The Guide to Online Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis Programs (ABA)

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.

Autism is a frequently studied specialization in ABA. Persons with this disorder tend to respond well to ABA interventions, with observed improvements in their communication, social relationships, play, self-care, school performance 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, review 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 varying grade levels. Often, for the busy professional, online BCBA programs offer the most convenient and flexible path to certification without compromising quality and rigor. The course content in such programs often mirrors that of traditional programs.

ABA Master's Online Admission Requirements

Before you begin the application process, be sure to contact your desired 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:

1. Application: Fill out an initial application, which you can find on the website of your accredited institution of choice. Paper and online forms are both generally accepted.
2. Bachelor’s degree: You should have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution prior to applying to an ABA program.
3. Transcripts: Request transcripts in advance of the application deadline, and upload one official copy of each transcript from any postsecondary schools you have attended.
4. Personal statement: Write a personal statement, which is typically presented in essay form. You may be required to submit multiple essays to fully express the intent and purpose of your application. Below are some common topics that could be the focus of your essay:
   • Your main academic and personal interests
   • Experiences in school or work that have helped to prepare you for this course of study
   • Why you wish to study for the degree you’ve chosen
   • Why you wish to study at the university
   • Your plans for the future after you earn your degree
5. Résumé/CV: Upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
6. Letters of recommendation: Submit your letters of recommendation. The number of letters required varies with each school. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline.
7. Test scores: Mail in copies of your test scores. Many schools require GRE General Test scores or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)/International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores for international students, however, some programs do not require test scores.

BCBA Online Programs

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 course content that best prepares students for careers in behavior analysis. Programs that meet BACB standards are able to provide for their students a quality education that can help them take the next steps toward becoming a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), a qualification that enhances their personal credibility in the field.

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.

ABA Master's Online Curriculum

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 can include courses in:

• Intensive practical training
• Biological foundations of behavior
• ABA electives
• Research/thesis

Careers in Applied Behavior Analysis

After completing an online ABA master’s 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 gaining licensure can be facilitated by earning a degree from a BCBA online program. The median annual wage for psychologists, who are in a discipline related to applied behavior analysis, was $85,330 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many behavior analyst roles are in schools ranging from the elementary level through to 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:

1. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD): Behavior analysts specializing in autism and other developmental disabilities focus on helping children and students improve language, motor, social and self-care skills.
2. Special education teacher: These professionals educate special needs students, and address their individual differences and needs to promote learning, motivation and self-sufficiency.

Finding the Best ABA Online Master's Program For You

All Online Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis Programs

In searching for the best online ABA program that fits your needs, carefully consider the structure of the coursework and the admission requirements before making your decision. We’ve made note of the programs with Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accreditation status and strongly encourage you to check the university websites to find out if they offer a BCBA online program as well.