Streamline your path to BCBA certification with Walden’s online master’s in behavior analysis program . Reach your professional goals faster by completing this streamlined master’s program in as few as 15 months.
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Our faculty includes active BCBAs and ABA thought leaders who bring their real-world insights to the virtual classroom.
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Be supported by active BCBAs and ABA thought leaders who bring their real-world insights to the online classroom.
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Program Details
See Your Path to Impact
Want to help people with developmental differences engage more successfully with the world? Take a closer look at Walden’s master’s in ABA program.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Designed to be completed in as few as 15 months, our master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis offers an efficient path to your goals. Learn to apply principles of behavior analysis to assess and modify behavior in a variety of settings.
Featured MS in Applied Behavior Analysis Courses
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a set of skills used in the assessment and treatment of individuals with a variety of behavioral problems and developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorders. In this course, students explore the philosophy and theory of behaviorism and how these undergird applied behavior analysis. Students apply the theory and philosophy of behaviorism to the application of behavioral principles and concepts in the context of applied behavior analysis to impact social change.
This course covers tasks from the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) Task List (5th & 6th ed.) and includes knowledge and skills foundational for the BCBA examination. The course is part of a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards and meets coursework eligibility criteria for BCBA Eligibility Pathway 2 coursework requirements as part of the application for Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) examinations.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a set of skills used in the assessment and treatment of individuals with a variety of behavioral problems and developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorders. Students in this course will explore the concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis. They also examine the concepts and principles of behaviorism to the application of behavioral principles in the context of applied behavior analysis, including behavioral observation and measurement, functions of behavior, developing and maintaining behaviors, and related ethical considerations. Students explore the impact of promoting positive social change through the application of ABA.
This course covers tasks from the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Task List (5th & 6th ed.) and includes knowledge and skills foundational for the BCBA examination. The course is part of a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards and meets coursework eligibility criteria for BCBA Eligibility Pathway 2 coursework requirements as part of the application for Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) examinations.
With a focus on the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®), students in this course review responsible conduct of behavior analysts, ethical responsibilities to clients and their welfare, and ethical responsibilities to other individuals (e.g., colleagues) and the BACB®. In addition, students examine professional and legal issues involved in providing services in different contexts and with different client groups.
This course covers tasks from the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Task List (5th & 6th ed.) and includes knowledge and skills foundational for the BCBA examination. The course is part of a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards and meets coursework eligibility criteria for BCBA Eligibility Pathway 2 coursework requirements as part of the application for Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) examinations.
With a focus on the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Task List (5th & 6th ed.) issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®), this course covers the basic principles of behavioral assessment and applied behavior analysis. Course participants explore fundamental techniques leading to the implementation of behavioral procedures and behavioral programs. More specifically, instruction focuses on conducting functional assessments and functional analyses, developing and implementing intervention procedures based on the outcome of the assessments and analyses, and data-based decision-making.
This course covers tasks from the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Task List (5th ed.) and includes knowledge and skills foundational for the BCBA examination. The course is part of a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards and meets coursework eligibility criteria for BCBA Eligibility Pathway 2 coursework requirements as part of the application for Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) examinations.
This course covers a variety of methods for data collection, measurement data collection, data analysis, and experimental designs that are common to applied behavior analysis. In addition to the theoretical background for single-subject research, this course emphasizes practical applications of research methods from baseline measurement to treatment evaluation. Advantages and limitations of various single-subject research methods are examined. Students design a small-n research study based on a research question developed from the applied behavior analysis literature. In addition, they critically evaluate research studies for the appropriate research design and methodology.
This course covers tasks from the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Task List (5th & 6th ed.) and includes knowledge and skills foundational for the BCBA examination. The course is part of a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International as meeting specific coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards and meets coursework eligibility criteria for BCBA Eligibility Pathway 2 coursework requirements as part of the application for Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) examinations.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to help funding your education.
Simple Application Process
Earning your master's in Applied Behavior Analysis is a big step in your professional journey. To help you get started, Walden offers a simplified application process that includes:
No application fee
One-on-one guidance from an Enrollment Specialist
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply.
More information for international applicants.
Tuition and Scholarships
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we are here to support you along your journey. Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid for those who apply and qualify.
Tuition Breakdown
At Walden, you’ll find many ways to reduce the overall cost of your online master’s in behavior analysis, including:
Believe & Achieve Scholarship®
Partnership-based savings
Transfer of credit
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 48 total quarter credits | $610 per quarter hour | $29,280 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $185 | $925 |
$30,205* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,100 | ||
*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
Impact Lives as a BCBA
With a master’s in ABA, you’ll be equipped with a strong academic foundation to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). BCBAs help people reach their potential by applying evidence-based strategies that improve quality of life.
Career Opportunities
The annual nationwide demand for individuals holding Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification has increased each year since 2010, with a 58% increase from 2023 to 2024.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Advise individuals, families, couples, and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health.
Expected Growth 17% (September 2025)
Estimated annual wage $39,090–$76,230
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2024)
Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of May 2024). Percentile wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentiles. The 10th percentile figure reasonably represents entry-level wages. BLS wages are national estimates and are not specific to graduates of Walden University. Wages may vary by state or region. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of our online master’s in 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
Explore related degree programs at Walden.
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis FAQ
Walden’s master’s in applied behavior analysis can lead to work in many roles helping people modify behavior. A master’s in ABA can help teachers, especially those working with students with exceptionalities, build additional skills and knowledge to help develop students’ social, communication, learning, and motor skills. However, Walden’s MS in Applied Behavior Analysis does not lead to teacher licensure.
In most states, Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) certification is required to become a licensed behavior analyst who provides and oversees behavior-analytic therapeutic services. To earn BCBA certification, 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 certification exam, but you also need to complete fieldwork hours before taking the exam.
No. A master’s in ABA teaches skills in the science of behavior analysis. One of the professional pathways is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) by completing a master’s in applied behavioral analysis, completing supervised field hours, and passing the BCBA certification exam.
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.
Walden’s online master’s in behavioral analysis has been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as offering a set of courses that meet specific coursework requirements, rigorous standards, faculty qualifications, and student 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 the faculty engage with students. An online master’s in ABA offers online courses accessible 24/7, allowing students to balance work and family responsibilities with the pursuit of a degree. Students share ideas asynchronously, building discussions during a module. Faculty guide students and provide feedback throughout the course.
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 (BCBA). This is an independent practitioner who provides and oversees behavior-analytic services.
To become a 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.
An MS in ABA and an MA in ABA are similar. An MS in ABA is a specialized degree that has a focus on research principles, data collection, and data analysis, while an MA in ABA focuses more on practical and therapeutic applications. The most important part of any master’s in ABA program is that it contains a Verified Course Sequence, which is a set of courses that have been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International, which demonstrates the courses have met rigorous standards in applied behavior analysis.