Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is one of the most rigorously studied, evidence-backed approaches to understanding and changing human behavior. It’s the foundation of autism therapy, but ABA extends well beyond that into education, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and organizational settings. If you’re considering this career, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through what you need to know about degrees, training, certification, and what the work actually looks like.
Applied Behavior Analysis Degrees
Your ABA career starts with the right degree. Requirements vary by state and by the credential you’re pursuing, but here’s how each level fits into the bigger picture.
Bachelor’s Degree in ABA
Master’s Degree in ABA
Ph.D. in ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis Programs
Top-Rated and Most Affordable ABA Programs
Not sure where to start? Our editorial team has spent years researching and ranking ABA programs across the country by quality, cost, accreditation status, and flexibility. These lists are the best place to find a program that fits your goals and your budget.
- 20 Best Schools Offering ABA Master’s Programs — our flagship graduate school rankings
- 35 Top ABA Graduate Programs (Master’s and Doctorate) — a wider look at the full graduate landscape
- 62 Best Online ABA Programs — 100% online master’s and certificate options for working professionals
- 23 Best Master’s in Psychology with an ABA Track — for students pursuing a psychology degree with ABA specialization
- Top 57 Schools Offering ABA Bachelor’s and BCaBA® Courses — undergraduate programs and course sequences for aspiring BCaBA®s
ABAI-Accredited Graduate and Undergraduate Program Directories
ABAI accreditation is one of the strongest signals of program quality in the field. If you want confidence that your program meets the highest standards in behavior analysis education, these directories are where to look.
- ABAI-Accredited Graduate Programs — the full directory of graduate programs that meet BCBA® certification requirements
- ABAI-Accredited Undergraduate Programs — the full directory of undergraduate programs that meet BCaBA® certification requirements
Earning Your ABA Degree Online
Online ABA degree programs have come a long way. Today, many of the same universities that built the field’s academic foundation offer fully online master’s and certificate programs designed specifically for working professionals. Accreditation standards don’t change based on delivery format — an ABAI-accredited online program meets the same rigorous criteria as its on-campus equivalent.
The flexibility matters too. Most students in online ABA programs are balancing jobs, families, and existing clinical roles. Asynchronous coursework lets you move through the academic requirements on a schedule that works for your life. And because BCBA® certification is a national credential, your degree travels with you regardless of where the university is located.
The one thing online delivery can’t replace is hands-on fieldwork. Supervised clinical hours must be completed in person, which means you’ll find a local placement site while your coursework happens online. Most programs help with this, and many students complete their hours in the same setting where they’re already working.
Applied Behavior Analysis Training
Real-world training is where the science becomes practice. Completing relevant ABA training builds the supervised clinical hours you’ll need to sit for ABA certification at the RBT®, BCaBA®, or BCBA® level. Most graduate programs build fieldwork into the degree, but it’s worth confirming the specific hour requirements with your program and your state licensing board before you enroll.
Applied Behavior Analysis Certification and Licensure
Once your degree and supervised hours are complete, you’ll apply for credentials through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Here’s what each credential covers.
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT®)
Becoming a Registered Behavior Technician® is the entry point for hands-on ABA work. This paraprofessional credential requires a 40-hour training program, a competency assessment, and ongoing supervision. It’s a strong starting point if you want real clinical experience before committing to a full graduate program.
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA®)
Becoming a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® allows you to design and implement behavior plans under BCBA® supervision. It’s a bachelor’s-level credential that suits professionals who want clinical responsibility without the full scope of independent practice.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®)
This master’s or doctorate-level credential is one of the final steps to becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst®. BCBA®s assess behavior, conduct functional behavior assessments, design treatment plans, analyze intervention data, and supervise RBT®s and BCaBA®s.
Applied Behavior Analysis Careers
An ABA degree opens more doors than most people expect. ABA careers span clinical settings, schools, hospitals, non-profits, and corporate environments. Among the jobs related to applied behavior analysis available to graduates:
- Behavior Analyst
- Behavior Analyst Consultant
- Clinical Director
- Non-Profit Program Coordinator
- School Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Special Education Teacher
- Wellness Coach
Explore our ABA professor interview series to learn more about what experienced BCBA®s have to say about earning a degree and getting into the field of applied behavior analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a BCBA®?
Most people complete the path in about 6 to 8 years, including a bachelor’s degree (about 4 years), a master’s degree (about 2 years), and supervised fieldwork hours that are often completed during graduate study. Some combined or accelerated programs can shorten that timeline.
Do I need a state license in addition to BCBA® certification?
In many states, yes. Around 38 to 40 states now regulate behavior analysts through licensure or registration laws, meaning BCBA® certification alone may not authorize you to practice without also obtaining a state license. Requirements vary by state, so check the state guide below to confirm what your state requires before you start your program.
What’s the difference between RBT®, BCaBA®, and BCBA®?
These are the three BACB credentials, each requiring different levels of education and supervision. RBT®s are paraprofessionals who work under direct supervision. BCaBA®s hold bachelor’s degrees and work under a BCBA®. BCBA®s hold master’s or doctoral degrees and can practice independently. Many professionals start as an RBT® and work toward higher credentials over time.
What can I do with an ABA degree beyond autism therapy?
More than most people realize. ABA principles apply to substance abuse treatment, organizational behavior management, sports psychology, education, school psychology, and more. The science of behavior change is broadly applicable, and many ABA graduates work in settings that aren’t autism-specific.
Are You Ready for a Career in Applied Behavior Analysis?
If you’re looking for a career that’s grounded in real science and directly changes people’s lives, ABA is worth the commitment. The path takes time and focused study, but the demand is growing, the research base is strong, and opportunities span a wide range of settings and populations.
Take the first step today and learn how to become a behavior analyst in your state below.
Find Info For Your State
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Ready to find your program? Browse schools that offer accredited ABA degrees and connect with programs that fit your goals, your schedule, and your budget.