Master's in applied behavioral analysis (ABA)
An online master's in applied behavior analysis can lead to careers in counseling, therapy, education, and more. Connect with accredited programs to learn more.
Explore online ABA programs
Why earn a master's degree in ABA online?
Develop a versatile hard-skill
Applied behavioral analysis has practical applications in psychology, counseling, social work, consumer research, marketing, and many other fields.
Prepare for certification exams
An online master's in applied behavioral analysis program can prepare you for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination.
Optimize your educational flexibility
Study ABA on your terms: Online students have more control over their schedule, learning pace, and choice of schools.
Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a systematic method in psychology for guiding therapies designed to help people with emotional, social, behavioral, or mental health conditions. Master's programs in ABA can help you prepare for careers in therapy, coaching, and business disciplines like marketing and organizational management. Explore curricula, career paths, earning potential, and more.
Browse accredited online ABA programs
What is an online master's in applied behavioral analysis?
Master's programs in applied behavioral analysis mainly appeal to students with relevant undergraduate academic backgrounds who are working toward Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. These programs help you develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies you need to apply the principles of applied behavioral analysis in professional settings.
You can learn about:
- Analytical assessments
- Behavioral conditioning, motivation, and reinforcement
- Intervention techniques
Programs also emphasize research literacy, professional ethics, and advanced ABA applications.
While ABA is already considered a psychology specialization, you can further concentrate your learning by pursuing tracks in:
- Autism therapy
- Childhood clinical conditions
- Mental health
- Organizational behavior
Programs typically require you to complete 30-40 credits, and if you follow a full-time schedule, you could graduate in 2-3 academic years.
What jobs can you get with an online master's in applied behavioral analysis?
An online master's in applied behavioral analysis can help you . BCBAs are specialist practitioners with advanced knowledge of applied ABA techniques. They help clients improve social functioning and manage mental health and behavioral conditions.
Eligibility requirements for BCBA certification include a master's or doctoral degree plus 1,500-2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork training.
You can also pursue careers in:
- Substance use treatment
- Industrial-organizational psychology
- Market research and consumer behavior
- Social work
- Special education
- Therapy, counseling, and coaching
Through these career paths, you could work in clinical or research settings, private practices, educational institutions, or the private sector.
Salaries with a master's in applied behavior analysis
Your earning potential as an ABA specialist depends on your career, location, experience, and time spent in your role.
Here are three common ABA-adjacent roles:
| Job title | Median annual salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Market research analyst | $74,680 |
| Special education teacher | $65,910 |
| Substance use, behavioral condition, or mental health counselor | $53,710 |
Career outlook for applied behavioral analysis graduates
Professions that integrate ABA have varied but generally positive outlooks, as shown by the following BLS projections:
| Job title | Projected job growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|
| Market research analyst | +8% |
| Special education teacher | 0% |
| Substance use, behavioral condition, or mental health counselor | +19% |