While working with students who have autism or similar disorders can be challenging, the potential reward is immeasurable. A degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, gives you the tools and skills to help these children and their families. ABA applies the principles and theories derived from studying behavior to solve social, behavioral and learning problems.

By using ABA methods with students, you can help them learn to increase and maintain desired behaviors, acquire new skills, transfer behavior from one situation to another, reduce interfering behaviors and narrow down situations in which these interfering behaviors occur.

Jumpstart Your Career in Behavior Analysis, Explore No GRE Required Online ABAI Programs:

ABAI-Verified, 18-Month Online ABA from Pepperdine

Earn your master’s in applied behavior analysis in less than 2 years online at Pepperdine. Experience clinical training and prepare to sit for the board certified behavior analyst exam. GRE not required.

• GRE not required 
• Complete online in as few as 18 months 
• Prepare to sit for the board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) exam

Request more info from Pepperdine University.

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Earn your Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis from Simmons University

Earn your master’s degree in behavior analysis online in 20 months through Simmons’ highly respected program, BehaviorAnalysis@Simmons.

• Complete Your Master in 20 Months 
•  BACB- Required Mentoring Incorporated into Program 
•  No GRE Required 

Request more info from Simmons University.

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Earn Your Master of Applied Behavior Analysis Online from University of Dayton

Complete the University of Dayton’s online Master of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program in as few as 21 months and prepare to pursue a career as a behavior analyst. GRE scores are not needed to apply. Bachelor’s required. 

• Curriculum includes a Verified Course Sequence 
• Complete in as few as 21 months  
• No GRE required to apply

Request more info from the University of Dayton.

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Autism is a common studied specialization in ABA, and students and children with this disorder seem to respond very well to these methods, with observed improvements in their communication, social relationships, play, self-care, school, and employment. If you are interested in helping students in a school setting overcome behavioral and learning disorders to achieve academic success, earning an online master’s degree in ABA may be the right choice for you.

There are two key components to becoming a practicing behavior analyst: earning a master’s degree in ABA from an accredited institution and getting board certified. The second component, board certification, involves becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) by obtaining a graduate degree and sitting for, and passing, the associated exam created by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). For details on the BCBA exam, check out exam information directly from the BACB.

A master’s degree from an accredited institution is essential to becoming a practicing behavior analyst, and, when combined with state certification, will allow you to become a behavior analyst at any grade level. Often, for the busy professional, online BCBA programs offer the easiest path to certification while refusing to compromise the quality of traditional format programs.

Before you begin the application process, be sure to contact your accredited institution for information about any prerequisites you may need to fulfill. Depending on the requirements of the program you are applying to, you may be asked to submit some or all of the following items:

When searching for an online ABA program that works for you, be sure to check to ensure that the program is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). The certification process involves the BACB reviewing ABA program curriculum to ensure that it follows standards and features up-to-date curriculum that best prepares students for careers in behavior analysis. Programs that meet BACB standards are able to provide for their students a top notch education designed to help them take the next steps towards becoming a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), a qualification that enhances their personal credibility in the field. The value in seeking out BCBA online programs is that students who graduate from certified programs will experience a much higher rate of success on the exam than those who do not.

Typically, BCBA online programs will place a heavy emphasis on practical application of modern research, methodology, and exploration of a variety of ABA techniques and schools of thought.

The curriculum and number of credits required to complete a master’s program vary widely depending on your school and specialization. However, a typical master’s program in ABA includes courses in:

After completing an online aba masters program, the next step is to get licensed, which will enable you to officially work in the field of your choice. Every state has its own licensure requirements to become a school behavior analyst but, as outlined previously, by earning a degree from a bcba online program, gaining your initial licensure will be made simple. The median annual salary for a board-certified behavior analyst was $51,030 in 2019. The most common behavior analyst roles are in schools ranging from the elementary level through high school. Learn more about careers in applied behavior analysis.

Graduates of online ABA master’s programs can pursue other specializations and different roles including:

In searching for the best online aba programs that might fit your needs, carefully consider the structure of the coursework and the admissions requirements before making your decision. We’ve made note of programs’ Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accreditation status and strongly encourage you to check the university websites to find out if the program is a bcba online program as well.

Teach.com has compiled a comprehensive list of online aba masters programs in the United States with their GRE requirements and degree type. Find a school that interests you and find out what it takes to graduate with from one of these online aba programs! Below are the online applied behavior analysis programs of 2021.