Student Reviews, Costs, Timeline, and BCBA Pass Rates
Introduction
If you’re looking for a relatively quick and inexpensive online master’s program in ABA, Purdue Global might fit the bill. Purdue Global’s Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis program takes about one year to complete on average and is entirely online.
Tuition is $420 per quarter credit hour. With 45 quarter credit hours in the program, total tuition comes to approximately $18,900 (before fees and any available discounts) for the master’s degree.
At-A-Glance
- Completely online program that takes about one year to complete
- Degree: Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 45 quarter credit hours
- Total tuition cost is about $18,900 as of March 2026 (before fees and any available discounts)
- No GRE scores needed
- Not currently ABAI-accredited
An Overview of Purdue Global’s ABA Master Program
The admissions requirements are light (you just need a bachelor’s degree and transcripts; no essays or GRE scores needed), and the rate of first-time test takers for the BCBA exam was 63% in 2024, which was higher than the average rate.
You will have access to the CBA (BDS) learning modules throughout your time at Purdue Global. These are a curriculum supplement and BCBA exam prep tool with a 98.5% pass rate for first-time test takers.
What Makes This Program Unique?
Purdue Global’s ABA master’s program is unique in that it takes only about one year to complete and does not require a lot for admission. It is relatively cheaper than other master’s programs in ABA. Students are able to access the CBA (BDS) learning modules throughout their time at Purdue Global. You will complete a graduate research project at the end of the program.
Who Purdue Global’s ABA Program May Be For
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis degree from Purdue Global is a good choice for busy students who want a fast path to certification, working professionals who need an online program to fit around their schedule, and students looking for more affordable options.
Students who prefer an ABAI-accredited program, which is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, or programs with extensive in-person training opportunities and fieldwork hours in an on-campus setting may want to compare additional options.
Program Reviews and Student Feedback
Reviews from current students and graduates highlight the flexibility of the program and the demands of the coursework.
One current Purdue Global student reported that the CBA (BDS) modules were a little overwhelming, but that the best strategy is planning out the week.
A graduate from the program said that as long as you plan out your week, it is manageable. They also mentioned working 50 hours per week while in the program and being able to handle the load.
A Purdue Global graduate mentioned that the program does not cost as much as others, but you do need to study a lot.
Some Purdue Global graduates recommended the CBA (BDS) modules for preparing to take the BCBA exam. They also discussed the length of the program, saying that it was good for an adult with a full-time job and other responsibilities.
The ABA Program Curriculum
During your time at Purdue Global, you will complete 9 courses for a total of 45 credit hours. These courses are as follows:
- Experimental Analysis of Behavior
- Ethics for Behavior Analysts
- Behaviorism and Philosophical Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Concepts of Measurement and Experimental Designs
- Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Implementing Procedures for Behavior Change
- Clinical Applications, Supervision, and Management
- Graduate Research Project in Applied Behavior Analysis
The program concludes with a required graduate research project.
Purdue Global’s ABA Program Faculty and Research Expertise
Purdue Global’s master’s in ABA program has master’s- and doctoral-level faculty that offer a wide range of research and interests. Here is a small sample. You can check out more of the psychology/ABA faculty here.
- Kimberly Jurowski, MS, BCBA
- Assistant Department Chair for the graduate and undergraduate psychology programs at Purdue Global
- Has been teaching at Purdue Global for over 7 years
- Research/interests: applied behavior analysis in higher education, anxiety and depression, motivation, preference assessments, and verbal behavior therapy
- Nelly Dixon, EdD, BCBA
- Full-time faculty in the applied behavior analysis graduate program
- LBA in the state of New York
- Certified clinical trauma specialist for individuals (CCTS-I)
- Research/interests: trauma-informed applied behavior analysis, acceptance and commitment training (ACT), applied behavior analysis in higher education, PFA/SBT
- Eris Dodds, PhD, BCBA
- Research/interests: violence and aggression, public policies, public health, sustainability, and behavioral data analytics
- Kristin Kosmerl, EdD, BCBA-D
- K-12 administrator and educator
- Research/interests: trauma and resilience, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, least restrictive environments, and sibling trauma related to autism spectrum disorder
Program Admissions Requirements
Purdue Global’s ABA master’s program admission requirements are fairly light. You will need a bachelor’s degree and official transcripts from your undergraduate school as well as a completed application form. The website does not list any additional requirements.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
According to Purdue Global’s published tuition rates, the ABA master’s program costs $420 per quarter credit hour. The program requires 45 quarter credit hours, bringing total tuition to approximately $18,900. Students should note this figure does not include additional fees, such as the per-term resource fee.
There are a few discounts available for Purdue Global, including those for employees of partner organizations, graduates of Purdue programs, and people in the military.
Don’t forget to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) to apply for graduate loans!
Graduate Career Outcomes
Graduates of Purdue Global’s ABA master’s program may pursue roles in clinical, educational, and research settings.
Many Purdue Global graduates from the ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) master’s program pursue roles such as:
- BCBAs in clinic or in-home settings
- Clinical directors
- Behavior specialists in schools
- Behavioral treatment of substance abuse disorders
- Behavioral sport psychology
- Behavior analysis in higher education
Some graduates go on to continue their education in PhD programs in applied behavioral science or behavioral science research programs, as well as EdD programs in education.
Purdue Global ABA’s Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The program is entirely online—you don’t have to move anywhere or attend classes in person!
- The admissions requirements are light; no essays or GRE scores are needed here.
- The program takes only about one year to complete.
- The cost is relatively less expensive than other master’s in ABA programs, $420 per credit.
- Students have access to the CBA (BDS) learning modules throughout their time in the program, which helps with BCBA exam preparation.
Cons:
- Purdue Global’s ABA master’s program is not ABAI-accredited.
- Some graduates say it did not adequately prepare them for the exam or their future career and that the required CBA (BDS) learning modules were overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Purdue Global’s ABA Program Lead to BCBA Eligibility?
Once you earn your ABA master’s degree from Purdue Global, you will have satisfied your coursework requirement. You will need to meet additional requirements, such as your fieldwork hours, to be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam. In addition, once you pass the exam, you will need to become a licensed behavior analyst in your state (if your state requires licensure, as this varies by state).
Is Purdue Global’s ABA Program VCS-Aligned or ABAI-Accredited?
As of March 2026, Purdue Global’s ABA program is not ABAI-accredited, although they are seeking recognition through ABAI’s Tiered Model of Education. The coursework does meet the BCBA Pathway 2 coursework requirements.
Can the Program Be Completed Online?
Yes, Purdue Global’s ABA master’s program is entirely online!
Is the GRE Required for Program Admission?
No, as of March 2026, the GRE is not required for admission into Purdue Global’s ABA master’s program.
What is the BCBA Exam Pass Rate for Purdue Global Graduates?
First-time test-taker graduates from Purdue Global’s ABA master’s program passed the BCBA exam at a rate of 63% in 2024, which was a little higher than the national average (54% based on the BACB’s 2024 annual data).
What Is Purdue Global’s ABA Master’s Program?
Purdue Global’s ABA master’s program is a fully online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis designed for working professionals. The program consists of 45 quarter credit hours, takes about one year to complete, and meets the BCBA Pathway 2 coursework requirements. Students also get access to the CBA (BDS) learning modules to help prepare for the BCBA exam.
Licensure and Certification Note
Educational programs may meet academic requirements for professional certification or licensure, but requirements vary by state. Prospective students should review the licensure requirements in the state where they plan to practice before enrolling in a program.