Current Application Window Closes: July 11, 2025
OnlinePsychology@Pepperdine, Pepperdine University’s online psychology master’s programs, offers a degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) for students who want to foster meaningful and positive change with individuals who have impaired communication and social interaction skills. The program’s course sequence is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, preparing students to sit for the board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) exam.
PROS
12 to 1 student to faculty ratio One-to-one career advising through the Career Center Access to an alumni network of more than 20000 Flexible access on mobile - tablet - or desktop devices Offers clinical placement support No GRE requirement for admissionCONS
Costs are relatively high compared to many other online ABA options Some synchronous course requirements reduce flexibility 100% Online
Next Enrollment Window Begins: April 16, 2025
Purdue is a well-recognized name in higher education, and Purdue Global makes it easy for students across the country to access the superb online learning environment the school provides. With 99% of faculty holding advanced degrees, more than half with doctorates, bringing real, on-the-ground experience, you’ll get a first rate education with a strong dose of real-world ABA practice.
PROS
The only option on our list with BCaBA® preparation Fully 95% of graduates find employment or continue to a master’s program within 18 months A 3-week trial period lets you try before you buy Optional internship placement gives you a head-start on real-world practice experience Hosts student organizations like the Psychology Club and Autism Speaks UCONS
A big-name university that comes with higher tuition costs Admission can be denied on the basis of your Career Outcomes Survey 100% Online
Next Enrollment Window Begins: May 2025
The strong focus on special education applications of ABA and faculty drawn from master’s level programs in special ed and ASD treatment tells you exactly where the advantages are in a GMU ABA grad certificate. With rigorous academic standards in programs designed for non-traditional students, GMU could be the best bet for older or working students looking to build ABA expertise and become certified.
PROS
The 68% BACB exam pass rate is among the best on our list Graduates get lifetime access to the career services team Also offers an MEd in Special Education and graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders Listed by U.S. News & World Report among the 5 best master’s in special education programs Faculty have extensive research experience and professional backgrounds Enjoy a people-centered course that keeps you and patients both front and center Part-time format makes for a more flexible programCONS
Certificate-only program means you still need an acceptable graduate degree for a BCBA® A significant focus on special education may not be appropriate for all ABA career paths 100% Online
Next Start Date: May 5, 2025
With more than 50 years of distance learning expertise behind it, Walden is a school that offers complete mastery of the online format in ABA education delivery. With one-on-one support from enrollment specialists and committed faculty to help you through the program, Walden makes this online option easy at every stage.
PROS
The unique Believe & Achieve Scholarship™ offers tuition savings for reaching specific goals Multiple start dates each year More than 90% of faculty hold doctoral degrees Offers a broad skillset grounded in core psychology concepts Faculty hold active BCBA® certification and incorporate practical firsthand insights No application fee and no GRE requirementCONS
Does not offer supervised fieldwork options Although research methods are taught students don’t have the opportunity to engage in actual ABA research projects Lowest first-time exam pass rate among top programs 100% Online
Next Start Date: May 19, 2025
ASU’s online learning platform has gotten rave reviews from all kinds of national ranking organizations over the past few years. That instills a lot of confidence when selecting ASU for your online ABA graduate certificate. The MA prepares graduates to craft individualized student support backed by ABA principles, while the certificate comes with just a handful of required courses offering a quick option for students who already hold a graduate degree in an accepted field.
PROS
Faculty drawn from a range of disciplines in cognitive science and psychology Develops tools in creating and applying behavior intervention plans based on best practices 24/7 tech support and online tutorials for the learning management system School is ranked 2nd in the U.S. for employability of graduates among public universitiesCONS
No options for curriculum customization in ABA certificate Required organizational behavior management course not applicable to all areas of ABA practice 100% Online
Next Enrollment Window Begins: Spring, Summer, or Fall 2025
With experienced, licensed ABA professionals teaching in small, collaborative classrooms, it’s easy to see why Arcadia’s MEd in ABA gets into the top national rankings. A supportive environment helps you keep up with rigorous coursework focused on ABA applications in educational settings, one of the most demanding practice environments for ABAs.
PROS
Distinguished faculty bring on the ground ABA counseling expertise to the classroom A supportive learning environment cultivates interaction with instructors and peers Full or part-time options availableCONS
An MEd degree may not be ideal for some ABA career paths School services may be less robust than other online ABA options 100% Online
Next Enrollment Window Begins: September 2025
No GRE is required to apply to Simmons' respected, ABAI-verified MS in Behavior Analysis. Graduate in 20 months with the knowledge to take the BCBA exam and assume leadership roles in the growing field of applied behavior analysis.
PROS
Only fully-accredited program on the list No GRE required for admissions 9 to 1 student/faculty ratio Program may be completed in as little as 20 months Includes experiential learning componentCONS
Campus program BCBA® exam pass rate is 84% compared to 74% for graduates of the online program Program may be more expensive than other options 100% Online