Online Applied Behavior Analysis Degrees and Programs

Applied behavior analysts focus on observing behavior and how it affects the interaction between individuals and their environments. They look to help individuals by discovering small changes that will make big improvements in these people’s lives. This field is often applied to help people with autism, though other patients can benefit as well.
The type of treatment provided by these professionals is known as ABA therapy. Its intent is to get patients to act more “normal” through the use of cues and rewards. Currently, it is the most common type of therapy used with autistic children, though it is very likely that the present methods will be further refined as time goes on.
Choosing the Right Online Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Program
As with most psychological specialties, education typically is set up in the traditional style. A bachelor’s degree starts you off, and upgrades include master’s and doctorate degrees. Typically, a bachelor’s opens the door to assistant positions, while higher degrees make it possible to get positions with more responsibilities. While many students will choose the traditional on-campus program route, an online program can prove to be more flexible for those students with busier lives and schedules.
No matter what degree level you’re going for, it’s essential that the program be accredited. This ensures that the degree will be honored by employers, future degree programs, and your state’s licensing board. At the master’s level, which is the one required for certification, look for accreditation by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. This organization also administers one of the major certification tests for this profession.
Bachelor’s Degree
There are online options abound for the Bachelor of Science in applied behavior analysis. The curriculum is heavy on psychology and developmental courses, though it is typical for schools to also insist that you take subjects like math, history, and English along with them.
Master’s Degree
Unlike in most psychological professions, you can become an independent practitioner with a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis. Coursework is focused on psychology, child development, and related topics. There is also a requirement for in-person experience hours, during which you interact directly with patients as well as certified practitioners, so it’s important to consider this when searching for online programs.
Graduate Certificate
A graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis can be a good option for a student who already holds a related psychology degree and wants to enter this niche specialty. A graduate certificate is a shorter program (usually taking around a year to complete) that does not result in a degree, but the credits can generally be applied to a higher degree if the student wishes to continue their education. This is an excellent choice for those who don’t want the time commitment or expense of a full degree program but still want to explore the specialty. You can find many applied behavior analysis graduate programs available through a search online.
Doctorate Degree
A doctorate in applied behavior analysis is not required to become certified, but you may want to get one in order to further expand your eligibility for high-salary positions (or your ability to get higher rates as an independent practitioner). It requires even more psychology courses, but much of your grade will come from your dissertation. Some schools may require even more practice hours as well, so it’s important to make sure you’re able to complete these hours locally as an online student.
Board Certification
This profession requires certification rather than licensure. You’ll need to pass the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam or an equivalent in order to get the required credential. More information on this, and several lower certifications, can be found here.
Which Applied Behavior Analysis Degree is Right for You?
Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Graduate Certificate | Ph.D. or PsyD | |
I am interested in gaining entry-level experience in applied behavior analysis | x | |||
I want to get started in my applied behavior analysis career before I pursue more education | x | |||
I want to pursue a non-patient-facing role in the field | x | x | ||
I want to switch to an applied behavior analysis specialty | x | x | ||
I already have an applied behavior analysis degree and want to gain specialized knowledge | x | x | ||
I want to conduct research in applied behavior analysis | x | x | ||
I want to become a licensed psychologist and treat patients | x | |||
I want to work in academia | x |
Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Program Curriculum
Since most behavior analysts work with children, subjects studied for these degrees are heavy in child development as well as psychology. The latest methods and research in applied behavior analysis should be included. For the bachelor’s, you’ll also have to take a number of courses in basic subjects like math, English, and history. A full list of online classes can usually be found in the program’s curriculum section on the school’s website.
- Bachelor’s Degree – A standard bachelor’s degree program is 120 hours, and is set up with the expectation that you’ll take 30 credits worth of classes every year. This makes it fit the “four-year degree” paradigm. However, you can take more or fewer credit hours each year, with the timeframe adjusted accordingly.
- Master’s Degree – It can take as few as 30 credit hours to get a master’s, but the requirements of the degree don’t stop there. You’ll also need to get a minimum number of practicum hours. The specific number varies by school.
- Doctorate Degree – Eighty-five to 95 credit hours are involved, but as with the master’s, you’ll also need to do a dissertation. You may also have to complete more practicum hours.
Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Program Clinical Requirements
In this field, the practicum hour requirement kicks in early – at the master’s level – so that you can apply for board certification upon receiving the degree. Practicum hours vary depending on the school, with some providing 1,500 or more, others giving half that, and some not including any at all.
Make sure to check your state’s current legal requirements prior to enrolling so that you can be sure that your prospective master’s degree program offers enough. Otherwise, you may have to enroll in another school or program in order to get the practice time that certification requires. Those enrolled in online programs will still need to complete any clinical requirements in-person.
List of Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
Looking for an online or campus-based applied behavior analysis degree program near you? Browse our state-by-state school listings below.
Jump to Your State Listings
Alabama
Auburn University at Montgomery
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
Montgomery, AL 36117-3596
(334) 244-3000
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL 36265
(256) 782-5781
Alaska
University of Alaska Anchorage
- Behavior Analysis Campus
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 786-1800
Arizona
Arizona Christian University
Glendale, AZ 85306-3216
(602) 489-5300
Arkansas
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 575-2000
California
California State University-Fresno
Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 278-4240
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-1200
California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA 95819-2694
(916) 278-6011
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA 95382-0299
(209) 667-3122
Colorado
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO 80523-0100
(970) 491-1101
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, CO 80217-3364
(303) 556-5600
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-1890
Connecticut
Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT 06226
(860) 465-5000
Post University
Waterbury, CT 06723
(800) 345-2562
Western Connecticut State University
- Applied Behavior Analysis Online
Danbury, CT 06810-6826
(203) 837-8200
Florida
Florida Institute of Technology-Online
- Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
- Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Organizational Behavior Management Campus
- Organizational Behavior Management, M.S. Campus
- Behavior Analysis Practice, M.A. Online
- Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis Campus
Melbourne, FL 32901-6975
(321) 674-8000
Florida International University
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-2000
The University of West Florida
- Applied Behavior Analysis Online
Pensacola, FL 32514-5750
(850) 474-2000
University of Florida
- Behavior Analysis Track Campus
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-3261
University of Miami
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 284-2211
Georgia
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322
(404) 727-6123
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA 30460-8126
(912) 478-5391
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602
(706) 542-3000
Illinois
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago
- MA Counseling Psychology / MA Applied Behavior Analysis Dual Enrollment Campus
- Online M.A. in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Concentration Online
- M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 329-6600
Indiana
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 289-1241
Indiana University-South Bend
South Bend, IN 46615-7111
(574) 520-4872
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499
(260) 481-4739
Kansas
Pittsburg State University
- Behavior Analysis Campus
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-7000
Wichita State University
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
Wichita, KS 67260-0124
(316) 978-3456
Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY 40475-3102
(859) 622-1000
Murray State University
Murray, KY 42071-3318
(270) 809-3011
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40506-0032
(859) 257-9000
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292-0001
(502) 852-5555
Maine
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME 04103
(207) 780-4141
Maryland
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 21218-2688
(410) 516-8000
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD 21801-6862
(410) 543-6000
Massachusetts
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA 01106
(413) 565-1000
Curry College
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
Milton, MA 02186-2395
(617) 333-0500
Salem State University
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 542-6000
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300
(508) 999-8000
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA 01854-5104
(978) 934-4000
Michigan
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI 49401-9403
(616) 331-2020
Michigan School of Psychology
Farmington Hills, MI 48334-4512
(248) 476-1122 x100
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI 48309-4401
(248) 370-2100
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5200
(269) 387-1000
Minnesota
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN 56601
(800) 475-2001
Capella University
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis Online
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis-Behavior Analysis in Education Online
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis-Organizational Behavior Management Online
- Applied Behavior Analysis Online
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
(866) 808-4080
Minnesota State University-Mankato
- Applied Health Science, BS Campus
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 389-1866
Saint Cloud State University
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
Saint Cloud, MN 56301-4498
(320) 308-0121
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(866) 492-5336
Missouri
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-5000
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2097
(314) 977-2222
Southeast Missouri State University
- Applied Behavior Analysis Online
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573) 651-2000
Truman State University
- Applied Behavior Analysis Online
Kirksville, MO 63501-4221
(660) 785-4000
University of Central Missouri
- MS Behavior Analysis Online
Warrensburg, MO 64093
(660) 543-4111
Nebraska
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE 68005-3098
(402) 291-8100
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE 68182-0225
(402) 554-2800
Nevada
University of Nevada-Reno
- M.S. Behavior Analysis Campus
- Online M.S. in Behavior Analysis Online
- Behavior Analysis Ph.D. Campus
Reno, NV 89557
(775) 784-1110
New Hampshire
Granite State College
- Behavioral Science (A.S.) Campus
Concord, NH 03301-3471
(603) 228-3000
New Jersey
Georgian Court University
Lakewood, NJ 08701-2697
(732) 987-2200
Rider University
- Applied Psychology Campus
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-3099
(609) 896-5000
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 256-4000
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1281
(848) 445-4636
Seton Hall University
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
South Orange, NJ 07079-2697
(973) 761-9000
New Mexico
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 277-0111
New York
CUNY Hunter College
New York, NY 10065
(212) 772-4000
CUNY Queens College
Queens, NY 11367
(718) 997-5000
Columbia University in the City of New York
- Applied Behavior Analysis MA Campus
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-1754
SUNY Buffalo State
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 878-4000
Touro College
- Applied Behavior Analysis Online
New York, NY 10036
(646) 565-6000
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260-1660
(716) 645-2000
North Carolina
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
Wilmington, NC 28403-5963
(910) 962-3000
North Dakota
University of Jamestown
Jamestown, ND 58405
(701) 252-3467
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND 58202-8193
(800) 225-5863
Ohio
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
- Applied Behavior Analysis Online
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(418) 372-5526
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0063
(513) 556-6000
Oklahoma
Cameron University
Lawton, OK 73505-6377
(580) 581-2200
Mid-America Christian University
Oklahoma City, OK 73170-9797
(405) 691-3800
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 974-2000
Oregon
University of Oregon
- Applied Behavior Analysis Campus
Eugene, OR 97403
(541) 346-1000
Pennsylvania
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA 19038-3295
(215) 572-2900
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA 15419-1394
(724) 938-4400
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-2999
(570) 422-3117
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA 19131-1395
(610) 660-1000
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6096
(215) 204-7000
Rhode Island
Salve Regina University
- Behavior Analysis Campus
Newport, RI 02840-4192
(401) 847-6650
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI 02881
(401) 874-1000
South Carolina
Francis Marion University
- Applied Behavioral Analysis Campus
Florence, SC 29506
(843) 661-1362
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC 29208
(803) 777-7000
Tennessee
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN 37044
(931) 221-7011
Trevecca Nazarene University
- Behavioral Science Campus
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 248-1200
Texas
Baylor University
Waco, TX 76798
(254) 710-1011
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX 75961
(936) 468-2011
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX 77843-1248
(979) 845-3211
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
(956) 665-2011
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 471-3434
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, TX 78249-1644
(210) 458-4011
University of Houston-Clear Lake
- Behavior Analysis M.A. Campus
Houston, TX 77058-1002
(281) 283-7600
University of North Texas
- Behavior Analysis (MS) Campus
Denton, TX 76203-1277
(940) 565-2000
Virginia
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529
(757) 683-3000
Washington
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA 99004-2496
(509) 359-6200
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA 98225-9008
(360) 650-3000
Whitworth University
Spokane, WA 99251
(509) 777-1000
West Virginia
Fairmont State University
Fairmont, WV 26554-2470
(304) 367-4000
Marshall University
Huntington, WV 25755
(304) 696-3170
Wisconsin
Carroll University
Waukesha, WI 53186
(262) 547-1211
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 288-7710
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- Behavior Analysis Campus
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 836-4636
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- Behavioral Science Campus
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 424-1234
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