We’ve searched, studied, and scrutinized graduate schools from coast to coast to compile a complete list of the best master’s programs in psychology with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Maybe you’re preparing for BCBA® certification and looking to earn a master’s in psychology as your terminal degree. Maybe you’re looking at a master’s as a way to position yourself to earn a PsyD or PhD in psychology so you can become a licensed psychologist. In any case, concentrating your studies in applied behavior analysis opens the door to a whole universe of things you can do in behavioral psychology.
In order for that master’s degree to open the door to the option of earning BCBA® certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), it needs to meet a specific set of curriculum requirements.
Whether BCBA® certification and professional ABA practice is the ultimate aim of your career goals, or you’re considering a BCBA-D® to augment your practice as a doctorate-prepared licensed psychologist, the most streamlined way to get there is to simply select a master’s program that includes the BACB’s Verified Course Sequence (VCS).
That’s exactly what you’ll find here. Our list includes only master’s degrees (MA, MS) in psychology that include an ABA track or concentration, and all include the Verified Course Sequence required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for BCBA® or BCBA-D® certification.
You can always take these courses in a stand-alone certificate program after the fact. But with the right master’s, you can easily save yourself the trouble and extra expense.
ABAI-Accredited Psych Master’s Programs Always Include the VCS, but They Aren’t the Only Ones
The VCS stamp has long been the standard for ensuring your education meets the strict standards for BCBA® certification. Faculty at these schools appointed to the role of VCS Coordinator provide attestation to the BACB that all the necessary curriculum requirements are there. It’s a system that’s been in place for a good number of years, and for good reason – it works.
But it also has some limitations. Although that process will remain in place for the foreseeable future, certain parts of the legacy VCS system are sunsetting at the end of 2025. Increasingly, the BACB is leaning into the more holistic accreditation process which considers overall program quality, faculty excellence, and field experience in addition to providing the standard curriculum verifications.
That’s what you get from programs that have been accredited or at least recognized by ABAI, and soon APBA (Association of Professional Behavior Analysts).
Make no mistake, earning a psychology degree through a non-accredited program that includes the VCS is still a tried and tested way of getting the education you need, and many of these programs are truly exceptional. In fact, we include several right here on this list!
How ABA Programs With a Solid Grounding in General Psychology Work to Your Advantage
Top Master’s Degree Programs in Psychology with an Emphasis in ABA
Common Questions People Ask About Top Psychology Master’s Degree Programs With an ABA Track
How ABA Programs With a Solid Grounding in General Psychology Work to Your Advantage
A decade ago, it was far more common to find psychology programs that simply tacked on a Verified Course Sequence to allow the occasional grad interested in BCBA® certification to reach their goals. Dedicated ABA degrees were few and far between, and demand for ABA practitioners wasn’t huge.
A lot has changed since then. ABA is booming, driven by surging levels of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) diagnosis and a recognition of the many other populations that behavior analysts can successfully treat.
Consequently, many of the universities that offered these programs spun them out into dedicated ABA master’s programs.
Still, the roots these have in psychology can be a key differentiator from programs that were built for ABA from the ground up. You can expect a broader exposure to core psychological principles and other diagnostic, assessment, and treatment techniques than a purely behavioral approach might offer. Also, in some states, you might find that a degree in psychology can open up certain types of licensure options that an ABA program alone might not offer.
What Are the Features That Distinguish Psychology Degrees With an ABA Focus?
There are many other solid reasons why you might pursue a degree with strong psychology roots that also incorporates ABA coursework.
The first, of course, is that ABA itself is an approach to assessment and therapy that grows out of one of the most influential concepts in modern psychology today: behaviorism. Applied uses are the stock in trade of BCBA®s. But the theory behind them is enormously important as well.
You’re more likely to get a broader perspective on the framework behind those theories and the experimentation and results they emerged from when ploughing through the raw stuff of a psychology degree. BF Skinner will get more than a passing mention, and you’ll no doubt unearth the roots put down by Watson and Pavlov decades earlier.
It’s likely you’ll have a broader range of experimental and practical learning options in an MS in Psychology with an ABA focus than in a purely behavior analytic degree program.
You are also going to find professors in these programs who have a more nuanced view of both ABA itself, and the place that ABA therapy holds in the larger toolbox of applied psychology. That’s not necessarily something you need for a BCBA®. But as you bring ABA to bear on different kinds of issues, it may help shape your approach—and strengthen your abilities.
Of course, it’s also the case that there are some positions that require a psychology degree for state licensure. With a psychology master’s degree that also includes a VCS, you’ll be eligible for both credentials.
Selection Criteria
Starting with the nearly 50 graduate schools that offer the BACB-approved Verified Course Sequence (VCS) within their department of psychology, we set out to find the best options around. We identified 23 programs that stand out from the rest, with the baseline for consideration being:
- Degree offered as part of an MA/MS in psychology that meets the degree requirements for BCBA® certification
- Include the VCS, accreditation through APBA or ABAI, or program recognition from ABAI
- Annual graduate school tuition rates in-line with the national average for public institutions adjusted for location
- Student to faculty ratio of better than 30:1
Top Master’s Degree Programs in Psychology with an Emphasis in ABA
This list features programs that our editorial staff hand selected to present as top recommendations. We believe the many aspects of a program that come together to create an exceptional student experience can’t be reduced to numbers alone, so no formula was used to attempt to score or rank these programs. Instead, they represent our top picks based on a thoughtful review of the things we know mean the most to students.
Each one of these programs offers something unique, and all come highly recommended. We stand behind the principal of editorial integrity and make these recommendations independently and without compensation.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve done the work of laying out the information you need to find your perfect program, from tuition rates and delivery method to all the key highlights that make each program unique.
ALABAMA
Jacksonville State University (public)
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Jacksonville, AL
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (on-campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $16,692
Student to faculty ratio: 1.4 to 1
Credits to complete: 39
Also offers:
- Applied Behavior Analysis Minor
- Program is fully accredited by ABAI
- Coursework in experimental behavior analysis gets back to some of the essential psychology behind ABA
- Current research from both the fields of ABA and psychology come up frequently as discussion points in class
- Faculty research projects involve students in current explorations of the limits of behavior analysis research
- Human and animal research facilities on campus are open to students for further exploration and analysis
As a core offering from the Department of Psychology, the roots of this one-time ABA specialization within a psych degree turned full ABA program are still apparent. The strong science-based curriculum and ties to basic psychological principles and research methods remains key to your education at JSU. With critical thinking and professional skill building in ABA stacked on to that foundation, and full ABAI accreditation backing it up, you can count on this degree to deliver fundamentals with a real behavioral emphasis.
CALIFORNIA
California State University – Los Angeles (public)
Department of Special Education and Counseling
Los Angeles, CA
Website
Master of Science Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (on-campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $17,368
Student to faculty ratio: 13 to 1
Credits to complete: 52
Also offers:
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Educational Specialist in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Minor in Psychology
- Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Graduates have an excellent 88% pass rate on the BCBA® examination
- Students work closely with mentors through their final experimental thesis project
- Around a quarter of ABA grads from the program choose to go on to doctoral-level studies
- Both students and faculty are regular presenters at state and national conferences and publish in industry-leading journals
- Hands-on experience with the on-campus ABA services provides easy access to needed practicum hours with the Central Vally Regional Center, local schools, and residential facilities
Rigor and an empirical focus are the strong underpinnings that this former MA in Psych program comes to life as a full Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students can lean on advanced research in ABA taking place here, along with other exciting projects in school psychology, cognitive psychology, or developmental psychology that have close ties to behavioral studies.
California State University – Sacramento (public)
College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
Sacramento, CA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (on-campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $13,360
Student to faculty ratio: 21 to 1
Credits to complete: 40/42
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Master of Science in Psychological Research
- Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Minor in Psychology
- Certificate in Behavior Analysis
- Learn to think critically about behavioral processes across populations and practice areas
- Both research and clinical practicum training are available with various off-campus agencies focused on autism interventions
- The school hosts the Student Association for Applied Behavior Analysis to provide networking and conference opportunities
- The campus Psychological Services Center offers superb observational and learning support through audio and video recording equipment and facilities for working with children
- The Prospects Peer Mentoring and Advising program offers support as you plan your academic and professional career paths
The fact that CSUS also plays host to graduate programs in psychological research and I-O psychology tell you a lot about the commitment to having students participate in and understand basic research fueling all types of psychological studies. These are areas that work to reinforce the already-strong ABA program at the school as well. Strong interdisciplinary connection are fostered through the Annual Psychology Department Research Conference to showcase breakthroughs and offer professional development opportunities for students.
California State University – Stanislaus (public)
School of Human Services and Social Sciences
Stanislaus, CA
Website
Master of Science in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration, Behavior Analysis Track
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $16,120
Student to faculty ratio: 16 to 1
Credits to complete: 40
Also offers:
- Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Science in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration, Counseling Track
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Minor in Psychology
- Students graduating from CSU-Stan have an 86% pass rate on the BCBA® exam
- Close mentoring is delivered by faculty who have extensive experience in behavior analysis
- Learn essential counseling skills from the MFT tradition as well as advanced ABA techniques
- Campus facilities include an animal research facility demonstrating experimental analysis of pigeon behavior
- Meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences Requirements to be eligible for MFT licensure as well as BCAB certification
With an active approach to learning, the MS program at CSU-Stanislaus takes the scientist-practitioner model seriously. You’ll absorb your lessons through active integration of research as well as theory and practice in the behavior analytic approach to MFT. With an on-campus ABA master’s program as well, you can be sure that you are getting exposure to the latest in research and investigation in that field on top of excellence in MFT concepts and techniques.
Pepperdine University (private)
Graduate School of Education & Psychology
Los Angeles, CA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (on-campus, online)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $46,950
Student to faculty ratio: 13 to 1
Credits to complete: 30
Also offers:
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
- Better than average BCBA® exam pass rates demonstrate the capabilities that Pepperdine gives every student
- Passionate and committed faculty members are both accomplished academics and high-level ABA practitioners
- Online courses are available on mobile or desktop devices
- Over 20,000 alumni create a tremendous network for new graduates to tap into
- Placement specialists assist online students in lining up local clinical training opportunities in line with their goals
- Coursework also covers applications of ABA in organizational behavior management
- The practitioner-scholar model exposes you to individuals from diverse backgrounds with a variety of rehab, educational, and residential facility placements at more than 50 practicum sites for on-campus students
- One of the highest-ranked universities by a variety of national publications including S. News & World Report
- Classes are offered in the evening to accommodate working professionals
As a top-tier ABA master’s degree from a top-tier university, the Pepperdine MS delivers capability with the flexibility of either online or on-campus studies. The more general psychology roots of the program emerge through an emphasis on clinical casework and adjunct instruction in organizational behavior management. In a state with the highest demand for behavior analysts in the country, this is one of the best places to get your training.
University of the Pacific (private)
Department of Psychology
Stockton, CA
Website
Master of Arts in Behavioral Psychology (on-campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $52,620
Student to faculty ratio: 14 to 1
Credits to complete: 30
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Choose an emphasis in either applied behavior analysis or doctoral preparation in behavioral analysis, behavioral psychology, or related fields
- Complete your degree in two to three years with flexible scheduling
- Find practicum placements in settings like Community Re-Entry, Stockton Unified School District, or the Valley Mountain Regional Center.
UP’s mission is to train up both scientists and clinicians using a proven scientist-practitioner model. Because the two-track program caters to students both pursuing ABA credentials immediately and those intending to go on to more advanced doctoral studies, you’ll be getting a custom tailored combination of theoretical and practical training aligned with your goals.
FLORIDA
Florida State University (public)
College of Arts and Sciences
Panama City, FL
Website
Master of Science Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (on-campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $17,316
Student to faculty ratio: 7.5 to 1
Credits to complete: 39
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Degree is accredited by ABAI
- Graduates have a 95% pass rate on the BCBA® exam
- Program offered simultaneously in Panama City and Tallahassee
- Faculty and students are connected live for the same great content at both campuses
- Students may receive paid assistantships with approved agencies
- Limited access program students get a tuition waiver
- GRE not required for admission
- Extensive field placement options include the Panama City campus Early Childhood Autism Program
FSU brings home some of the highest pass rates not just in Florida, but across the country, when it comes to graduates taking the BCBA® exam. As a long-time leader in the field when it comes to behavioral research, many professors are regularly published in top industry journals. As part of a department that also includes stellar doctoral programs in cognitive, neuroscience, social, developmental, and clinical psychology, you’ll be surrounded by the best and the brightest to push your own skills higher.
Nova Southeastern University (private)
College of Psychology
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Website
Master of Science in Counseling, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration (online)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $49,950
Student to faculty ratio: 17 to 1
Credits to complete: 54
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Master of Science in Forensic Psychology
- Master of Science in Experimental Psychology
- Master of Science in General Psychology
- School Psychology Specialist (PsyS)
- Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD/PhD)
- Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology (PsyD)
- Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Minor in Neuroscience
- Minor in Forensic Studies
- Minor in Psychology
- Minor in Psychology for Health Sciences
- Learn alongside future school and other professional counselors for a broader view of the profession than comes in most ABA degrees
- Integrated training, research, and service lead to seamless gains in practical skills and theory
- The school has 15 on-site psychology clinics treating a diverse South Florida population
- Expert educators have earned international recognition in their fields of practice
- NSU graduates enjoy a diverse range of employment settings, from law firms to healthcare to government and corporate HR positions in addition to traditional counseling jobs
Combining a traditional counseling education with the technical skills of ABA isn’t something that many schools can effectively manage, but NSU Florida has you covered here. Developing a strong skill in diagnosing psychopathologies and assessing career and lifestyle factors comes together with new behavioral interventions that give you a broad skillset to help individuals and groups in every stage of life with any sort of difficulty.
University of Miami (private)
Department of Psychology
Coral Gables, FL
Website
Master of Science in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis (on-campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $#
Student to faculty ratio: 11 to 1
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Arts/Sciences in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
- PhD in Clinical Psychology
- PhD in Psychological Sciences
- Graduates from the program enjoy a 63% first-time pass rate on the BCBA® exam
- Clinical practicum work is performed at the well-respected on-campus Intensive Behavior Intervention Services Clinic
- Program runs on a cohort model with small groups on the same track throughout their course of instruction
- Ranks among the top schools in the nation for funding support from the National Institute of Health for psychology departments
- The Autism Spectrum Assessment Clinic and Child and Adolescent Mood and Anxiety Treatment Clinic provide on-campus locations to hone your specific skills with ASD patients and kids
- The Behavioral Medicine Research Center offers a shot at interdisciplinary research engagement during your studies
- Active faculty research projects cover adults, children, and cognitive and behavioral neuroscience investigations across the lifespan
- The school is considered a world leader in autism research and support, with more than 17,000 families in South Florida alone receiving assistance each year
A solid blend of academic instruction, research, hands-on work with the amazingly diverse Miami-area population, and community service characterize this degree program. Although this is an MS in Psychology, it’s the only specialization available at UMiami at the master’s level, so you can see exactly where the school’s focus is. However, with highly-respected doctoral training in clinical and research psychology, you also benefit from the advanced core knowledge and research programs that faculty here engage in.
INDIANA
Purdue University Global (public)
West Lafayette, IN
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $18,900
Student to faculty ratio: 25 to 1
Credits to complete: 30
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (ABA concentration available)
- Master of Science in Psychology
- ABA Post-baccalaureate Certificate
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- An average completion time of only one year makes this program a fast-track option
- Fieldwork can be completed in your current workplace or with the hundreds of national partner programs cultivated at Purdue
- Develop expertise in assessment, intervention, and evidence-based practice along with strong ethical and cultural skills
- Capstone experience includes specific BCBA® exam prep certification
- The online graduate resource center and ABA student site provide a wealth of resources to make your education smoother
- The school offers generous transfer credit policies and accepts prior military training experience for credit
- Almost all faculty hold advanced degrees, and more than half hold doctorates in their field
- Faculty have published almost 500 articles in professional journals over the past year
As an expressly online university, you don’t have to worry about any hiccups or glitches in your course experience as a remote student. Purdue has all the issues ironed out, with excellent support, streaming, and interactive service platforms. In addition to the flexibility you enjoy as part of the package here, the school also has a reputation for delivering excellent training at a relatively low-cost, showing you all the benefits of a virtual campus with low overhead.
LOUISIANA
McNeese State University (public)
Department of Psychology
Lake Charles, LA
Website
Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (on-campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $26,158
Student to faculty ratio: 4.5 to 1
Credits to complete: 58
Also offers:
- Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (online—not accredited by ABAI)
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- You won’t find any better track record than the 100% pass rate on the BCBA® exam that McNeese graduates enjoy
- Program accredited by ABAI
- Select students may receive a merit-based graduate assistantship
- Coursework is led by BACB-approved faculty who have extensive experience and academic expertise
- MAP, the McNeese Autism Program, offers a community connection allowing students to gain practical experience helping local families with ASD kids
The fact that McNeese graduates have a perfect 100% pass rate on the BCBA® exam tells you everything you need to know about the quality of this excellent Louisiana program. The fact that the school also runs the McNeese Autism Program to support local patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder tells you what you want to know about the commitment and heart that your education will come with. Expert instructors and a commitment to making sure every student absorbs the material is what you can expect when enrolling here.
MASSACHUSETTS
Northeastern University (private)
Bouvé College of Health Sciences
Boston, MA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, hybrid)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $43,170
Student to faculty ratio: 16 to 1
Credits to complete: 30
Also offers:
- Master of Science in Applied Psychology
- Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
- Master of Science in School Psychology
- Students have a nearly 70% pass rate on the BCBA® exam
- Also offered in a hybrid program package at a campus in Charlotte, NC
- Online courses are supported by cutting-edge technology and offer flexible scheduling for working professionals
- Optional synchronous course meetings can deliver more real-time interaction with professors
- Option to complete required experience through either supervised fieldwork courses at the university or on your own
- A professional portfolio capstone demonstrates your competencies as developed throughout the program
- Alumni have gone on to illustrious positions supervising autism programs in public schools, working through private clinics, or in the healthcare system at hospitals
With ABA instruction on the menu at Northeastern since 1976, you have a strong institutional background and excellent base of research to build your training on. Learn both teaching and intervention skills from world class instructors, most of which are qualified with BCBA-D® doctoral certifications. The flexibility here is the big draw, allowing you to attend class synchronously or asynchronously, while also giving you the option to complete supervised fieldwork either arranged by the university or on your own.
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (public)
Department of Psychology
Dartmouth, MA
Website
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Behavior Specialty (hybrid)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $24,840
Student to faculty ratio: 15 to 1
Credits to complete: 36
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
- Master of Arts in Research Psychology
- Behavior Analyst Post-Masters Certificate
- Graduates nail the BCBA® exam with 100% pass rates
- Offered on a part-time basis for working professionals
- Learn from doctorally-qualified faculty with a range of research interests in severe behavior disorders, emotion communication, and treatment integrity
- Practicum settings can include clinics, hospitals, residential treatment centers, public schools, and community agencies
- Practicum can also be structured to be performed in your current job setting if you work in a suitable position
- Ranked among the Best Colleges for Psychology Programs in the United States for 2025 by S. News & World Report
If you’re looking for a program in the Northeast that puts ABA training squarely in the theoretical framework of the larger field of psychology, UMassD is the place for you. With a regionally respected set of MA degrees in psychology, the behavior specialty tacks on extensive, ABAI-approved course on to a program whose faculty are devoted to unlocking the mysteries of the mind. A broad spectrum of research opportunities and flexible practicum placements make this a good bet no matter what your area of interest in ABA.
MICHIGAN
Michigan School of Psychology (private)
Farmington Hills, MI
Website
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration (on campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $41,418
Student to faculty ratio: 7.3 to 1
Credits to complete: 54
Also offers:
- Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
- Integrates core psychology skills with emerging skills and perspectives around ABA
- Incorporate visualization into your research processes and evaluations of data
- Academic Writing Support tutors assist students in adopting a required scholarly style in projects and reports
- The school’s Career Services team both puts up job postings and puts on an annual career fair to help students find job placements
MSP puts an emphasis on both professional development and personal growth in all their programs. That’s a huge advantage to your ABA studies that incorporate experiential learning and self-exploration with your top-notch psychological instruction. Rich human interaction and collaboration characterize the average student experience here. You’ll get the kind of support and encouragement you need to get through the rigorous academic and clinical environment.
North Michigan University (public)
Department of Psychological Science
Marquette, MI
Website
Master of Science in Psychology with Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis(on campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $22,496
Student to faculty ratio: 18 to 1
Credits to complete: 32
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
- Minor in Psychology
- Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Graduates from the school have a pass rate of 83% on the BCBA® exam
- Courses taken toward your ABA certificate can also count toward the main degree track
- The campus BEAR (Behavior Education Assessment and Research) center offers research and practical hands-on experience for students
- NMU offers numerous other research opportunities on high-level projects unlocking new psychological data
Students here pursuing ABA certification stack the school’s existing certificate in ABA coursework onto the MS curriculum to walk away with a thorough grounding in psychological science along with all the educational requirements for BCBA® certification. That leaves you ready to either hit the ground running as a practicing ABA or to pursue more advanced studies in psychology. A strong emphasis on the scientific bases of psychology, including statistical and methodological knowledge and experimental training, helps to reinforce the essentials of ABA, making you a more well-rounded practitioner.
NEVADA
University of Nevada, Reno (public)
Department of Psychology
Reno, NV
Website
Master of Science Degree in Behavior Analysis (on-campus, online)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $12,744
Student to faculty ratio: 18 to 1
Credits to complete: 36
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Behavior Analysis concentration available)
- Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
- Master of Science in Cognitive and Brain Sciences
- Master of Science in Integrative Neuroscience
- PhD in Behavior Analysis
- PhD in Clinical Psychology
- PhD in Cognitive and Brain Sciences
- PhD in Integrative Neuroscience
- PhD in Social Psychology
- Minor in Psychology
- No GRE required for admission
- Program is ABAI-accredited
- Online degrees at UNR can be completed in only 20 months of study
- The on-campus Behavioral Education and Consulting Services (BECS) offers students the opportunity to perform FBS, interventions, and skill assessments
- Other university outreach efforts open up placements at the Psychological Services Center and Spectrum Learning Center
- Every student in the program is assigned a core behavior analysis faculty member as an academic advisor
- Fieldwork course placements assisted by dedicated training coordinators
With a wide range of applied research projects available as well as community outreach efforts that allow you to develop hands-on expertise helping Reno-area residents, you will master both cutting-edge theory and practical intervention skills in this program. The practicality extends to longer-term considerations, too, with a series of career-boosting workshops open to students looking for employment after graduation.
NEW JERSEY
Rider University (private)
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Princeton, NJ
Website
Master of Arts in Applied Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis (on campus, hybrid)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $37,800
Student to faculty ratio: 12 to 1
Credits to complete: 36
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Arts in Counseling Services
- Educational Specialist in School Psychology (EdS)
- Minor in Psychology
- Part-time completion options, with courses available in the evenings for working professionals
- Simple Zoom attendance for hybrid students makes online connections easy
- A seven-week format offers the choice to take a single class at a time for more focus
- University partners range from the New York metro area into Philadelphia, offering a range of clinical placement choices
- An accelerated degree option allows you to combine bachelor and master’s programs into a single five-year block
- The Center for Excellence in Applied Psychology offers opportunities for students to meet the needs of the local community while researching and practicing ABA
- Named 11th in Best Value Regional Universities by S. News & World Report for 2025
Solving performance problems, building new behaviors, and reinforcing appropriate behavior are all part of the skills you will learn through the Rider MA in Applied Psychology program focused on ABA. Strong partnerships across the region open up practicum placements at a range of exciting clinical, educational, and rehab facilities. Grounded in the experience and expertise of faculty members with backgrounds in ABA, you’ll graduate with a powerful set of skills and strong job prospects.
NORTH CAROLINA
University of North Carolina Wilmington (public)
Department of Psychology
Wilmington, NC
Website
Master of Science in Psychology Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration (on campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $13,464
Student to faculty ratio: 17 to 1
Credits to complete: 51
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- PhD in Clinical Psychology
- Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis and Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities
- Minor in Psychology
- Minor in Neuroscience
- Both doctoral and master’s programs are ABAI-accredited
- Faculty members have received awards such as the 2024 Rising Research Excellence Award
- Small cohort sizes of between 5 and 7 students per year
- Comes with a 6-month internship as well as practicum experiences
- Each student receives direct mentorship from a behavior analysis faculty member
The educational experience in psychology you get at UNCW goes well beyond the classroom. The faculty here offer up plenty of opportunities to get involved in hands-on research, while student services help you connect with the outside professional community for diverse field experiences. You’ll complete the same core coursework in psychology and research methods as other psychology students, while going on to complete emphasis coursework in ABA along with your empirical thesis in the field. It’s a program that combines the theoretical and the practical, preparing you for the whole world of ABA practice after graduation.
OKLAHOMA
University of Central Oklahoma (public)
College of Education and Professional Studies
Edmond, OK
Website
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis (on campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $15,840
Student to faculty ratio: 17 to 1
Credits to complete: 36
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Master of Science in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Minor in Psychology
- Graduates are prepared to work with a diverse range of patient populations in diverse settings
- Find the opportunity for both scholarly and creative accomplishments
- Global learning options, including study tours and international conferences
- Study at a school where innovation is expected of every academic department
The scientific-practitioner approach fosters critical thinking and experimental design with the practical experience and knowledge needed to become a successful clinician. But UCO has a larger mission, to create productive, creative, ethical, and engaged citizens of the global community. Your skill development, empathy, and professional values as an ABA will all be shaped and placed within that larger context, delivering more value and giving you a chance to have a greater impact in your career.
PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (private)
Department of Psychology
Philadelphia, PA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (hybrid)
Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $36,216
Student to faculty ratio: 12.4 to 1
Credits to complete: 36
Also offers:
- Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
- Doctor of Educational Psychology (PhD/PsyD)
- Educational Specialist in School Psychology
- Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
- 83% first-time pass rate among graduates taking the BCBA® exam
- The ABA MS program has a sole focus on behavioral pediatrics
- Faculty come with extensive experience in psychology and are actively engaged in current issues and research
- Curriculum prepares students to promote social justice through culturally responsive practices
- Only school to offer a one-year ABA master’s option
- Certificate program offered with both Graduate Studies and Advanced Graduate Studies tracks
- Certificate credits can be transferred to the MS in ABA if you decide to go for the full degree
PCOM opens the door to unique options for your ABA education no matter where you started your journey. The MS in ABA is designed to prepare practitioners skilled in supporting the needs of kids facing neurodevelopmental and behavioral disabilities. The ABA certificate can be earned entirely online and is open to either bachelor’s or master’s graduates. Either way, you’ll get a great course of study in ABA tools and techniques with a firm grounding in the core elements of modern psychology.
Eastern University (private)
Department of Graduate Counseling Psychology
St. Davids, PA
Website
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, hybrid)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $47,400
Student to faculty ratio: 19 to 1
Credits to complete: 60
Also offers:
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (General, Trauma Studies)
- Master of Science in School Psychology
- Advanced Graduate Studies Certificate in School Psychology
- 83% first-time pass rate among graduates taking the national BCBA® exam
- Professors deliver not just the tools needed for strong counseling skills, but also the confidence to take on tough professional challenges
- Counseling degree accredited by MPCAC and meets LPC licensing standards in Pennsylvania
- Hybrid coursework geared to working professionals includes evening classes on campus
- Partner grants, military benefits, and federal financial aid options reduce the already affordable tuition rate
- Faculty have both behavior analysis credentials and practical experience in the field
- A Nationally-Recognized Christian University with an inclusive Christian community
While you’ll walk away from this program fully prepared for LPC or LBS (Licensed Behavioral Specialist) credentials and the skills to work with any disability or population, the program is geared to preparing specialists in school and community practice settings. You’ll study under professors with a lot of experience in the field, all committed to imparting their hard-earned expertise to the students they teach. The core values of faith, reason, and justice will serve you well no matter what career path your education takes you down.
TEXAS
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (public)
Department of Psychological Science
Brownsville, TX
Website
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate (on campus)
Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology with Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate (on campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $35,850
Student to faculty ratio: 19 to 1
Credits to complete: 75
Also offers:
- PhD in Clinical Psychology
- Certificate program is also available stand-alone to previous graduates who hold a qualifying master’s degree
- Experimental psych grads can complete ABA VCS courses as electives in their regular degree plan
- Opens up the option to both psychologist and ABA licensing with further qualifications
- A predominantly Hispanic population under treatment prepares most graduates to work in bilingual mental health treatment positions nationwide
- Thesis and non-thesis degree options available
The UTRG ABA approach is technically a stand-alone certificate program that comprises seven courses fulfilling BACB 6th edition task list requirements. But when you put that certificate together with one of the two outstanding master of psychology program the school offers, you have a full-fledged BACB degree path to credentials as an ABA. With choices in either clinical or experimental psych on the menu, you can use this flexibility to launch your career in any direction in the ABA world.
VIRGINIA
James Madison University (public)
Department of Graduate Psychology
Harrisonburg, VA
Website
Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences – Behavior Analysis Concentration (on campus)
Estimated Cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $20,196
Student to faculty ratio: 17 to 1
Credits to complete: 36
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science/Arts in Psychology
- Master of Science in School Counseling
- Master of Science in School Psychology
- Every student enrolled in the program has a dedicated faculty advisor
- The program has an emphasis on advanced empirical research
- Experience coursework in statistics, measurement, and research design alongside behavioral studies
- Prepares students for doctoral education
- Rated as the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia
- Has the highest master’s-level graduation rate in the US among large, public universities
JMU offers students the essential advantage of BCBA® qualified curriculum on top of a master’s in the science of psychology. Through just three additional courses, taken as electives, you’ll turn your MA in Psychology into a full ABAI-aligned VCS that gives you everything you need to be eligible for BCBA® certification. That means you’re already getting a solid stack of behavioral training and guidance right in the core curriculum, leading to a degree that will allow you to go on to doctoral studies or straight into the field experience you’ll need to become a BCBA®.
Common Questions People Ask About Top Psychology Master’s Degree Programs With an ABA Track
Will a Psychology Degree Still Qualify Me For Licensure as a BCBA®?
Yes. In fact, BACB specifically recognizes degrees in applied behavior analysis, psychology, or education as meeting the qualifications for certification.
As long as your program is accredited or recognized by ABAI or APBA, or simply includes the Verified Course Sequence (VCS), the degree will meet all the education requirements you need to qualify for BCBA® certification.
Will Studying Behavior Analytic Coursework in My Master’s Degree Hurt My Chances at Getting Into a PhD in Psychology Program?
Not at all! Behaviorism is an important foundation in modern psychological thought. Focusing your master’s studies there is no different than picking any other important aspect of psychology as a focus. In fact, studying ABA at the master’s level will give you a solid grounding in many of the practical aspects of patient assessment and treatment that a full PhD in Clinical Psychology will help you master should you eventually earn one.
What is the Difference Between Accreditation, Recognition, and VCS?
Master’s programs in psychology that include the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) assure you that the school has aligned the curriculum with BACB standards for earning the BCBA® credential. Even if you attend a program with the VCS, if it is non-accredited and non-recognized, your completed courses must be reviewed individually by a VCS Coordinator at your school who will present attestation directly to BACB that all requirements have been met.
With the VCS (Verified Course Sequence) system sunsetting at the end of 2025, there’s some confusion about what it means for students enrolling today and what will replace it.
Accreditation, offered by ABAI (Association for Behavior Analysis International) or soon, APBA (Association for Professional Behavior Analysts), provides the certainty that VCS courses are included, and the additional assurance that comes with a thorough assessment of academic quality. But that’s a process that takes time, and only 29 graduate schools in the country have completed the process as of 2025. That’s part of the reason ABAI has begun to grant recognized status to programs that are eligible for accreditation or otherwise going through the accreditation process. For all intents and purposes, recognized programs hold virtually the same status as fully accredited programs.
Why Should I Still Consider VCS-qualified Programs if VCS is Going Away?
Existing VCS-recognized programs will still have a VCS Coordinator who will attest to your education, which is fully sufficient for certification. While no new schools will be considered for ABAI’s VCS system after 2025, it’s expected that most schools that currently have a VCS will simply shift over to the new Tiered Model of Education and be tracked for eventual accreditation.
The change is being handled in a way that ensures zero issues for current students and those who may enroll in non-accredited and non-recognized programs during 2025.
How Does the New BACB Coursework Attestation Process Work?
Actually, the attestation process isn’t new. It’s simply a process that’s going to be relied on even more as a way to backfill for an alternate process that’s coming to an end in 2026, which involved students submitting coursework to BACB themselves. That time-consuming process was burdensome for both students and the BACB and is being eliminated as part of an overall streamlining.
All that is changing for current ABA students in 2026 is that those completing non-accredited and non-recognized programs must work with a VCS Coordinator through the attestation process. However, ABAI is retiring the list of schools that currently have the VCS built in, and those schools are being strongly encouraged to move into the recognition/accreditation system. No new programs are being evaluated for VCS and any school that introduces a degree or certificate going forward will have to pursue accreditation.
Ultimately, by 2032, all candidates must graduate from accredited programs to be fully qualified.
With the VCS System Sunsetting, Can I Still Meet Education Requirements With a Post-Master’s Certificate in ABA?
Yes! ABAI is not throwing certificate programs under the bus with the removal of VCS. Since many psychology master’s programs offer the VCS as part of a certificate program that students take alongside their degree, you can be sure those are sticking around.
In fact, the new Tiered Model of Education accounts for this. Tiers 3 and 4 of the new system are devoted entirely to non-degree programs leading to BCBA® certification.
Tier 3 covers recognized non-degree certificate programs offered by American colleges with and without experiential learning content; Tier 4 will be exactly the same, but for non-US based training programs offered by organizations that are not institutions of higher education.
Should I Pursue a Dedicated Degree in ABA or a Psychology Master’s Program With an ABA Concentration?
Your choice of degree will depend on a number of factors.
For the purpose of receiving BCBA® certification and state licensure to work as an applied behavior analyst, all that really matters is that the graduate degree includes the Verified Course Sequence. The other details of coursework, practicum options, and concentration areas are entirely up to you.
If you are seeking psychology licensure in state’s that offer a master’s-level license in psychology, as is the case with school psychology in many states, then a psychology degree may be a requirement. You will also notice a couple programs on our list that are even more specific, offering preparation for other master’s-level professions, namely counseling and marriage and family therapy. In most states, these roles require an education specific to these respective fields, so you will need a degree that fits the bill.
ABA skills and BCBA® certification can be a powerful addition to all of them.
On the other hand, if you aren’t planning to branch out from the core work of ABA, you may decide that you can get more focused, in-depth training in a dedicated ABA master’s degree program.