While working with students who have autism or similar disorders can be challenging, the potential reward is immeasurable. A degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, gives you the tools and skills to help these children and their families. ABA applies the principles and theories derived from studying behavior to solve social, behavioral and learning problems.

By using ABA methods with students, you can help them learn to increase and maintain desired behaviors, acquire new skills, transfer behavior from one situation to another, reduce interfering behaviors and narrow down situations in which these interfering behaviors occur.

Prepare for Licensure as a BCBA in 12 Months

The online ABA program can be completed on a full-time basis in as few as 12 months, and students can choose from four cohort start dates every year.

• GRE not required 
• Complete online in as few as 12 months 
• Prepare to sit for the board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) exam

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Autism is a frequently studied specialization in ABA. Persons with this disorder tend to respond well to ABA interventions, with observed improvements in their communication, social relationships, play, self-care, school performance and employment. If you are interested in helping students in a school setting overcome behavioral and learning disorders to achieve academic success, earning an online master’s degree in ABA may be the right choice for you.

There are two key components to becoming a practicing behavior analyst: earning a master’s degree in ABA from an accredited institution and getting board certified. The second component, board certification, involves becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) by obtaining a graduate degree and sitting for, and passing, the associated exam created by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). For details on the BCBA exam, review exam information directly from the BACB.

A master’s degree from an accredited institution is essential to becoming a practicing behavior analyst, and, when combined with state certification, will allow you to become a behavior analyst at varying grade levels. Often, for the busy professional, online BCBA programs offer the most convenient and flexible path to certification without compromising quality and rigor. The course content in such programs often mirrors that of traditional programs.

Before you begin the application process, be sure to contact your desired accredited institution for information about any prerequisites you may need to fulfill. Depending on the requirements of the program you are applying to, you may be asked to submit some or all of the following items:

When searching for an online ABA program that works for you, be sure to check to ensure that the program is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The certification process involves the BACB reviewing ABA program curriculum to ensure that it follows standards and features up-to-date course content that best prepares students for careers in behavior analysis. Programs that meet BACB standards are able to provide for their students a quality education that can help them take the next steps toward becoming a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), a qualification that enhances their personal credibility in the field.

Typically, BCBA online programs will place a heavy emphasis on practical application of modern research, methodology and exploration of a variety of ABA techniques and schools of thought.

The curriculum and number of credits required to complete a master’s program vary widely depending on your school and specialization. However, a typical master’s program in ABA can include courses in:

After completing an online ABA master’s program, the next step is to get licensed, which will enable you to officially work in the field of your choice. Every state has its own licensure requirements to become a school behavior analyst but gaining licensure can be facilitated by earning a degree from a BCBA online program. The median annual wage for psychologists, who are in a discipline related to applied behavior analysis, was $85,330 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many behavior analyst roles are in schools ranging from the elementary level through to high school. Learn more about careers in applied behavior analysis.

Graduates of online ABA master’s programs can pursue other specializations and different roles, including:

In searching for the best online ABA program that fits your needs, carefully consider the structure of the coursework and the admission requirements before making your decision. We’ve made note of the programs with Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accreditation status and strongly encourage you to check the university websites to find out if they offer a BCBA online program as well.

Teach.com has compiled a comprehensive list of online ABA master’s programs in the United States with their GRE requirements and degree type. Find a school that interests you and find out what it takes to graduate from one of these online ABA programs. Below are the online applied behavior analysis programs of 2023.

Last updated July 2023.