Compare online ABA programs

What is applied behavior analysis?

Applied behavior analysis is a fast-paced career that fosters meaningful behavioral change in individuals across the lifespan. As a behavioral analyst, you will assess behavior, lead evidence-based therapy, and enhance the lives of your clients and their families. You’ll be qualified to work in diverse settings, from healthcare facilities to special education environments.

Admissions requirements for an online ABA program

Requirements and prerequisites for an online ABA program vary based on university and program. In general, most programs require:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and official college transcripts

• A minimum GPA score

• Standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT

• A personal essay or a statement of purpose

• A résumé or CV

• Letters of recommendation

Some online ABA programs no longer require GRE scores when applying. However, they may require learners to have a bachelor’s degree in ABA or another relevant field such as psychology or education. Programs might also require an academic writing sample about a field-related subject.

Applied behavior analysis curriculum

An online master’s in applied behavior analysis might take anywhere from one to four years to complete. Timelines vary depending on your program of choice as well as your preferred schedule — full time, part time, accelerated, or extended. It is recommended that ABA programs have a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) as approved by ABAI (Association for Behavior Analysis International).

When you enter your online masters in applied behavior analysis program, you will engage with multidisciplinary courses and electives that cover the spectrum of the field. These courses and electives may include:

Potential applied behavior analyst job titles include:

• Substance abuse therapist

• Pediatric behavioral therapist

• Sports psychologist

• Special education teacher

• School counselor or psychologist

• Mental health clinical director

• Social worker

• Brain injury therapist

• Criminal profiler

How to become an applied behavior analyst online

Learners interested in the field of applied behavior analysis typically hold an , behavior analysis, education or similar degree. Many learners earn their with an ABA focus. They can choose to become a BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst). These professionals hold a bachelor's-level certification, and require supervision under a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). Explore here.

In order to practice without supervision, learners must hold a or in applied behavior analysis or a related field. For instance, some ABA professionals possess a . They must also pass the BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) exam. Master’s-level professionals need to complete up to 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork experience to qualify for the exam.

Find the best online ABA program for your career

Discover online ABA master’s programs that check every box. You may consider these factors when you’re evaluating which is the best online program for you:

• School prestige: Explore top-ranked universities and ABAI-accredited programs that will train you to be an expert applied behavior analyst in the field.

• Length of study: Choose an online master’s program with a length and flexibility of study that best suits your busy schedule: full time, part time, accelerated, or extended.

• Behavior analysis practicums: Explore the different in-person behavioral analysis practicums required by different universities — these practicums will help you prepare for your exam.

• Graduation rates: Review graduation and licensure rates to better understand the quality of an online master’s program.

• Career outcomes: Learn what to expect from the job market, and researchpost-graduation employment rates of program alumni.

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