Quick AnswerOnline ABA master’s and certificate programs offer a fully remote path to the coursework required for BCBA certification. Programs featured on this page are designed to meet current BACB eligibility standards at the time of review, with coursework delivered entirely online.
Finding the right online ABA master’s or certificate program used to mean sifting through hundreds of school websites hoping the program you chose would actually qualify you for BCBA certification. That guesswork is over. Programs featured on this page are designed to meet current BACB eligibility standards at the time of review, and all offer coursework delivered entirely online. We review this list on an ongoing basis and add or remove programs as their online format, accreditation status, or admissions availability changes, so what you see here reflects our most current research rather than a fixed, one-time snapshot.
Whether you’re working toward your first graduate degree or you already have a master’s and just need the ABA coursework to sit for the BCBA exam, you’ll find both paths here. Here’s what you need to know before you start comparing programs.
This ranking draws on direct insights from the community of professors who’ve contributed to our ongoing faculty interview series, the people who actually run and teach in ABA graduate programs across the country. One of those voices belongs to someone who chairs one of only 21 ABAI-accredited master’s programs in the world.
Sharon A. Reeve, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-NY
Chairperson, Professor, and Graduate Program Coordinator, Department of Applied Behavior Analysis; Executive Director, Center for Autism and ABA, Caldwell University
Dr. Reeve spends a lot of time fielding questions from students weighing an online program against an on-campus one. We asked her, along with faculty at 14 of the schools featured below, what they’d want a prospective online ABA student to know before applying.
In This Guide
Should I Get an ABA Master’s Degree or an ABA Certificate Online?
For teachers early in their careers, students of psychology, and future behavior analysts with their sights set on BCBA certification, earning a qualifying master’s in education, psychology, or behavior analysis is the goal.
For those who’ve already earned a graduate degree in one of these areas but need to complete the required ABA coursework to meet BCBA exam eligibility, a post-master’s course sequence in ABA (typically through a post-graduate certificate program) is the faster path.
There are dozens of institutions across the U.S. that offer both options with coursework delivered entirely online, designed to accommodate teachers, BCaBAs looking to advance, and other working professionals who need the flexibility that online programs provide. If cost is a factor, it’s also worth checking our guide to ABA scholarships and financial aid before you apply.
Field Experience Note
Some online programs offer distance practicum options or placement assistance for independent fieldwork. Students in programs that don’t offer these options are responsible for arranging the 1,500 to 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork required to meet BCBA experience requirements on their own.
How We Selected These Programs
The programs featured here are genuine online formats with little or no in-person requirements, delivered by institutions that hold regional or national institutional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. That’s a different, broader kind of accreditation than the program-specific ABAI accreditation discussed in each listing below, and worth keeping straight: a university can be a fully legitimate, accredited institution even when its specific ABA program isn’t ABAI-accredited.
Every program on this page has also been reviewed against current BCBA coursework eligibility standards. The BACB completed its phase-out of the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) model at the end of 2025. Programs now qualify through ABAI accreditation or the Pathway 2 university-attestation process that replaced VCS. Pathway 2 coursework attestation is being phased out entirely and ends January 1, 2032. For any non-ABAI-accredited program on this list, confirm your timeline gets you attested well before that date.
- Online programs with little or no in-person requirements
- Institutional accreditation through a regional or national agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- Designed to meet current BCBA coursework eligibility standards at the time of review, whether through ABAI program accreditation or the Pathway 2 attestation route
- Each listing states a verified tuition figure where one could be confirmed, plus a direct link to the program’s own current tuition page, since costs change annually and we’d rather send you to the source than risk a stale number
Other Factors to Consider When Looking for Online Graduate Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis
Just being accredited and online isn’t enough on its own to identify the right program for you. Each of the programs featured here is strong, but any one of them may be a better or worse fit depending on your situation.
For example, if you don’t yet have a master’s degree, you’ll be looking at full degree programs. If you do have one, a post-graduate certificate is probably the more efficient choice. Different universities also situate their ABA programs within different departments, some within psychology, others within education. The base coursework requirements for BCBA certification are the same either way, but the context and angle of the curriculum will vary.
Here are a few more factors worth weighing carefully.
“Students who begin our Master’s ABA degree program want a career boost, either because they’ve done direct ABA treatment services for a few years… or because they are a special educator.”
Cheryl Young-Pelton, EdD, BCBA-D, LBA · Montana State University Billings · Full interview with Montana State Billings →
How important are instructor quality and experience in online ABA programs?
Particularly when you’re learning online, you need instructors who’ve mastered the art of teaching at a distance. But for ABA specifically, you also want faculty who’ve practiced in the field and who are actively involved in research. Both matter. Look for programs where instructors hold active BCBA credentials and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
What is the depth of online support systems and remote instruction expertise?
Instructors alone don’t make up the full online learning experience. School administrators, academic support staff, and IT teams put a lot of work into what you ultimately experience as an online student. Programs that have invested in strong learning management systems, responsive student services, and a real infrastructure for remote learners offer a meaningfully different experience from those that have simply moved classroom courses online.
“We have a series of very well-done online classes that include a large amount of instructor contact with students, a variety of learning activities, and appropriate rigor.”
Michelle Athanasiou, Ph.D. & Tracy Gershwin, Ph.D., BCBA-D · University of Northern Colorado · Read their full interview →
How much should you consider reputation and ties to the ABA community?
Even when a degree is earned online, real-world relationships matter. The connections between faculty, research centers, and the broader ABA community, whether regional or national, shape what students learn and what doors open after graduation. The research data and practical insights that flow back into programs from active practitioners are what keep the curriculum current and worth having.
What are the core research areas and funding levels for the behavior analysis department?
ABA is a field rooted in experimental practice, which means strong programs need funding to keep research going and to engage master’s students in meaningful work. It’s also worth considering your own area of interest. ABA has exceptionally broad application, and not all programs can offer deep experience across every specialty. Think about the populations you want to work with and verify the program has opportunities in that area before you apply.
We include enough information on each featured program, credits, format, accreditation status, fieldwork support, GRE policy, and residency restrictions, to help you compare options directly rather than having to visit five different school websites to find the same answers. Accreditation and BCBA eligibility are listed as two separate facts throughout: a program can meet BCBA coursework eligibility without holding ABAI accreditation, and conflating the two would misrepresent what each program actually offers. Where a school offers multiple programs, the details shown reflect the specific program named in that listing’s heading.
The programs on this page were hand-selected by our editorial staff. We believe the things that make a program exceptional can’t be reduced to numbers alone, so no formula or ranking algorithm was used. These are our top picks based on a thoughtful review of what matters most to students. Each program offers something distinct, and all come equally recommended. Our editorial recommendations are made independently and without compensation. We continually monitor for new qualifying online programs and update this list as they emerge, so the schools featured here may change over time.
How to Read Each Listing
Every program below is checked against the same eight facts, in the same order, so you can compare across schools quickly:
- Credits and Program format: how much coursework, and whether it’s delivered online, on-campus, or hybrid
- Estimated tuition: a verified figure where one exists, plus a direct link to the program’s current tuition page
- BCBA eligibility: whether and how the coursework qualifies you for the BCBA exam, including whether it’s Pathway 2 (which ends January 1, 2032) or ABAI-accredited
- Accreditation: the program’s actual ABAI accreditation status, kept separate from BCBA eligibility since the two aren’t the same thing
- Fieldwork support: whether the school helps arrange your required 1,500 to 2,000 supervised hours, or leaves that to you
- GRE and Residency restrictions: admission testing policy and any citizenship, state, or geographic limits on enrollment
Where official program materials don’t clearly state an answer, we say “Not disclosed” rather than guess.
Jump to a State
ALABAMA
Auburn University (public)
College of Education
Auburn, AL
Website
Graduate Certificate in Intervention for Students With Autism & Developmental Disabilities (online, on-campus)
Credits: 15
Program format: Online and on-campus
Estimated tuition: $8,310 based on current published rates · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: This certificate itself is not ABAI-accredited. Auburn’s separate, on-campus MS in ABA through the Department of Psychological Sciences does hold ABAI accreditation, but that status doesn’t extend to this certificate.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
This 15-credit certificate is the shortest, most direct online option at Auburn if you already hold a qualifying master’s and just need the ABA coursework. It’s best suited for working education professionals rather than someone starting from scratch, since it doesn’t confer a degree on its own. The key thing to know before choosing it over Auburn’s other ABA option: this certificate and Auburn’s ABAI-accredited MS in Applied Behavior Analysis are administered by entirely different departments (College of Education versus Psychological Sciences), so they’re not two versions of the same program, and this one carries no accreditation of its own.
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
- Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (on-campus, ABAI-accredited, Department of Psychological Sciences)
ARIZONA
Arizona State University (public)
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation
Tempe, AZ
Website
Master of Arts in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate (online)
Credits: 30
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $17,280 based on current published rates · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited. ASU has requested ABAI Tier 2a recognition eligibility, a status below full accreditation.
Fieldwork support: Partial, optional. A remote supervised independent fieldwork practicum (SPE 580) is available but sits outside the degree requirements, and you’ll still need your own current fieldwork site regardless.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found. ASU addresses international applicants directly.
BCBA® pass rate: The BACB’s official 2024 first-time pass rate for this program was 49% on 1,259 first-time candidates, the largest reported cohort in the country that year.
ASU’s degree and certificate share the same coursework but differ in scope: the MA also covers general special-education coursework, while the certificate is ABA-only and faster to complete. The 49% pass rate looks lower than some smaller programs’ headline numbers, but it’s drawn from over a thousand candidates, making it a far more statistically stable figure than a program reporting 100% on a handful of graduates. Best suited for someone who wants the scale and infrastructure of a major online university and isn’t put off by that more realistic, large-sample pass rate.
Also offers:
- Master of Arts in Special Education – Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Master of Education in Gifted Education
- Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
Northern Arizona University (public)
Department of Educational Specialties
Flagstaff, AZ
Website
Applied Behavior Analysis, Master of Education (online)
Credits: 30
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: Not independently verified. NAU’s own program page does not list a tuition figure. NAU’s general graduate rate is approximately $13,582/year in-state or $33,800/year non-resident, plus roughly $1,622 in fees, though it’s unconfirmed whether online students are billed at a different flat rate. · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet the BACB’s 6th edition Test Content Outline and 2027 requirements via the Pathway 2 attestation route, with a designated Program Coordinator serving as NAU’s Pathway 2 Program Contact. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found. NAU addresses international applicants directly.
BCBA® pass rate: Culminates in a single-case design research project rather than a traditional thesis. Can be completed in as few as five semesters at a two-classes-per-semester pace.
This standalone MEd replaced NAU’s former combined Special Education MEd with Positive Behavior Support emphasis, which stopped accepting new applicants. Students in this program cannot simultaneously pursue the separate Positive Behavior Support Graduate Certificate, so if you already know you want that narrower credential instead, apply to it directly rather than this MEd. Best suited for someone who wants a standalone ABA-branded degree rather than a broader special-education credential with an ABA emphasis attached.
Faculty Voice
“The NAU program enables individuals to earn a degree… in a convenient online format with rolling admissions. Students may begin the program at five times throughout the year.
LHAlso offers:
- Positive Behavior Support Graduate Certificate (online)
University of Arizona (public)
Disability and Psychoeducational Studies Department
Tucson, AZ
Website
Master of Science in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 36
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $23,508 based on current published rates (Confirmed as total program cost, not an annual figure.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
This program can be completed in as few as 16 months at full pace, faster than most comparable online MS programs on this list, which typically run closer to two years. It’s built specifically around functional behavior assessment, function-based intervention, and school-wide positive behavior support design, making it a strong fit for someone planning to work in K-12 special education specifically rather than clinical or in-home ABA settings.
ARKANSAS
University of Arkansas (public)
College of Education and Health Professions
Fayetteville, AR
Website
Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 21
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: Not independently verified. UA’s own page does not list a clear per-program tuition figure. A previously cited $2,366 figure could not be confirmed and may reflect a single course rather than the full certificate. · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Partial. BACB fieldwork isn’t included in the certificate itself, but a supervision-focused practicum opportunity exists through the university’s own ABA Family Service and Research Clinic.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
Often completed alongside UA’s online Master of Education in Special Education for students who need both the degree and the ABA-specific coursework. Best suited for current UA special-education students layering on ABA credentials rather than someone looking for a single, self-contained program, since the certificate alone doesn’t include a degree.
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education
- Master of Education in Special Education
- Certificate in Special Education Transition Services
- Micro-certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders
CALIFORNIA
University of Massachusetts Global (private)
Irvine, CA
Website
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate (online)
Credits: 21
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $6,300 based on current published rates (Confirmed as total program cost.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Independent. UMass Global states BCBA candidates must separately meet the supervised-fieldwork requirement on their own.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found. International transcripts are evaluated.
Delivered in fast, 8-week course modules rather than traditional 15-week semesters, which compresses the timeline but also the pace, worth knowing if you’re balancing this with full-time work. Best suited for someone who already holds a qualifying master’s and wants the coursework requirement done quickly rather than as part of a longer degree program.
National University (private)
San Diego, CA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, on-campus)
Credits: 30
Program format: Online and on-campus
Estimated tuition: $20,880 based on current published rates (Based on current published rates.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Partial. NU’s official materials confirm the program includes practicum and supervision, including arrangements in a student’s home state or country, though the exact share of the full BACB hour requirement this covers isn’t specified.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
Monthly start dates, rather than the semester-based calendar most schools on this list use, mean you’re not locked into a fall or spring enrollment window. Best suited for someone who wants to start immediately rather than wait months for the next cohort. The tradeoff is a less cohort-based experience than programs that admit once or twice a year.
Faculty Voice
“Students have the flexibility of attending class Onsite or Online. Either option will provide the same courses as learners advance through the program.
Pepperdine University (private)
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Los Angeles, CA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 30 units
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $60,900 based on current published rates (30 units at $2,030/unit, plus a one-time $498 practicum fee. Not an annual figure.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework follows a course sequence verified by ABAI and is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: The program itself is not ABAI-accredited, despite marketing language describing it as “ABAI-verified.”
Fieldwork support: Built-in. 6 units of supervised field placement, with at least 20 BCBA-supervised clinical-training hours required monthly, at an approved site in the student’s local community.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No citizenship/state restriction disclosed. BCBA examination eligibility depends on residing in an authorized country.
At roughly $60,900, this is one of the most expensive programs on this list, but it’s also one of the few with meaningful built-in fieldwork support rather than leaving you to arrange everything independently. Best suited for someone who values speed (as few as 12 to 15 months) and built-in practicum support enough to justify the premium price relative to comparable programs.
Also offers:
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (MFT/LPC track)
- Master of Arts in Psychology (General)
COLORADO
University of Colorado – Denver (public)
School of Education and Human Development
Denver, CO
Website
Master of Arts in Special Education with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, on-campus)
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 30
Program format: Online and on-campus
Estimated tuition: $13,920 based on current published rates (Confirmed for in-state students. Out-of-state/online students pay a substantially higher $1,456/credit rate, totaling approximately $43,680.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited. Some third-party sources describe this program as accredited, but that claim could not be confirmed against ABAI’s own directory.
Fieldwork support: Partial. Three practicum courses are embedded in the curriculum, but students must secure their own approved fieldwork site and supervisor.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
The gap between the in-state and out-of-state rate here is unusually large, roughly $30,000, so confirm your actual billing rate before enrolling rather than assuming the lower published figure applies. Best suited for Colorado residents specifically. Out-of-state students should compare this against lower flat-rate online options before committing.
CONNECTICUT
Western Connecticut State University (public)
Department of Educational Psychology
Danbury, CT
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 30
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $17,430 based on current published rates (Estimated within a $14,400 to $19,400 range depending on fee bundling. Not independently pinned to an exact figure.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: Not disclosed.
Runs on a cohort model with admissions in both spring and fall, and typically finishes in about 16 months, faster than many comparable online MS programs. Best suited for someone who wants a defined cohort experience rather than a self-paced, enroll-anytime format.
Also offers:
- Master of Science in Counselor Education
- Master of Science in Education
- Master of Education in Special Education
FLORIDA
Florida Institute of Technology (private)
School of Behavior Analysis
Melbourne, FL
Website
Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis Practice (online)
Online Behavior Analyst Graduate Certificate (online)
Credits: 33
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $22,350 based on current published rates (33 credits at approximately $1,000/credit. Not an annual figure. Note: this program was previously and incorrectly listed with figures belonging to FIT’s on-campus PhD (92 credits, $117,944).) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: This online MA is not ABAI-accredited. FIT holds ABAI accreditation for its separate on-campus master’s, doctoral, and bachelor’s programs in behavior analysis, but that accreditation doesn’t extend to this online degree.
Fieldwork support: Independent. FIT states directly that its online ABA programs include no practicum, internship, or fieldwork.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
BCBA® pass rate: Graduates reported a 71% first-time pass rate on the BCBA® exam (FIT self-reported figure, 2024, versus a 54% national first-time average that year).
This is FIT’s fast, self-arranged online path, not a scaled-down version of its ABAI-accredited on-campus programs, and the two shouldn’t be confused. Best suited for someone who wants FIT’s name and community connections without needing full accreditation or built-in fieldwork. If either of those matters more to you, FIT’s on-campus MS is the better comparison.
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Master of Science Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (on-campus, ABAI-accredited)
- PhD in Behavior Analysis (on-campus, ABAI-accredited)
Nova Southeastern University (private)
College of Psychology
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Website
Master of Science in Counseling, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration (online)
Credits: 30 (36 with optional Autism/DD concentration)
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $49,950 based on current published rates (Previously listed at 54 credits. Corrected to 30 (36 with the optional concentration) based on current program materials.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Partial, optional. An ABA practicum is described as optional. Supervised independent fieldwork may be completed at a current workplace.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: International students must complete the practical-training component within the United States.
This is a counseling degree with an ABA concentration, not a standalone ABA degree, so coursework blends clinical mental-health counseling training with behavior-analytic content. Best suited for someone who wants a broader clinical counseling credential alongside ABA eligibility, rather than someone who wants ABA to be the entire focus of their degree.
University of West Florida (public)
Center for Behavior Analysis
Pensacola, FL
Website
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 39-45
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $15,015 based on current published rates (Estimated range of $15,000 to $17,307 depending on final credit count.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Independent. UWF states explicitly that it does not offer a practicum or intensive practicum.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
UWF offers ABA training at every level, from an undergraduate certificate through this master’s, all through the same Center for Behavior Analysis, which is unusual continuity most schools on this list don’t offer. Best suited for someone who wants a full pathway from bachelor’s-level credentials up through the master’s without switching institutions, though note the lack of any fieldwork support at the master’s level specifically.
Also offers:
- Behavior Technician Training
ILLINOIS
The Chicago School (private)
Chicago, IL
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, on-campus)
Credits: 38
Program format: Online and on-campus
Estimated tuition: $53,542 based on current published rates (Based on current published rates.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: This program meets BCBA® eligibility through genuine ABAI Tier 1 accreditation in its online format, not through the Pathway 2 coursework-attestation route most other programs on this list use.
Accreditation: ABAI-accredited (online format).
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found. The school has an active international-admissions process.
BCBA® pass rate: The BACB’s official 2024 data for this program’s ABAI-accredited online track shows a 43% first-time pass rate on 47 candidates.
This is one of a small number of programs on this entire list with genuine online-format ABAI accreditation rather than Pathway 2 status, meaning it carries none of the 2032 sunset risk that applies to most other listings here. Best suited for someone prioritizing accreditation certainty over cost, since it’s also one of the more expensive options on this list.
Also offers:
- Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- PhD in Behavior Analysis
Southern Illinois University (public)
Rehabilitation Institute
Carbondale, IL
Website
Master of Science Degree in Behavior Analysis and Therapy (hybrid, on-campus)
Credits: 45
Program format: Hybrid with required campus weekends, not fully online
Estimated tuition: $21,150 based on current published rates (Based on current published rates.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: This is SIU’s ABAI-accredited program, though that accreditation covers the program as actually delivered.
Accreditation: ABAI-accredited, covering the hybrid delivery format specifically, not a separate fully-online track.
Fieldwork support: Partial. A 3-credit practicum plus a 9-credit supervised internship are both built into the curriculum, but online/hybrid students provide their own local clinical site.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
BCBA® pass rate: The BACB’s official 2024 first-time pass rate for this program was 54% on 13 candidates.
Important limitation: despite sometimes being described as an online program, this degree requires periodic in-person campus weekends and is not a 100% remote option, unlike most other listings here. Best suited for someone within reasonable travel distance of Carbondale who wants ABAI accreditation with only occasional campus visits rather than a fully self-contained online program.
Also offers:
- Minor in Behavior Analysis and Therapy
- PhD in Psychology
INDIANA
Ball State University (public)
Department of Special Education
Muncie, IN
Website
Master of Arts in Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate (online)
Credits: 30
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $13,920 based on current published rates (Based on current published rates.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Independent. A Field Experience course exists, but Ball State states BCBA hours are independently accrued at a student-chosen site, potentially their existing workplace.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: Yes. Online enrollment is authorized for US residents only. Not available internationally.
BCBA® pass rate: The BACB’s official 2024 first-time pass rate for this program was 53% on 832 candidates, one of the largest reported cohorts nationally.
The large candidate pool behind that 53% figure makes it a reliable data point, unlike small-cohort programs reporting 100%. Important limitation: this program is not available to students outside the United States. Best suited for a US-based working teacher who wants a large, well-established online program with a statistically meaningful track record.
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Arts or Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Purdue Global (public)
West Lafayette, IN
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Applied Behavior Analysis Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (online)
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 45 quarter credits
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $18,900 based on current published rates (45 quarter credits at $420/credit. Not an annual figure. Annualized over a typical two-year completion, that’s roughly $9,450/year.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Independent, with a state-specific exception: a required in-person practicum track applies specifically to Indiana, Nebraska, and Wyoming residents. Outside those states, students generally locate their own practicum site.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: Yes. Indiana, Nebraska, and Wyoming residents must complete an in-person practicum track that isn’t required elsewhere.
Purdue Global’s scale as one of the largest online degree providers shows up in its infrastructure, more than half its faculty hold doctorates with active publication records. Important limitation: if you live in Indiana, Nebraska, or Wyoming specifically, this program isn’t fully remote for you the way it is for residents of other states.
Also offers:
- Master of Science in Psychology
KANSAS
University of Kansas (public)
Department of Applied Behavioral Science
Lawrence, KS
Website
Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science (online, on-campus)
Credits: 30 minimum. Thesis required
Program format: Online and on-campus
Estimated tuition: $23,850 based on current published rates (30 credits at a flat $795/credit, the same rate regardless of residency. Not an annual figure. A required thesis may extend total credits and cost.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: This program meets BCBA® eligibility through genuine ABAI Tier 1 accreditation in its online format through December 31, 2030, not through Pathway 2 coursework attestation.
Accreditation: ABAI-accredited (online format) through December 31, 2030.
Fieldwork support: Partial. KU doesn’t provide supervision directly but partners with approved clinical sites and BCBA supervisors. Students at those sites can accrue group-supervision hours through a dedicated Clinical Practicum course.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
BCBA® pass rate: 88% (school-reported figure. Specific year not independently confirmed).
Important limitation and differentiator: an empirical master’s thesis with full defense is required, unlike most other programs on this list, which adds time and rigor but is a real commitment to plan for. Best suited for someone who wants genuine ABAI accreditation and doesn’t mind the added thesis requirement in exchange for it.
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of General Studies in Applied Behavioral Science
- PhD in Behavioral Psychology (on-campus)
LOUISIANA
Nicholls State University (public)
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Thibodaux, LA
Website
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction High Incidence Disabilities with Applied Behavior Analysis option Concentration (online, hybrid, on-campus)
Credits: 36
Program format: Online, hybrid, and on-campus
Estimated tuition: $12,384 based on current published rates (Based on current published rates for the online track.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Built-in. Supervised practicum/field experience approved by the program committee is required, with a full Practicum I, II, and III sequence embedded in the curriculum.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found. Nicholls publishes an international graduate-admissions process.
This program approaches ABA through a curriculum-and-instruction lens rather than a clinical or psychology one, with the full three-course practicum sequence built directly into the degree, more structured fieldwork support than most programs on this list offer. Best suited for current classroom teachers and instructional coordinators who want ABA skills applied to curriculum design specifically, rather than clinical practice.
Faculty Voice
“We have students who are local to the Southeast Louisiana region, as well as many distance learners enrolled in our program from the United Kingdom, Richmond VA, San Diego, CA… and others.
Bierman Autism Centers (Nicholls State University when interviewed)
Also offers:
- Educational Specialist in School Psychology
- Master of Education in School Counseling
- High Incidence Disabilities with Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate
MAINE
University of Southern Maine (public)
Department of Educational & School Psychology
Portland, ME
Website
Master of Science in Educational Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis concentration (online)
Credits: 36
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: Not independently verified. USM’s page does not list a standard tuition figure. Online students receive the university’s special e-tuition rate, which was previously cited at approximately $18,324 total. · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
Faculty here are dual-credentialed as both school psychologists and BCBAs, a combination that’s uncommon among programs on this list and useful if you want your ABA training grounded specifically in school psychology practice. Over 150 graduate assistantships are available for tuition and stipend support, worth investigating given how few programs on this list offer anything similar.
Faculty Voice
“The MS in Educational Psychology (ABA Concentration) program is offered in a fully online (blend of synchronous and asynchronous courses) or hybrid… format.
JPAssociate Professor and Chair, Department of Educational and School Psychology, University of Southern Maine
Also offers:
- PsyD in School Psychology
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
MASSACHUSETTS
Endicott College (private)
The Institute for Applied Behavioral Studies
Beverly, MA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, hybrid)
Master of Education in Special Education and Applied Behavioral Analysis (online, on campus, hybrid)
PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 40 for the M.S. (the M.Ed. is a separate 51-credit program. Confirm which is featured)
Program format: Online, hybrid, and on-campus depending on program
Estimated tuition: $29,937 based on current published rates (Based on current published rates. Confirm which specific program this figure applies to given multiple offerings.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Independent. Endicott’s own materials state fieldwork is not required by the program, with no formal connection between a student’s BACB supervisor and the college.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
BCBA® pass rate: 55% (Endicott’s own reported first-time pass rate for 2024).
Important limitation: with three distinct master’s-level ABA programs plus a PhD and certificate, confirm exactly which one you’re comparing before assuming a given credit count or cost applies, since the MS (40 credits) and MEd (51 credits) are different programs, not two names for the same one. Best suited for someone deliberately choosing between an ABA-specific MS, a special-education MEd with ABA embedded, or a doctoral track, all under one institution’s name.
Also offers:
- Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Certificate in Mental Health
- Certificate in Autism
Northeastern University (private)
Bouvre College of Health Sciences
Boston, MA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 30
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $43,170 based on current published rates (Confirmed as total program cost, not annual.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Partial, optional. Completing all four “Intensive Practicum” courses can provide 100% of required fieldwork hours, with Northeastern faculty supervisors meeting students twice weekly, but this track is optional, not automatic.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
BCBA® pass rate: Approximately 70% (self-reported. No specific year could be confirmed, and Northeastern directs students to BACB’s own published tables rather than posting a dated school-specific figure).
Northeastern has run ABA training since 1976, one of the longest track records of any program on this list, and its optional Intensive Practicum track is one of relatively few options here that can cover 100% of fieldwork hours if you opt in. Best suited for someone who wants that built-in fieldwork option specifically. Skipping it leaves you in the same independent-arrangement position as most other programs.
Also offers:
- Master of Science in Applied Psychology
- Master of Science in School Psychology
Regis College (private)
Department of Applied Behavior Analysis
Weston, MA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 30-33 (confirm exact count directly)
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: Not independently verified. Regis’s page does not list a confirmed per-credit or total figure. Estimated at $30,450 to $35,700 based on a $1,010 to $1,060/credit range, unconfirmed. · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: This program meets BCBA® eligibility through genuine ABAI Tier 1 accreditation in its online format through December 31, 2027, not through Pathway 2 coursework attestation.
Accreditation: ABAI-accredited (online format) through December 31, 2027. Regis’s on-campus MS is separately accredited through December 31, 2029.
Fieldwork support: Built-in on the practicum track. Two required semesters at 16+ hours/week under a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, with weekly group and individual supervision.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
Regis built its online program to mirror its on-campus version closely enough that both have independently earned ABAI accreditation, a rare combination among online programs, most of which rely on Pathway 2 instead. Best suited for someone who wants online delivery without giving up real accreditation status or built-in fieldwork supervision.
Also offers:
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, for students who already hold a qualifying master’s)
Simmons University (private)
Department of Behavior Analysis
Boston, MA
Website
Master of Science Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, on-campus)
Educational Specialist in Behavior Analysis (online, on-campus)
Credits: 40
Program format: Online and on-campus
Estimated tuition: $45,600 based on current published rates (Based on current published rates.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: This program meets BCBA® eligibility through genuine ABAI Tier 1 accreditation in its online format through December 31, 2030, not through Pathway 2 coursework attestation.
Accreditation: ABAI-accredited (online format) through December 31, 2030.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: Yes. The online track is restricted to US citizens and permanent residents.
BCBA® pass rate: The BACB’s official 2024 first-time pass rate for this program was 78% on 78 candidates.
This is one of the few programs on this list with genuine online-format ABAI accreditation, meaning no Pathway 2 sunset risk applies here. Important limitation: unlike most other listings, this program is not open to international students, only US citizens and permanent residents.
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior
- Educational Specialist in Applied Behavior Analysis
- PhD in Behavioral Analysis
University of Massachusetts – Lowell (public)
Department of Psychology
Lowell, MA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies (online, hybrid)
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Applied Behavior Analysis and Education option (online, hybrid)
Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 39
Program format: Online and hybrid, depending on program
Estimated tuition: $16,050 based on current published rates (Based on current published rates. Confirm current figure directly given prior credit-count corrections.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. UMass Lowell has submitted an initial ABAI accreditation application, currently under review as of early 2026. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not currently ABAI-accredited. An accreditation application is under review, which is not the same as being accredited.
Fieldwork support: Built-in. 6 credits of supervised practicum at affiliated agencies are required, with paid fieldwork options described directly by the university.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found. International applicants must provide credential evaluation and English-proficiency documentation.
BCBA® pass rate: The BACB’s official 2024 first-time pass rate for this program was 64% on 22 candidates.
A rare STEM-designated ABA degree, and one of the few programs on this list offering paid fieldwork placement rather than unpaid or self-arranged hours. Best suited for someone who wants built-in, potentially paid practicum experience. Worth revisiting once UMass Lowell’s pending ABAI application is resolved one way or the other.
Faculty Voice
“The graduate program in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies at UMass Lowell caters to a diverse group of students… some complete our online graduate certificate in ABA before applying to the degree program.
RR
MICHIGAN
Michigan State University (public)
Department of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
East Lansing, MI
Website
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, hybrid)
Credits: 37
Program format: Online and hybrid
Estimated tuition: $27,990 based on current published rates (Based on current published rates.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Built-in and faculty-supervised. 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork at 20 hours/week, directly supervised by MSU faculty, alongside a required master’s thesis. Note: this is a different, separate program from MSU’s other, fully-online MA in ABA & Autism Spectrum Disorders, which explicitly provides no fieldwork support, so confirm which MSU program you’re actually comparing.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
BCBA® pass rate: 85% (school-reported figure. Specific year not independently confirmed).
This program’s fully-embedded, faculty-supervised fieldwork is a genuine standout on this list, most programs leave hours entirely to the student. The tradeoff is a required master’s thesis and hybrid (not fully online) delivery. Best suited for someone who wants the fieldwork handled for them and doesn’t mind the added thesis and occasional in-person requirements.
MINNESOTA
Capella University (private)
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Minneapolis, MN
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 60 quarter credits
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $32,400 based on current published rates (Effective July 13, 2026: 60 quarter credits at $540/credit, plus a $160 resource kit fee.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Capella has submitted an initial ABAI Tier 2a recognition application, currently under review. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not currently ABAI-recognized. A Tier 2a application is under review, which is not the same as holding recognition.
Fieldwork support: Independent. Coursework-only program. Practicum costs and travel are the student’s responsibility to arrange.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: Some state-specific licensure restrictions apply. Confirm your state’s eligibility directly with Capella before enrolling if you plan to seek licensure there.
Three specialization tracks (Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavior Analysis in Education, Organizational Behavior Management) let you focus your training toward a specific career direction, a rarer feature among online ABA programs on this list, most of which offer a single generalist track.
St. Cloud State University (public)
Department of Behavioral Health and Counseling
St. Cloud, MN
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, on campus)
Credits: 52
Program format: Online and on-campus
Estimated tuition: $38,116 based on current published rates (Confirmed as plausible given 52 credits at a higher online per-credit rate of approximately $733/credit.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: This program meets BCBA® eligibility through genuine ABAI Tier 1 accreditation in its online format, granted a full seven-year term in 2025, not through Pathway 2 coursework attestation.
Accreditation: ABAI-accredited (online format), one of the longest accreditation terms of any program on this list.
Fieldwork support: Partial. A required 750-hour clinical internship is arranged with a faculty advisor, with on-site supervision by a licensed psychologist or BCBA.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
BCBA® pass rate: 88% (school-reported figure. Specific year not independently confirmed).
Beyond genuine online accreditation, this program offers international internship and practicum placement options in 18 countries and 49 states, a scale of fieldwork flexibility unmatched by anything else on this list. Best suited for someone who wants both real accreditation and geographic flexibility in where they complete fieldwork.
Also offers:
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis
Walden University (private)
Minneapolis, MN
Website
Master of Science in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization (online)
Credits: Varies by program version. Confirm directly
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: Not independently verified. Approximately $30,205 to $37,170 depending on program length and transfer credits, based on roughly $610/quarter credit plus a $185 quarterly program fee. Not an annual figure. · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework follows a course sequence verified by ABAI and is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: None built in. Walden does not provide the supervised fieldwork experience required for BCBA exam eligibility. You’ll need to arrange all 1,500 to 2,000 hours entirely on your own.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
Important limitation: Walden is one of only a couple of programs on this entire list with zero fieldwork support of any kind, not even optional guidance, which is a real gap to weigh against its accelerated 15-month timeline and no-GRE admission. Best suited for someone who already has a fieldwork placement lined up independently and just needs the coursework done quickly.
Also offers:
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis (online)
- Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with ABA specialization (online)
MISSOURI
Southeast Missouri State University (public)
Department of Psychology and Counseling
Cape Girardeau, MO
Website
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 42
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $16,086 based on current published rates (Confirmed as approximately accurate at 42 credits and roughly $383/credit.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Mostly independent. SEMO’s own materials describe faculty supervision as “limited” and encourage students to identify a practicum site before entering the program.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
SEMO offers an accelerated pathway specifically for undergraduates already majoring in education, psychology, child development, communication disorders, or autism studies, worth checking if you’re still an undergrad and know ABA is your direction. Best suited for someone comfortable identifying their own practicum site early, since faculty involvement in that process is limited.
Also offers:
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate
Webster University (private)
St. Louis, MO
Website
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 33
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $23,430 based on current published rates (33 credits at Webster’s School of Education-specific rate of $710/credit, not the general $800/credit institutional rate.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited. Webster holds ABAI Tier 2a recognition (2025-2027) under the Tiered Model of Education, a real credential though a step below full Tier 1 accreditation.
Fieldwork support: None built in. Webster’s own program page states plainly that supervised fieldwork is not embedded in the degree and must be arranged independently.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
BCBA® pass rate: 70% (self-reported. Specific year not independently confirmed).
Note: ABAI’s own directory lists this degree as an M.A., while some Webster marketing materials use M.S.. Confirm the exact credential name directly before applying. Best suited for RBTs specifically looking to advance to BCBA level through a practical, real-world-application-focused curriculum delivered in an 8-week course format.
Also offers:
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis and Organizational Behavior Management
NEVADA
University of Nevada – Reno (public)
Global Institute of Behavior Analysis
Reno, NV
Website
Master of Science Degree in Behavior Analysis (online, on-campus)
Credits: 36
Program format: Online and on-campus
Estimated tuition: $12,744 based on current published rates (Based on current published rates.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: This program meets BCBA® eligibility through genuine ABAI Tier 1 accreditation in its online format, not through Pathway 2 coursework attestation.
Accreditation: ABAI-accredited (online format). Note: ABAI’s board deferred this program’s routine re-accreditation decision by one year in 2026, citing questions around fiscal/faculty resources and thesis-equivalent requirements. The program remains currently accredited while that review continues.
Fieldwork support: Strong built-in support. A dedicated practical training coordinator assists every student, with a choice between a 1,500-hour intensive or 2,000-hour standard track.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
The combination of genuine online accreditation, dedicated fieldwork coordination, and international satellite supervisor relationships (including Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and China) makes this one of the most fully-supported programs on this list. Worth monitoring the pending 2026 re-accreditation review before enrolling, though the program remains accredited in the meantime.
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Behavior Analysis concentration available)
- PhD in Behavior Analysis
NEW JERSEY
Monmouth University (private)
School of Education
West Long Branch, NJ
Website
Master of Science in Special Education Combined Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis track (online, hybrid)
Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 39
Program format: Online and hybrid
Estimated tuition: $38,805 based on current published rates (Estimated range of $38,805 to $46,800 depending on the exact per-credit rate at time of enrollment. Confirm current rate directly with Monmouth’s Bursar office.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
This is the only combined Autism/ABA-track special education program available in New Jersey specifically, worth knowing if in-state considerations or NJ-specific licensure alignment matter to you. Best suited for New Jersey-based educators. Out-of-state students should weigh the relatively wide published cost range against flat-rate alternatives elsewhere on this list.
NEW YORK
CUNY – Hunter College (public)
School of Education
New York, NY
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, on-campus)
Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, on-campus)
Credits: 44
Program format: Online and on-campus
Estimated tuition: $20,680 based on current published rates (Confirmed as a plausible total at in-state rates for this 41-44 credit hybrid-delivered program.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Hunter has submitted an initial ABAI accreditation application, currently under review. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not currently ABAI-accredited. An accreditation application is under review, which is not the same as being accredited.
Fieldwork support: Partial built-in. Two required 180-hour practica (360 hours total) at Hunter-affiliated sites, meaningful, but well short of the full 1,500-2,000 hours required, so some independent arrangement is still needed.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
Classes run synchronously through web-conferencing rather than fully asynchronous, so factor real-time attendance into your schedule. Best suited for someone in or near New York who wants some built-in fieldwork structure (360 hours) without expecting the full requirement covered.
Russell Sage College (private)
Esteves School of Education
Troy, NY
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism (online)
Advanced Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 36 (non-practicum track) or 44 (practicum track)
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $24,660 based on current published rates (36-credit non-practicum track at $685/credit. The practicum track (44 credits) totals approximately $30,140. A previously cited $20,550 figure reflected an outdated, shorter program structure.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Approved by NYSED for New York State behavior analyst licensing. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Optional, partial. An 8-credit practicum track can provide roughly 1,000 hours toward BCBA and NY licensure requirements, but students must secure their own host agency and BCBA/LBA supervisor before enrolling in that track.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
Class sizes of only 16 are among the smallest of any program on this list, and the optional practicum track ties directly into New York State licensure requirements specifically, worth prioritizing if you plan to practice in NY. Best suited for someone who wants small-cohort attention and is willing to arrange their own supervisor to access the practicum-track credit toward licensure.
NORTH DAKOTA
University of North Dakota (public)
Department of Education and Human Development
Grand Forks, ND
Website
Master of Science/Master of Education in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization (online)
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 33
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $18,219 based on current published rates (33 credits at a flat $551/credit, the same rate for all students regardless of residency. A previously cited $24,885 figure could not be reproduced from UND’s current published rate. Confirm directly with UND’s Graduate School if a higher figure is intended.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found. Admissions require English-language proficiency, not US residency or citizenship.
The flat per-credit rate applies to every student regardless of where they live, a genuine advantage over programs with steep in-state/out-of-state gaps elsewhere on this list. Best suited for out-of-state or international students specifically who want cost certainty without residency-based pricing surprises.
Faculty Voice
“The program at the University of North Dakota is full service… All of our courses are offered on-line and asynchronous.
CDCertification Central / North Dakota Association for Behavior Analysis (University of North Dakota when interviewed)
Also offers:
- Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Graduate Certificate in Behavior Intervention Specialist
OHIO
Kent State University (public)
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
Kent, OH
Website
Behavioral Intervention Specialist – Graduate Certificate (online)
Credits: 24
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $13,101 based on current published rates (Confirmed as approximately accurate at the Ohio-resident rate.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Already aligned to the BACB’s 6th edition Test Content Outline. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: Not disclosed.
At only eight classes total, this is one of the most compact certificate options on this list, delivered entirely asynchronously. Best suited for someone who wants the minimum coursework path to BCBA eligibility without any degree attached.
Faculty Voice
“Currently, the BISCP has students enrolled from 18 different cities in Ohio, six different states, and two countries.
CB
University of Cincinnati (public)
Behavior Analysis Program
Cincinnati, OH
Website
Master of Education in Foundations in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 30
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $22,380 based on current published rates (Confirmed as exactly accurate for Ohio residents.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Partial. Two required practicum courses provide direct faculty and field-supervisor oversight, but applicants must already have a BCBA supervisor agreement in place before starting the field experience.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found. International applicants are expressly accepted with transcript-evaluation and English-proficiency requirements.
Important limitation: you need a BCBA supervisor lined up before the practicum courses even start, unlike programs that help you find one. Best suited for someone who already works in ABA or has an existing supervisor relationship and wants a structured, applied-focus (not thesis-focused) degree completable in as few as five semesters.
Also offers:
- Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
OKLAHOMA
University of Oklahoma (public)
Department of Educational Psychology
Norman, OK
Website
Applied Behavior Analysis, Graduate Certificate (online)
Credits: 21
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: Not independently verified. A base tuition-only estimate of $6,731 in-state is lower than a previously cited $8,022 figure. The difference may reflect mandatory fees not captured in the base estimate. Confirm with OU’s Graduate College whether fees are included. · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Mostly independent, with an optional assist. No on-campus residency requirement. An optional BACB-approved University Practicum is available for students who want it.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
At only 21 credits, this is one of the shortest certificate paths on this list. Best suited for someone who already holds a qualifying master’s and wants the fastest possible route to BCBA coursework eligibility, with an optional (not mandatory) university-run practicum available if you want it.
Faculty Voice
“We have an online synchronous program bc we are one of three programs in the whole state.
RCAlso offers:
- Master of Education in Special Education
- Master of Education in Clinical Professional Counseling
PENNSYLVANIA
Saint Joseph’s University (private)
School of Education and Human Development
Philadelphia, PA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 30
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: Not independently verified. A confirmed current per-credit rate of $1,028 implies a total of approximately $30,840 to $37,008 depending on final credit count. Confirm exact current figure directly with SJU. · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: None built in. SJU’s own materials describe fieldwork as “separate” from university requirements, with students responsible for securing their own placements.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
A 4+1 accelerated track lets you complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five total years if you’re starting from scratch at SJU specifically. Best suited for someone who wants that accelerated undergrad-to-grad pipeline. If you’re coming from elsewhere, this offers no fieldwork advantage over independent-arrangement programs.
Also offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Autism Behavioral Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Arcadia University (private)
School of Education
Glenside, PA
Website
Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 33
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $25,740 based on current published rates (33 credits at a current rate of $780/credit, up from a previously listed $765/credit.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited. Arcadia’s ABAI recognition status remains “eligible to apply,” unchanged since 2022. No formal tier has been granted.
Fieldwork support: Independent, but flexible. No on-campus residency requirement. The required 2,000 practicum hours may be completed at a student’s current workplace.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
The ability to complete required practicum hours at your current job, if it’s ABA-relevant, is a real convenience most programs on this list don’t explicitly offer. Best suited for someone already working in an ABA-adjacent role who wants to complete fieldwork without changing jobs, in as few as 18 months.
Faculty Voice
“Currently we utilize an online model but also offer hybrid opportunities for students who want to further connect with their cohort and professors.
SW
Drexel University (private)
School of Education
Philadelphia, PA
Website
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 45
Program format: Online, with no residency requirement
Estimated tuition: $50,940 based on current published rates (45 credits at Drexel’s School of Education-specific rate of $1,132/credit, distinct from the general $1,510-$1,525/credit institutional rate.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited. Drexel’s own program page states it is “pursuing recognition” through ABAI’s Tiered Model, and explicitly notes pursuit doesn’t denote recognition status.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed beyond an assigned faculty advisor for career guidance. Treat as independently arranged unless confirmed otherwise.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
Important note: this fully online program has no residency requirement, a separate hybrid Drexel MS in ABA does require Philadelphia campus weekends and is a different program entirely, so confirm which one you’re looking at. Best suited for someone who wants Drexel’s name and faculty publication record without any campus visits.
Also offers:
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
East Stroudsburg University (public)
Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation
East Stroudsburg, PA
Website
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 21
Program format: Online, with no residency requirement
Estimated tuition: $10,836 based on current published rates (Confirmed as approximately accurate against an independent estimate of $10,386 for an 18-credit certificate at the PA-resident rate.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Independent, with an optional pathway. An optional non-degree fieldwork placement pathway is available.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: First-time pass rate reported by BACB at a very small cohort size (6 candidates), too small to draw meaningful conclusions from. Confirm current-year figures directly if this matters to your decision.
One of the least expensive certificate options on this list, delivered fully online with an optional fieldwork placement pathway if you want it. Best suited for a budget-conscious student who already holds a qualifying master’s, though the very small reported pass-rate cohort means that specific statistic shouldn’t carry much weight in your decision.
Faculty Voice
“I love the fact that our program is small enough for students to get to know our faculty very well. We are able to develop great relationships with our students.
CDAlso offers:
- Master of Education in Special Education
Lehigh University (private)
College of Education
Bethlehem, PA
Website
Master of Education in Behavior Analysis (online)
Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 30
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $19,800 based on current published rates (Confirmed as total program cost, not annual.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. The course sequence has been verified by BACB. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
BCBA® pass rate: Any 100% pass-rate figure previously associated with this program almost certainly reflects a very small cohort. Confirm current candidate counts before treating any percentage as meaningful.
Coursework here can also apply toward Pennsylvania Behavior Specialist licensure, not just BCBA eligibility, a dual-purpose worth knowing if you plan to practice in PA. Current PA educators also receive a tuition discount.
Faculty Voice
“Our online program utilizes a synchronous and asynchronous model, depending on the class… Students attend our online program are from around the country, as well as abroad.
NSAssociate Professor and Director of CAARES, SUNY Empire State University (Lehigh University when interviewed)
Also offers:
- Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (private)
Department of Psychology
Philadelphia, PA
Website
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 21
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $20,680 based on current published rates (Confirmed at approximately $20,680/year per PCOM’s own current fact sheet. This is an annual figure since PCOM bills the certificate and related MS together on a per-year basis.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. PCOM’s related MS program has an initial ABAI accreditation application under review, which does not apply to this certificate. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Partial. A required one-year practicum yields at least 100 potentially qualifying supervised hours, well short of the full BACB total, but students coordinate placement with the program director rather than arranging it entirely alone.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: 83% (self-reported figure that refers to the related MS program, not this certificate specifically. Confirm which applies before relying on it).
Certificate credits may transfer toward PCOM’s MS in ABA if you decide to continue, worth knowing if this certificate might be a stepping stone rather than your final credential. Best suited for someone specifically interested in working with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in home and school settings, PCOM’s stated area of focus.
Also offers:
- Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
TENNESSEE
Tennessee Technological University (public)
Curriculum and Instruction Department
Cookeville, TN
Website
Applied Behavior Analysis concentration, within Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (online)
Credits: 33
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $23,067 based on current published rates (33 credits at $699/credit for Tennessee residents. The annual in-state estimate alone is closer to $11,376 to $12,386/year.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: None required for graduation. Fieldwork is explicitly optional. Students need separate concentrated fieldwork courses to accrue hours if they want program support.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
This concentration is embedded in a broader Curriculum and Instruction MA rather than being a standalone ABA degree, meaning your coursework covers general instructional design alongside ABA content. Best suited for educators who want ABA skills as one part of a broader instructional credential, not someone who wants ABA to be the entire degree.
TEXAS
Texas A&M University (public)
Department of Educational Psychology
College Station, TX
Website
Master of Science/Master of Education in Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate (online)
Credits: 21 (certificate)
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: Not independently verified. Not independently confirmed against Texas A&M’s own materials. Recommend a direct pull from the university’s cost-of-attendance calculator before relying on any published figure. · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: Partial, gated. VCS-era coursework is embedded, but fieldwork supervision runs through separate practicum courses (SEFB 630/631) requiring department approval, not automatic enrollment.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
This program is administered by the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M’s main College Station campus, not a satellite campus, worth confirming since some older listings have cited a different location. Certificate and full degree paths are both available depending on your existing credentials.
Texas Tech University (public)
Department of Special Education
Lubbock, TX
Website
Master of Education in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 36
Program format: Online, with no on-site intensive required
Estimated tuition: $14,940-$18,000 based on current published rates (36 credits at $415-$500/credit depending on residency. Not an annual figure.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework has been verified by ABAI toward BCBA® exam eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited as a program, though coursework is ABAI-verified.
Fieldwork support: None built in. The program’s own materials state plainly that supervised fieldwork is not provided as part of the degree plan.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
Texas Tech’s own current program page confirms this is fully online with no required on-site intensive, correcting an earlier concern that it required in-person components. Fall and spring admission cycles with published deadlines (August 1 and December 1) mean planning ahead matters more here than with rolling-admission programs.
Also offers:
- Master of Education in Special Education
- PhD in Special Education
- Graduate Certificate in Autism
University of Houston – Victoria (public)
College of Education, Health Professions, and Human Development
Victoria, TX
Website
Master of Education in Special Populations, Applied Behavior Analysis emphasis (online)
Credits: 36
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: Not independently verified. Not confirmed after checking the UH system’s tuition pages, which don’t break out this specific program by name. Recommend direct outreach to UHV’s Graduate Admissions office. · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited.
Fieldwork support: None built in. UHV’s own program materials note that students will need to complete their supervised fieldwork and certification exam on their own.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
One of five tracks within UHV’s broader Special Populations MEd, meaning this shares core coursework with adjacent special-education specializations rather than being a fully separate ABA degree. Best suited for someone who wants a general special-education credential with an ABA emphasis rather than an ABA-only degree.
University of North Texas (public)
Department of Behavior Analysis
Denton, TX
Website
Master of Arts Degree in Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 30
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $13,410 based on current published rates (Based on current published rates.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: This online MA is not ABAI-accredited. UNT’s separate, on-campus MS is ABAI-accredited, but that status does not extend to this online degree.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: 77% (self-reported. Confirm current year directly with UNT, since this figure may differ from the separately-tracked on-campus MS result).
Important distinction: don’t confuse this online MA with UNT’s on-campus MS, they’re run by the same department but have different accreditation status. Best suited for someone who specifically wants UNT’s decades of ABA training experience without needing the on-campus program’s accreditation.
VIRGINIA
George Mason University (public)
School of Education
Fairfax, VA
Website
Master of Education in Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate (online)
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (online)
Credits: 36
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $30,240 based on current published rates (36 credits at $840/credit including a distance-education fee. A previously cited 30-credit/$25,200 figure was incorrect.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. George Mason has submitted an initial recognition application, currently under review. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not currently ABAI-recognized. An application is under review, which is not the same as holding recognition.
Fieldwork support: Built-in. Fieldwork at approved sites with virtual supervision is included as part of the 36-credit online, asynchronous program.
GRE: Not required
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
BCBA® pass rate: 54% (BACB official 2024 data, 70 first-time candidates).
Virginia educators receive a 15% tuition discount, worth confirming if you’re VA-based, and courses run in fast-paced 8-week modules rather than traditional semesters. Best suited for someone who wants built-in virtual fieldwork supervision without a full in-person residency requirement.
Faculty Voice
“Our students are a pretty diverse group. They range in age from recent college graduates in their early 20s to career-changers or retirees in their 50s and 60s.
TH
WASHINGTON
University of Washington (public)
College of Education
Seattle, WA
Website
Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (online, on campus)
Credits: 56 to 62 (confirm which track applies)
Program format: Online and on-campus
Estimated tuition: $32,984-$36,518 based on current published rates (56 to 62 credits at a flat $589/credit regardless of residency. A previously cited 37.5-credit/$32,973 figure does not appear on UW’s current official program materials and may reflect a retired program version.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. UW holds ABAI Tier 2a recognition for its online track, confirmed current for 2025-2027. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI Tier 1-accredited. Holds ABAI Tier 2a recognition (online), a real but lower-tier credential.
Fieldwork support: Partial, optional. 12 to 18 credits of practicum/internship coursework exist. UW’s own handbook describes the full-supervision practicum track as optional, though students who take it can obtain the supervision needed for BCBA eligibility.
GRE: Holistic review. Confirm current standardized-test policy directly.
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
Coursework can qualify graduates for Washington State Educational Staff Associate Certification or a Washington LBA license in addition to BCBA eligibility, a genuine multi-credential path most other programs on this list don’t offer. Important limitation: confirm the current credit count directly before enrolling, since published figures for this program have varied significantly across sources.
Faculty Voice
“Our program is synchronous, meaning that the professor and the students all meet together online each week for class, just as they would in an on-campus program. We also have a focus on building community in our online program.
NR
WISCONSIN
University of Wisconsin – Whitewater (public)
College of Education and Professional Studies
Whitewater, WI
Website
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate (online)
Credits: 21
Program format: Online
Estimated tuition: $13,957 based on current published rates (21 credits at $664.60/credit for Wisconsin residents, or $26,860 (at $1,279.05/credit) for non-residents.) · See current tuition →
BCBA eligibility: Coursework is designed to meet BCBA® Pathway 2 eligibility requirements. Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. Confirm this program’s timeline gets you attested well before then.
Accreditation: Not ABAI-accredited. ABAI’s directory lists no accredited or recognized programs in Wisconsin at all.
Fieldwork support: Not disclosed in official program materials reviewed.
GRE: Not disclosed
Residency restrictions: No restriction found.
Important limitation: the roughly $13,000 gap between resident and non-resident pricing here is large relative to most other certificates on this list, worth factoring in if you’re applying from out of state. Completely asynchronous with no on-campus immersion requirement, and can be stacked with UW-Whitewater’s Online MSE in Special Education if you want a full degree eventually.
Also offers:
- Master of Science in Education in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 100% online ABA degree still qualify me for BCBA credentials?
Yes. The BACB doesn’t distinguish between online and in-person degree programs when evaluating eligibility for BCBA or BCaBA certification. What matters is whether the program meets current coursework standards, not how the instruction is delivered.
What’s the difference between BCBA eligibility and ABAI accreditation?
These are two separate facts, and this page lists them separately for every program. BCBA eligibility describes whether a program’s coursework qualifies you to sit for the exam, either through genuine ABAI accreditation or through the Pathway 2 coursework-attestation route. Accreditation specifically means a program has been formally reviewed and approved by ABAI. A program can meet BCBA eligibility requirements without holding accreditation. Most programs on this page do exactly that.
Are online ABA programs still recognized now that the VCS system has ended?
Yes. The Verified Course Sequence (VCS) ended on December 31, 2025. Programs now qualify through ABAI accreditation or the Pathway 2 attestation process that replaced VCS.
How do I satisfy BACB’s practice hour requirements through an online program?
The 1,500 to 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork required for BCBA certification don’t have to be completed during your degree program. Fieldwork support varies enormously across the programs on this page, some embed faculty-supervised hours directly into the degree, others provide none at all. Check the “Fieldwork support” line for each program before assuming either way.
What happens to Pathway 2 coursework attestation programs after 2032?
Pathway 2 coursework attestation ends January 1, 2032. If you’re enrolling in a non-ABAI-accredited program on this page, map out your timeline now so your coursework, attestation, and fieldwork all finish with enough runway to sit for the exam before that date.
Why do some programs on this page list “Not disclosed” for fieldwork support or tuition?
Every fact on this page is checked against the program’s own official materials. When a program doesn’t publicly state its fieldwork policy or a clear tuition figure, we say so directly rather than guess or carry forward an old number that might no longer be accurate.
Key Takeaways
- Accreditation and BCBA eligibility are different facts. A program can qualify you for the BCBA exam through Pathway 2 coursework attestation without being ABAI-accredited. This page lists both separately for every program so you know exactly what you’re getting.
- Fieldwork support varies enormously by program. Some schools embed faculty-supervised hours directly into the degree. Others provide none at all. This is one of the biggest practical differences between programs on this list.
- Pathway 2 ends January 1, 2032. If you’re choosing a non-ABAI-accredited program, plan your timeline to finish with room to spare before that date.
- Tuition figures are checked against current published rates, not assumed. Where we couldn’t independently verify a figure, we say so directly and link to the program’s own tuition page.
- All featured programs are independently recommended. No program paid to appear here, and we update this list on an ongoing basis as programs change.
Ready to compare programs? Explore every fully online option on this page, then use our program finder to narrow by state, tuition, and program type.
