Walden’s Accelerated ABA Programs: What Students Say

Introduction

With so many master’s programs in applied behavior analysis (ABA) available, it can be helpful to see what students actually say about their experience. Walden University offers two online ABA-related master’s programs designed to prepare students for careers supporting individuals with behavioral challenges, including those pursuing BCBA certification.

This overview looks at Walden’s ABA programs in more detail, including program structure, admissions requirements, tuition, student feedback, and potential career outcomes. The goal is to give prospective students a clearer picture of what these programs offer and how they compare to other ABA master’s programs.

At-A-Glance

At-a-Glance: Walden ABA Master’s Programs

An Overview of Walden’s ABA Master’s Program

With so many master’s programs in ABA to choose from, you may wonder what the students themselves are saying. For Walden, students seem to most enjoy the accelerated pace and the challenging-in-a-good-way courses, as well as the fact that the programs are online, meaning you can accrue fieldwork hours wherever you live while studying for the master’s degree.

To help you choose a master’s program that is right for you, here are some of the stats and specs for Walden’s ABA master’s programs (there are two options!).

Walden’s online MS in Psychology Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization program is 63 quarter credits and takes approximately 21 months to complete. Walden’s Master’s in ABA program is also online. It is 48 quarter credits and takes as few as 15 months to complete.

Essays and GRE scores are not required for either program’s application. 

While BCBA exam pass rates are relatively low for Walden graduates, Walden’s programs are also quicker, more flexible, and relatively less expensive than some of the other ABA master’s programs.

What Makes These Programs Unique?

• Walden’s MS in Psychology/ABA Specialization program is a master’s in psychology with a specialization in behavior analysis. Along with your ABA classes, you’ll also learn about psychology in a broader sense and be prepared for a wider variety of careers.
• The accelerated pace is highly valued—you can earn your master’s in ABA in just 15 months with the MS in ABA program.
• The Walden programs are both entirely online.
• There is no essay requirement for these programs. There is also no application fee!
• The Believe & Achieve Scholarship from Walden can be utilized with either program.
• Walden offers a 10% military discount! Check here for more details.

Who May Walden’s Accelerated ABA Program Be For?

Walden’s ABA programs may be a viable option for students who value flexibility, a faster timeline, and an accessible admissions process.

Because both programs are fully online, they may appeal to students who are already working in education, behavioral health, or related fields and need a graduate program that can fit around their schedules. The accelerated structure may also be attractive to students who want to complete a master’s degree relatively quickly, with the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program taking as few as 15 months.

Walden’s admissions process can be appealing to applicants looking for a more straightforward application. The programs do not require GRE scores, essays, or an application fee, which makes applying simpler.

These programs may be practical for students who already have access to ABA work settings or supervision, since Walden does not include built-in practicum or fieldwork placements. Students pursuing BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) certification will need to arrange their supervised fieldwork hours.

Students who want a broader psychology background may find the MS in Psychology with an ABA specialization appealing, as it combines ABA coursework with a wider psychology curriculum.

Prospective students who prefer built-in field placements or ABAI-accredited programs may want to compare multiple ABA master’s programs before deciding which option best fits their goals.

Program Reviews and Student Feedback

Some graduates say they enjoy the accelerated pace and the program.

Another graduate mentioned that credits can be transferred, so the accelerated program can take an even shorter time.

Graduates applaud the ease with which they applied and were accepted, as well as the difficulty of the classes. They compare the classes to FIT, which are more rigorous, in their opinion.

Students of Walden like the flexibility of the online program and the friends they made along the way!

Shout-out to whichever professor helped this student stay focused and graduate! They also praise the flexibility of the program.

The Walden ABA Program Curriculum

Both the MS in Psychology/ABA specialization program and the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program at Walden have similar courses. Here is a list of some of the courses you will take in these programs:

• Concepts and Principles of ABA
• Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Behavior Analysis
• Advanced Behavioral Assessment and Intervention
• Research Methods for Behavioral Analysis

Both programs have a capstone course consisting of a research-based project.

Walden’s ABA Program Faculty and Research Expertise

Walden’s faculty include BCBAs and BCBA-Ds with interesting research interests. Here are a few of the professors and subject matter experts you may work with at Walden!

Program Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Online application (no fee!)
• Official transcripts

There are no essays or GRE scores required to apply for these programs. There is also no application fee. The website states that transferring credits is easy with these programs.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

Walden’s MS in Psychology/ABA program cost for tuition is around $39,000 total for 63 quarter credits costing $610 per quarter hour. Walden’s MS in ABA program tuition cost is around $30,000 for 48 quarter credits costing $610 per quarter hour.

The website mentions a scholarship called the Believe & Achieve Scholarship, which takes off the fee of up to ten credits at the end of the program.

Make sure you fill out the FAFSA for graduate loans!

Graduate Career Outcomes

Some graduates of Walden’s ABA programs have decided to go on to complete their doctoral degree.

Other graduates of Walden are working as BCBAs. The Walden MS in ABA program website discusses possible career outcomes as well, including substance abuse counselors or BCBAs within the school or clinic setting.

Choosing an MS in Psychology with an ABA specialization offers more flexibility with your degree after graduating, such as working as a therapist or other position in the psychology field, while an MS in ABA more often leads to practicing BCBAs.

Walden ABA’s Pros and Cons

Based on student feedback and my own research, I’ve compiled a list of pros and cons for Walden’s Applied Behavior Analysis master’s programs.

Pros:

• Walden’s programs are accelerated, meaning you can graduate quicker relative to other MS in ABA programs.
• No GRE scores or application fees are needed to apply.
• Walden’s ABA programs are entirely online.
• Choose between an MS in Psychology with ABA specialization or an MS in ABA.

Cons:

• Walden’s ABA programs are not ABAI-accredited at this time, although they do incorporate a verified course sequence (VCS).
• The BCBA exam pass rate for first-time test takers from Walden’s ABA program is around 24%, which is less than the national average rate of around 54-60%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Walden’s ABA Programs Lead to BCBA Eligibility?

The program is designed to meet the coursework requirements for sitting for the BCBA exam; however, you will still need to complete your fieldwork hours, which Walden does not offer, as the programs are online. 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). 

Are Walden’s ABA Programs VCS-Aligned or ABAI-Accredited?

As of February 2026, Walden’s ABA programs are not ABAI-accredited. You can check ABAI accreditation information and applications here. They do incorporate a VCS.

Can the Program Be Completed Online?

Yes, the Walden MS in Psychology ABA Specialization program is entirely online, as is the Walden MS in ABA program.

Is the GRE Required for Program Admission?

No, GRE scores are not required for program admission to Walden’s ABA programs.

What is the BCBA Exam Pass Rate for Walden Graduates?

In 2024, first-time test-taker graduates from Walden had a 24% pass rate on the BCBA exam. In 2023, the pass rate was 21%. You can view BCBA exam pass rates by program here.

What are Walden’s Accelerated ABA Programs?

Walden’s accelerated ABA programs are online graduate programs in applied behavior analysis designed to be completed faster than many traditional master’s degrees. Walden offers both an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and an MS in Psychology with an Applied Behavior Analysis specialization, which can typically be completed in about 15–21 months depending on the program.

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.