A bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) focuses on the scientific study of behaviors and their practical applications. An ABA provides the foundation for evidence-based evaluation of behavioral changes in individuals who experience mental health challenges, emotional health challenges, developmental disabilities, or other behavioral issues.

With an ABA bachelor's, you'll be prepared to work with individuals across all age groups. You may take on the role of behavioral therapist, case manager, program coordinator, or something similar. Schools, healthcare facilities, and social service agencies all hire behavioral therapists. Moreover, this is a field you can begin working in with just a bachelor's degree.

Some degree programs are specifically in applied behavior analysis, while others are in psychology with an applied behavior analysis track. Of the programs that are specific to ABA, several offer concentrations for working with a specific demographic (e.g. Autism). Both online and campus-based programs are available, though online programs offer the most convenience.

Whatever type of degree program you choose, make sure it qualifies you to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) with the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. This certification will be needed for many jobs in the field.

What Will I Learn in an Online Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Program?

A bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis is a four-year program that typically requires 120-130 credit hours. The program provides students with an extensive education in the principles and practices of behavior modification, as well as the theories and techniques used to improve behavior and development in individuals with behavioral disorders.

Most bachelor's programs include a combination of classwork and hands-on experience with individuals. This portion of the degree program may be referred to as a practicum or internship. Any experience component is completed in a highly supervised setting. Keep in mind that as an online student, you will need to complete any hands-on requirements in-person, though these can often be arranged in your local area.

Some examples of courses that students might take in an ABA bachelor’s degree program include:

  • Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Principles of Learning and Behavior
  • Behavior Assessment and Diagnosis
  • Design and Implementation of Behavior Interventions
  • Ethics and Professional Issues in Behavior Analysis
  • Developmental Disabilities and Autism
  • Verbal Behavior and Language Development
  • Single-Subject Research Design
  • Organizational Behavior Management

Note that course offerings and program requirements can vary by institution and program. You can find a full list of online courses available on the website of your school of interest.

Admissions Requirements for a Bachelor's in Applied Behavioral Analysis

The admissions requirements for a bachelor's degree in applied behavior analysis are determined by colleges and institutions, so they can vary somewhat. In general, you must graduate from high school or have a GED. You'll need to provide an acceptable transcript, and most schools still require that you sit for a standardized test. Entry into most online programs will require the following:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent ACT or SAT scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A personal statement or essay
  • A minimum GPA requirement (e.g. 2.5-3.0)
  • An in-person or virtual interview

In some cases, colleges and universities may also require that you take the National Behavioral Analyst Examination (BACB) or a similar exam. If your high school curriculum didn't include standard science courses, you might have to take those at the college before beginning your actual major in applied behavior analysis.

List of Applied Behavior Analysis Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based bachelor’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

Alaska

Bachelor's Programs
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 786-1800

Arizona

1 W. Firestorm Way
Glendale, AZ 85306-3216
(602) 489-5300

Colorado

102 Administration Building
Fort Collins, CO 80523-0100
(970) 491-1101

Connecticut

Bachelor's Programs
83 Windham St
Willimantic, CT 06226
(860) 465-5000

800 Country Club Rd
Waterbury, CT 06723
(800) 345-2562

Florida

Bachelor's Programs
150 West University Blvd
Melbourne, FL 32901-6975
(321) 674-8000

Bachelor's Programs
Tigert Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-3261

University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 284-2211

Indiana

2000 University Ave
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 289-1241

Kentucky

218 Wells Hall
Murray, KY 42071-3318
(270) 809-3011

Minnesota

Bachelor's Programs
1500 Birchmont Dr
Bemidji, MN 56601
(800) 475-2001

Bachelor's Programs
225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
(866) 808-4080

Bachelor's Programs
South Rd and Ellis Ave
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 389-1866

100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 900
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(866) 492-5336

Nebraska

1000 Galvin Rd S
Bellevue, NE 68005-3098
(402) 291-8100

New Jersey

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

North Carolina

601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5963
(910) 962-3000

North Dakota

608 6th St NE
Jamestown, ND 58405
(701) 252-3467

Tennessee

Bachelor's Programs
333 Murfreesboro Rd
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 248-1200

Texas

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

Washington

Bachelor's Programs
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-9008
(360) 650-3000

West Virginia

1201 Locust Ave
Fairmont, WV 26554-2470
(304) 367-4000

Wisconsin

Bachelor's Programs
105 Garfield Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 836-4636

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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