Professionals who want to help people turn around and improve their lives in the field of psychology often work in applied behavior analysis. A good choice for the best career options in this in-demand field is to earn a master’s degree in applied behavioral analysis (ABA). It will teach you how to apply learning theory principles so that you can work with many types of populations who need behavioral interventions.
ABA programs are normally constructed to meet the various requirements to be certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). If you have earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling or behavioral science, you have a good background for getting your ABA degree.
Some master’s programs offer this degree as part of their master of education, and others as part of their master of psychology. Check with your university to see which they offer.
If you are considering this graduate degree, it is important to select a high quality program; it also is critical to ensure that the Behavior Analyst Certification Board has approved the program.
Our research shows that the below ABA master’s programs are potentially good options:
#1 Arizona State University
This master’s degree in education in curriculum and instruction is focused on applied behavioral analysis. It pairs experience and research to prepare students to work professionally with those with behavioral and special learning needs. Students learn how to use the principles of applied behavioral analysis so that they can serve the needs of their patients effectively. The program gives you the skills to focus your career on the population that you intend to work with in your career. Students are prepared to offer evidence based practices in ABA, as well as consultative services and support to their clients and members of the community.
Arizona State University’s Teacher’s College has courses that have been preapproved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board for students who do want to sit for the BCSA exam.
This accredited program was ranked as the #14 graduate education degree program in the US in 2017, and students have a 92.5% employability rate after they graduate.
Required courses include:
- Methods of Applied Behavior for Exceptional Populations
- Behavior Change Systems
- Applied Behavior Analysis in Inclusive Settings
- Ethics of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Behavior Assessment
More Info
- Campus: Tempe, Arizona; online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools
- Per Credit Hour: Inquire
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Programs Offered: Master’s in ABA
#3 Chicago School of Professional Psychology
This Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis will provide you with an excellent foundation in the application, science and philosophy of behavior analysis. It will prepare you to enjoy a rewarding career in the ABA field. Students are guided by expert faculty to obtain experience and exposure in various ABA applications, including precision teaching, instructional design and verbal behavior.
This program will help you to serve many different populations, such as adults, children, and senior citizens. You may work in a school, residential or community based environment. Graduates of this program may work with students who have no diagnosis, or with a diagnosis such as behavioral problems, autism or various types of mental illnesses.
This program does meet all educational requirements for those who wish to become a BCBA. In addition to completing degree requirements, students also need to pass a state examination.
More Info
- Campus: Chicago, IL; online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Per Credit Hour: Inquire
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 28 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Programs Offered: Master of Science in ABA
#4 Ball State University
Students who want to work in a career with a serious shortage of professionals, where there are adults and school children who struggle with disabilities, might consider the master’s in applied behavior analysis from Ball State University.
Graduates of this two year, online program may find rewarding work as a psychologist, ABA therapist, teacher or human service professional. Past graduates of this program have found excellent work opportunities in hospitals, schools, mental health centers, behavioral centers and residential centers. They have the skills and expertise to help clients to improve their motor, language, social and reasoning skills.
This is a 30 credit hour program and may be completed in fewer than two years. It also is accredited by the National Association of Colleges for Teacher Education or NCATE. The curriculum is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
More Info
- Campus: Muncie, IN; online
- Type: Non Profit
- Accreditation: NCATE
- Per Credit Hour: Inquire
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Programs Offered: Master’s in ABA
#5 University of Cincinnati
The Univ of Cincinnati has a Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis, which provides you with the foundational knowledge in applied behavior analysis, psychology and education to effectively practice in schools and many types of other facilities that serve children, especially those with disabilities. Students who are enrolled in this 100% online program will discover how to focus on evolving behaviors in the family and in schools. They also will learn how to collaborate with stakeholders to bring meaningful and lasting changes in such contexts.
The program consists of 10 courses, with each lasting 15 weeks. Your first six courses are verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board to meet all requirements of eligibility to site for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination.
More Info
- Campus: Cincinnati, OH; online
- Type: For Profit
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Per Credit Hour: Inquire
- GRE Required: No
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On Campus Requirements: No
- Programs Offered: Master’s in ABA
Additional Resources
- Salary Outlook + Things You Can Do with a Applied Behavioral Analysis Degree
- How to Choose a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis + Online Option
- How to Choose a Masters in Applied Psychology + Online Option
- How to Choose a Masters in Behavior Analysis + Online Option
- Get a Masters in Clinical Psychology + 3 No GRE Options
- Why Choose a PhD in Psychology + Online No GRE Options!
References
- Arizona State University. Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Applied Behavior Analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://asuonline.asu.edu/online-degree-programs/graduate/master-education-curriculum-and-instruction-applied-behavior-analysis
- University of Cincinnati. Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://behavioranalysis.uc.edu/behavior-analysis/master-of-education-in-foundations-in-behavior-analysis/