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 masters 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.
Key Features in Top-Ranked ABA Programs
Accreditation and BACB Approval
A top program typically holds accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and offers a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). At the minimum, top-ranked ABA programs hold these credentials to ensure the program meets rigorous academic and ethical standards and aligns with the requirements for BCBA exam eligibility.
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. Access to high-quality, diverse field placements in clinics, schools, or community settings is essential for developing applied skills.
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 the increasing number of online and hybrid options, top programs often cater to working professionals or those balancing other commitments. Flexible schedules along with strong academic support make top programs more appealing to prospective students.
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 10 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 10 on-campus ABA master’s programs in the U.S., reflecting their quality, affordability, and alignment with industry needs.
Pepperdine University
- Malibu, California
- 1-2 years
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Credits & Duration: 30 credits, typically completed in 1-2 years
Tuition: $1,565 per credit, approximately $46,950 total
Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Two letters of recommendations
- Applicants must reside in the U.S. for the duration of the program
Program Overview:
Pepperdine University is considered one of the top-ranked schools for those pursuing a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. Pepperdine’s ABA master’s program prepares students for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam through coursework approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and hands-on practical experience via supervised fieldwork. The program focuses on applying behavioral principles in diverse settings, including schools, clinics, and hospitals, while offering flexible online learning options to accommodate students’ schedules. Graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with opportunities as BCBAs, clinical supervisors, and behavior specialists. Both online and in-person students receive tailored support to develop skills in implementing significant behavior interventions.
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:
The University of North Texas’ Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis is a fully online program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for BCBA certification. The curriculum, verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), focuses on foundational and advanced ABA principles, including culturally responsive ethics, behavioral assessments, and evidence-based intervention strategies. The program is known for its flexibility and allows students to tailor their schedules, with all courses available every semester to accommodate working professionals. While supervised fieldwork must be arranged independently to meet BACB requirements, students benefit from UNT’s expert faculty and a strong mentorship culture. UNT has a strong reputation for academic excellence and high BCBA exam pass rates.
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:
Florida Institute of Technology’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program focuses on both clinical and educational applications of behavior analysis. The program combines rigorous coursework with practical experience, including nine credits of intensive fieldwork designed to provide hands-on training in real-world settings. Students complete 22 credit hours in core behavior analysis coursework, three credit hours in biological foundations of behavior and pharmacology, and five credit hours of approved electives. Students can also choose between a capstone project or thesis to demonstrate their mastery of the subject. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to sit for the BCBA exam and enter diverse ABA career fields, benefiting from FIT’s emphasis on ethical practice, evidence-based methods, and faculty expertise.
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:
The Cal State LA program emphasizes a scientist-practitioner model, combining rigorous coursework, research, and fieldwork to prepare students for professional careers as BCBAs. The program’s curriculum is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to meet BCBA certification requirements. This is one of the top applied behavior analysis master’s programs in California. The accredited applied behavior analysis master’s program at California State accepts 15 students each year and offers them a pre-approved course sequence by the BACB. There is also an option to tailor the degree toward autism, ideal for those interested in pursuing careers in education. Students engage in courses covering behavioral assessment, ethics, and intervention techniques while completing supervised fieldwork. The program’s focus on practical application prepares graduates to work in schools, clinical settings, or private practice, with a strong emphasis on serving diverse populations in urban environments.
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 University’s ABA program is highly regarded, offering flexible learning formats, including evening classes and online courses to accommodate working professionals. The curriculum focuses on developing both clinical and research competencies, including BACB-aligned coursework and supervised practicums. Students gain hands-on experience through collaborations with the faculty and external clinical sites. Simmons emphasizes a commitment to diversity and cultural humility in its practice, preparing graduates to excel in various roles, including clinical supervisors, educators, and researchers.
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 ABA program is offered through its College of Education and is designed for educators and professionals pursuing expertise in behavior analysis. With options for online or on-campus learning, the program features a robust curriculum that includes coursework in behavioral assessment, autism education, research methods, and ethics. Students gain practical experience through supervised practicums totaling 750 hours, preparing them to sit for the BCBA exam. The program also provides access to the university’s renowned Autism Center, allowing students to engage with cutting-edge research and community resources.
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’s ABA program provides intensive training in foundational principles, research, and applied behavior analysis. The university also offers both a Master’s and Doctorate of ABA that has been accredited by the ABAI. The curriculum integrates coursework in behavioral assessment, ethical practices, and experimental analysis of behavior, along with a mandatory thesis or capstone project. Students also gain practical experience through supervised placements in community settings. The program emphasizes preparation for the BCBA exam and career paths in areas such as autism interventions, developmental disabilities, health services, and organizational behavior management.
Northeastern University
- Boston, Massachusetts
- 18-24 months
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Credits & Duration: 30 credits, typically completed between 18-24 months
Tuition: $26,210 per semester; total cost varies by enrollment type
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- A statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
Program Overview:
Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical training, offering a curriculum verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Students develop expertise in behavioral principles, research methodologies, and real-world applications through courses such as Applied Programming and Systematic Inquiry. The program provides opportunities for faculty-supervised practicum experiences, which help students meet the supervised fieldwork requirements for BCBA certification. Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles in the field of behavior analysis, with robust support for academic and professional development. Flexible learning options, including online availability, make this program accessible for a wide range of students.
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 University’s MS in ABA program comprises of a dedicated team of five full-time faculty members with expertise across diverse areas of behavior analysis research and practice. It is a full-time non-thesis program requiring six consecutive semesters of full-time coursework (24 semester hours) and practicum training (21 semester hours). The program integrates foundational coursework with specialized classes and extensive supervised practical experience, providing students with all the necessary components to meet BACB requirements for certification. The program is available exclusively on campus to ensure an immersive educational experience. Auburn also has an impressive record, with 100% of first-time test takers passing the BCBA certification exam over the past five years.
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:
The 2-year (5 semester) Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of Georgia offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for BCBA certification. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through practicum placements and faculty-guided research. Students benefit from a supportive academic environment, access to advanced research facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with professionals in educational and clinical settings. Students who complete this program are able to assess the environmental causes of individuals’ behavioral excesses and deficits, develop interventions that are functionally related to clients’ behavioral challenges, and use single case design methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of the behavioral interventions.
The Applied Behavior Analysis Field
The field of Applied Behavior Analysis has seen substantial growth over the past decade, driven by its effectiveness in addressing developmental and behavioral challenges. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other industry reports consistently rank ABA-related roles among the fastest-growing careers in mental health and education, with a projected job growth of 22% for behavioral specialists between 2020 and 2030.
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 to these developments, ABA master’s programs have expanded significantly in number and scope. Institutions across the U.S. are offering programs that blend rigorous coursework with supervised clinical training, designed to meet the standards set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). These programs prepare students for the BCBA exam and equip them to address complex behavioral challenges across diverse populations and settings.