Pennsylvania has had legislation requiring health insurance companies to support ABA as a therapy for children with autism since 2008 when Act 62 became law. This made autism-related services, including ABA covered by private health insurance, CHIP (the Children’s Health Insurance Program), or Medicaid. Later, in 2022, House Bill 19 amended the 1985 Medical Practice Act to define requirements for behavior analysts and required licensing for behavior analysts. Since then, ABA therapists have been required to earn a credential in order to engage in ABA therapy.
Demand for BCBAs in Pennsylvania
There has been a steady increase in demand for ABA therapists in Pennsylvania. The demand for BCBAs increased 12.8% between 2022 and 2023, from 2,206 in 2022 to 2,489 in 2023. According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary in Pennsylvania for a BCBA trained therapist is $80,945 ($39/hour). The salary does range from market to market. For example, the average salary in Allentown is $94,254 and in Bethlehem is $94,207.
Master’s Programs in PennsylvaniaTo Become a BCBA
To become a BCBA in Pennsylvania, practitioners must have:
- a master’s degree,
- completed the BCBA verified course sequence,
- completed supervised fieldwork under supervision of a BCBA,
- passed the BCBA exam.
The BCBA course sequence includes 21 credit hours across seven courses in ABA. The courses include work in interventions, research, and ethics, including:
- Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis,
- Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis,
- Single-case research,
- Assessment of behavior,
- Behavioral change procedures and management,
- Ethical considerations.
There are a range of programs available for students who want to earn a master’s degree or graduate certificate in ABA and the BCBA credential. Programs include online and on campus options. Some programs focus more on research, while others are focused on clinical practice.
Online ABA Master’s Program in Pennsylvania
Online Master’s programs provide flexibility and the ability to learn the content necessary to become a BCBA while managing work and family. In Pennsylvania, Arcadia University, Drexel University, Eastern University, Lehigh University, Slippery Rock University, Saint Joseph’s University, Temple University, the University of Scranton, and York College all have online options for a full master’s degree and ABA coursework. Students who choose this option will take the coursework online and complete requirements to earn a graduate degree, but may be required to secure their own clinical locations or BCBA supervisors.
Arcadia University
- Glenside, PA
- 33 hours, 18 months
- Online
Program:
Master’s of Education, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 33 credit hours, 18 months
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $790 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The M.Ed in ABA prepares students to take the BCBA exam within coursework in special education. Students can also earn an Online Graduate Certificate in Autism. Full or part time options are available. Arcadia University’s online courses are provided in small groups and the program is ranked within the top 15 online ABA degree programs.
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 76.5 hours
- Online
Program:
Master’s of Science in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 76.5 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: Not listed
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
This program provides students with the BCBA coursework and courses to apply for Pennsylvania’s teaching certification in special education. Students are admitted in cohorts and move through the online coursework together. Students must have a PA Instructional 1 teaching certificate to earn the special education certificate. Drexel’s courses are arranged in four 10-week quarters, which allows students to move through content at a faster pace. The MS in Special Education includes 24 special education credits, the BCBA course sequence, 15 credits in a concentration area, and six capstone credit hours. During the capstone courses, students learn about research design and complete an action research project.
Eastern University
- St. David’s, PA
- 3 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- Online
Program:
Masters of Arts in Clinical Counseling, concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 3 years full-time, 4 years part-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $790 per credit hour, does not include fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The MA in Counseling prepares students to be licensed counselors in Pennsylvania. Students take the BCBA course sequence as part of the counseling coursework. The program meets the requirements for the BCBA, the PA Licensed Professional Counselor, and the PA Licensed Behavior Specialist. Eastern University is a Christian university, and is the first Christian university with BCBA certification on the East Coast.
Lehigh University
- Bethlehem, PA
- 30 hours, 2 years
- Online
Program:
Master’s in Education in Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 30 credit hours, 2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $630 per credit hour, $18,400 for the entire program, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
Students complete the BCBA course sequence. The program is designed for professionals who are working both towards a master’s degree and the BCBA credential. Courses are asynchronous in order to provide additional flexibility. Students can choose to attend full or part-time.
Saint Joseph’s University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 30 hours, 2 years
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 30 credit hours, 2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $960 per credit hour
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The MS in ABA is offered entirely online. It is designed for students who have experience in education and are interested in becoming BCBA certified. The Saint Joseph University Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support in Philadelphia has training opportunities for students.
Slippery Rock University
- Slippery Rock, PA
- 36-39 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Education, Special Education, Applied Behavioral Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 36-39 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $516 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The M.Ed in Special Education with an ABA concentration provides the BCBA course sequence through online courses. The goal of the program is to prepare students for service within a diverse, global community.
Temple University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 36 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master’s in Science of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 36 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,105 per credit hour for in state students, $1,518 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The MS.Ed in ABA includes the BCBA course sequence, with some hours towards the supervised fieldwork. Students participate in synchronous online courses and are enrolled as a cohort. The program is provided for full-time or part-time students. The program does not result in a teaching certification.
University of Scranton
- Scranton, PA
- 36 hours
- Online
Program:
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 36 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $920 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The University of Scranton’s master’s program is built around the BCBA course sequence with a focus on designing and delivering effective behavior interventions for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Students choose elective courses in addition to the course sequence and can study positive behavior supports and intervention, early intervention, autism-spectrum related disorders, and other topics. Finally, students complete a thesis and the supervised fieldwork.
York College of Pennsylvania
- York, PA
- 33 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Education in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 33 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,027 per credit hours when taking 11 or fewer credit hours; $12,325 per semester when taking 12 or more credit hours
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
Students in the M.Ed program choose an emphasis, such as ABA. Within the 33 credit hour Master’s in Special Education program, students complete the BCBA course sequence along with core and capstone coursework. The master’s program is not intended to provide a teaching certification, but may support students who are interested in renewing or maintaining existing certification.
Hybrid Master’s ABA Program in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has three hybrid options for students who want to earn a master’s along with the ABA coursework. A hybrid program provides the option to combine in person experiences with online coursework and can offer more opportunities to work in university clinics or research labs.
Duquesne University, Eastern University, and the Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine all have hybrid options.
Duquesne University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 39 hours, 2 years
- Hybrid + Online + Campus
Program:
Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid, Online and on campus
Length: 39 credit hours, 2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,515 per credit hour
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The MS.Ed in ABA program prepares students to work in school, community, or clinic settings. Students complete the BCBA course sequence as part of the program. Students must arrange their own supervised fieldwork. The program also meets requirements for the Licensed Behavior Specialist certification offered by the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine. A focus of the coursework is compassionate-care which is incorporated into each BCBA course.
Eastern University
- St. David’s, PA
- 3 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- Hybrid
Program:
Masters of Arts in Clinical Counseling, concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 3 years full-time, 4 years part-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $790 per credit hour, does not include fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
This is the hybrid program for the MA in Counseling. Students take the BCBA course sequence as part of the counseling coursework. The program meets the requirements for the BCBA, the PA Licensed Professional Counselor, and the PA Licensed Behavior Specialist. Students have the option to take courses on campus during the evening, or courses online.
Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Philadelphia, PA
- 36 hours, 16 months
- Hybrid
Program:
Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 36 credit hours, 16 months
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $31,186 tuition, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The MS in ABA provides the BCBA course sequence and focuses on working directly with children and their developmental needs. Students engage in fieldwork, research, and ongoing professional development. An overarching goal of this program is to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. After coursework, students complete a year-long practicum supervised by a BCBA. Students must be available for five to ten hours each weekday or early evenings to work with clients and complete their supervised fieldwork hours.
Graduate Certificate ABA Program in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a variety of options for students who already have a master’s degree and want to earn the BCBA credential. Programs at Duquesne University, Lehigh University, the Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania Western University, Slippery Rock University, Saint Joseph’s University, Temple University, and York College all offer a graduate certificate option.
Lehigh University
- Bethlehem, PA
- 21 hours, 1.5 to 2 years
- Online
Program:
Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours, 1.5 to 2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $630 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
In this online graduate certificate, students complete the verified BCBA course sequence. It is ideal for professionals who already have a master’s degree and want to earn the BCBA credential. Courses are asynchronous in order to provide additional flexibility for students.
Penn State University World Campus
- University Park, PA
- 21 hours, 2 years
- Online
Program:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours, 2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,027 per credit hour
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The Penn State University World Campus program prepares students to establish or maintain BCBA certification. Students take the BCBA course sequence. Students can also use the coursework to start work towards a master’s or doctoral degree. Online courses are taught by Pennsylvania State University faculty.
Pennsylvania Western University
- Various locations
- 21 hours
- Online
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $399 per credit hour, does not include fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The ABA certificate coursework is 100% online and prepares students to complete the BCBA exam. It does not include supervised fieldwork.
Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Philadelphia, PA
- 21 hours
- Online
Program:
Online Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $21,126 total tuition, does not include fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The online certificate provides the BCBA course sequence in an online format with online coursework and a weekly synchronous class. The coursework does not include the supervised fieldwork. This online certificate program is designed for students who are working in fields, like education or psychology, and want to work towards the BCBA credential. The coursework focuses specifically on supporting children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.
Duquesne University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 21 hours
- Online
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Coursework
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,515
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
Students can take the BCBA course sequence through Duquesne University. The coursework provides the seven-course sequence, it does not include the supervised fieldwork.
Saint Joseph’s University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 24 hours
- Online
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate
Modality: Online
Length: 24 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $960 per credit hour
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The 24-course sequence prepares students to sit for the BCBA exam. The certificate does not provide students with the fieldwork that are also required for full certification.
Slippery Rock University
- Slippery Rock, PA
- 21 hours (2-3 semesters)
- Online
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours (2-3 semesters)
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $516 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The ABA Certificate provides the BCBA course sequence for students who have a graduate degree in education, psychology, or a related field and want to earn the BCBA credential. It does not include the supervised fieldwork.
Temple University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 21 hours
- Campus
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate (Graduate)
Modality: On campus
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,105 per credit hour for in state students, $1,518 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The graduate certificate program includes the BCBA course sequence. It does include fieldwork opportunities. This option is for professionals who want to earn the BCBA certification.
York College of Pennsylvania
- York, PA
- 1-2 years
- Online
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Modality: Online
Length: 1-2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $695 per credit hour
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
York College of Pennsylvania’s online certificate provides the BCBA course sequence in an online format. Students who have a master’s degree and complete field supervision are eligible for BCBA certification. After completing coursework, students complete field supervision through their employer or through an internship placement through York College (a 3 credit hour course).
On Campus Master’s in ABA Programs in Pennsylvania
On campus graduate programs provide more direct experiences with professors and peers. These programs also provide options for students to be involved in research projects and work in applied settings. Studying on campus is a good option for students who want to interact directly with faculty, and who want access to on-site learning activities including research opportunities. In Pennsylvania, students can choose from three entirely on-campus programs at Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, or the University of Pittsburgh.
Penn State University
- Harrisburg, PA
- 2 years
- Campus
Program:
Master’s of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 2 years
GRE Required: Yes
Tuition: Not listed
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The MA in ABA at Penn State provides the BCBA sequences through evening courses that are designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Students can attend part time or full time, depending on their availability. Students complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical work and a master’s project. To apply, students must have taken 18 credit hours in psychology, special education, general education, behavioral health, mental health, disability services or a related discipline.
Temple University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 36 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master’s in Science of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 36 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,105 per credit hour for in state students, $1,518 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The MS.Ed in ABA includes the BCBA course sequence, with some hours towards the supervised fieldwork. Students take education and psychology courses at the main campus in Philadelphia. The program is provided for full-time or part-time students. The program does not result in a teaching certification.
University of Pittsburgh
- PIttsburgh, PA
- 33 hours (1 year of full-time study)
- Campus
Program:
Masters in Education in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 33 credit hours (1 year of full-time study)
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $26,350 per year for in-state students, $45,556 per year for out-of-state students
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The M.Ed in ABA is provided through the School of Education. Students complete the BCBA course sequence and have the opportunity to complete the supervised fieldwork. Students have the opportunity to engage in various practicum placements. Students must have taken a Foundations in Special Education course as a prerequisite for the program.
No GRE Required ABA Programs in Pennsylvania
The only program that requires the GRE for admission is Pennsylvania State University. All other Pennsylvania programs do not require the GRE, however many have a minimum GPA for admission. The admission procedures vary from program to program, with some requiring personal statements and letters of recommendation.
ABAI Accredited ABA Programs in Pennsylvania
All of the programs in Pennsylvania are ABAI accredited and include the verified course sequence required to prepare students to pass the BCBA exam.
Affordable ABA Programs in Pennsylvania
The most affordable options in Pennsylvania range from Pennsylvania West University ($399 per credit hour) to Slippery Rock University ($516 per credit hour) to Lehigh University ($630 per credit hour). The total cost of any ABA graduate program will depend on the total coursework, expenses and fees.
Accelerated ABA Programs in Pennsylvania
The fastest path to obtaining the BCBA credential, if a student does not have a master’s degree is through the University of Pittsburgh Master’s in Education in ABA, which can be completed in one year with full-time attendance.
The fastest path if a student already holds a master’s degree, is a graduate certificate. All the graduate certificates in Pennsylvania provide 21 hours of coursework and can be completed in 1.5 to 2 years.
