Finding the right online ABA master’s program takes more than a quick search. With dozens of universities now offering online options, sorting through accreditation status, tuition costs, fieldwork requirements, and BCBA exam preparation can get overwhelming fast. Some programs check every box on paper but fall short in practice, while others fly under the radar despite strong outcomes. We reviewed over 40 online ABA master’s programs and narrowed the field to our top 15 for 2026, based on accreditation, cost, flexibility, and how well they prepare you for the BCBA exam.
How We Ranked the Best Online ABA Programs
Choosing the best online ABA programs means looking beyond marketing copy. Here’s what we weighed when evaluating and ranking these programs:
ABAI Accreditation (Pathway 1 vs. Pathway 2): With the BACB’s Verified Course Sequence ending on December 31, 2025, accreditation pathways have changed. Programs accredited by ABAI now fall under Pathway 1, which is the most straightforward route to BCBA exam eligibility. Programs without ABAI accreditation can still qualify students under Pathway 2, but this involves a coursework attestation process. We gave preference to Pathway 1 programs.
BCBA Exam Preparation and Pass Rates: Programs that build exam prep into the curriculum rather than leaving it entirely to the student tend to produce better outcomes. Where available, we considered reported pass rates and how the program structures its exam readiness component.
Tuition and Total Cost: Graduate school is expensive enough without overpaying. We looked at per-credit costs, flat-rate tuition options, and any scholarship or tuition reduction programs offered by the school.
Fieldwork and Supervised Experience: The BACB requires supervised fieldwork hours to sit for the exam. Some programs coordinate placements and include supervision in the tuition. Others leave it to you. We noted which programs offer fieldwork support and which expect students to arrange their own.
Flexibility and Format: Not every student can log on at a set time each week. We considered whether programs offer asynchronous coursework, part-time options, multiple start dates, and cohort-based or self-paced scheduling.
Program Length and Credit Requirements: Some programs can be completed in under 18 months. Others stretch past three years. We looked at total credits, average completion time, and whether accelerated options exist.
Quick Comparison — 15 Best Online ABA Master’s Programs
| # | Program | ABAI Pathway | GRE | Tuition/Credit | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of South Florida | Pathway 1 | No | $431 | 20 months |
| 2 | Purdue Global | Pathway 1 | No | $420 | ~12 months |
| 3 | University of North Texas | Pathway 1 | No | $570 | 30 credits |
| 4 | Bowling Green State University | Pathway 1 | No | $536 | ~2 years |
| 5 | Southeast Missouri State University | Pathway 1 | No | ~$500 | 2 years |
| 6 | University of Kansas | Pathway 1 | No | $795 | 2-3 years |
| 7 | Ball State University | Pathway 1 | No | ~$500 | 30 credits |
| 8 | Simmons University | Pathway 1 | No | $1,125 | 20 months |
| 9 | Arizona State University | Pathway 1 | No | $765 | 30 credits |
| 10 | UNC Charlotte | Pathway 1 | No | $297-$1,132 | 33 credits |
| 11 | University of Washington | Pathway 2 | No | $589 | 2-3 years |
| 12 | National University | Pathway 2 | No* | $464 | 18 months |
| 13 | University of Arizona | Pathway 2 | No | $653 | 16+ months |
| 14 | Capella University | Pathway 1 | No | $490 | 12-18 months |
| 15 | Walden University | Pathway 1 | No | $480 | 21 months |
*Not required for students with GPA over 2.5
The 15 Best Online ABA Master’s Programs for 2026
Below you’ll find detailed breakdowns of each program, including what makes them worth considering and what you should know before applying.
Program:
Online Master of Arts program in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 20 Months
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: $431.43
Program Overview:
USF’s online MA in ABA checks the boxes that matter most. The program holds ABAI accreditation under Pathway 1, runs on a cohort model with smaller class sizes, and doesn’t require a GRE or thesis. Instead of a thesis, students complete a practicum with 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork built into the curriculum. BCBA exam preparation is woven throughout the coursework rather than tacked on at the end. The program also includes regular live meetings with faculty and peers, scholarship opportunities, and a flat tuition rate regardless of residency. At $431 per credit, it’s among the more affordable ABAI-accredited options available.
Program:
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Online
Modality: Online
Length: 1 year
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: $420 per credit
Program Overview:
Purdue Global’s program is fast and affordable. With just 9 courses and an average completion time around one year, it’s one of the faster paths to BCBA exam eligibility on this list. The ABAI-accredited course sequence (Pathway 1) means students graduate with the academic credentials already in place. At $420 per credit, it’s also among the most affordable options, and Purdue offers additional tuition reduction methods that can bring the total down further. The program is designed for working professionals, with coursework available entirely online. Students handle fieldwork on their own, so you’ll need to plan for that separately.
University of North Texas: Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 30 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 30 credits
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: $570 per credit
Program Overview:
UNT’s M.A. program carries ABAI accreditation (Pathway 1) and offers a flexible format built for people already working in the field. Students can take between 1 and 3 courses at a time, and all coursework is asynchronous — meaning you set your own pace within each term. At around $570 per credit, the total cost stays reasonable for a program of this caliber. One thing to know: the supervised fieldwork required for the BCBA exam is the student’s responsibility and not part of the curriculum. That’s common among online programs, but worth factoring in when you’re comparing options.
Program:
M.Ed. in Special Education with Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: About 2 years
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: $536 (residents); $868.85 (non-resident)
Program Overview:
BGSU offers ABAI-accredited coursework under Pathway 1 with flexible start dates throughout the year. All coursework is asynchronous and takes about two years to complete. At roughly $536 per credit for in-state students, it’s one of the more affordable options with ABAI accreditation. The program’s coursework meets BACB Pathway 2 criteria as well, and the university highlights strong BCBA exam preparation integrated into the curriculum. Multiple start dates make it easier to begin when you’re ready rather than waiting for a single fall intake.
Program:
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 2 years or less if accelerated option
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: $427.74 per credit; for accelerated, fees are at the undergraduate rate of $330.09 per credit
Program Overview:
Southeast Missouri State keeps costs under $500 per credit with ABAI-accredited coursework (Pathway 1) — a combination that’s hard to find. The standard track takes about two years, but there’s an accelerated option for students coming from undergraduate programs in education, psychology, child development, or communication disorders. Those students can take graduate credits during their senior year that count toward both degrees, shaving time off the overall path. It’s a particularly smart choice for anyone who’s already in a related undergraduate program at the school.
Program:
M.A. in Applied Behavioral Science
Modality: Online
Length: 2 to 3 years
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: $795 per credit
Program Overview:
KU’s ABA program has ABAI accreditation (Pathway 1) and a long track record in behavioral research. The department has been in this field since before it was trendy, and the faculty and practicum partnerships reflect that history. The coursework prepares students for the BCBA exam, and the program’s research emphasis gives graduates a foundation that goes beyond clinical certification. At $795 per credit, it’s pricier than some state school options, but the program’s reputation and research focus make it worth the investment if you’re interested in more than just a credential.
Ball State University: M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 8-16 weeks
- Online
Program:
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 8 to 16 weeks
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: $696 per credit
Program Overview:
Ball State’s M.A. in ABA is housed in the Teachers College and carries ABAI accreditation (Pathway 1). With 30 credits and flexible course terms ranging from 8 to 16 weeks, students can adjust their pace based on work and life commitments. At around $500 per credit, the total cost stays manageable. The program includes BCBA exam preparation and supervised fieldwork support, with courses designed to balance theoretical foundations with practical application. For students who want ABAI accreditation without a premium price tag, Ball State hits the right balance.
Simmons University: Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
- 20 months
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 20 months
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: $1,125 per credit
Program Overview:
Simmons costs more than most programs on this list — that’s the tradeoff. What you get is an ABAI-accredited program (Pathway 1) with strong BCBA exam pass rates and a curriculum that includes 8 core courses and 2 practicum courses. Students also complete a thesis research project on top of the practicum, which makes this a better fit for anyone who wants research experience alongside clinical training. The 40-credit program can be finished in about 20 months, which helps with the higher per-credit cost. If strong pass rates and research experience matter more to you than the lowest possible tuition, Simmons deserves a close look.
Arizona State University: M.A. in Special Education With a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 7.5 weeks per class
- Online
Program:
M.A. in Special Education With a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 30 credits and 7.5 weeks per class
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: $765 per credit
Program Overview:
ASU’s graduate ABA program consists of 10 classes totaling 30 credits, with each class running about 7.5 weeks. The ABAI-accredited course sequence (Pathway 1) prepares students for the BCBA exam, and ASU’s large alumni network is a practical advantage when it comes to job connections post-graduation. At $765 per credit, it’s mid-range for an ABAI-accredited program, and the shorter class terms make the pace manageable for working students. The ASU name carries weight with employers, too.
Program:
M.Ed. in Special Education and Child Development, Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 33 credit hours
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: Between $296.76 and $1,132.04 per credit depending on resident status
Program Overview:
UNC Charlotte’s program is ABAI-accredited (Pathway 1) and consists of 33 credit hours with mostly synchronous online delivery. For North Carolina residents, it’s one of the most affordable options on this list — potentially under $300 per credit. Out-of-state students pay more, but it’s still competitive. The program requires a research project to complete the master’s, and UNC Charlotte also offers a 21-credit standalone ABA certificate for those who already hold a graduate degree and just need the coursework. The synchronous format means you’ll need to attend scheduled class sessions, so it’s less flexible than fully asynchronous programs.
University of Washington: Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 2-3 years
- Online
Program:
Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 2 to 3 years
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: No (Pathway 2)
Tuition: $589 per credit
Program Overview:
UW’s ABA program doesn’t hold ABAI accreditation, which means students would qualify for the BCBA exam under Pathway 2 (coursework attestation). That said, the program has several features that earned it a spot on this list. It offers both full-time and part-time options, includes 12 to 18 credits of practicum and internship coursework, and provides an optional full supervision package — 75 hours of remote group supervision, 75 hours of individual supervision, and 1,500 hours of fieldwork. Few online programs offer that kind of built-in fieldwork support, and it can save students real time and money compared to arranging supervision on their own.
National University: Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis
- 18 months
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis
Modality: Online or on-campus
Length: 18 months
GRE required? Not required for students with a GPA over 2.5
ABAI Accreditation: No (Pathway 2)
Tuition: $464 per credit
Program Overview:
National University’s ABA program takes 18 months to complete and costs under $500 per credit, making it one of the more affordable and efficient options available. Students complete a capstone project and the university offers internship placement assistance after graduation to help graduates meet BCBA fieldwork requirements. Without ABAI accreditation, students would go the Pathway 2 route for exam eligibility. The 18-month timeline and accessible GPA-based admissions (no GRE for students above a 2.5) make this a practical choice for career changers or working professionals who want to move quickly.
The University of Arizona: Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis Master of Arts
- Minimum 16 months
- Campus
Program:
M.A. in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: Minimum 16 months
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: No (Pathway 2)
Tuition: $653 per credit
Program Overview:
Arizona’s 36-credit program can be completed in as little as 16 months, and it’s fully online with no residency requirement. The BACB verifies the coursework, qualifying graduates to sit for the BCBA exam under Pathway 2. At $653 per credit, total cost falls in the mid-range. The program replaces a traditional thesis with a capstone project, which most students find more practical. No GRE is required to apply. If you’re looking for a relatively fast, no-frills online path to BCBA eligibility without breaking the bank, Arizona’s program delivers.
Capella University: M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credits
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: $510 per credit
Program Overview:
Capella’s ABAI-accredited program (Pathway 1) offers a flexible, self-paced format that works well for working professionals. Students can complete the program in as few as 12 months depending on their pace. At $490 per credit, it’s competitively priced among accredited options. Capella’s FlexPath learning format allows students to move through coursework as quickly as they can demonstrate mastery, which is a genuine advantage for experienced practitioners who already have a background in behavioral science. The program prepares students for BCBA exam eligibility upon completion.
Program:
M.S. in Psychology With an Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization
Modality: Online
Length: 21 months
GRE required? No
ABAI Accreditation: Yes (Pathway 1)
Tuition: $590 per credit
Program Overview:
Walden’s ABAI-accredited program (Pathway 1) runs 63 quarter credits over about 21 months. At $480 per credit, it’s affordable — though the quarter-credit system means total credits are higher than semester-based programs (63 quarter credits is roughly equivalent to 42 semester credits). The program reports high BCBA exam pass rates and includes coursework designed specifically around exam preparation. Walden also offers multiple start dates throughout the year, so you don’t have to wait for a traditional fall start. The broader M.S. in Psychology framing means you’ll take some foundational psychology coursework alongside the ABA-specific courses, which works in your favor if your undergraduate degree was in a different field.
More Online ABA Master’s Programs Worth Considering
The 15 programs above are our top picks, but they’re not the only quality options. The following programs offer online ABA master’s degrees and may be a better fit depending on your location, budget, or career goals.
| School | Tuition/Credit | ABAI | GRE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Connecticut State University | $808 | Yes | No |
| Nova Southeastern University | $925 | Yes | No |
| The Chicago School | $1,409 | Yes | Yes |
| St. Cloud State University | $733 | Yes | No |
| National Louis University | $790 | Yes | No |
| East Stroudsburg University | $526-$817 | Yes | No |
| McNeese State University | $1,437+ | Yes | Yes |
| Arcadia University | $750 | Yes | No |
| Northeastern University | $1,390 | Yes | No |
| Niagara University | $775 | No | No |
| Bay Path University | $755 | No | No |
| St. Joseph’s University | $860 | No | No |
| PennWest Global Online | $625 | No | No |
| Endicott College | $682 | No | No |
| Russell Sage College | $685 | No | No |
| University of Texas at Austin | $1,257-$1,897 | No | No |
| UMass Global | $730 | No | No |
| Monmouth University | $1,136 | No | No |
| Drexel University | $1,111 | No | No |
| Pepperdine University | $1,945 | No | No |
| York College of Pennsylvania | $695 | No | No |
| University of Cincinnati | $761 | No | No |
| Florida Tech | $510-$970 | No | No |
| Lehigh University | ~$900 | No | No |
| Mary Baldwin University | ~$600 | No | No |
What to Look for in an Online ABA Master’s Program
If you’re comparing programs beyond the ones on this list, here’s what to prioritize:
Start with accreditation. ABAI-accredited programs (Pathway 1) give you the most direct route to BCBA exam eligibility. Non-accredited programs can still qualify you under Pathway 2, but the process involves additional documentation and coursework attestation. If you want to avoid any ambiguity, Pathway 1 is the cleaner path.
Ask about fieldwork early. The BACB requires supervised fieldwork hours before you can sit for the exam, and not every program helps you find a placement. Some programs, like the University of Washington, include supervision in the tuition. Others leave it entirely to the student. Either approach can work, but you need to know what you’re signing up for before you enroll.
Compare total cost, not just per-credit tuition. A program charging $400 per credit for 63 quarter credits may not actually cost less than one charging $600 per credit for 30 semester credits. Run the math on total program cost before making a decision.
Think about your schedule realistically. Asynchronous programs give you the most flexibility, but synchronous programs sometimes build in more accountability and peer interaction. Cohort-based models typically offer more structure. Consider what helps you actually finish, not just what sounds most convenient.
Look beyond accreditation for faculty and outcomes. Programs with experienced faculty who are active BCBAs or researchers tend to offer better mentorship and job connections. BCBA exam pass rates, when schools publish them, tell you more about program quality than almost anything else.
Applied Behavior Analysis Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for professionals in behavioral-related fields continues to grow. The BLS projects jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to grow by 19% between 2024 and 2034, well above the average for all occupations. As of May 2024, the median annual wage for these professionals was $53,710, though BCBAs in private practice or specialized clinical settings often earn considerably more.
The growing recognition of ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder, combined with expanding insurance mandates requiring behavioral health coverage, has created steady demand for certified behavior analysts across healthcare, education, and private practice settings. Completing an accredited online ABA master’s program is one of the most efficient paths into this field.