Woman leading a meeting with two persons in an office
Woman leading a meeting with two persons in an office

Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Online

Empower people with autism and other developmental disabilities to reduce challenging behaviors and improve their quality of life.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current Step 1: About You
  • Step 2: Contact Information
Woman leading a meeting with two persons in an office
Woman leading a meeting with two persons in an office

Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Online

Ready to Get Started?

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current Step 1: About You
  • Step 2: Contact Information
Woman in a group talking.
SHORTENED PATH TO CERTIFICATION

Walden’s MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program can help shorten your path to BCBA® certification. Reach your professional goals sooner by completing this shortened master’s program in as few as 15 months .

LEARN FROM ABA THOUGHT LEADERS

Our faculty includes active BCBAs and ABA thought leaders who bring their real-world insights to the virtual classroom.

VIBRANT COMMUNITY

Tap into a network of 70,000+ College of Education and Human Services alumni who are changing lives out in the field each day.

UP-TO-DATE ABA TECHNIQUES

Have confidence in an ABA curriculum that meets the 5th and 6th edition task list requirements to sit for the BCBA® exam.

Program Details

Make a Positive Impact

Want to help people with developmental disorders engage more successfully with the world? Take a closer look at our master’s in ABA online program.

 

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostAmount
Tuition48 total quarter credits$590 per quarter hour

$28,320 

Program FeePer quarter$230

$1,150 

   

$29,470* 

BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION

-$5,900 

$23,570

 

*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 24 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-483-7858.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,500.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Make Life Better for Others

With a master’s in ABA online, you’ll be equipped with a strong academic foundation to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®).

 

1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)

No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Percentile wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of our MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program will be prepared to:

Apply foundational knowledge (e.g., philosophy, concepts and principles) to the science of behavior analysis.

Implement behaviorally based assessments for behavior change that promote positive social change.

Apply professional and ethical behaviors according to the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts.

Define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis.

Evaluate results of behavior analytic research using single-subject experimental designs.

Apply personnel supervision and management strategies.

Synthesize applied behavior analysis knowledge and research to apply in real-world situations such as in educational, social, organizational, and health settings.

Meet Your Academic Team

Walden’s distinguished faculty includes practicing BCBAs and ABA thought leaders who are committed to helping you be well-prepared for the field.

You Might Also Be Interested In

MS in Applied Behavior Analysis FAQ

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a discipline focused on the science of behavior. The goal of ABA is to identify behaviors of social significance and use evidence-based practices to modify those behaviors. ABA is a type of therapy frequently applied to children with autism and is tailored to a child’s individual needs to help develop skills such as social, communication, learning, and motor skills.

How do online ABA master’s programs differ from in-person programs?

Walden’s online MS in ABA has been verified by the Association of Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI®) as offering a set of courses that meet specific coursework requirements, rigorous standards, faculty qualifications, and students support services.

An online MS in ABA differs from an in-person program in the way in which the content is delivered, the interactions with fellow students occur, and how faculty engage with students. An online MS in ABA offers online courses accessible 24/7, allowing students to balance work and family responsibilities with the pursuit of a master’s. Students share ideas asynchronously, building discussions during a module. Faculty guide students and provide feedback throughout the course.

What career opportunities are available after completing an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis?

There are many career opportunities one can pursue with an MS in ABA. Behavior analysts work with different types of people to help modify behaviors. ABA is especially useful when helping children and adults learn positive social and communication skills. One of the most relevant professional pathways is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, who are independent practitioners who provide and oversee behavior-analytic services.

Can I use my MS in ABA to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?

To become a Board Certified Analyst® (BCBA®), there are several requirements. First, you must hold a master’s degree and have completed specific coursework. Walden’s online MS in ABA meets the educational requirements to sit for the BCBA exam, but you also need to complete fieldwork hours before taking the exam. Walden’s MS in ABA does not offer a fieldwork component.

What is the difference between an MS ABA and an MA ABA?

A Master of Science in ABA and a Master of Arts in ABA are similar. A Master of Science is a specialized degree and like Walden’s MS in ABA, has a focus on research principles, data collection, and data analysis. The most important part of a master’s in ABA is that it contains a Verified Course Sequence, which is a set of courses that have been verified by the Association of Behavior Analysis International, which demonstrates the courses have met rigorous standards in applied behavior analysis.