Across the United States, there are numerous ABA masters programs that applicants can select from. With that, finding the right ABA program depends on the requirements of the individual student, and many different programs have strengths and weaknesses in specific areas. The goal of this article is to highlight a handful of the top ABA master’s programs that score strongly in multiple areas in order to provide applicants with an accurate picture of what a program has to offer and if it could be a good personal fit.
Top Online ABA Programs
Key Features in Top-Ranked ABA Programs
The best ABA programs are accredited by the ABAI, are taught by tenured faculty that complete ongoing research, have graduated students who pass the BCBA exam at a high rate, provide hands-on training to students, offer favorable tuition rates, and provide flexible learning environments that cater to the needs of different students.
Accreditation and BACB Approval
A top program typically holds accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). ABAI-accredited programs automatically meet the BACB’s Pathway 1 coursework requirements for BCBA exam eligibility. Non-accredited programs can still qualify students through Pathway 2, which requires a coursework attestation from the program. The BACB’s older Verified Course Sequence (VCS) system ended on December 31, 2025. At the minimum, top-ranked ABA programs hold one of these credentials to confirm the program meets published academic and ethical standards.
Strong Faculty Expertise
Programs that rank higher are often home to faculty members with extensive experience in research and practice. Faculty actively involved in cutting-edge research bring contemporary insights and mentorship opportunities to students.
High BCBA Exam Pass Rates
One of the most telling indicators of a program’s quality is its graduates’ performance on the BCBA exam. Top-ranked programs often report first-time pass rates that significantly exceed the national average, demonstrating their effectiveness in preparing students.
Practical and Clinical Training
Leading programs emphasize hands-on experience through supervised fieldwork, practica, or internships. One thing worth paying attention to is whether a program arranges clinical placements for you or expects you to find your own. Some programs — like Auburn and Florida State — place students at affiliated clinics, school districts, and community organizations. Others, particularly online programs like UNT, require students to secure fieldwork independently. Neither approach is inherently better, but the difference matters if you’re relocating for school or don’t already have connections in the field. Access to quality placements in clinics, schools, or community settings is essential for building applied skills and meeting the BACB’s supervised fieldwork requirements.
Research Opportunities and Specializations
Programs offering research opportunities or unique specializations, such as autism intervention, organizational behavior management, or pediatric behavior analysis, provide students with a competitive edge.
Flexibility and Accessibility
With more online and hybrid options available, top programs can accommodate working professionals and students balancing other commitments. Cohort size is another factor worth considering. Smaller programs like Rollins College (12 students per cohort) or Cal State LA (15 per year) offer more direct faculty access and mentorship, while larger programs may provide a wider professional network and more course scheduling options. Flexible schedules and strong academic support make both formats appealing — it comes down to which learning environment fits your situation.
Career Outcomes and Job Placement
A program’s track record after graduation is just as important as its curriculum. Look for published data on employment rates, the types of settings where graduates work (clinics, schools, hospitals, private practice), and any employer partnerships the program maintains. Some programs, like Auburn, publish BCBA exam pass rates that can give you a concrete sense of how well students are prepared. Alumni networks and career services offices can also be a useful resource, especially if you’re planning to work in a specific region or setting.
Choosing the Right ABA Program for Your Goals
When considering any school and program, prospective students should consider the basics: academic or career goals, learning preferences, logistical needs, tuition fees, and more. For ABA programs, some factors to evaluate are:
- Curriculum Fit: Does the program offer coursework and training that align with your interests, such as working with children with autism or focusing on research and academia?
- Supervision Quality: Are fieldwork opportunities robust, with experienced supervisors who meet BACB standards?
- Program Reputation: Check graduate outcomes, alumni success stories, and employer partnerships.
- Affordability and Support: Review tuition costs, scholarship options, and the availability of academic or career support services.
Top 12 ABA Master’s Programs
As the field grows, prospective students face the challenge of identifying the right program from a crowded landscape. Factors such as program accreditation, BCBA exam pass rates, faculty expertise, cost, and flexibility are essential to consider. Below is a list of the top 12 ABA master’s programs in the U.S., reflecting their quality, affordability, and alignment with industry needs. For those looking for a digital learning format, here is a list of the best online aba graduate programs.
Auburn University
- Auburn, Alabama
- 2 years
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credits & Duration: Approximately 45 credit hours, typically completed within two years.
Tuition: Around $11,826 per year for in-state students and $31,986 for out-of-state students.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- GRE scores
- Letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
Program Overview: Auburn’s M.S. in ABA is a full-time, non-thesis program with five full-time faculty members. Students complete six consecutive semesters of coursework (24 semester hours) and practicum training (21 semester hours). Clinical placements include Auburn’s on-campus ABC clinic, the local school district, an inclusive preschool, and foster care programs — so fieldwork is built into the program rather than something students need to arrange on their own. Auburn has reported a 100% first-time BCBA exam pass rate over the past five years. Financial aid is available. The program is on-campus only.
University of North Texas
- Denton, Texas
- 2 years
Program:
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credits & Duration: The program consists of 30 credit hours, which can typically be completed in 2 years of full-time study.
Tuition: Tuition is approximately $13,300 per year for in-state students and $21,300 per year for out-of-state students. Rates may vary depending on fees and course load
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Completed application through UNT’s Toulouse Graduate School
Program Overview: UNT’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis was the first degree program to earn ABAI accreditation. The curriculum covers foundational and advanced ABA principles, including culturally responsive ethics, behavioral assessments, and evidence-based intervention strategies. All courses are available every semester, so students can adjust their pace — a useful feature for working professionals. Supervised fieldwork must be arranged independently to meet BACB requirements, which is worth factoring in if you don’t already work in the field. UNT consistently reports BCBA exam pass rates above the national average.
University of Kansas
- Lawrence, Kansas
- 2-3 years
Program: Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science
Credits & Duration: 30 course hours; typically completed in 2-3 years
Tuition: $7,866 per year for in-state students; $18,862 per year for out-of-state students, not including fees
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE scores (optional but recommended)
- Official transcripts
- A statement of purpose
Program Overview: KU’s Department of Applied Behavioral Science is where much of the foundational research in applied behavior analysis was conducted, and the program still reflects that research orientation. Students complete coursework in behavioral assessment, analysis, intervention, and evaluation, and must complete and defend a master’s thesis before graduating. Both on-campus and online options are available. The thesis requirement makes this program a particularly good fit for students considering doctoral work or research-focused careers. Supervised fieldwork experience is included in the program.
Western Michigan University
- Kalamazoo, Michigan
- 2 years
Program:
Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis
Credits & Duration: 37 credits; typically completed in two years
Tuition: $730 per credit for in-state students and $1,100 per credit for out-of-state students; about $27,000–$40,700 total
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 with at least 18 semester hours in psychology
- Satisfactory GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
- Transcripts from previous institutions
Program Overview: WMU offers both a master’s and doctoral degree in behavior analysis, both accredited by ABAI. At the master’s level, students choose a specialty area from options including autism, developmental disabilities, operant research, behavioral pharmacology, behavioral neuroscience, behavioral gerontology, safety, or behavioral medicine — one of the widest selections of concentrations available in any ABA program. Students complete clinical placements at outpatient and inpatient sites and work closely with faculty mentors. A thesis or capstone project is required. The program prepares students for the BCBA exam and for career paths across clinical, educational, and organizational settings.
Florida Institute of Technology
- Melbourne, Florida
- 2 years
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credits & Duration: 44 credit hours; typically completed in two years
Tuition: Approximately $28,000 per year for graduate tuition (subject to change)
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- GRE scores
- Three recommendation letters
- A statement of objectives and resume
- Pre-requisite coursework in behavior analysis or conditioning may be required.
Program Overview: FIT’s M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis offers three specialization tracks: clinical applications (working with people with disabilities), educational applications (designing school-based interventions), and health and fitness. Students complete 22 credit hours of core behavior analysis coursework, three credit hours in biological foundations of behavior and pharmacology, nine credits of fieldwork, and five credit hours of electives. On-campus programs are available at both the Melbourne and Orlando campuses. Students can work at the Scott Center for Autism Treatment and participate in research projects with faculty. A capstone project or thesis is required.
California State University, Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, California
- 2 years
Program:
Master of Science Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credits & Duration: 48 credits; typically completed in two years
Tuition: Approximately $16,272 for the entire program for California residents; $27,792 for out-of-state students
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA
- Official transcripts
- A statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- An interview
Program Overview: Cal State LA’s M.S. in ABA follows a scientist-practitioner model and accepts 15 students per year. The program is ABAI-accredited and meets the BACB’s Pathway 1 coursework requirements for BCBA certification. There is also an option to tailor the degree toward autism, which is a good fit for students interested in careers in education. Students complete courses in behavioral assessment, ethics, and intervention techniques alongside supervised fieldwork. The smaller cohort size means more direct faculty interaction. Graduates go on to work in schools, clinical settings, and private practice, with many serving diverse populations in the Los Angeles area.
Teachers College, Columbia University
- New York, New York
- 2 years
Program: Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credits & Duration: 47 credits; typically completed in 2 years
Tuition: $2,049 per credit hour, not including fees
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose and resume
- No GRE required
Program Overview: The M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis at Teachers College takes a distinctive approach: it treats teaching itself as applied behavior analysis. Students are placed in teaching assistant roles at schools that use the Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS®) model, so the fieldwork component is fully integrated into the curriculum. The program also meets the requirements for New York State teacher certification, making it the only program on this list that leads to both BCBA eligibility and a teaching credential. That combination makes it especially worth considering if you’re planning to work in school settings.
University of Washington
- Seattle, Washington
- 2-3 years
Program:
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credits & Duration: 56-62 credits, typically completed in 2-3 years
Tuition: $589 per credit, $16,287 per year for Washington residents; $28,335 per year for non-residents
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA minimum
- Official GRE scores
- A statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation and a resume
Program Overview: The University of Washington’s M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis is offered through its College of Education and is available online or on campus. The curriculum covers behavioral assessment, autism education, research methods, and ethics. Students complete supervised practicums totaling 750 hours, which count toward the BACB’s fieldwork requirements. The program also provides access to UW’s Autism Center, where students can participate in ongoing research and community programs. Both online and on-campus formats follow the same curriculum and are taught by the same faculty.
University of South Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- 5 semesters
Program: Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credits & Duration: 5 semesters
Tuition: $431.43 per credit hour for in-state students; out-of-state students pay the same in-state rate
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- No GRE required
- Statement of purpose
Program Overview: USF’s M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis is fully online and ABAI-accredited. The standout feature is the tuition structure: out-of-state students pay the same rate as Florida residents, making it one of the most affordable ABAI-accredited options in the country at roughly $431 per credit. The program includes 1,500 hours of practicum fieldwork and covers the full BACB course sequence. For students who need to keep working while completing their degree, or who live outside Florida but want access to an accredited program without relocating, USF is hard to beat on value.
Simmons University
- Boston, Massachusetts
- 2 years
Program:
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
Credits & Duration: 40 credits; typically completed in two years
Tuition: Approximately $1,174 per credit for the online program, totaling around $47,000 for the degree. On-campus tuition rates vary.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- A personal essay and professional resume
- Two letters of recommendation
Program Overview: Simmons was the first ABAI-accredited program in New England. The M.S. in Behavior Analysis includes coursework and a thesis or research project, covering implementation, evaluation, and administration of ABA methods across settings and populations. The program offers flexible learning formats including evening classes and online courses, which helps accommodate students who are working. Simmons places a particular emphasis on diversity and cultural humility in clinical practice, which is reflected in both the curriculum and the supervised practica.
Rollins College
- Winter Park, Florida
- 2-3 years
Program: Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science (ABACS)
Credits & Duration: 45 credit hours; two-year and three-year track options
Tuition: $725 per credit hour; approximately $32,625 for the full program
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- No GRE required
- Statement of purpose
Program Overview: Rollins’ M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science (ABACS) is one of the smaller programs on this list, capping cohorts at 12 students. The curriculum includes 11 core courses, two clinical science electives, professional development, and a thesis or capstone project. What sets Rollins apart is the clinical science component — students study both ABA methodology and broader clinical approaches, which gives graduates a wider lens than a pure ABA program. Classes are held in the evenings, and the small cohort means close faculty mentorship throughout. Students graduate with experience in behavior analysis, clinical work, and faculty-led research.
University of Georgia
- Athens, Georgia
- 2 years
Program:
Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credits & Duration: 36 credits, typically completed within two years
Tuition: $11,168 per year for in-state students and $27,476 for out-of-state students
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record
- GRE scores
- Letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose and a resume.
Program Overview: UGA’s M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis is a five-semester program that prepares students for BCBA certification through coursework, practicum placements, and faculty-guided research. Students learn to assess the environmental causes of behavioral excesses and deficits, develop functionally related interventions, and use single-case design methodology to evaluate intervention effectiveness. The program provides access to research facilities and opportunities to collaborate with professionals in both educational and clinical settings.
The Applied Behavior Analysis Field
The field of Applied Behavior Analysis has grown steadily over the past decade, driven by its effectiveness in addressing developmental and behavioral challenges. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17% job growth for related counselor and specialist roles between 2024 and 2034, well above the national average. The BACB reported 132,307 job postings requesting BCBA certification in 2025, a 28% increase over the prior year.
The growing demand for ABA professionals is largely driven by new laws and policies that prioritize access to behavior intervention services. For example, all 50 states now require insurance coverage for autism-related therapies, including ABA. Federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensure that children with disabilities can receive behavior support in schools. These changes have expanded opportunities for ABA professionals, creating a strong job market for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and other specialists in the field.
In response, ABA master’s programs have expanded in both number and scope. Programs across the U.S. now combine coursework with supervised clinical training designed to meet BACB standards. Most prepare students for the BCBA exam and for careers across clinical, educational, and community settings.