15 Most Affordable Online BCBA Programs

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is a type of behavioral analysis practice used to work with people with autism and other disorders, with the objective of improving quality of life. ABA uses interventions to help people learn new things and accomplish new goals. ABA can help kids and adults with basic skills, employment skills, emotional development, relationship development and more. Behavior analysts often work in education, and can work in schools or clinics with school-aged populations. Getting an ABA degree online is a great way to earn your degree while still keeping up with responsibilities.

How Do You Obtain Your BCBA?

When you decide to obtain your BCBA license, you can help your clients and patients through Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. The first step to licensure is education, then internship and practicum, and then an exam. After all of those steps are complete, you may practice as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.

The road to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst or BCBA can follow a few different paths:

• Bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis

A first step toward a career in Applied Behavior Analysis is through a bachelor’s degree. From there, you can be eligible to work as a BCaBA, which is a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analysis, and start working in your chosen field. There is currently a shortage of people to fill this position, so starting a bachelor’s is a great first step to work in ABA clinics, hospitals, schools and more. A bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis is 120 credit hours and has general education courses, electives and major courses in ABA.

Online Masters in ABA

An online Masters in ABA is the degree someone will pursue as a working adult or someone who wants to attend school virtually on the path to becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. This degree will help ou work as a school counselor, therapist or psychology assistant, work in a clinic or a hospital. Make sure the program you look at has a Verified Course Sequence and that will prepare you to sit for the BCBA exam and become a certified BCBA.

To earn an ABA master’s degree, you’ll first need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, ABA or a related field, otherwise you may need some prerequisite courses. Some programs will require a certain GPA and some will require you to sit for the GRE.

Graduate Level ABA Certificate

To become a BCBA, you don’t necessarily need a master’s degree – you can earn a certificate at the graduate level if you have a bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. These certificates can also have the Verified Course Sequence that will qualify you to sit for the BCBA examination and can be a shorter path than a full master’s degree.

15 Top Online BCBA Programs

Here’s a look at some top affordable online BCBA programs in bachelor’s, master’s and certificate level, all with Verified Course Sequences by the ABAI.

1. Florida Tech

Master’s in Behavior Analysis Practice

Admission requirements: Online application, unofficial transcript from each college attended, resume
Program level: Graduate degree
Time to graduate: Six semesters
Cost: $940 per credit
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

Florida Tech offers one of the top online BCBA programs at the graduate level. All the courses are within the sequence approved by the ABAI. You can graduate within two years when you take classes during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. One of the top features of the program is its live meetings. Every week, you can talk with your professors and go over anything you want.

Courses include Introduction to Assessment and Intervention, Ethics for Behavior Analysts 1 and 2, and Advanced Personnel Supervision and Management along with some practical work.

2. University of Cincinnati

Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis

Admission requirements: Undergrad degree, 3.0 GPA, resume, goal statement, two letters of reference, transcripts
Program level: Master of Education
Time to graduate: 20 months
Cost: $761 per credit
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

UC Online offers a graduate degree program that prepares students for working in the ABA field. On top of the low tuition cost, the university offers a scholarship for those in the military and a discount for Ohio residents. Start classes whenever you want at the beginning of each semester. You never need to visit the campus and can choose a schedule that works for you to graduate in less than two years. The program follows the recommended ABAI course sequence.

3. Central Methodist University

Bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis

Admission requirements: Minimum high school GPA or standardized test score, high school transcript, application
Program level: Bachelor’s degree
Time to graduate: Four years
Cost: $270 per credit hour
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

Central Methodist University offers an online ABA program for undergrads that follows the on-campus curriculum. Students can take individual courses, choose an ABA minor, or complete the full program that prepares them for their graduate studies. This is one of the only online BCBA programs that ends with a bachelor’s degree.

It includes courses like Introduction to ABA, Research and Data Analysis Methods, and Advanced Topics in ABA along with a senior capstone.

4. University of Massachusetts Global

Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate

Admission requirements: Application, 2.75 minimum GPA, official transcripts, resume
Program level: Graduate certificate
Time to graduate: Under a year
Cost: $900 per course
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

The online branch of the University of Massachusetts launched this program to help students sit for the board exam. You’ll take seven classes that each run for eight weeks, giving you the ability to graduate in a year or less. The university offers online sessions to help you learn more about the program before you apply. Many of the courses you take will also transfer to other schools if you decide to continue your studies.

5. Western Connecticut State University

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Admission requirements: Application, application fee, bachelor’s degree, official transcripts, resume, essay
Program level: Graduate degree
Time to graduate: Around two years
Cost: $7,674 per year
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

This is one of a few online BCBA programs to follow a traditional schedule. You will take the same courses that students on campus do and complete the same amount of fieldwork. The university requires that students do a minimum of 1,500 hours of fieldwork away from its campus. You’ll do some of this work during both years as you take classes on management, ethics, and related subjects.

6. Troy University

Bachelor’s in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis

Admission requirements: Troy University application, application fee, resume, official transcript
Program level: Undergrad degree
Time to graduate: Four years
Cost: $12,486 per year
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

The Troy University psychology program for undergrads gives you a strong foundation in the practical skills and knowledge you’ll need later. Choosing a minor in ABA studies can prepare you for a graduate program, too. On top of your required classes, you’ll also take ABA courses and do some fieldwork. Troy University requires that you do fieldwork at an off-site location and complete detailed records of the work you submit for credit.

7. Ball State University

Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis

Admission requirements: Submission form, minimum GPA of 2.7, official transcript, application, application fee
Program level: Master’s
Time to graduate: Two years or less
Cost: $1,528 per credit
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

Popular among Indiana residents and students in other states, the Ball State ABA program follows a specific course sequence designed to help you get ready for the board exam. Choose between courses that run for eight weeks to 16 weeks, all of which are entirely online. Though it costs a little more than other online BCBA programs, Ball State lets you start as soon as a new semester begins and take courses on ABA ethics, interventions, and more.

8. Arizona State University

Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

Admission requirements: Undergraduate degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, graduate application, official transcript, personal statement, resume, application fee
Program level: Graduate certificate
Time to graduate: 18 months
Cost: $643 per credit hour
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

Get your certificate in ABA studies from ASU Online in as little as around 18 months. Students only need to take seven courses, which last for 7.5 weeks. Completing the program helps you sit for the board exam and become a licensed analyst. ASU has a high rate of graduates who pass the exam on their first attempt. It’s a great program for students who have an undergraduate degree and want to work at the professional level without completing a full graduate program.

9. University of Dayton

Master in Applied Behavior Analysis

Admission requirements: Application, resume, two letters of recommendation, personal stability, official transcript, application fee
Program level: Graduate degree
Time to graduate: 24 months
Cost: $1,405 per credit hour
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes 

What Makes it Stand Out? Though the University of Dayton isn’t the most affordable of the online BCBA programs, it offers many scholarships and financial aid packages for incoming students. The curriculum includes 33 credits of work with some practical experiences you do in real life. Video classes feature live HD streams to help you interact with your teachers and peers. The program lets you access your courses from anywhere in the world and lets you design a capstone project based on your studies.

10. Simmons University

M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis

Admission requirements: Application, application fee, resume, two letters of recommendation, official transcript
Program level: Graduate degree
Time to graduate: 20 months
Cost: $1,125 per credit
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

What Makes it Stand Out? When you apply to this program and complete a financial aid package, you get up to $20,000 in scholarships from Simmons University. Though the program is expensive, those scholarships seriously reduce the rate that most students pay. The university has a 75% BCBA exam pass rate among graduates who took the exam for the first time. You’ll develop strong skills through both your practicum and the fieldwork you do. Students can begin their fieldwork during their first semesters.

11. University of Washington

Applied Behavior Analysis Program

Admission requirements: Bachelor’s degree, statement of purpose, unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, resume
Program level: Master of Education
Time to graduate: Two years
Cost: $554 per credit
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

What Makes it Stand Out? The University of Washington received approval from the ABAI for its graduate program, which qualifies students to take the board exam. Eleven of the courses you take are worth 33 credits and cover subjects like ABA assessments and methods. You also earn three credits for your supervised fieldwork. The program includes another three courses in special education. Before you receive your degree, you must also pass an exam that tests your knowledge of ABA topics.

12. University of North Texas

Applied Behavior Analysis Master of Arts Online

Admission requirements: Bachelor’s degree, minimum GPA, application, application fee
Program level: Graduate degree
Time to graduate: Around a year
Cost: $13,900 in total
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

The University of North Texas designed a graduate ABA degree program that includes both courses and supervised experiences. You work with the university to find practical experience that meets the requirements of the program and earn credit for the work you do. All of the required courses delve into aspects of ABA, such as ethics and assessments. You can also expect to complete a capstone in your final year.

13. University of South Florida

Master’s in Applied Behavior Studies

Admission requirements: Undergrad degree, GPA of 3.0 or higher, personal statement, program support form, three letters of recommendation
Program level: Graduate
Time to graduate: 5 semesters
Cost: $600 per credit
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

What Makes it Stand Out? If you’re looking for online BCBA programs that you can complete quickly, you’ll like the University of South Florida program. As a full-time student, you can graduate in just five semesters. Seven of the courses are within the sequence designed for those who want to sit for the professional board exam. When you apply to the university, you can also apply for graduate scholarships that bring down your tuition.

14. Kent State University

Behavioral Intervention Specialist Certificate

Admission requirements: Undergrad degree, official transcripts, application, application fee
Program level: Graduate certificate
Time to graduate: Less than a year
Cost: $582 per credit
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes 

What Makes it Stand Out? This Kent State University program helps you earn a certificate in a year or less. It features just seven courses, all of which help you get ready for your board exam. The recommended sequence includes three courses during the fall and spring semesters with two courses in the summer, but you can change the sequence to spend more time working on your certificate. The courses include Program Development in ABA and Advanced Interventions for Addressing Severe Behavior.

15. Purdue University Global

Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

Admission requirements: Graduate degree, official college transcripts, application, application fee
Program level: Postgraduate certificate
Time to graduate: 11 months
Cost: $420 per credit
ABAI Verified Course Sequence: Yes

Enroll as a full-time student and finish this certificate program in less than a year. If you’re in the military, a veteran, or a military dependent, you qualify for the university’s discounted rate that drops the price to less than $400 per credit. Having the Purdue name on your resume can open doors that other schools do not open.

You’ll take courses that last for 10 weeks, including Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, and Implementing Procedures for Behavior Change.

Frequently Asked Questions about ABA Programs

Do you need the GRE to enroll in ABA programs?

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a standardized exam often used to determine readiness for graduate-level education. Not all ABA programs require a GRE, so be sure to check with the program you are interested in to see if it’s required.

What coursework should I complete before I get my BCBA certification?

You must obtain at least a master’s level education to obtain a BCBA certification, and this must be in a behavior analysis program, psychology, or education, with a Verified Course Sequence by the ABAI to be able to sit for the BCBA exam. You must also complete work experience of at least 1,500 hours with 75 of those hours supervised by a licensed behavior analyst.

How to Apply for BCBA Certification

After you’ve completed your ABA coursework, gained your work experience and done your practicum, you can sign up online to take the exam for BCBA certification. After you pass the exam, and submit your application, you are qualified to work as a licensed Behavior Analyst.