro's commitment to accessible, high-quality education in behavior analysis.

  • Hybrid program option.
  • Eligible for LBA & BCBA.
  • Flexible online/on-campus.
  • Experienced faculty.
  • Focus on autism spectrum.
#2

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

Online Learning - Visit Website

Offered online by the University of South Florida, the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis is tailored for aspiring behavior analysts seeking flexibility without compromising quality. This program stands out for its no GRE requirement and offers in-state tuition to all students, making it accessible. Completable in five semesters, it includes 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork, aligning with BACB certification prerequisites. Led by doctoral-level instructors, the program combines rigorous academic training with practical experience, preparing graduates for leadership roles in ABA. It's an ideal choice for those pursuing board certification in a fully online format.

  • 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
#3

Northeastern University

Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Northeastern University offers a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through a hybrid format, blending online coursework with essential in-person sessions to accommodate working professionals. This program aligns with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements, setting students on the path to BCBA certification. The curriculum encompasses seven core behavior analysis courses and three clinical procedure courses, with the option for supervised fieldwork. A unique professional portfolio acts as the capstone. Prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA; while related work experience is beneficial, it's not a prerequisite. This program is particularly suited for those interested in addressing the needs of individuals with autism or behavioral challenges. Notably, the program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants. Northeastern's ABA program stands out for its 45-year legacy in ABA education, offering flexibility without compromising on the depth of clinical training.

  • Hybrid program format.
  • Meets BACB coursework requirements.
  • Optional supervised fieldwork.
  • 45-year history in ABA instruction.
  • Flexible online courses.
  • Professional portfolio capstone.
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 3.0 minimum GPA for admission.
  • Related work experience a plus.
  • Prepares for BCBA certification.
*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.

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 applied behavioral analysis. 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.

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.

Jump to Your State Listings

Alabama

Master's Programs
7440 East Drive
Montgomery, AL 36117-3596
(334) 244-3000

Master's Programs
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265
(256) 782-5781

California

5241 N Maple Ave
Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 278-4240

Master's Programs
18111 Nordhoff St
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-1200

Master's Programs
6000 J St
Sacramento, CA 95819-2694
(916) 278-6011

Connecticut

Master's Programs
181 White Street
Danbury, CT 06810-6826
(203) 837-8200

Florida

Master's Programs
11200 S. W. 8 Street
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-2000

11000 University Parkway
Pensacola, FL 32514-5750
(850) 474-2000

Master's Programs
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 284-2211

Georgia

Master's Programs
1332 Southern Drive
Statesboro, GA 30460-8126
(912) 478-5391

Master's Programs
Administration Building
Athens, GA 30602
(706) 542-3000

Illinois

Kansas

Master's Programs
1701 S Broadway
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-7000

Kentucky

521 Lancaster Ave
Richmond, KY 40475-3102
(859) 622-1000

Master's Programs
South Limestone
Lexington, KY 40506-0032
(859) 257-9000

Maine

96 Falmouth St
Portland, ME 04103
(207) 780-4141

Massachusetts

588 Longmeadow Street
Longmeadow, MA 01106
(413) 565-1000

352 Lafayette St
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 542-6000

285 Old Westport Rd
North Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300
(508) 999-8000

1 University Ave
Lowell, MA 01854-5104
(978) 934-4000

Michigan

2200 North Squirrel Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48309-4401
(248) 370-2100

Master's Programs
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5200
(269) 387-1000

Minnesota

Master's Programs
720 Fourth Ave. South
Saint Cloud, MN 56301-4498
(320) 308-0121

Missouri

901 S National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-5000

Master's Programs
One University Plaza, MS2025
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573) 651-2000

100 E Normal Avenue
Kirksville, MO 63501-4221
(660) 785-4000

Master's Programs
108 W South Street
Warrensburg, MO 64093
(660) 543-4111

Nebraska

Master's Programs
6001 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68182-0225
(402) 554-2800

Nevada

North Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89557
(775) 784-1110

New Jersey

900 Lakewood Ave
Lakewood, NJ 08701-2697
(732) 987-2200

Master's Programs
2083 Lawrence Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-3099
(609) 896-5000

201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 256-4000

Master's Programs
400 S Orange Ave
South Orange, NJ 07079-2697
(973) 761-9000

New York

Master's Programs
695 Park Ave
New York, NY 10065
(212) 772-4000

65-30 Kissena Blvd
Queens, NY 11367
(718) 997-5000

Master's Programs
West 116 St and Broadway
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-1754

Master's Programs
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 878-4000

Master's Programs
50 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
(646) 565-6000

North Carolina

Master's Programs
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5963
(910) 962-3000

Ohio

2624 Clifton Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0063
(513) 556-6000

Oklahoma

2800 West Gore Blvd
Lawton, OK 73505-6377
(580) 581-2200

3500 SW 119th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73170-9797
(405) 691-3800

100 N University Dr
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 974-2000

Oregon

Master's Programs
110 Johnson Hall
Eugene, OR 97403
(541) 346-1000

Pennsylvania

Master's Programs
450 S Easton Rd
Glenside, PA 19038-3295
(215) 572-2900

Master's Programs
1801 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6096
(215) 204-7000

Rhode Island

Master's Programs
100 Ochre Point Avenue
Newport, RI 02840-4192
(401) 847-6650

South Carolina

Master's Programs
4822 East Palmetto Street
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 661-1362

Texas


Waco, TX 76798
(254) 710-1011

Master's Programs
2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058-1002
(281) 283-7600

Master's Programs
1501 W.Chestnut Ave.
Denton, TX 76203-1277
(940) 565-2000

Washington

526 5th Street
Cheney, WA 99004-2496
(509) 359-6200

300 W Hawthorne Rd
Spokane, WA 99251
(509) 777-1000

Wisconsin

100 N East Ave
Waukesha, WI 53186
(262) 547-1211

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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