The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is the organization that oversees training programs at the bachelor, master, and doctoral level. Programs that are ABAI accredited have undergone a review process and met the ABAI standards for accreditation. A university must have each program accredited, so one program may be accredited while the other is not. ABAI requires programs to exist for five years before they can become accredited.
When a university program is ABAI accredited, students can be confident that they will participate in the Verified Course Sequence and field experience required to learn the knowledge and skills to earn BCBA certification.
Since 2009, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has become increasingly regulated. Currently, 38 states have requirements regarding licensure or requirements for who can work as an ABA therapist. This increase in regulation, as well as a steady increase in demand for BCBA certification since 2010, has resulted in standards and accreditation.
This article includes the ABAI Accredited Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree programs that are located in the United States.
Read here for BCBA PhD Programs.
Featured ABA Programs Accepting Applicants
ABAI Accredited Bachelor’s Degree Programs
There are two ABAI accredited bachelor’s degree programs. The University of Nevada at Reno hosts a bachelor of science in behavior analysis, and West Virginia University offers a certificate program for students in the psychology department.
University of Nevada
- Reno, NV
- Campus
Program:
Bachelor of Science in Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Average time to complete the program is 3 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: Tuition for in-state residents, $8,430 tuition plus fees; out-of-state tuition is $26,572 plus fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The undergraduate degree in behavior analysis supports the development of behavior analysts who can contribute to clinical and other settings. Students who complete the degree are eligible to become BCBA certified, or receive the paraprofessional credential, and to be eligible for Nevada licensure as a Certified Autism Behavior Interventionist.
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, WV
- Campus
Program:
Certificate in Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Not listed
GRE Required: No
Tuition: Not listed
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The purpose of the Undergraduate Certificate Program in Behavior Analysis is to provide students with the foundational knowledge in ABA so they are prepared for future study in ABA or for employment. The certificate is an option for Psychology majors in good standing who have completed Psychology 101. The certificate is beneficial for students who want to pursue work in special education, drug and addiction research, animal training, health promotion, or human and animal behavior. The certificate combines a structured set of courses and experiences. The requirements are well aligned with the psychology major course of study.
ABAI Accredited Master’s Degree Programs
There are a range of ABAI accredited master’s degree programs at universities across the U.S. These programs range from stand-alone degrees within the education or psychology department, to concentrations within a broader degree. Most master’s degrees are hosted on campus, though some have online options. Students can expect to take the Verified Course Sequence, complete additional coursework depending on the program and their concentration, and to complete a thesis or research project. Depending on the university, students may have opportunities to work with faculty in clinical or research settings.
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Students graduate within 2 years; Six semesters, 24 months
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $12,890 in-state tuition; $34,922 out-of-state tuition
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The Department of Psychological Sciences provides a non-thesis Master of Science in ABA. The focus is on integrating foundational and specialized coursework with supervised practical experience. All coursework and supervised experience for the BCBA certification is provided. Students are provided with financial aid. Students participate in community sites, including an on-campus ABC clinic, the public school district, an inclusive preschool, and the foster care system, among others.
Caldwell University
- Caldwell, NJ
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Not listed
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,085 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The MA in ABA program involves coursework and participation in research and practice. Students complete a thesis that involves applying the science of behavior to explain behavior and apply ABA to improve an individual or group’s conditions. Students can engage in research and practice at the Caldwell University Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.
California State University
- Los Angeles, CA
- Campus
Program:
Master in Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 52-56 units
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $2,208 per semester for 0-6 credits; $3,804 per semester for more than 6 credits
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.S. in ABA provides training in ABA with an emphasis on how it is applied in various settings. The program is designed for students who plan to work in the field as case managers, behavioral consultants, or behavior analysts with intellectual and developmental disabilities or for those who plan to pursue a doctoral degree. Scholarships are available to offset the cost of tuition.
Florida Institute of Technology
- Melbourne, FL
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Not listed
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,310 per credit hour for the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts; $810 per credit hour for the M.A. in ABA at Orlando
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.S. in Behavior Analysis provides training in ABA. Students may specialize in an area including clinical applications (e.g. working with people with disabilities), educational applications (e.g., designing interventions in the school setting), health and fitness, among other areas. Students spend time implementing behavior plans and ABA within the clinical settings. On campus programs are offered at the Orlando and Melbourne, FL campuses. Students have the opportunity to engage in research projects with faculty and work at the Scott Center for Autism Treatment as a clinical site.
Florida State University
- Panama City, FL
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus; courses are taught from Panama City or Tallahassee faculty, allowing students to live in either location
Length: 39 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $7,997 per term for in-state students; $19,362 per term for out-of-state students, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.S. in ABA provides students with an understanding of ABA through coursework and application. Students complete the coursework across five semesters and take an exam and complete a Professional Portfolio and Capstone Project at the end of the program. There is no formal thesis for graduation. Courses are taught by faculty from both the Panama City and Tallahassee campuses. Courses are taught via interactive television, allowing students in both Panama City and Tallahassee to engage. All students receive a tuition waiver through paid assistantship placements.
Jacksonville State University
- Jacksonville, AL
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Not listed
GRE Required: Yes
Tuition: $428 per credit hour for in-state students; $696 per credit hour for out-of-state students; $428 per credit hour for online students
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.S. in ABA prepares students to be BCBA certified through training and research. Students engage in hands-on experiences at human and animal research facilities. Local organizations often hire JSU students to provide internships and clinical experiences.
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, LA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $4,500 per semester for in-state students; $5,000 per semester for out-of-state students
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.A. in Psychology with a concentration in ABA combines coursework and application. Students can work at the McNeese Autism Program (MAP), an outpatient treatment center that provides ABA services to individuals with various conditions including autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Students who live within a 50 mile radius receive a site placement at MAP. Students are encouraged to engage in and present ABA research.
Note: McNeese does have an online only program but it is not accredited by ABAI.
The Ohio State University
- Columbus, OH
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Educational Studies, Special Education
Modality: On campus
Length: 34 program hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $805.63 instructional fee per credit hour, $1802.44 non-resident surcharge
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.S. in Educational Studies with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis prepares students to apply evidence-based practices to increase the skills and quality of life of people with disabilities. This program prepares students to work in school and clinical settings. Students engage in designing, implementing, and analyzing interventions to improve outcomes for people with diabilities or those at risk for developing disabilities. While a teaching license is not included in the program, students can add a license or customize the master’s degree to focus on an area of interest.
Regis College
- Weston, MA
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus and online
Length: 40 credit hours, 2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,030 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The Master of Science in ABA provides an interactive learning environment to engage in scenarios, peer presentations, and comprehensive practicums to deepen the understanding in how to address the needs of people with disabilities and behavioral concerns. The program is offered both on campus and online. Students focus on one course at a time in an intensive eight-week hybrid format. Students complete practicums at various locations, including the Boston Behavior Learning Center, Crossroads, and Melmark New England.
Rollins College
- Winter Park, FL
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science (ABACS)
Modality: On campus
Length: 45 credit hours; Two and three-year track options
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $725 per credit hour, not including fees; $32,625 full program tuition
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.A. in ABACS includes 11 core courses, 2 clinical science electives, 1 professional development, and one thesis or capstone project. The program combies coursework in application of ABA across a variety of settings along with coursework in clinical science. Students complete the program in small cohorts with a maximum of 12 students per cohort. Classes are scheduled during the evenings. The Rollins program is ranked the number 1 private regional university in the South. Students will have experience in behavior analysis, clinical experience, and research with faculty.
Salem State University
- Salem, MA
- Hybrid
Program:
Masters of Science in Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid
Length: Two years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $9,225.60 for in-state students; $10,967.40 for out-of-state students for a 9-credit semester
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.S. in behavior analysis prepares students to apply ABA in a variety of settings. Students engage in an individualized program that meets their goals, can work in the laboratory with support from faculty members, and complete a master’s project. The program is designed so that students who are working full-time can complete the course requirements within two years.
Salve Regina University
- Newport, RI
- Campus
Program:
Master’s in Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $730 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The master’s in behavior analysis nurtures students’ skills in behavior analysis to support people with autism and other developmental disabilities. The program also supports students’ leadership and research skills. The program uses a scientist-practitioner approach with opportunities to conduct research and engage in clinical skills in supervised settings.
Simmons University
- Boston, MA
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 40 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,125 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.S. in Behavior Analysis at Simmons was the first program to be ABAI accredited in New England. Students complete coursework and a thesis or research project. The program prepares students for implementation, evaluation, and administration of ABA principles and methods. Students learn about how to apply ABA principles across settings and populations.
Southern Illinois University
- Carbondale, IL
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master’s of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy
Modality: On-campus and online options
Length: 45 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $7,710 per semester, not including expenses and fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview: The Master’s of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy includes classwork, clinical experience, and research opportunities. The focus is appling ABA into practical settings. Coursework includes the courses required for BCBA certification and legal, observation methods, behavior consultation, and electives in other topics like verbal behavior and experimental analysis. Completion of a thesis or research paper is required for the graduate degree.
The online option is provided for students who work full-time or need more flexible learning options. Online students must seek their own internship options. Online courses are scheduled for evenings and are provided in a live (synchronous) format. The live format supports community building and interaction with faculty.
St. Cloud State University
- St. Cloud, MN
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online and on campus
Length: 45 credits
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $732.89 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The Master’s in ABA focuses on applying ABA techniques to support people with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities. It also includes instruction in community integration strategies, program evaluation, and organizational development. Students are admitted in cohorts. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty and clients at the Offerdahl Autism Discovery Center, and engage in cutting-edge research with faculty, and present that research at conferences. Students may specialize in an area, including: autism, developmental disabilities, behavior therapy, functional analysis, experimental analysis of behavior.
Teacher’s College, Columbia University
- New York, NY
- Campus
Program:
Master in Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 47 credits
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $2,049 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.A. in ABA focuses on teaching as ABA and places students in teaching assistant roles in model schools that practice teaching as ABA. In addition to coursework, students complete internships at the CABAS® model Research and Development schools. Students in the program must also meet the requirements for New York State teacher certification.
The Chicago School
- Chicago, IL
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On-campus and online options
Length: 2 years attending full-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,409 per credit hour
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview: The Chicago School M.S. in ABA uses the “scientist-practitioner” model with coursework in theory, research, and evaluation. Students must choose a focus, either research or practical. In addition to coursework, students in the research track complete a research project, and students in the practical track complete an advanced project.
University of Houston, Clear Lake
- Houston, TX
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Not listed
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $9,298 resident, tuition and fees; $25,978 non-resident, tuition and fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.A. in Behavior Analysis prepares “scientist practitioners” who contribute as ABA therapists or who will pursue additional scholarship and research. Students gain a strong foundation in ABA principles through coursework, practicum, and research. The focus is on interventions for those with developmental disabilities. All students must complete a research project before graduating.
University of Kansas
- Lawrence, KS
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science
Modality: On campus or online options
Length: 30 course hours; 2-3 years
GRE Required: No (optional; recommended)
Tuition: $7,866 in-state tuition; $18,862 out-of-state tuition, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.A. in Applied Behavioral Science takes a “scientist-practitioner” approach. Students coursework and supervised experience in behavioral assessment, analysis, intervention, and evaluation. Students are required to complete and defend a master’s thesis before graduation.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Baltimore, MD
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Human Services Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $16,344 in-state; $25,920 out-of-state tuition, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.A. in Human Services Psychology: ABA includes coursework and mentorship of a faculty member on a topic of their choice. Students identify a topic of interest for their capstone project and work with a faculty mentor to design and implement their project. Students are typically full-time employees at one of the following clinical sites: The Kennedy Krieger Institute, The Shafer Center, or Verbal Beginnings.
University of Nevada
- Reno, NV
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Behavior Analytic Psychology
Modality: On campus
Length: 36 credits
GRE Required: Yes
Tuition: $9,071 per semester for more than 7 credit hours, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.S.in Behavior Analytic Psychology provides a degree in education and research training in behavior analysis. Students receive supervised instruction and experience in preparation for jobs in the fields of developmental disabilities, education, mental health, business, or industry.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- Campus
Program:
Master’s of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 2.5 years
Tuition: $5,278 annual tuition for in-state students, $21,369 annual tuition for out-of-state students, not including expenses and fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview: The goal of the M.S. in Psychology with ABA concentration is to train ABA therapists who are effective practitioners, researchers, or teachers. The coursework includes the seven courses required for a BCBA, courses in research, and a 6-month internship. Cohorts in the UNCW programs are small, typically five to seven students per year. Each student works with a faculty member to complete the coursework, research practicum, applied practicum, and empirical thesis.
University of North Texas
- Denton, TX
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 49 credit hours; 2-4 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $26,774 for a full courseload,not inducing fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.S. in Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas was the first degree program to earn the ABAI accreditation. Students complete coursework in behavior analysis including the principles of behavior, designing procedures for the application of behavior technology, practical experiences, and research skills.
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- Online
Program:
Masters of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 5 semesters
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $431.43 per credit hour for in-state students
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview: The fully online Masters of Arts in ABA provides a flexible way for students to earn the BCBA credential. The program provides the BCBA course sequence and practicum fieldwork where students engage in 1,500 hours of clinical experience. The online course also provides in-state tuition to out-of-state students.
University of Texas
- San Antonio, TX
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Not listed
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $9,906 full-time tuition, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.S. in Behavior Analysis prepares students to deliver research-based services and engage in research. The Department of Educational Psychology has developed relationships with local clinics and organizations and faculty are engaged in ongoing research. Classes are held in the evenings at the downtown campus. Students choose from one of two concentrations: The Comprehensive concentration provides the research, academic, and practical training for students to earn the BCBA credential and become a licensed Behavior Analyst in Texas. This includes the 2,000 hour clinical fieldwork requirement. The Focused concentration includes the research, training, coursework and experiences required, but adds flexibility as students do not have to complete all 2,000 hours of clinical work before they graduate.
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, WV
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Psychology, Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 36 hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $5,013 per semester for residents; $14,076 per semester for non-residents, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: The M.S. in Psychology, Behavior Analysis prepares students to conduct high-quality examinations of the impact of environment on behavior, understand behavior analysis within the broader context, maintain ethical standards, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data. Students must complete a master’s thesis before graduation.
Western Michigan University
- Kalamazoo, MI
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Not listed
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $9,544 tuition for fall and spring for residents; $14,316 tuition for fall and spring for non-residents, not including fees
Accreditation: ABAI
Program Overview: Students in the M.A. in Behavior Analysis choose a specialty area in autism, developmental disabilities, operant research, behavioral pharmacology, behavioral neuroscience, behavioral gerontology, safety, or behavioral medicine. Students have practical opportunities in out-patient and in-patient clinical and educational sites. Students work closely with faculty who serve as mentors.