We can’t help but have crazy respect for teachers, particularly those with the insight to recognize how valuable skills in applied behavior analysis can be when it comes to managing a classroom and creating the best possible learning environment for students with special needs.
There are a number of paths educators can take when making the decision to add ABA to their list of skills, and most involve meeting the qualifications for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
If you already hold a master’s degree, then a non-degree BCBA course sequence will provide you with the extra courses you need to take the BCBA exam… But if you’re still preparing to pursue a master’s degree in special education or general curriculum and instruction and you’re looking to focus your studies on applied behavior analysis, then there’s nothing like a master’s in education with an ABA emphasis to get everything you need all in one program.
When completing a BACB Verified Course Sequence (VCS) along with your master’s, you’ll not only satisfy state requirements for any special education endorsements that might be available to you, you’ll also meet the curriculum requirements for the esteemed BCBA credential. Imagine – you could complete your graduate studies, along with the course sequence necessary to qualify to sit for the BCBA exam in a program where ABA coursework is embedded as a way to complement your teacher education.
Since our list only includes programs with a Verified Course Sequence, there’s no second-guessing whether the ABA courses meet the requirements for BCBA certification. And because these programs are all regionally and/or nationally accredited, you know they’ll meet state licensing and endorsement requirements too. And to make things even easier on you, you’ll even find options here that are offered partially or fully online.
A chance to earn your master’s degree in education with the courses you need for BCBA certification all in one online program that doesn’t get in the way of your work schedule… these are the kinds of graduate programs every teacher dreams about finding.
Here they are – all 32 of them.
Selection Criteria
Of the hundreds of master’s degree programs available to teachers in the U.S., we hand-picked 32 that are ideal for educators looking to integrate ABA skills in the classroom. Every program found here meets these basic criteria:
- Include a BACB pre-approved Verified Course Sequence (VCS) that meets the eligibility requirements for the BCBA Exam
- Annual graduate school tuition rates in-line with the national average for public ($11,303) and private ($23,919) institutions adjusted for location
- Hold institutional accreditation through a regional and/or national agency recognized by the US Department of Education
This list features programs that our editorial staff hand selected to present as top recommendations. We believe the many aspects of a program that come together to create an exceptional student experience can’t be reduced to numbers alone, so no formula was used to attempt to score or rank these programs. Instead, they represent our top picks based on a thoughtful review of the things we know mean the most to students. Each one of these programs offers something unique, and all come equally highly recommended. We stand behind the principal of editorial integrity and make these recommendations independently and without compensation.
ARIZONA
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Website
Online Master of Arts in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) online
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $11,806 (in-state tuition available to students from anywhere in the country)
- Student to faculty ratio: 23:1
Arizona State University always seems to make our lists of the best schools with ABA graduate programs. ASU master’s programs are widely recognized as being among the top-tier online programs for teachers in the country. In fact, in 2017, U.S. News & World Report ranked ASU’s education master’s 14th in the nation. The program even offers you the flexibility of being able to jump in and get started at several points throughout the year, with start dates every couple of months.
CALIFORNIA
San Diego State University
Department of Special Education
San Diego, CA
Website
MA in Special Education with an emphasis in autism
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $8,350 (in-state), $15,778 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 29:1
San Diego State University has become a national leader in providing programs that prepare teachers to serve the needs of their autistic students. SDSU’s MA in Special Education with the option to embed the BACB Verified Course Sequence with a decided focus on students with autism really caught our attention. The Department of Special Education even extends their OSEP grant to eligible master’s program candidates in exchange for working with young people with ASD (2-year service commitment for each year of funding the student receives.)
Touro University
Vallejo, CA
Website
MEd in Special Education with an emphasis in ABA
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $25,575
- Student to faculty ratio: N/A
The MEd in Special Education through Touro is all about convenience without giving up quality and direct instructor interactions. Touro’s MEd program offers a face-to-face and online blended learning format, opportunities to collaborate with partner organizations in the ABA community, and the ability to satisfy the field experience required for the BCBA Exam. Classes here meet in the evenings, usually just one or two times per week.
COLORADO
University of Northern Colorado
Greely, CO
Website
Special Education MA – Intervention Specialist: ABA emphasis, online
Ed.S. in School Psychology – ABA emphasis, campus (NASP-approved)
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $11,444 (in-state), $20,738 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 19:1
The MA in Special Education program through the University of Northern Colorado is offered online, yet students are closely mentored by faculty who have extensive professional field experience. Most online courses and programs are delivered by the same high-quality faculty who teach on-campus.
FLORIDA
University of North Florida
College of Education and Human Services
Jacksonville, FL
Website
MEd in Special Education, ABA concentration
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $10,367 (in-state), $21,382 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 19:1
Imagine a highly ranked university that still manages to maintain a 1:19 faculty-student ratio. Hard to believe, but that’s exactly what you get with UNF’s MEd in Special Education program. Not surprising, considering UNF’s strong commitment to student success.
HAWAII
University of Hawaii Manoa
College of Education
Honolulu, HI
Website
MEd in Special Education, BCBA, online/hybrid
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $16,168 (in-state), $37,648 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 13:1
The MEd in Special Education through U of Hawaii Manoa features courses delivered primary online, complemented with two face-to-face meetings each semester. The online courses include synchronous class sessions in the evenings so you get to learn live from instructors in real time. We also love the major research units that are part of the program—the Center on Disability Studies (CDS) and the Curriculum Research & Development Group (CRDG).
ILLINOIS
Northern Illinois University
Department of Special and Early Education
DeKalb, IL
Website
MSEd in Special Education, Specialization in Advanced Special Education Practices, ABA, hybrid (online/in-person format)
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $13,839 (in-state), $22,407 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 14:1
We love the MSEd in Special Education at Northern Illinois University because of its convenience and flexibility. Online classes are complemented with in-person courses and two to three in-person meetings at the DeKalb campus during the course of the program. The MSEd program at NIU provides all the flexibility of an online program along with the kind of personalized feedback and guidance that can only come from face-to-face instructor interactions.
Trinity Christian College
Palo Heights, IL
Website
MA in Special Education, Behavior Intervention Specialist
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $24,830
- Student to faculty ratio: 11:1
We can’t help but respect the fact that Trinity Christian College has been continually ranked among the top tier colleges in the Midwest according to U.S. News & World Report. The MA in Special Education, Behavior Intervention Specialist is the only special education master’s degree program in Illinois to combine the Learning Behavior Specialist II (LBS II): Behavior Intervention Specialist endorsement with a BCBA course sequence.
INDIANA
Ball State University
Muncie, IN
Website
MA in Special Education, ABA focus area, online
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $9,048 (in-state), $21,360 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 14:1
Ball State University’s MA in Special Education is all about convenience and flexibility with working teachers in mind. Students in this 100% online program can complete the courses at any time, provided they meet weekly deadlines and finish regular assignments. Even with courses delivered entirely online, we were impressed with the fact that students here have access to a wide array of student support services, including library service, tutoring, and technology support.
KENTUCKY
University of Louisville
College of Education and Human Development
Louisville, KY
Website
M.Ed. in Special Education with a Concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Applied Behavior Analysis
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $12,442 (in-state), $25,682 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 15:1
We love the University of Louisville’s five-semester cohort model comprised of no more than 20 students at a time. Students in this program dedicate about 15 hours a week to their practicum coursework throughout the five-semester period. This school also earned a spot on our list because of its commitment to partnerships with ABA providers in the community, giving students access to opportunities to learn and network.
LOUISIANA
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux, LA
Website
MEd in Curriculum and Instruction-High Incidence Disabilities with ABA option
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $7,852 (in-state), $18,783 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 20:1
The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction-High Incidence Disabilities with ABA option through Nicholls State University is designed for practicing educators looking to take their careers to the next level. Students of this program complete a field-based research seminar that provides them with an opportunity to evaluate classrooms and propose changes necessary for the improvement of student learning. This unique aspect of the program provides the kind of real world experience teachers look for in a quality graduate program.
MASSACHUSETTS
Endicott College
Beverly, MA
Website
MEd in Non-Licensure Special Education
MEd in Special Education and ABA
MEd in Autism and ABA
MEd in ABA
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $11,489
- Student to faculty ratio: 14:1
Endicott College offers four MEd options for teachers – and those aspiring to become teachers – in a fully online format, with no residency requirement. Endicott has made it a point to ensure the programs they offer are accessible and affordable to students throughout the country.
Simmons University
Department of Behavior Analysis
Boston, MA
Website
EdS in Behavior Analysis, on-campus, online
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $20,718
- Student to faculty ratio: 7:1
The EdS in Behavior Analysis through Simmons prepares students to become leaders in the classroom. If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of students with special needs, you can be sure you’ll be well prepared to implement individualized education plans based on time-tested ABA principles and methods after completing Simmons’ EdS in Behavior Analysis. Simmons graduates have demonstrated a first time pass rate of 80% on the BCBA exam– 15 percentage points above the national average.
MICHIGAN
Oakland University
Rochester, MI
Website
MEd in Special Education, ABA concentration
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $16,388 (in-state), $24,648 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 21:1
Oakland University has plenty of support services for its students, earning it a spot on our list of the top graduate programs in education with an ABA concentration. Faculty members are there to guide students throughout the program, while the combination of learning seminars, field experiences, and advanced technology help students achieve their goals. We love the MEd in Special Education, ABA concentration because it’s delivered in a unique, hybrid format that allows students to engage in beneficial in-class learning while also completing convenient, online courses.
MISSOURI
Lindenwood University
St. Charles, MO
Website
Master of Arts in Education in Behavior Analysis
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $16,332
- Student to faculty ratio: 25:1
Lindenwood University’s MA in Education in Behavior Analysis easily earned a spot on our list of top master’s programs in education and ABA. Lindenwood’s School of Education has established itself as one of the most respected in the nation. With campus locations in Missouri and Illinois, Lindenwood makes earning a master’s in education and ABA convenient for teachers throughout the region.
NEVADA
University of Nevada Las Vegas
College of Education
Las Vegas, NV
Website
MEd in Special Education, ABA focus area
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $5,500 (in-state), $19,410 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 21:1
The University of Nevada Las Vegas impressed us with its autism spectrum disorder research center and clinic, something that gives students enrolled in the MEd in Special Education-ABA an opportunity to experience the application of ABA methods and principles in practice. There is nothing quite like experiential learning. Combine that with the BCBA Verified Course Sequence it includes and you got a program that has it all.
OHIO
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH
Website
MEd in Special Education, ABA, online
- Estimated cost per academic year: $9,679 (in-state), $16,411 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 17:1
The BCBA grad program in the College of Education and Human Services at Cleveland State University offers up plenty of perks, including small class sizes and a completely online delivery format. It’s also part of the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education, an outreach office of the College of Education and Human Services that supports the local community, partnering with schools in the area to provide services, resources, and collaborative learning experiences.
Ohio State University
Department of Educational Studies
Columbus, OH
Website
MA in Educational Studies, Special Education, ABA specialization
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $12,425 (in-state), $32,873 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 19:1
The MA in Educational Studies at OSU is a research-based program that is strongly focused on ABA. OSU’s College of Education and Human Ecology provides students with many opportunities to connect with and learn from faculty while engaging in unique research opportunities. The MA in Educational Studies, Special Education, ABA specialization is no exception, providing students with a research-based course of study that is strongly focused on applied behavior analysis.
PENNSYLVANIA
TOP 32
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA
Website
MEd in Special Education (autism track or general track), ABA
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $15,506 (in-state), $21,316 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 20:1
We love California University of PA’s MEd in Special Education because students here enjoy no shortage of options when it comes to teacher certification programs that include the coursework you need to take the BCBA exam: elementary education, secondary education, special education, and even an endorsement in autism for those who already hold special education certification.
Mercyhurst University
Erie, PA
Website
MEd in Special Education and Applied Disability Studies, ABA
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $22,850
- Student to faculty ratio: 16:1
Mercyhurst University knows a thing or two about how to structure a program to fit the scheduling needs of working teachers. Courses in the MEd in Special Education and Applied Disabilities Studies, ABA are primarily held in the evenings, freeing up students to continue working. The program includes all the courses you need to qualify for the BCBA exam. Plus, since courses are offered year-round students have better access to the courses they want to take, allowing them to more easily custom tailor the program.
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
Website
MEd in Special Education, emphasis in ABA, online
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $20,912 (in-state), $35,214 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 16:1
The Master of Education in Special Education at PSU is offered in a convenient and highly flexible online format, making it a smart choice for working teachers. We love its emphasis on academic and behavioral supports, preparing teachers to effectively manage behaviors and develop and administer educational assessments in the classroom and beyond.
Temple University
College of Education
Philadelphia, PA
Website
M. S. Ed in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition): $14,817 (in-state), $20,311 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 10.75:1
We appreciate Temple’s commitment to accommodating the scheduling needs of teachers, offering courses in the evenings at the main campus in Philadelphia. BACB-VCS courses are even made available on-site at agencies in the community for staff and other local professionals. We love Temple’s M.S. Ed in ABA for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching the principles of ABA, including two 150-hour practica as part of the program, each in a different setting.
University of Pittsburgh
School of Education
Pittsburgh, PA
Website
MEd in ABA
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $22,578 (in-state), $36,734 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 15:1
The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education got our attention for the accolades it has received from U.S. News and World Report, which ranked it 30th among graduate schools of education. The School of Education has more than $25 million in research funding across 50 projects, so students of the MEd can feel good knowing their school makes meaningful contributions to the growing body of ABA research.
TEXAS
Texas State University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
San Marcos, TX
Website
MEd in Special Education with a concentration in Autism and ABA
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $7,977 (in-state), $16,128 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 23:1
We appreciate the fact that TSU combines the fields of special education and ABA in a program that includes the courses you need to qualify for the BCBA exam. As a student of the program, you even have the option of being able to fulfill the experience requirements you need through the Texas State CARES clinic.
Texas Tech University
College of Education
Lubbock, TX
Website
MEd in Special Education, ABA
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $7,525 (in-state), $14,869 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 21:1
The MEd in Special Education through Texas Tech University earns a spot among the best education programs in ABA for its strong partnerships with school districts, community agencies and institutions of higher education throughout the state. It’s all here: The sequence of ABA courses you need for BCBA certification, and it’s one of the most affordable programs on our list.
University of Houston Victoria
School of Education, Health Professions and Human Development
Victoria, TX
Website
MEd in Special Education, ABA degree plan
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $6,990 (in-state), $14,334 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 15:1
The University of Houston Victoria got our attention for the flexibility it offers, giving students the choice of either completing the program online or attending class in person at the main campus in Victoria. These are the kinds of options teachers look for in a graduate program, allowing them to enjoy the best in convenience or more opportunities to participate in face to face discussions with professors and classmates. Whether attending online or on-campus, the program includes the BACB Verified Course Sequence you need to qualify for the BCBA exam.
University of Texas at Austin
Faculty Innovation Center
Austin, TX
Website
- Online programs offered: Online Certificate Program in ABA and Special Education (post-graduate or for students currently earning a graduate degree)
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $11,300 (in-state), $21,518 (out-of-state)
- Entrance exam(s) required: none
The University of Texas Austin’ certificate program in ABA was designed to address the growing demand for BCBAs in Texas. The number of BCBA’s in Texas has more than doubled in the last two years, but even this has barely kept pace with the demand for ABA services in the state. This has sparked a need for online programs like this one, which allow students to complete an ABA course of study on their own time through convenient, online study.
University of Texas San Antonio
College of Education and Human Development
San Antonio, TX
Website
MA in Special Education – ABA Concentration
MA in School Psychology – ABA Concentration
MA in Educational Psychology (solely focused on behavior analysis)
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $7,101 (in-state), $22,700 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 23:1
We’re impressed with the fact that UTSA is recognized as a Tier One research facility with more than $30 million in funding going to research taking place at the College of Education and Human Development alone. Students can be proud of the research the school contributes to gaining a better understanding of autism spectrum disorders, including important work being done in collaboration with partners in the community. UTSA’s Department of Educational Psychology recently partnered with the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio and the Autism Treatment Center to form the San Antonio Applied Behavior Analysis Project.
UTAH
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT
Website
MEd in ABA
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $7,822 (in-state), $18,348 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 22:1
We are always impressed with Utah Valley University’s role as a teaching institution. The MEd in ABA program is no exception. The program places a focus on preparing graduates to serve as leaders when it comes to creating the most inclusive and effective learning environment possible for special education students.
VIRGINIA
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, VA
Website
MEd in Special Education, ABA specialization
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $8,900
- Student to faculty ratio: 10:1
Lynchburg College made our list of the top education programs with an ABA emphasis for a number of reasons. Being recognized by the Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in 2018 certainly didn’t hurt. In fact, it’s one of just 16 colleges and universities in Virginia to earn the distinction of making that list. We love their MEd in Special Education with an ABA specialization because it accommodates both pre-service and in-service teachers, offering lots of research opportunities that focus on topics like autism spectrum disorders, reading disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and emotional and behavior disabilities, among others.
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia University
Department of Special Education
Morgantown, WV
Website
MA in Special Education with an emphasis in ABA
- Estimated cost per academic year (tuition + fees): $9,000 (in-state), $23,218 (out of state)
- Student to faculty ratio: 19:1
You got to love the fact that WVU offers the MA in Special Education with the BACB-verified ABA course sequence completely online, making it a clear choice for working professionals in the area. West Virginia University has earned a reputation not only for its innovative online course delivery systems, but also for its faculty members who are recognized for teaching excellence and for making important contributions to research.
All schools shown here have been contacted and informed of their inclusion on this list. Schools that do not wish to be featured are immediately removed. School names are the registered trademarks of their original owners. The use of any trade name or trademark does not imply any association with the school.