Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
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“ABA is often misunderstood as a rigid or one-size-fits-all approach, but in reality, it is a highly individualized and flexible approach based on each person’s unique needs.”
Adel C. Najdowski, PhD, Professor and the Director of the MS in ABA Program, Pepperdine University
In 1989, the movie Rain Man starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman swept the Oscars and introduced the world to the phrase “autistic savant.” Up until then, autism was not a household term, but the portrayal of this highly intelligent, routine-oriented man with unique abilities and limited social skills brought autism into the limelight.
Ten years later, the term “neurodivergent” was coined in 1998 by Australian sociologist Judy Singer to reframe autism and similar neurological disorders in terms of social barriers rather than pathological limitations. More than 30 years after the release of Rain Man, the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has risen as one of the fastest-growing behavioral health careers to help people on the spectrum of autism live more independent lives.
To support the needs of people who are neurodivergent and diagnosed with conditions such as autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), behavior analysts teach essential skills with the aim of helping people to improve their lives in personally meaningful ways. Behavior analysts help patients navigate life’s challenges using special techniques to determine behavioral challenges and make plans to create new behaviors to support social, communicative, and problem-solving needs. Graduates with a degree in ABA work as behavioral health specialists, mental health workers, and educators.
Several universities offer fully online programs in ABA, generally comprising 30 to 37 credits. These programs provide students with a strong foundation in behavior assessment, behavior theory, and behavioral intervention. Additionally, students develop essential skills such as research, communication, and an understanding of ethics and policies governing behavioral health.
On completion of a master’s degree in ABA, students will be able to conduct crisis intervention, assess different types of behavior, provide evidence-based interventions, and measure behavioral change. They can take up roles such as consultants and clinical supervisors and find work in clinics, schools, hospitals, and group homes.
To learn more about online master’s programs in applied behavior analysis, read on.
Ask the Expert: Adel C. Najdowski, PhD
Dr. Adel C. Najdowski is a professor and the director of the master of science in applied behavior analysis (ABA) program at Pepperdine University. Dr. Najdowski has over 20 years of experience providing ABA-based services to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has over 45 publications, including her books, Flexible and Focused! Teaching Executive Function Skills to Individuals with Autism and Attention Disorders and A Workbook of Ethical Case Scenarios in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Dr. Najdowski has served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis as well as Behavior Analysis in Practice and as a Guest Editor for a special issue in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and previously served on the board of directors for the California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA). Her current research interests include topics related to teaching higher-order skills to children and teens diagnosed with ASD and social justice.
CounselingSchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Dr. Najdowski: ABA is often misunderstood as a rigid or one-size-fits-all approach, but in reality, it is a highly individualized and flexible approach based on each person’s unique needs. It is not just for autism services—it is used in various fields, including education, healthcare, sports, and business. At its core, ABA is about understanding why behaviors occur and using evidence-based strategies to promote meaningful and positive changes in people’s lives.
CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in this area?
Dr. Najdowski: Be curious, patient, and compassionate. ABA is a data-driven field, but the heart of the work is helping people. Be open to learning from both research and real-life experiences. Gaining hands-on experience through working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) before enrolling in a master’s program aimed at training you to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is incredibly beneficial. Additionally, always listen to the voices of the individuals you serve—their experiences matter.
CounselingSchools.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Dr. Najdowski: The field of ABA is expanding beyond autism services into areas like education reform, behavioral gerontology, and even artificial intelligence and virtual intervention models. There is also a growing emphasis on ethical considerations, compassionate care, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. In the future, ABA may integrate more technology and interdisciplinary approaches to better serve a wider range of individuals.
Ask the Expert: Samantha N. Riggleman, PhD
Dr. Samantha Riggleman is an associate professor in the department of special education in the School of Health Studies and Education at Saint Joseph’s University. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the graduate VCS ABA coordinator. She has been published in Young Exceptional Children, Beyond Behavior, Journal of Special Education Technology, and Rural Special Education Quarterly.
Dr. Riggleman has over 10 years of experience working with adults and children in community residential settings, day programs, and schools as a residential instructor and a behavior specialist. In these roles, she implemented positive behavior support plans; trained staff, teachers, and parents; and collected data on the implemented support plan. Her research interests include suspension and expulsion in early childhood, social-emotional development, and young children who are at-risk for identification of a behavioral disorder. She is also interested in increasing preservice and in-service preschool teachers’ knowledge and implementation of behavior management concepts, including the principles of ABA.
CounselingSchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about Applied Behavioral Analysis?
Dr. Riggleman: I wish the public understood that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is not just for individuals with autism or specific diagnoses—it is a science of learning and behavior that can be applied to anyone, in any setting. ABA principles help improve daily living skills, workplace performance, athletic training, parenting strategies, and much more. It is used in schools, homes, businesses, and communities to support meaningful behavior change and improve quality of life.
CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in this area?
Dr. Riggleman: Be open-minded about the versatility of ABA. While many associate it with clinical work, ABA can be applied in education, sports, business, health and wellness, and even animal training. Seek diverse experiences, learn how behavior analysis fits into different fields, and focus on collaboration—working alongside educators, families, and professionals from various backgrounds will make you a stronger practitioner.
CounselingSchools.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Dr. Riggleman: The future of ABA is broad and ever-expanding. I see a growing emphasis on individualized, compassionate, and ethically driven applications that extend beyond traditional clinical settings. ABA will continue to make an impact in areas like mental health, organizational behavior management, rehabilitation, and even sustainability efforts. As more people recognize its value in everyday life, I believe ABA will be seen as a universal tool for positive change, benefiting people of all ages and abilities.
Admissions to Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Programs
Admission into an online master’s in ABA program depends on two factors: the institution offering the program and the competitiveness of the program itself. Online students can expect the same instructions and degree that on-campus students receive. Hence, the admission requirements for both are similar too.
Here are some common admission requirements for students wishing to apply for an online master’s program in ABA in the United States:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.0 to 3.0, depending on the program
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of purpose
- GRE (optional for most programs, but can help strengthen an application)
Courses in Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Below is a list of common courses offered in online master’s in ABA programs that students can expect to take:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Basic Principles of Behavior Analysis
- The Basis for Behavior Change
- Behavior Analysis Ethics
- Behavior Development
- Behavior Analysis Consulting
- Clinical Behavior Analysis
- Concepts and Principles in Behavior Analysis
- Cultural Competence in Professional Practice
- How to Compile Data for Behavior Analysis
- Measurement and Design in Behavior Analysis
- Observational Methods
- Professional Ethics and Issues
- Research Design and Analysis
- Seminars (in special topics related to psychology)
- Statistical Applications in Applied Behavior Analysis
Supervised Fieldwork Hour Requirements – Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Curricula for online master’s programs in ABA may or may not include supervised fieldwork hours. In lieu of this requirement, some programs require students to complete a capstone or final research project as part of the degree completion requirements. This project serves as a cumulative assessment and typically asks students to select a real-world problem and propose solutions. Through this project, students demonstrate their comprehensive knowledge of the field and critical thinking abilities to solve problems relevant to their future careers in ABA.
It’s important to note that graduates from ABA programs seeking the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) credential must earn supervised fieldwork hours and should seek out programs with supervised practicum hours.
Applicants for the BCBA credential must earn 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 concentrated supervised fieldwork hours. No fewer than 20 and no more than 130 hours can be accrued in one month. Trainees seeking this credential have a five-year window to earn their hours.
For detailed information about state licensing and certification requirements, please see our guide to Applied Behavior Analyst – Career, Salary & State Licensure.
Program Accreditation & State Authorization for Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Accreditation and state authorization are factors that are often overlooked but are as important as all the other factors.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a mark of quality and honor for any institution. While it is voluntary, accreditation from a reputable body ensures students that the course and the institute have been thoroughly vetted by professionals and meet certain quality standards. Since accreditation is provided selectively, based on merit, it is an important criterion for students to look out for.
National, regional, and programmatic agencies, including professional, intrastate, and discipline-targeted organizations accredit colleges and programs. Because there is no single authoritative body that accredits online ABA programs, students are encouraged to seek programs accredited by one of the regional agencies listed by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); any additional organizations should be recognized by CHEA or the U.S. Department of Education. One can typically review an accrediting agency’s criteria online.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) provides accreditation for programs in ABA. And soon, the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) will also be an accrediting organization.
Apart from accrediting organizations, another important mark of approval students can look out for is whether the ABA program has a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) as provided by ABAI. Programs with a recognized VCS make it easier for students to apply to sit for the BCBA® exam provided by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®), since the coursework is already verified to meet the coursework requirements set forth by the BACB.
State Authorization
State authorization status determines whether a student is eligible to enroll in a program. States have regulations that determine whether or not a school is allowed to operate within its boundaries, and what criteria it must meet to enroll its students. This is done mainly to protect students. This could mean that students in a state can enroll in a specific online master’s in applied behavior analysis program, while those in another state cannot.
The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) has established a universal set of standards for all states to ascribe to. This means that schools approved by SARA can enroll students from any participating state. The NC-SARA has a list of SARA-aligned states and schools for students to refer to online. Also, a number of institutes list their authorization status for affected states online.
Featured MS in Applied Behavior Analysis Programs
Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education & Psychology offers a master’s of science in ABA. Students can choose to attend classes on-campus in the evenings or earn their degree completely online in as few as 12 months. This 30-credit program prepares students to earn the BCBA credential. Graduates from this program are prepared to work with people living with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.
To be considered for admission, applicants must submit an application for admission, official transcripts, provide two professional recommendations that can speak to an applicant’s character, and a two- to five-page statement of purpose. Applicants with GPAs lower than 3.0 or seeking an exception to the TOEFL academic English proficiency test can fill out an exception request form.
Pepperdine’s ABA program course sequence is a VCS and features a mix of theoretical and practical courses to prepare graduates to become BCBAs. Courses offered in this program include concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis; selecting and implementing ABA-based interventions; management, supervision, and consultation for ABA, and practicum in ABA.
Upon completing this program, graduates are prepared to identify sources of behavioral challenges and develop plans to improve the behavior for the benefit of the patient and every one the patient interacts with on a daily basis. Students in this program can begin accruing fieldwork hours in the first semester of the program and placement assistance is available to students once they complete their first semester of foundational coursework.
The MS in ABA program at Pepperdine University can be started fall, winter, spring, or summer semester. A four-term or five-term sequence is offered to help students complete the program in 16 months or fewer. Online students learn from some of the same faculty who teach in the on-campus program.
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 16 months
Saint Joseph’s University offers a completely online master of science degree in criminal justice with a concentration in behavior analysis. This program is geared towards applying ABA principles to criminal justice and is ideal for aspiring ABAs who want to specialize in advocating for the needs of neurodivergent people. This program prepares professionals who wish to work in any ABA career in mobile therapy, educational consulting, social work, pathology, and school counseling.
Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree from regionally accredited colleges or universities, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and TOEFL test scores for international students. Students are also required to have a minimum of one year of working experience in applied behavior analysis.
The 36-credit program provides students with working knowledge of clinical behavior analysis. Some of the core courses included in the curriculum are research methods and analysis, ethics and criminal justice, criminological theory, and professional writing for law enforcement. Courses in the behavior analysis concentration include concepts and principles of behavior analysis, measuring and evaluating behavior, behavior change procedures, and behavior assessment.
Through the program, students learn how to use behavior analysis to effectively assess functional behavior, evaluate programs, and conduct behavioral interventions. While students are not trained to investigate crime scenes, they do develop skills to gather data for behavioral analysis, crime prevention, and learn the ethics of behavioral analysis.
At the end of the program, graduates can pursue roles in high-level positions in local or state law enforcement and federal agencies, as well as social services, criminology, and counseling.
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has a fully online master’s program in psychology with a concentration in applied behavior analysis. Students get an opportunity to learn the various behavior analysis theories as well as procedures while learning from experienced faculty.
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a completed online application, and an essay focusing on the specialization, among others. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, however, will be considered if submitted.
The program consists of 36 credits. Some of the courses students will study are as follows: concepts and principles in behavior analysis, observation and measurement, and professional ethics and issues. Students are provided with a primer to the principles of respondent conditioning and the evaluation of techniques and data. They are also taught to read guidelines focused on ethics and dilemmas related to behavioral analysis.
On successful completion of the program, students can take up jobs in counseling, education, government agencies, social work, nonprofit, mental health, and treatment centers. A seven course-sequence in this program is approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as a verified course sequence (VCS) and students who complete this coursework requirement are eligible to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam).
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Accreditation: The Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
The need for ABA specialists is at an all-time high. Research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that one in 36 children aged eight years (about 2.8 percent) were identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2020. To help the needs of children and adults living with neurodivergent conditions, behavior analysts can find employment in many public and private sectors. Here are three possible careers.
Clinical Supervisor/Behavior Analyst in Autism Intervention
Many BCBAs work in ABA-based clinics, schools, or private practices, designing and overseeing treatment programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. They supervise Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and ensure that interventions are effective.
School-Based Behavior Specialist
BCBAs are often hired by school districts to help develop behavior intervention plans (BIPs), train teachers on behavioral strategies, and support students with special needs. They collaborate with educators, psychologists, and parents to create positive learning environments.
Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) Consultant
Some BCBAs work in business settings, applying behavioral principles to improve employee performance, workplace safety, and efficiency. OBM consultants help companies analyze workplace behavior and implement data-driven strategies to enhance productivity and job satisfaction.
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2020, he’s written extensively about how counselors and other behavioral health professionals are working to address the nation’s mental health and substance use crises, with a particular focus on community-driven and interdisciplinary approaches. His articles have included detailed interviews with leaders and subject matter experts from the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterRachel Drummond has used her expertise in education and mindfulness to guide aspiring counselors since 2020. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating reflective mindfulness into counseling techniques, helping readers understand how mental and physical well-being can enhance their professional practice and personal development in counseling.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.