ABAI-Accredited Master’s in ABA Programs: A Curated 2026 List
Quick Answer
This guide covers a curated selection of ABAI-accredited master’s programs in ABA, all Tier 1 programs under ABAI’s Tiered Model. That meets your Pathway 1 degree and coursework requirement without a separate review, though fieldwork, the exam, and other BACB requirements still apply. Programs are listed by tuition, highest to lowest, for easy comparison.
You’ve already done the hard part of narrowing your search. You know you want an ABAI-accredited program, and you know why that matters. This guide gives you exactly what you came for: a curated set of ABAI-accredited master’s programs in the U.S., with tuition, 2024 BCBA® exam pass rates, and fieldwork requirements all in one place.
We’ve compiled this list so you don’t have to cross-reference a dozen university websites. Each ABAI-accredited program and delivery format identified here meets the BACB degree and coursework requirements for Pathway 1. Fieldwork, examination, application, and any state licensure requirements still apply. ABAI accreditation represents Tier 1 in ABAI’s Tiered Model of Education: it means the program meets BACB’s degree and coursework eligibility requirements under Pathway 1, putting you squarely on BACB’s Pathway 1 to BCBA® certification.
What Makes ABAI Accreditation Different
Not all ABA master’s programs are created equal. For BCBA eligibility, the BACB currently offers two educational pathways: Pathway 1, through qualifying accredited or recognized degree programs like the ones on this list, and Pathway 2, through qualifying graduate coursework documented through BACB’s coursework-attestation process. The difference matters a lot for your certification path.
ABAI accreditation goes deeper than a course sequence review. ABAI evaluates the entire program: faculty qualifications, curriculum alignment, fieldwork infrastructure, and ongoing outcomes. That comprehensive review is why the BACB designates these as Tier 1 programs and places graduates on Pathway 1 to certification.
You’re looking for the master’s degree that will check every single box for BCBA® certification and provide the most streamlined path possible without a single shortcut or detour. You’ve come to the right place.
The practical upshot: if your qualifying degree is conferred from the ABAI-accredited program and delivery format during its applicable accreditation period, the BACB doesn’t require you to submit your coursework for additional verification. That’s time, paperwork, and uncertainty you won’t deal with.
Pathway 1 skips the separate coursework review that Pathway 2 requires. You’ll still need to document your qualifying degree and meet the BACB’s fieldwork, exam, and application requirements like everyone else. Your ABAI-accredited master’s still commands a lot of respect in the ABA community as you transition into professional practice.
To be clear: you’ll still need to complete your supervised fieldwork hours, pass the BCBA® exam, and meet your state’s licensure requirements. State licensure runs separately from BCBA® certification: BACB issues the credential, but many states separately require licensure for behavior analysts, each with its own rules, titles, and exemptions. Check your state’s specific requirements before assuming certification alone clears you to practice. What ABAI accreditation eliminates is the coursework verification step that non-Tier 1 graduates have to navigate. For a deeper look at what BCBA® certification involves from start to finish, our BCBA® certification guide walks through every step.
How to Compare Programs on This List
With many programs to review, it helps to know which data points actually matter for your decision. Here’s what we’d focus on.
Tuition
We’ve listed programs from highest to lowest total estimated cost, based on each program’s actual required credit hours, with in-state rates used for public universities. If you’re considering an out-of-state public program, the cost difference can be dramatic. Auburn University, for example, charges significantly more if you don’t qualify for in-state rates, so check both figures before committing. Online ABA master’s programs often sidestep this issue entirely.
BCBA® Exam Pass Rates
First-attempt pass rates are a useful comparison point, especially when considered alongside cohort size and results across multiple years. We’ve included 2024 first-attempt pass rates from the BACB’s official pass rate report for every program with six or more candidates that year. Florida Tech and McNeese both posted perfect 100% rates, with Florida State, Kansas, and Houston-Clear Lake close behind.
Format and Location
Some programs are on-campus only, some are fully online, and several offer hybrid options. Auburn and Rollins College are campus-based with cohort schedules. A few programs only hold ABAI accreditation for their on-campus version, and that’s not a minor footnote: accreditation applies to a specific campus and format, not automatically to every version a university offers.
Program Size and Support
Student-to-faculty ratio, cohort size, and access to on-site practicum facilities vary widely. Rollins College caps evening classes to 12 students per cohort. The University of South Florida runs a 45-credit interdisciplinary program across three colleges. The right fit depends on how you learn best.
The master’s in ABA overview on our site goes deeper into what to look for in any ABA graduate program if you want more context before diving into the list.
ABAI-Accredited Master’s in ABA Programs Listed by Tuition
Each program entry details the essentials: program structure and focus, estimated tuition based on the program’s actual required credit hours, 2024 BCBA® exam pass rates for first-time candidates, and what BACB’s fieldwork requirement involves. Where data’s unavailable, like pass rates for programs with fewer than six candidates, or an independently confirmed current-year tuition rate, we’ve clearly identified it.
For easy price comparison, programs are listed in descending order according to tuition cost, with in-state rates noted for public universities.
Academic quality, respect in the professional community, and the degree and coursework requirement for BCBA® eligibility are addressed with any of these programs. Fieldwork placement and state licensure are things you’ll still need to confirm on your own. That means all you have to do is choose the one that best aligns with your goals, whether you’re aiming for independent practice, a position in an established clinic or local school system, or an area of practice along a path less traveled.
These programs offer multiple routes into behavior-analytic practice and further study, but specific careers may carry additional licensure, credentialing, experience, or education requirements.
| Program | Est. Program Tuition* | 2024 Pass Rate | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teachers College, Columbia University | $104,152 | 76% | 47 |
| Florida Institute of Technology | $61,160 | 100% | 44 |
| Caldwell University | $48,804 | N/A | 42 |
| Simmons University | $46,080 | 67% | 40 |
| Regis College | $43,880 | 53% | 40 |
| St. Cloud State University | $41,016 | 88% | 52 |
| The Chicago School | $35,568 | 52% | 38 |
| Salve Regina University | $33,600 | 86% | 42 |
| Rollins College | $32,252 | 63% | 45 |
| Western Michigan University | $32,117 | 86% | 37 |
| The Ohio State University | $30,767 | 38%* | 36 |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore County | $29,448 | N/A | 36 |
| Auburn University | $28,935 | N/A | 45 |
| McNeese State University | $24,824 | 100% | 58 |
| West Virginia University | $24,048 | N/A | 36 |
| California State University, Los Angeles | $21,000-$26,000 | 53% | 52-56 |
| University of Missouri, Columbia | $21,874 | N/A | 36 |
| Southern Illinois University | $21,128 | 54% | 45 |
| Salem State University | $20,460 | N/A | 37.5 |
| University of Texas at San Antonio | $19,860 | 64% | 36 |
| University of South Florida | $19,369 | 82% | 45 |
| University of Houston, Clear Lake | $17,640 | 90% | 42 |
| Jacksonville State University | $17,277 | 83%* | 39 |
| University of North Texas | $16,934 | 77% | 48 |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington | $16,329 | N/A | 51 |
| Florida State University, Panama City | $15,737 | 94% | 39 |
| University of Kansas | $15,054 | 93% | 30 |
| University of Nevada, Reno | $13,797 | 50%* | 36 |
N/A in the pass rate column means fewer than 6 first-time candidates in 2024, not individually reported by the BACB. An asterisk after a pass rate (e.g., 38%*) means combined 2023-2024 data due to low candidate volume. The asterisk in the tuition column header flags that these estimates aren’t strictly comparable across institutions: depending on the school, figures may reflect tuition-only rates, bundled tuition and fees, flat-term pricing, or the most recently verifiable published rate. See each program’s full entry below for methodology, accreditation notes, and fieldwork details.
Teachers College, Columbia University
M.A. in Teaching Students with Disabilities: Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $104,152 (47 credit hours at $2,216/credit, 2026-27 rate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 76% (17 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Emphasizes research and practice in educational and clinical settings.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and a thesis.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification and advanced research roles.
Florida Institute of Technology
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $61,160 (44 credit hours at $1,390/credit, 2026-27 rate, Melbourne campus).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 100% (11 first-time candidates, on-campus Melbourne program). Florida Tech’s separate online ABA certificate program, a different, non-master’s credential, posted a 71% pass rate across 796 candidates in 2024.
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Offered on Melbourne and Orlando campuses with daytime, evening, and weekend schedules.
- Partners with the Scott Center for Autism Treatment for clinical training.
- Opportunities to publish in ABA journals and engage with the Behavior Analysis Student Association.
- Meets BACB’s degree and coursework requirements through Pathway 1 as an ABAI-accredited program.
Caldwell University
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $48,804 (42 credit hours at $1,162/credit, 2026-27 rate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Offers on-campus and hybrid options with a fast-track combined B.S./M.A. path.
- Training at the Caldwell University Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Emphasizes developmental services and special education.
- Accepts up to 12 transfer credits from related fields.
M.S. in Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $46,080 (40 credit hours at $1,152/credit, 2026-27 rate, on-campus program).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 67% (18 first-time candidates, on-campus ABAI-accredited program). Simmons’ online M.S., which became ABAI-accredited beginning in 2026, posted a 78% first-time pass rate across 78 candidates in 2024, before its current accreditation period began.
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Offers on-campus and online options with a focus on practical application.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification and leadership roles.
Regis College
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $43,880 total (40 credit hours, 2026-27 estimate per Regis, hybrid program, before additional fees).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 53% (17 first-time candidates, hybrid, ABAI-accredited). Regis’ online M.S., which received ABAI accreditation beginning in 2025, posted a 48% first-time pass rate across 21 candidates in 2024, before its current accreditation period began.
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Offers in-person, online, and hybrid options for flexibility.
- Includes a certificate-level program for those with a related master’s.
- Active learning through role-play, peer presentations, and practicum.
St. Cloud State University
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $41,016 (52 credit hours at $788.77/credit, 2026-27 rate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 88% (24 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Focuses on applying ABA in clinical and educational settings.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
The Chicago School
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $35,568 (38 credit hours at $936/credit, based on the most recent confirmed rate from 2024-25). We couldn’t confirm a 2026-27 rate. Contact the program directly for current tuition.
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 52% (23 first-time candidates, Chicago campus, ABAI-accredited). The Chicago School’s ABAI-accredited online track posted a 43% pass rate across 47 candidates in 2024.
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Offered in multiple campuses (Chicago, Anaheim, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington, D.C.) and online.
- Focuses on practical training and diverse applications.
- Meets BACB’s degree and coursework requirements through Pathway 1 as an ABAI-accredited program.
Salve Regina University
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $33,600 (42 credit hours at $800/credit, 2026-27 rate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 86% (7 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Focuses on evidence-based interventions for developmental disabilities.
- Includes practical training and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
Rollins College
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science
Total Tuition: Approx. $32,252 total (45 credit hours, 2026-27 estimate per Rollins).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 63% (8 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Small cohorts (max 12 students) with evening classes.
- Includes 11 core courses, 2 clinical science electives, 1 professional development, and a thesis/capstone.
- Ranked #1 private regional university in the South per U.S. News & World Report (rankings change annually).
Western Michigan University
M.A. in Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $32,117 (37 credit hours at $868.04/credit, 2026-27 in-state rate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 86% (22 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Renowned for its long-standing ABA program.
- Includes extensive practicum and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification and leadership roles.
The Ohio State University
M.A. in Educational Studies, Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $30,767 (36 credit hours at $854.63/credit, 2026-27 in-state instructional rate, excluding separate per-credit fees).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 38% (8 first-time candidates, combined 2023-2024 data due to low candidate volume).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Focuses on applying ABA in educational and clinical settings.
- Includes hands-on practicum and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification and potential doctoral studies.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $29,448 (36 credit hours at $818/credit, 2026-27 in-state rate, before additional mandatory fees).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Partners with The Shafer Center for on-site autism training.
- Includes UMBC Psychology Training Clinic and practicum options in neurobehavioral and pediatric feeding disorders.
- Access to distinguished lecturers and cutting-edge research.
Auburn University
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $28,935 in-state (45 credit hours at $643/credit resident rate, 2026-27, before mandatory fees). Out-of-state tuition runs substantially higher, confirm directly with Auburn.
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- On-campus program with a focus on socially meaningful research and clinical applications.
- Includes on-campus ABA clinic, home-based services, public school district consultations, and foster care system services.
- Requires a practicum and capstone project for hands-on training.
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 20:1.
McNeese State University
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $24,824 (58 credit hours at an estimated $428/credit, the last rate we could confirm and not verified for 2026-27). Contact McNeese’s Admissions office or cost calculator for current tuition.
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 100% (8 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- On-campus program (the ABAI-accredited version) with hybrid coursework options and access to the McNeese Autism Program (MAP) for practicum.
- Seven-semester, 58-credit sequence per the program’s current handbook.
- Includes a rat laboratory and vivarium for research.
- Over 80% of students receive graduate assistantships.
- The online program is not ABAI-accredited.
West Virginia University
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $24,048 (36 credit hours at $668/credit, 2026-27 in-state tuition rate, before the university fee).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Emphasizes clinical and educational applications.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
California State University, Los Angeles
M.S. in Counseling, Option in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $21,000-$26,000, depending on term-by-term course load (52-56 units total, flat per-term tuition of $2,480 for 0-6 units or $4,274 for 6.1+ units per term, 2026-27 rates, before campus fees). This isn’t a clean per-credit calculation, confirm your specific plan with the program.
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 53% (17 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- On-campus program with a focus on behavioral interventions.
- Includes coursework in human development, psychopathology, and developmental disabilities.
- Offers hands-on research and clinical opportunities.
University of Missouri, Columbia
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $21,874 (36 credit hours at $607.60/credit, 2026-27 in-state rate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Focuses on evidence-based interventions for disabilities.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
Southern Illinois University
M.S. in Behavioral Analysis and Therapy
Total Tuition: Approx. $21,128 (45 credit hours at $469.50/credit, 2026-27 in-state rate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 54% (13 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Emphasizes clinical and research training in diverse settings.
- Includes practicum and thesis opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification and doctoral studies.
Salem State University
M.S. in Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $20,460 (37.5 credit hours at $545.60/credit, 2026-27 combined tuition-and-fee rate published by Salem State).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- 37.5 credit hours, including supervised experience and directed study.
- Focuses on practical application in various settings.
University of Texas at San Antonio
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $19,860 (36 credit hours at an estimated $551.67/credit, based on UTSA’s 2026-27 resident graduate cost-of-attendance figure averaged across an 18-credit annual load). This isn’t a confirmed tuition-only per-credit rate. Contact UTSA directly for current tuition.
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 64% (11 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Focuses on practical and research-based training.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and capstone/thesis options.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
University of South Florida
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $19,369 (45 credit hours at $430.43/credit, 2026-27 in-state rate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 82% (11 first-time candidates, on-campus ABAI-accredited program). USF’s separate online M.A. track, which isn’t ABAI-accredited, posted an 83% pass rate across 24 candidates in 2024.
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- 45-credit interdisciplinary program across three colleges.
- Meets BACB’s degree and coursework requirements through Pathway 1 as an ABAI-accredited program, and includes a practicum and thesis.
- Prepares students for diverse fields like autism, education, and mental health.
University of Houston, Clear Lake
M.A. in Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $17,640 (42 credit hours at $420/credit, 2026-27 in-state rate, before fees).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 90% (10 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Focuses on clinical and educational applications.
- Includes practicum and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
Jacksonville State University
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $17,277 (39 credit hours at $443/credit, 2026-27 in-state rate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 83% (6 first-time candidates, combined 2023-2024 data due to low candidate volume).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Offered through the School of Human Services and Social Sciences with thesis and non-thesis options.
- Non-thesis students must pass a comprehensive exam.
- Provides practicum and independent research opportunities.
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1.
University of North Texas
M.S. in Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $16,934 (48 credit hours at $352.79/credit resident tuition, 2026-27, before applicable fees).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 77% (17 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Focuses on clinical and research training.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and thesis opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification and doctoral studies.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
M.S. in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
Total Tuition: Approx. $16,329 (51 credit hours at $320.17/credit, 2026-27 in-state rate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Includes research and applied practicum with an empirical thesis.
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1.
- Prepares students for regional, national, and international recognition.
Florida State University, Panama City
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $15,737 (39 credit hours at $403.51/credit, 2026-27 in-state/online rate, before per-credit fees).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 94% (18 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Five-semester, limited-access program taught via Interactive Television Network (accessible from Panama City and Tallahassee).
- Meets BACB’s degree and coursework requirements through Pathway 1 as an ABAI-accredited program.
- Tuition waivers through paid assistantships at approved agencies (e.g., Early Childhood Autism Program).
- Requires a comprehensive exam and professional portfolio.
University of Kansas
M.A. in Applied Behavioral Science
Total Tuition: Approx. $15,054 (30 credit hours at $501.80/credit, 2026-27 in-state campus rate). Kansas’ separate online track is priced at $795/credit regardless of residency.
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 93% (14 first-time candidates).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Emphasizes research and practical applications in diverse settings.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and thesis opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification and doctoral studies.
University of Nevada, Reno
M.S. in Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $13,797 (36 credit hours at $383.25/credit, 2026-27 in-state campus rate). This is distinct from UNR’s separate online master’s program, which has different credits and pricing.
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2024): 50% (6 first-time candidates, combined 2023-2024 data due to low candidate volume).
Fieldwork: BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. Confirm with the program which of its practicum experiences count toward that requirement.
Features:
- Emphasizes student-driven paths to certification.
- Includes community outreach through Psychological Services Center, Spectrum Learning Center, and BECS.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification and diverse practice settings.
Care was taken to ensure the accuracy of the data provided, but information is subject to change. It should be verified directly on the university website or by speaking with an enrollment counselor.
- Tuition figures reflect each program’s actual published credit-hour requirement multiplied by its current tuition-only, resident per-credit rate where a clean rate was available. A few programs use flat per-term pricing or bundled tuition-and-fee rates instead, and a few had no independently confirmed 2026-27 rate at the time of writing. Those cases are noted individually above.
- BCBA® Exam pass rates sourced from the BACB’s 2024 Examination Pass Rates for University Training Programs report. Where a program’s first-time candidate volume was too low to report on its own, the BACB combines 2023 and 2024 candidates, noted accordingly above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ABAI accreditation mean for BCBA® certification?
ABAI accreditation means the program has completed ABAI’s programmatic accreditation process. For BCBA® certification, a qualifying ABAI-accredited degree satisfies the BACB’s Pathway 1 degree and coursework requirements.
Are ABAI-accredited programs available online?
Yes. Several programs on this list offer fully online or hybrid options, including Regis College and McNeese State University (on-campus/hybrid only for the accredited version). If online delivery is a priority, check each program’s format carefully, since some accreditations apply only to the on-campus version of a program, as is the case with McNeese.
What’s a good BCBA® exam pass rate to look for?
The BACB publishes annual pass rate data so you can compare programs directly. Among programs on this list with six or more first-time candidates in 2024, rates ranged from 38% to 100%. Higher first-attempt pass rates can be a useful comparison point, but it’s worth weighing them alongside the number of candidates, the program’s format, and results across multiple years rather than a single year. Keep in mind that smaller programs may not have enough candidates to appear in the data. That’s not necessarily a red flag, just a smaller sample.
How long do ABAI-accredited master’s programs typically take to complete?
Most programs are designed to be completed in two years of full-time study, though timelines vary. Florida State’s Panama City program runs a five-semester sequence that moves a bit faster, while others with thesis requirements or larger credit loads may take closer to three years part-time. BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination, and how and when that fieldwork is structured varies by program, so ask about placement support before you enroll.
Is ABAI accreditation the same as BACB approval?
They’re related but not the same thing. ABAI accreditation is programmatic accreditation: a review of a program’s quality, faculty, and infrastructure. BCBA certification requirements are what determine your individual eligibility for the credential. ABAI-accredited programs satisfy the BACB’s degree and coursework requirements under Pathway 1. For Pathway 2, the old ABAI Verified Course Sequence system ended in 2026, and BACB now handles that route through its own coursework-attestation process.
Key Takeaways
- Every specific program version identified on this list is ABAI-accredited. A qualifying degree from an ABAI-accredited program satisfies the BACB’s Pathway 1 degree and coursework requirements, though fieldwork, examination, application, and other applicable requirements still remain.
- BCBA® exam pass rates vary significantly across programs. The BACB publishes this data annually, and it’s a useful outcome measure when considered alongside cohort size, multi-year results, program format, and other measures of educational quality. Rates on this list ranged from 38% to 100% in 2024.
- Tuition estimates range from approximately $13,797 to $104,152 based on each program’s actual required credit hours. A few schools use flat per-term pricing or bundled tuition-and-fee rates instead of a clean per-credit charge, and several programs’ 2026-27 rates weren’t independently confirmed, so check current pricing directly with any program you’re considering.
- Format matters. Some programs are campus-only, some are fully online, and several offer hybrid options. If you’re working while enrolled, flexibility in delivery can be as important as cost.
- BCBA certification requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork, or an allowable combination. ABAI accreditation covers a program’s degree and coursework requirement, not its fieldwork placement, so ask each program directly how it supports that requirement before you enroll.
Ready to find the right program for your path to BCBA® certification?Find ABA Programs Near You
