ABAI-Accredited Master’s in ABA Programs: Complete 2025 List
This guide covers every ABAI-accredited master’s program in ABA currently listed by ABAI — all qualifying as BACB Tier 1 programs. That puts you on Pathway 1 to BCBA® certification with no additional course verifications required. Programs are listed by tuition from highest to lowest so you can compare at a glance.
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: every ABAI-accredited master’s in ABA currently available in the U.S., with tuition, 2023 BCBA® exam pass rates, and fieldwork details all in one place.
We’ve compiled this list so you don’t have to cross-reference a dozen university websites or wonder whether a program actually meets BACB requirements. Every program here does. ABAI accreditation is the gold standard — it means the coursework has been independently verified to align with BACB requirements, and it puts you squarely on BACB’s Pathway 1 to BCBA® certification.
What Makes ABAI Accreditation Different
Not all ABA master’s programs are created equal. There are three main types: ABAI-accredited programs (what you’ll find on this list), programs with a BACB-approved course sequence, and programs that are neither. 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 you graduate from any program on this list, the BACB doesn’t require you to submit your coursework for additional verification. That’s time, paperwork, and uncertainty you won’t deal with.
They call it Pathway 1 for a reason. By choosing an ABAI-accredited program, there will be absolutely zero additional verifications required and no hoops to jump through in the certification process. You’ll also find your ABAI-accredited master’s 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. 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, with in-state rates used for public universities. These are estimates based on per-credit rates — actual costs including fees, differential tuition, and updated rates for 2025–2026 may differ. Confirm current pricing directly with each program before applying. And if you’re considering an out-of-state public program, the cost difference can be dramatic. Auburn University, for example, jumps from $30,240 in-state to over $90,000 out-of-state. Online ABA master’s programs often sidestep this issue entirely.
BCBA® exam pass rates. This is arguably the most honest measure of a program’s effectiveness. We’ve included 2023 first-attempt pass rates from the BACB’s official pass rate report for every program that had six or more candidates that year. Where pass rates aren’t listed, the program had fewer than 6 first-time candidates—a small sample, not necessarily a red flag. Among programs on this list with reportable data, rates ranged from 33% to 100% in 2023. Programs like Simmons (84%), University of North Texas (83%), and Auburn, FSU, Panama City, Jacksonville State, McNeese, and UNCW (all 100%) stand out at the top.
Format and location. Some programs on this list are on-campus only, some are fully online, and several offer hybrid options. If you’re working while enrolled — which many BCBA candidates are — flexibility in scheduling and delivery can matter as much as tuition. Montana State University Billings is online-only, while Auburn and Rollins College are campus-based with cohort schedules. Note that a few programs only hold ABAI accreditation for their on-campus version, so confirm accreditation status for your specific format before enrolling.
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. Those are very different experiences, and 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.
2025 ABAI-Accredited Master’s in ABA Programs Listed by Tuition
Each program entry details the essentials: program structure and focus, estimated tuition (in-state or online rates where available), 2023 BCBA® exam pass rates for first-time candidates, and supervised fieldwork hours aligned with BACB requirements (typically 1,500–2,000 hours). Where data’s unavailable — like pass rates for programs with fewer than six graduates — 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.
All the questions about academic quality, qualifying fieldwork, respect in the professional community, and eligibility for the BCBA® are addressed with any of these programs. 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.
Whatever you hope to do in the field of ABA, one of the master’s programs on this list can get you there.
Teachers College, Columbia University
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $57,750 (30 credit hours at $1,925/credit, estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 65% (17 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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.
Caldwell University
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $39,300 (30 credit hours at $1,310/credit).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 33% (12 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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.
Florida Institute of Technology
M.S. in AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $39,300 (30 credit hours at $1,310/credit, Melbourne campus).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 60% (10 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500 (concentrated supervised fieldwork, BACB-approved).
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.
- ABAI-accredited and BACB-verified coursework and fieldwork.
The Ohio State University
M.A. in Educational Studies, Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $38,430 (30 credit hours at $1,281/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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.
M.S. in BehMSr Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $33,600 (30 credit hours at $1,120/credit, estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 84% (32 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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.
The Chicago School
M.S. in AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $33,600 (30 credit hours at $1,120/credit, estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 38% (13 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Offered in multiple campuses (Chicago, Anaheim, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington, D.C.) and online.
- Focuses on practical training and diverse applications.
- Includes BACB-verified coursework and fieldwork.
Salve Regina University
M.S. in AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $33,300 (30 credit hours at $1,110/credit, estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Focuses on evidence-based interventions for developmental disabilities.
- Includes practical training and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
Auburn University
M.S. in AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $30,240 (in-state, 30 credit hours at $1,008/credit; out-of-state: $90,720).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 100% (6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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.
Rollins College
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science
Total Tuition: Approx. $27,676 (in-state, 9-credit semester estimate, 30 credits total).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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).
California State University, Los Angeles
M.S. in Counseling, Option in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $24,750 (30 credit hours at $825/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 71% (7 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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.
Salem State University
M.S. in BehMSr Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $24,750 (37.5 credit hours at $660/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- 37.5 credit hours, including supervised experience and directed study.
- Focuses on practical application in various settings.
Regis College
M.S. in AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $24,300 (30 credit hours at $810/credit).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 50% (12 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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.
University of Kansas
M.A. in Applied Behavioral Science
Total Tuition: Approx. $22,500 (30 credit hours at $750/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 67% (6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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 Maryland, Baltimore County
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $21,450 (30 credit hours at $715/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 60% (10 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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.
University of Houston, Clear Lake
M.A. in Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $21,150 (30 credit hours at $705/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 75% (8 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Focuses on clinical and educational applications.
- Includes practicum and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
West Virginia University
M.S. in AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $20,790 (30 credit hours at $693/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Emphasizes clinical and educational applications.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
Western Michigan University
M.A. in Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $20,070 (30 credit hours at $669/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 64% (11 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Renowned for its long-standing ABA program.
- Includes extensive practicum and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification and leadership roles.
University of South Florida
M.S. in AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $19,305 (45 credit hours at $429/credit, in-state).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 75% (16 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- 45-credit interdisciplinary program across three colleges.
- Includes BACB-verified coursework, practicum, and thesis.
- Prepares students for diverse fields like autism, education, and mental health.
University of Missouri, Columbia
M.A. in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $18,300 (30 credit hours at $610/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 67% (6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Focuses on evidence-based interventions for disabilities.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
University of Nevada, Reno
M.S. in Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $17,250 (30 credit hours at $575/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 67% (6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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.
University of Texas at San Antonio
M.S. in AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $16,410 (30 credit hours at $547/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Focuses on practical and research-based training.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and capstone/thesis options.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
University of North Texas
M.S. in BehMSr Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $15,750 (30 credit hours at $525/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 83% (6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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 AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $13,920 (30 credit hours at $464/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 100% (7 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Includes research and applied practicum with an empirical thesis.
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1.
- Prepares students for regional, national, and international recognition.
Southern Illinois University
M.S. in Behavioral Analysis and Therapy
Total Tuition: Approx. $13,980 (30 credit hours at $466/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 50% (6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Emphasizes clinical and research training in diverse settings.
- Includes practicum and thesis opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification and doctoral studies.
St. Cloud State University
M.S. in AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $13,500 (30 credit hours at $450/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 62% (13 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Focuses on applying ABA in clinical and educational settings.
- Includes supervised fieldwork and research opportunities.
- Prepares students for BCBA® certification.
Florida State University, Panama City
M.S. in AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $12,840 (30 credit hours at $428/credit, in-state/online).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 100% (6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Five-semester, limited-access program taught via Interactive Television Network (accessible from Panama City and Tallahassee).
- Includes BACB-verified curriculum and practicum.
- Tuition waivers through paid assistantships at approved agencies (e.g., Early Childhood Autism Program).
- Requires a comprehensive exam and professional portfolio.
Jacksonville State University
M.S. in AppMS Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $12,840 (30 credit hours at $428/credit, in-state estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 100% (6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
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.
McNeese State University
M.A. in Psychology with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $12,840 (30 credit hours at $428/credit, in-state/online).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): 100% (7 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500+ (five-course sequence).
Features:
- On-campus and hybrid options with access to the McNeese Autism Program (MAP) for practicum.
- Five-course practicum sequence delivering over 1,500 hours.
- Includes a rat laboratory and vivarium for research.
- Over 80% of students receive graduate assistantships.
- The online program is not ABAI-accredited.
Montana State University Billings
M.S. in SpeMS Education, Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Tuition: Approx. $12,840 (30 credit hours at $428/credit, online estimate).
BCBA® Exam Pass Rate (2023): Not listed (fewer than 6 first-time candidates).
Total Practicum Hours: 1,500–2,000 (BACB-aligned supervised fieldwork).
Features:
- Online-only program, typically 2–3 years, with a GRE required for a GPA <3.0.
- Focuses on evidence-based practices for disabilities.
- 96% placement rate post-graduation per the program’s reported outcomes.
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.
- All tuition data and details on program features are drawn from university websites.
- BCBA® Exam pass rates sourced from the BACB’s 2023 Examination Pass Rates for University Training Programs report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ABAI accreditation mean for BCBA® certification?
ABAI accreditation means your program has been independently verified to meet BACB’s coursework and training standards. The BACB designates ABAI-accredited programs as Tier 1, which places you on Pathway 1 to BCBA® certification — the most direct route, with no additional coursework verifications required after graduation.
Are ABAI-accredited programs available online?
Yes. Several programs on this list offer fully online or hybrid options, including Regis College, Montana State University Billings, and McNeese State University (on-campus/hybrid only for the accredited version). If online delivery is a priority, check each program’s format carefully — 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 2023, rates ranged from 33% to 100%. Programs with pass rates in the 70–100% range are generally considered strong performers. 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. Some programs, like Pepperdine’s online MS, can be completed in as few as 12 months. Others with thesis requirements or larger credit loads may take closer to three years part-time. The BACB requires 1,500–2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork for BCBA® certification — 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 a broader institutional review of a program’s quality, faculty, and infrastructure. BACB approval refers specifically to coursework that meets the BACB’s content requirements. All ABAI-accredited programs include BACB-approved coursework, but not all BACB-approved programs are ABAI-accredited. That’s what makes ABAI accreditation the higher standard.
Key Takeaways
- Every program on this list is ABAI-accredited — meaning you’re automatically on BACB’s Pathway 1 to BCBA® certification, the most direct route to the credential. You’ll still need to complete fieldwork, pass the exam, and meet state licensure requirements, but the coursework verification step is eliminated.
- BCBA® exam pass rates vary significantly across programs. The BACB publishes this data annually, and it’s one of the most useful signals of a program’s effectiveness. Rates on this list ranged from 33% to 100% in 2023.
- Tuition estimates range from approximately $12,840 to $57,750 for in-state or online enrollment. These are per-credit estimates — actual costs, including fees, may differ. Out-of-state costs for public universities can be dramatically higher, so always confirm directly with the program.
- 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.
- BACB requires 1,500–2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork for BCBA® certification. All programs on this list are structured to support meeting that requirement, but how fieldwork is arranged varies, so ask about placement support before you enroll.
Ready to find the right program for your path to BCBA® certification?
