ABA is most often used with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but it is also helpful in the context of traumatic brain injuries, organization behavioral management, and special education.
Many mental health counselors are also using ABA to treat individuals with substance abuse disorders or who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The average annual salary for someone with a master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis is $61,000. Comparatively, those with a Bachelor’s in Psychology earn $57,000 per year.
There are different paths to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Individuals with a master’s degree in a related field can earn a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Otherwise, students complete BCBA coursework while earning a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or a related area with a concentration in ABA.
All programs featured in our list are offered by regionally accredited schools. Many also have programmatic accreditation through organizations like the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
While the coursework for the listed programs can be completed online, students will have to complete an intensive practicum, per BACB certification standards.
We focused on the cost of the program while also evaluating reputation, faculty, and flexibility. We then gave each program an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
For individuals with a master’s degree in a field like psychology, earning an ABA certificate is sufficient for becoming a BCBA. However, under federal guidelines, certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. This is something to consider when looking at the cost of certificate programs versus master’s programs.
Because ABA is a human services profession, learning how to work with clients is a key component of BCBA education. The BACB requires a supervised practicum as part of their experience requirements for certification. Even if all coursework can be completed online, students should be prepared to attend an in-person practicum. Talk to a program advisor to confirm that these requirements will fit into your schedule.
After obtaining your degree, you will have to pass an exam before you are considered a BCBA. Thereafter, you must complete continuing education credits on an ongoing basis to maintain your certification.
Many states are beginning to require a license as well as certification to practice as a BCBA. Licensure is an ever-evolving process. It’s important that students and practitioners pay attention to the current status of regulations in the state in which they plan to practice. This is also something to take into consideration when choosing where you will earn your degree.
Here are some questions to ask when researching BCBA programs:
As you research programs, review their application requirements and deadlines on the school’s website or by contacting the school’s admissions office. Gathering your application materials well ahead of deadlines can help your admissions process go as smoothly as possible.