Best Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 2026
Earning a master’s in applied behavior analysis qualifies you for industry-standard board certification. Review top online programs to help advance your ABA career.
According to research from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, nationwide demand for behavior analysts has grown annually since 2010, including a 58% increase in demand from 2023 to 2024 alone. Earning an online master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) prepares you for entry into this growing field.
Explore top ABA graduate programs with flexible, online delivery, and learn how to ace your application with our comprehensive guide.
Top Online Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis
National University – Most Military Friendly
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose NU: Monthly Start Dates, Mentoring Network, and Military-Friendly Admission
Founded in 1971 by retired U.S. Navy Capt. David Chigos, National University’s four-week courses with monthly start dates are designed to help active-duty military students and veterans earn their degree without disrupting their duties. You can access free tutoring and a student-alumni support network.
NU's MS in applied behavioral analysis prepares students to sit for the BCBA exam and requires 45 quarter credits, with a total tuition cost of $21,080. Courses cover behavioral change, ethics, ABA interventions, and behavioral assessment. The program culminates in a capstone project where you’ll conduct an applied behavior analysis research project.
Other Highlights
- 25% tuition reduction available for ABA Center employees
- No application fee, exams, or essays required to apply
- Accepts post-9/11 GI Bill®
Considerations
- 42% first-time BCBA rate; lower than the national average of 54%
- Course equivalence credit for life experience not provided
- Maximum of 4.5 transfer credits accepted
86%
$15,912
53%
$15,912
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,604
- Institution Type
- Private
Northeastern University – Best Program Reputation
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Northeastern: Among the First ABA Master's Programs Launched in the U.S.
Northeastern's ABA master's program is one of the oldest in the country. In this program, you can learn from faculty members and a well-established curriculum that meets the 5th edition task list requirements of the BACB, and helps students achieve higher-than-average pass rates on their BCBA exam.
The program has a 76% first-time pass-rate for the BCBA exam, which is 22 percentage points higher than the national average. The manageable class sizes of 19 or fewer students make it easier to have a more supportive learning experience.
Other Highlights
- No tuition differential for out-of-state students ($1,439/credit)
- Options to complete supervised experience in your current role or an optional field experience course
- Fully online program with optional synchronous course components
Considerations
- Maximum of nine transfer credits
- New students accepted only once per year, in the fall
27%
$27,728
97%
$27,728
- Acceptance Rate
- 5%
- Students Enrolled
- 39,774
- Institution Type
- Private
Truman State University – Best Value
- Kirksville, MO
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Truman: Lowest Tuition Rate on this List for Programs with Field Experience
Truman's online ABA master's program costs approximately $20,026, making it the lowest-cost option on our list that meets fieldwork requirements for board certification. After completing 38 credits, graduates earn an MA in disability studies with an ABA focus.
The online, mostly asynchronous curriculum includes a practicum and internship and meets the 5th edition requirements to qualify students to sit for the BCBA exam. The program uses a cohort model with a maximum of 24 students per cohort. You’re encouraged to apply early to receive priority consideration.
Other Highlights
- Rolling admissions
- Can be completed in two years full time
- Accepts students with at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA
Considerations
- Data on BCBA pass rates are not available
- Cannot accept international students at this time
- Two required live sessions per semester
52%
$11,712
85%
$11,712
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,664
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus – Most Customizable Curriculum
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UC: Two ABA Programs for Practitioner or Research-Focused Study
We chose UC's online ABA master's program because it offers two options for learners on different career paths: the research-focused MS in behavioral analysis and the practitioner-focused M.Ed. in behavioral analysis. Both programs require 30 credits in ethics and research methods, culturally competent care, applied behavioral analysis, and behavioral assessment.
The MS in behavioral analysis requires an extra 6 credits of school psychology practicum, which fulfills eligibility requirements for board certification. The M.Ed. program does not integrate fieldwork, but students can arrange and complete their own BCBA eligibility requirements if desired.
Other Highlights
- Opportunities to present research with faculty (MS program only)
- Small, selective cohort in MS program
- Fully online programs, no campus visits required
Considerations
- 51% first-time BCBA rate; lower than the national average of 54%
- $746-$1,333 per credit tuition and fees, depending on your residency status
- No maximum class size in M.Ed. program
64%
$13,224
85%
$24,996
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 45,584
- Institution Type
- Public
University of South Florida – Best Career Outcomes
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose USF: Among the Highest BCBA Pass Rates Nationwide
Graduates of USF's ABA master's program have the highest pass rate for first-time BCBA certification among all the schools on our list. The 82% pass rate for first-time test takers is 28 percentage points higher than the national average, indicating a strong level of professional preparation.
USF's curriculum meets all upcoming 2027 BCBA certification standards and requires 1,500 hours of supervised practice. A 9-to-1 instructor-to-faculty ratio ensures you receive individualized attention and feedback. The online program takes 1.5 years and costs $24,600 for 41 credits, regardless of your location.
Other Highlights
- In-state tuition rate for out-of-state students
- In the top 14% of schools for BCBA first-time pass rate
- Accepts students with bachelor’s degrees from an accredited university, regardless of major
Considerations
- Maximum of six transfer credits, requiring a $100 course evaluation
- Synchronous courses on Wednesday and Thursday evenings
68%
$ 8,350
91%
$19,048
- Acceptance Rate
- 43%
- Students Enrolled
- 49,622
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Identified Top Schools and Programs
Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, affordability, hands-on experience, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in applied behavior analysis. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.
Since many psychology programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting features that matter to you most.
We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.
How to Choose an Online ABA Master’s Program
Selecting an online applied behavioral analysis (ABA) master’s program isn’t always easy. Key factors to consider include accreditation and whether a program matches your career goals. Admission requirements, program flexibility, and program cost can also play an important role in your decision.
Accreditation
Programmatic or specialized accreditation means that an independent agency evaluated the program and determined that it meets industry and academic standards. It ensures graduates have the skills required to excel in their chosen field. If you plan to pursue a career as a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), choose a master’s in ABA with accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
Admission Requirements
Applying to graduate school costs money – typically between $50-$100 for an application fee and between $5-$15 for each official undergraduate transcript you need to supply. To reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, consider applying to programs where you meet the minimum admission requirements.
Career Relevance
When choosing a program, ensure the curriculum aligns with your career goals. A master’s degree in ABA is ideal for students interested in supporting autistic individuals or those with other developmental challenges. If your professional interests lie in mental health counseling, school counseling, or addiction recovery, another degree type may be a better fit.
Flexibility
Choosing the right online ABA master’s program requires understanding what flexibility you need to succeed. For example, do you need a program with a part-time schedule? Are you interested in synchronous (live) or asynchronous (recorded) course delivery? Are there sites in your local area where you can complete the required fieldwork?
Cost and Financial Aid
Graduate school is a major investment. According to 2019-2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate students attending an online master’s in clinical, counseling, or applied psychology – including applied behavior analysis – paid an annual average of $12,048 in tuition and fees. Consider how much you are willing to invest in your education, and prioritize programs with scholarship and grant opportunities.
How to Apply to an Online ABA Master’s Program
Admission requirements for an ABA master’s degree vary by school. Some programs only require that you demonstrate a high GPA in your undergraduate studies. More competitive programs request letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and may have a preference for candidates with work experience. Follow these steps to apply to your chosen program:
- Step 1: Review Application Requirements and Deadlines
Carefully review the application requirements for each program you are interested in, and consider whether you would be a competitive candidate, based on your GPA, undergraduate coursework, and experience. Mark all application deadlines in your calendar, and make a plan to complete application materials on time.
- Step 2: Request Letters of Recommendation
If your program requires letters of recommendation, be sure to send requests to your letter writers well in advance of the admission deadline. Writers should know you well and be able to speak to your skills, interests, and potential. If you have limited work or volunteer experience, consider requesting letters from your undergraduate professors.
- Step 3: Prepare Other Application Materials
ABA master’s programs typically take a holistic approach to admission, considering not only academic qualifications, but also your commitment to the ABA field and the difference it can make in people’s lives. If required, your personal statement and resume are great ways to highlight your passion, work experience, or volunteer experience.
- Step 4: Order Official Transcripts
Graduate schools require applicants to provide transcripts from each undergraduate institution previously attended. These official transcripts must be sent directly from your undergraduate institution to the graduate school. Typically, you can order transcripts online for $5-$15, through platforms like Parchment. Processing can take several business days.
- Step 5: Submit Your Application
After you finish reviewing your supplemental application materials to ensure they are complete, accurate, and well-written, you are ready to upload them to the school’s online platform and submit your finished application. Some programs require an application fee, commonly ranging from $50-$100.
- Step 6: Participate in Admission Interviews
Competitive ABA master’s programs may schedule candidate interviews to help make final admission decisions. If an interview is required, you will meet with the admissions committee via video conferencing software. Come prepared to discuss your undergraduate and/or work experience, your professional goals, and why you want to join the school’s ABA program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many top graduate schools offer online master’s degrees in applied behavior analysis. Online ABA programs provide a combination of remote classroom instruction and in-person experiential learning in your local community.
