Practitioners who want to combine Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with work in a school setting, as a special education teacher, ABA therapist in school settings, or who want to consult with schools, may earn a Master’s in Special Education with ABA concentration. These programs provide coursework in special education instruction and law, as well as the verified course sequence that is required for the BCBA certification. It is important to note that these programs may not provide a teaching certification, and are ideal for practitioners who already hold a teaching license, but want additional training in special education and ABA.
Demand for BCBAs
Between 2010 and 2023, the demand for BCBA certification has increased dramatically. In 2010, there were 789 job postings that required a BCBA certification. In 2023, there were 65,366. Of course, the change varies by state, but in general, the demand for BCBA certification is increasing.
According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average salary for someone with a BCBA credential is $89,075 ($43/hour). Salaries range from $74,000 (25th percentile) to $90,500 (75th percentile) and will differ from region to region, and based on the job.
Requirements to earn a Master’s in Special Education with an ABA Concentration
Coursework in ABA is an important part of earning the BCBA credential. While special education teachers do not need ABA coursework or a BCBA credential to be a teacher, having expertise in ABA and a BCBA credential expands the job options and widens the salary range that special education practitioners can expect across their careers.
To earn the BCBA credential, practitioners must have:
- an acceptable graduate degree from an accredited university with coursework in behavior analysis, or an accepted graduate degree from an accredited university,
- supervised practical experience, and
- a passing score on the BCBA exam.
The verified course sequence is the set of courses, typically seven courses of 21 credit hours, that are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International that prepares students to take the BCBA certification exam. The coursework ensures that all BCBA certified therapists have the same knowledge and skills. Universities may offer the set of courses in isolation, or part of a broader degree, like a Masters in Special Education.
There are a variety of Master’s in Special Education programs that have an ABA concentration. Seven campuses offer a Master’s in Special Education with ABA concentration on campus, and eight campuses offer this program online. The difference between online and on campus experiences relates to the amount of time that students may spend engaging directly with research centers or clinics.
On Campus Master’s in Special Education with ABA emphasis
Seven universities provide the Master’s in Special Education with ABA concentration on campus: Arizona State University, Mercyhurst University, Northern Illinois University, Texas State University, The Ohio State University, the University of Houston, and the University of Nevada. In an on campus experience, students may have the option to work directly with professors as graduate assistants, or support research in clinical or research settings.
Arizona State University
- Tempe, AZ
- 36 hours
- On campus
Program: Master’s in Special Education
Modality: On campus
Length: 36 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: None listed
Tuition: $12,562 resident; $26,496 non-resident; not including fees
Program Overview:
The MA in Special Education with a focus on ABA supports practitioners who want to improve their skills in preK-12 education and community settings to provide services in the least restrictive environment. The MA in Special Education does not provide a certification. In addition to coursework, students complete either a thesis, applied project, or written and oral comprehensive exam. Applicants apply directly to the MA in Special Education (ABA), the MA in Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders) or the M.Ed in Special Education with or without teacher certification.
Mercyhurst University
- Erie, PA
- 30-39 hours
- On campus
Program: Master of Science in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis concentration
Modality: On campus
Length: 21 months, 30-39 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Not Listed
Tuition: $894 per credit hour, $27,620 total, not including fees
Program Overview:
The M.S. in Special Education with a focus on ABA prepares students to work as a behavior analyst in the field of education. Students take core coursework and the verified course sequence. Students also have the option to learn from faculty as graduate assistants.
Northern Illinois University
- Dekalb, IL
- 33 hours
- On-campus
Program: Master’s in Special Education: Behavior Analysis (M.S.Ed)
Modality: On-campus
Length: 33 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Tuition: $509.75 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Northern Illinois University’s M.S.Ed program in behavior analysis is delivered through the department of special education and focuses on applying ABA in various settings. It also includes a focus on research with courses in writing for publication, single case research, and laboratory field studies. Upon completion, students earn a Master’s in Special Education with a specialization in behavior analysis.
Texas State University
- San Marcos, TX
- 36 hours
- On campus
Program: Master of Education Major in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
Modality: On campus
Length: 36 semester hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Tuition: $9,000 cost of attendance for residents for 9-months, $16,380 cost of attendance for non-residents, not including fees
Program Overview:
The M.Ed with a major in Special Education includes a concentration option in autism/ABA. The verified course sequence is included as part of the M.Ed coursework. Students take the verified course sequence, and additional courses that align with their interests, such as Special Education Law, Educating Students with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities, or Behavior Management.
The Ohio State University
- Columbus, OH
- 34-37 hours
- In person
Program: Master of Arts in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization
Modality: In person
Length: 34-37 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Tuition: $805.63 per credit hour, not including fees, $1,802.44 non-resident surcharge
Program Overview:
The M.A. in special education and ABA prepares practitioners with the skills to apply ABA in a range of settings. Students complete foundational coursework, the verified course sequence, and electives based on their individual course of study (mild-moderate disabilities, moderate-intensive disabilities, early childhood). Students complete supervised field experience and a master’s thesis using behavioral research design and methods. Students have a range of options to work with children through adults and with clients with severe to mild learning needs.
University of Houston
- Victoria, TX
- 39 hours
- On campus
Program: Master’s in Education in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 39 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Tuition: $390 per credit hour for residents, $800 per credit hour for non-residents, not including fees
Program Overview:
The M.Ed in ABA provides the verified course sequence within additional coursework for the M.Ed. The program is designed for students who are already working in a clinical or school setting and are able to complete the supervised fieldwork within their job locations.
University of Nevada
- Las Vegas, NV
- 36 hours
- On campus
Program: Master’s in Special Education
Modality: On campus
Length: 36 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Tuition: Resident $7,553 per year, $25,605 per year, not including fees
Program Overview:
The M.Ed program is housed in the Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education. Students develop a plan of study that meets their goals. Students complete three foundational courses in special education and legal issues, multicultural perspectives, and research methods. They also take the verified course sequence, and three credit hours of electives.
Online Masters in Special Education with ABA Concentration
Eight universities offer a Masters in Special Education with ABA concentration using an online format: Ball State University, Endicott College, Oakland University, Penn State World Campus, Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, the University of Louisville, and the University of Massachusetts Global Campus. Online options provide flexibility and accessibility for students who are working full-time while earning their masters, and provide options for students who want to earn a Masters and BCBA credential but may not have a university nearby.
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 36 hours
- Online
Program: Master’s in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 36 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Tuition: Not listed
Program Overview:
The M.Ed in Special Education with a concentration in ABA provides students with online coursework to complete the verified course sequence and additional coursework to round out the M.Ed degree.
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 30 hours
- Online
Program: Master’s of Arts in Special Education, ABA Certificate
Modality: Online
Length: 30 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Tuition: $464 per credit hour for residents, $696 per credit hour for non-residents, not including fees
Program Overview:
The Master’s of Arts in Special Education is accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children. Courses are fully online. The 30 hours of coursework includes a research course. Students work with one academic advisor during their time in the program. The coursework does not lead to a teaching certification.
Endicott College
- Beverly, MA
- 51 hours
- Online
Program: Master’s in Education in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 51 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Not listed
Tuition: $587 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
The M.Ed in Special Education and ABA has two tracks, one for practitioners who want to work with people who have moderate disabilities, and one for practitioners who work with students with severe disabilities. The coursework provides courses that prepare students for the MA teaching licensure, and the BCBA certification.
Oakland University
- Rochester, MI
- 45 hours
- Online
Program: Master’s in Special Education
Modality: Online
Length: 45 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Pending approval for accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Tuition: Resident $915 per credit hour; non-resident $1,027 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
The M.Ed in Special Education with an ABC concentration prepares students to support students with exceptionalities in clinical settings. The ABA program does not lead to state teaching certification. Coursework includes the verified course sequence. Students must complete 180 fieldwork hours working with children or adults who have autism.
Penn State World Campus
- University Park, PA
- 33 hours
- Online
Program: Master’s in Education with Applied Behavior Analysis certification
Modality: Online
Length: 33 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Tuition: $1,027 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
The Penn State World Campus online degree focuses on current issues in special education. Students have the option to choose a specialization in ABA. Students who apply to the ABA certification must apply separately to the M.Ed program and the certification coursework. The verified course sequence can be taken as part of the M.Ed coursework.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Honolulu, HI
- 2 years
- Online
Program: Masters of Education, Applied Behavior Analysis track
Modality: Online
Length: 2 years
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Nationally accredited
Tuition: $8,412 resident, $19,140 nonresident; not including fees
Program Overview:
The M.Ed in Special Education is designed for professionals who want to gain skills to make a meaningful impact. Each student has a faculty advisor to support course selection and career goals. Each student takes three required courses, completes a capstone project or paper, and takes seven elective courses. For the ABA track, the elective courses are the verified course sequence. The ABA track may include additional requirements to complete fieldwork supervision. Courses are provided synchronously online and are held in the early evenings. Note: Candidates outside of Hawaii may enroll, but should consider time zone differences before applying. Courses are typically held from 4:30-7:00 PM Hawaii time.
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 2 years
- Online
Program: Master’s in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
Modality: Online
Length: 2 years
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: None listed
Tuition: $830 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
The online M.Ed in Special Education with concentration in ABA is for professionals who want to learn more about ABA without earning a teaching credential. Students complete the verified course sequence, and 2,000 hours of supervised field experience. Students complete most fieldwork hours outside of the coursework.
University of Massachusetts Global
- Viejo, CA
- 33-42 hours
- Online
Program: Master’s of Arts in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 33-42 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Tuition: $730 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
The UMASS Global MA in Special Education with a focus on ABA teaches practitioners to collect data, implement behavior change, and evaluate progress. Applicants must hold a current special education teaching credential, and have at least part-time employment in a field that uses ABA (education, social work, medicine, etc).
No GRE Required Master’s in Special Education with ABA Concentration Programs
None of the programs have a GRE requirement for admission. The admission requirements vary from program to program, with some requiring a minimum GPA for admission, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
ABAI Accredited Master’s in Special Education with ABA Concentration Program
University programs that are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) requirements have undergone a quality review process and met the ABAI Accreditation Board standards. The following Master’s in Education programs are ABAI accredited according to their web sites or the ABAI website include:
- Ball State University
- Northern Illinois University
- Oakland University (pending)
- Penn State World Campus
- The Ohio State University
- Texas State University (applied)
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- University of Massachusetts Global Campus
- University of Nevada