Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has become a field with both potential and need. Many caregivers and individuals turn to ABA for support when dealing with developmental delays, autism, and behavioral challenges, and the clinics and organizations offering these services are in need of more and more ABA therapists to meet the needs of these individuals and families.
The good news for anyone hoping to go to graduate school for ABA is that not only are more and more programs offered online, but many do not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to qualify for entrance. Many graduate school-hopefuls have been discouraged from the application process because the hurdle of taking the GRE and getting minimum scores to satisfy school requirements is a daunting one. Plenty of universities still require the GRE to qualify for entrance, but more and more higher learning institutions are getting on board with focusing on different measurements of academic and professional success.
Featured ABA Programs No Requiring the GRE
Here are a few online ABA programs that don’t need prospective students to submit the GRE as part of their admission requirements.
Program:
Online Master of Arts program in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 20 Months
GRE required? No
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $431.43
Program Overview:
University of South Florida has an online MA in ABA program that does not require the GRE to apply. The program emphasizes smaller class size to encourage collaboration with peers and professors, an approach known as the cohort model. In addition, the course sequence is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Focus is placed on practical experience rather than on a thesis, which is not required. This practical experience is gained through the practicum portion of the program, as well as through Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination preparation. Regular supervision and live meetings with peers and supervisors continue the cohort model vision of collaboration, and the built-in fieldwork added to the curriculum gives students access to 1,500 hours of supervised practical experience. Out-of-state and in-state students pay the same flat rate as well for the online program.
Program:
Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 16 Months
GRE required? No
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $808 per credit
Program Overview:
This program has forgone the GRE in its admissions requirements. In addition, it offers 30 credit hours in its ABAI-approved course load, with much of its curriculum designed to assist students in passing the BCBA exam. Successful completion of the program does depend on passing a comprehensive exam. Students must also complete a capstone project under the tutelage of a faculty supervisor.
Program:
M.S. in Counseling with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 48 to 60 credits
GRE required? No, unless GPA does not meet minimum standards
Accredited by ABAI? YesTuition: $925 per credit
Program Overview:
This online program requires students to meet a minimum GPA standard in order to apply without GRE scores. However, in this case, the GRE is meant to be a potential asset rather than a hurdle, as students with a GPA lower than their requirement still have a way to qualify if scores on the GRE are up to standard. The program is verified by the ABAI and takes between 54 and 63 credit hours to complete. The program is made up of 33 credits from the core M.S. in Counseling program as well as 21-30 credits from the ABA track. Students can opt to complete 9 optional credits in elective fieldwork practice in ABA. The core degree coursework requires all students in the program to take part in an in-person, 3-day residency.
St. Cloud State University: M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 2.5 years
- Online + Campus
Program:
M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online and on-campus
Length: 2.5 years
GRE required? No
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $732.89 per credit
Program Overview:
St. Clouds offers a no-GRE, ABAI-approved dual choice program, meaning students can choose to apply to the online or on-campus version of the program. The coursework focuses on research, academics, professional skills, and clinical skills. Master’s and doctoral candidates can get hands-on experience in the university’s Offerdahl Autism Discovery Center.
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
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $570 per credit
Program Overview:
This M.A. program doesn’t require applicants to take the GRE and has a coursework series approved by the ABAI. The program offers a flexible format to work with students under the assumption that they are working professionals. The format allows students to take between 1 and 3 courses at a time and offers coursework asynchronously so that students can complete work at their own pace.
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
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $1,125 per credit
Program Overview:
Simmons University doesn’t need students to submit GRE scores when they apply for this MS in Behavior Analysis. The course sequence is verified by the ABAI and qualifies students to sit for the BCBA exam. The program takes 40 credits to complete and as little as 20 months to do so. These 40 credits include 8 core courses and 2 practicum courses, including a thesis research project and a practicum.
National Louis University: M.S. or Ed.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 38 Credits
- Online + Campus + In-person
Program:
M.S. or Ed.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On-campus or blended (online classes and in-person meetings)
Length: 38 credits
GRE required? No
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $790 per credit
Program Overview:
Neither National Louis University’s M.S. or Ed.S in ABA require the GRE to apply, and coursework can be completed either in-person or in a blended capacity. The difference between the two programs is that the Ed.S. is designed for those who already have a master’s degree in a related field and need specific courses to qualify them for the BCBA exam. The M.S., on the other hand, is for those who do not have a related master’s degree.
Program:
M.Ed. in Special Education with ABA Concentration
Modality: Online
Length: 57 (non-thesis track) or 51 (thesis track) credits
GRE required? No
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $526 (for ABA non-degree program); $559 (resident); $817 (non-resident)
Program Overview:
East Stroudsburg’s M.Ed. in special education offers students the option to pursue a concentration in ABA or to complete the graduate certificate in ABA. No GRE is needed to apply for either, and the coursework for the program is verified by teh ABAI. Students who complete either the graduate certificate in ABA or the concentration in ABA finish the course sequence qualifying to sit for the BCBA exam, as long as they have completed the fieldwork requirements outlined by the exam creators.
Program:
M.Ed. in Special Education with Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: About 2 years
GRE required? No
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $536 (residents); $868.85 (non-resident)
Program Overview:
BGSU’s M.Ed. is unique in that it offers multiple start dates throughout the year to students who are accepted into the program. In addition, the program requires no GRE scores to be submitted with applications, and the course sequence is ABAI-approved. Taking about 2 years to complete, coursework is provided asynchronously. Unfortunately, the program does not include the supervised fieldwork required to sit for the BCBA exam in the course sequence, so students will need to secure their own placements for fieldwork.
Program:
M.A. in Applied Behavioral Science
Modality: Online
Length: 2 to 3 years
GRE required? No
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $795 per credit
Program Overview:
KU claims to be a pioneer in behavioral research and practice. Whether true or not, the school offers an MA in ABA that doesn’t require a GRE to apply and has an ABAI-verified course sequence. Unlike some programs, the MA in ABA provides students access to ABA sites and supervisors to satisfy practicum requirements through Behavioral Health Holdings.
Arcadia University: Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 18 months
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 18 months
GRE required? No
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $750 per credit
Program Overview:
Arcadia’s online program needs no GRE to be considered for admission. The program’s coursework is verified by the ABAI. It was designed to work with students with full-time commitments, so flexibility is a key element of the program. The program’s website says students can make their schedule match their lives, not vice-versa. The program takes 33 credit hours and 18 months to complete on average and qualifies students to take the BCBA exam.
Northeastern University: Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 18-24 months
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 18 to 24 months
GRE required? No
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $1,390 per credit
Program Overview:
Another no-GRE online option, this M.S. features coursework verified by the ABAI and takes between 18 months and two years to complete. The program began in 1976, and the school claims that it was one of the first masters programs in ABA. The program went online in 2013. Seven core courses offer a strong foundation in ABA, and an additional three courses add additional knowledge in clinical procedures and research. When it comes to completing required fieldwork to sit for the BCBA exam, students can choose to complete hands on fieldwork on their own or through the program by enrolling in Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork.
Arizona State University: M.A. in Special Education With a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 30 credits + 7.5 weeks
- 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
Accredited by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $765 per credit
Program Overview:
This 30-credit program from Arizona State doesn’t need GRE scores from applicants to apply. These 30 credits include 10 classes which last an average of 7.5 weeks to complete per class. The ABAI-verified coursework qualifies students to sit for the BCBA exam.
Niagara University: Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 34 credits
- Online
Program:
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 34 credits (including 150 hours of supervised fieldwork)
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? No
Tuition: $775 per credit
Program Overview:
Niagara has done away with its GRE requirement in its consideration of candidates for the M.A. in ABA. The program is also unique in its emphasis on practical fieldwork, as it prioritizes helping students gain 250 supervised practicum hours, which are required to qualify students to sit for the BCBA exam. Many programs do not offer fieldwork as part of its curriculum for students, who end up finding supervised practicum and fieldwork hours on their own. However, Niagara’s program makes it a priority to help its students gain these hours.
Bay Path University: Applied Behavior Analysis Masters
- 25-28 months
- Online
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Masters
Modality: Online
Length: 25 to 28 months
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? No
Tuition: $755 per credit
Program Overview:
This no-GRE-required ABA program provides students with opportunities to receive supervised practicum hours up to 2,000 hours. This program has multiple routes students can choose to take, and all require students to complete a capstone project. Degree options include: a 48-credit M.S. in ABA (which includes coursework and supervision needed to qualify to sit for the BACB Certification Exam); a 51-cred Ed.S. in ABA (for candidates who already have a master’s in a related field); a 57-credit M.S. in ABA with Autism Spectrum Disorders Concentration; a 60 Credit MS in ABA with Supervision, Training and Organization Behavior Management (OBM) Concentration; a 60 Credit MS in ABA with Applied Verbal Behavior Concentration; and a 60 Credit MS in ABA with Trauma-Informed Practice Concentration.
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
Accreditation by ABAI? No
Tuition: $589 per credit
Program Overview:
University of Washington’s ABA M.Ed. doesn’t require a GRE for entrance and offers their online program on both a full-time and part-time basis. This particular program offers an optional full supervision package providing 75 remote group supervision and 75 remote individual supervision hours as well as 1,500 hours of fieldwork. Students of the regular program earn 56 to 62 credits, which takes between 2 and 3 years to complete.
St. Joseph’s University: Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.
- 35 credits
- Online
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.
Modality: Online
Length: Minimum of 35 credits
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? No
Tuition: $860 per credit
Program Overview:
St. Joseph’s online program needs no GRE scores and includes a practicum portion in its 35 credit course sequence. Along with its regular course sequence, the program includes a practicum which provides 150 hours of the required 2,000 hours of fieldwork needed to sit for the BCBA exam. The school provides an approved site list from which students can choose to complete additional fieldwork hours during the program.
Program:
M.Ed. in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
Modality: Online
Length: 36 credits
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? No
Tuition: $625 per credit
Program Overview:
No GRE is required by PennWest Global to be considered for admission to its Special Education M.Ed., which has an Applied Behavior Analysis concentration The program takes 36 credits to complete, which are made up of 15 core credits and 21 concentration credits. Along with the ABA concentration, students can also choose the ABA and Autism concentration, which provides the ABA coursework and additional coursework related to autism spectrum disorders. Both concentrations provide the coursework needed to sit for the BCBA exam.
Endicott College: Applied Behavior Analysis Program (M.S.)
- 27 months
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 27 months
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? No
Tuition: $682 per credit
Program Overview:
This no-GRE program gives students plenty of options when it comes to concentrations from which to choose. Concentration options include autism, childhood clinical disorders, mental health, organizational behavior management, and a general track. Regardless of which concentration is chosen, it takes about 27 months to complete 40 required credits.
Program:
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism
Modality: Online
Length: 2 years
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $685 per credit
Program Overview:
This no-GRE M.S. offered by Russell Sage College offers coursework which qualifies students to sit for the BCBA exam and is verified by the ABAI. The program is made up of 30 credits as well as 8 credits-worth of practicum. The coursework takes around 2 years to complete. Students can also choose the thesis track and apply to assist in research.
The University of Texas at Austin: Autism and Developmental Disabilities Master’s Program
- 12 months
- Online + Campus
Program:
Autism and Developmental Disabilities Master’s Program
Modality: Online or on-campus
Length: 12 months full-time
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? No
Tuition: $1,257 (resident) and $1,897 (non-resident) per credit
Program Overview:
This 36-credit program from The University of Texas at Autism doesn’t need any GRE scores to be considered for entrance to the program. The program itself can be completed as an M.Ed. or as an M.A. and combines traditional coursework with practicum and applied intervention research.
Program:
M.Ed. in Special Education and Child Development, Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 33 credit hours
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: Between $296.76 and $1,132.04 per credit depending on resident status
Program Overview:
This no-GRE program is made up of 33 credits-worth of ABAI-verified courses. The program requires a research project to successfully complete the coursework. Courses are offered only and synchronously.
Program:
Online Masters in Special Education With a Focus in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 42 credit hours
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $730 per credit
Program Overview:
This program is made up of 18 core credits and 21 concentration credits with emphasis on ABA. The program from University of Massachusetts Global needs no GRE to apply, and it includes coursework verified by the ABAI. As with most of the programs on this list, the coursework in the UMass Global program contributes to students being eligible to sit for the BCBA exam.
Monmouth University: M.S. Ed. in Special Education – Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis
- 39 credit hours
- Online
Program:
M.S.Ed. in Special Education – Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 39 credit hours
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $1,136 per credit
Program Overview:
Another no-GRE online program is this M.S. Ed. from Monmouth University. The 39-credit program combines the coursework of the M.S. Ed. in Special Education’s Autism Spectrum Disorder track and the graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis. The combined ABAI-verified coursework of these two programs qualifies students to sit for the BCBA exam.
Program:
M.A. in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: Minimum 16 months
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? No
Tuition: $653 per credit
Program Overview:
No GMAT or GRE scores are required to be considered for admission to this program from University of Arizona. The program has 36 credits and can take as few as 16 months to complete. The program’s coursework is verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and qualifies students to sit for the BCBA exam. Students complete an applied graduate project of their choice under supervision of a faculty member in place of a thesis.
Drexel University: M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 18 months
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 18 months full-time
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $1,111 per credit
Program Overview:
Drexel’s no-GRE program, with a coursework sequence verified by the ABAI, is organized into four 10-week quarters and includes 46.5 credits needed to graduate. Students must also complete a capstone project to successfully complete the program, which allows students to take courses on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students can complete the program in 18 months. The program also includes optional weekly live discussion opportunities with faculty and peers.
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
Accreditation by ABAI? No
Tuition: $464 per credit
Program Overview:
National University’s ABA M.S. doesn’t require students with GPAs over 2.5 to submit GRE scores to be considered for this online program. It takes 18 months to complete and includes 45 quarter credits, and students need to complete a capstone project to successfully complete the program. What makes National University stand out from other programs is their promise to help place students who successfully complete the program in internships to help them gain their required fieldwork hours to qualify for the BCBA exam.
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
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $696 per credit
Program Overview:
Ball State’s M.A. in ABA offers its program without the requirement to submit GRE scores to be considered for entrance into the program, which is part of the Teacher’s College. It includes coursework verified by the ABAI and has a total of 30 credits needed to graduate. Students can complete the program in 8 weeks or 16 weeks.
Pepperdine University: Online M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 12-15 months
- Online
Program:
Online M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 12 to 15 months
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $1,945 per credit
Program Overview:
Pepperdine offers this online M.S. in ABA to students with both synchronous and asynchronous classes. Applicants do not need to submit GRE scores to be considered for entrance. The program’s coursework is verified by the ABAI and takes 12 to 15 months to complete. The program does include a practicum portion.
York College of Pennsylvania: Applied Behavior Analysis M.Ed.
- 1-2 years
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 1 to 2 years
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $695 per credit
Program Overview:
Yet another no-GRE-required online M.Ed. is this one from the School of Professional Studies. It takes 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on how many classes students take at a time. The coursework is verified by the ABAI and is flexible for students who are already working full-time. ABA fieldwork and practicum hours may be completed at the student’s current place of employment or at an approved site.
Program:
M.Ed. in Foundations in Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 20 months
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $761 per credit (non-resident)
Program Overview:
This program from University of Cincinnati is a 100 percent online program and does not require students to visit campus to complete a residency, which many programs do require. The program doesn’t require GRE scores to apply either, and the coursework is ABAI-verified. The 10 courses totalling 30 credit hours take 20 months to complete.
Florida Tech: Behavior Analysis Practice, M.A.
- 6 semesters
- Online
Program:
M.A. in Behavior Analysis Practice
Modality: Online
Length: As short as 6 semesters
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? No
Tuition: $970 per masters credit and $510 per certification credit (program is made up of combined masters and certification courses)
Program Overview:
Florida Tech’s program allows students to complete the program in as few as six semesters to take the 33 credit hours required to satisfy the program’s requirements. In addition, the program doesn’t require GRE scores to be considered for admission. The coursework is ABAI-verified and includes weekly live meetings with co-instructors. The program consists of credit hours specific to the master’s degree as well as credits from the school’s Graduate Certification in Behavior Analysis Practice.
Lehigh University: M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis
- 2 years
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 2 years part-time, less if full-time
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? No
Tuition: $630 per credit
Program Overview:
Students don’t need to submit GRE scores to be considered for entrance into this M.Ed. program. The program prepares students to take the BCBA exam, and students who complete it will qualify to sit for the exam as well. It takes an average of 2 years to complete the program on a part-time basis, though students can opt to complete the program quicker on a full-time basis.
Program:
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 2 years or less if accelerated option
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $427.74 per credit; for accelerated, fees are at the undergraduate rate of $330.09 per credit
Program Overview:
Another M.A. in ABA program that does not require the GRE to be considered for admission comes from Southeast Missouri State University. Their M.A. in ABA has coursework verified by ABAI and takes two years to complete. However, this program also offers an accelerated option for students who are working on undergraduate programs in education, psychology, child development, and communication disorders, or who are working toward an Autism Studies Certificate. These students are able to take credits in their senior year which count toward both the undergraduate and graduate credits, shortening the time it takes to complete the M.A.
Program:
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Online
Modality: Online
Length: 1 year
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $420 per credit
Program Overview:
Purdue’s online ABA master’s needs no GRE to apply and requires students to complete only 9 courses. The program takes about a year to complete, making this program shorter than others on this list. Its ABAI-verified course sequence prepares students to take the BCBA exam and costs only $420 per credit.
Program:
M.S. in Psychology With an Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization
Modality: Online
Length: 21 months
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $590 per credit
Program Overview:
Walden’s M.S. in Psychology with an ABA specialization doesn’t require the GRE to apply and has coursework verified by the ABAI. It takes 63 quarter credits to complete, which generally takes about 21 months to finish. Each quarter credit costs $590, as of February 2025, and they offer the Believe and Achieve scholarship as well.
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
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $510 per credit
Program Overview:
Capella University has an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis that doesn’t need GRE scores in its consideration of applicants. The 60-credit program is made up of 10 core courses and 2 specialization courses. The program’s students can specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the program as a whole meets BACB eligibility and includes BCBA exam preparation. And with each credit costing $510, as of January 2025, the program is more affordable than many online ABA programs.
Mary Baldwin University: M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
- 2 years
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 2 years
GRE required? No
Accreditation by ABAI? Yes
Tuition: $495 per credit
Program Overview:
This online program from Mary Baldwin University doesn’t require any GRE scores to be considered for admission. The program takes about two years to complete its ABAI-verified coursework, and students are given the opportunity to pursue fieldwork opportunities in the field of ABA. It also happens to be more affordable, costing around $495 per credit hour based on numbers from January 2025. The program takes 37 credits to complete.