Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Online Graduate Programs

Fulfill ABA Experience Requirements in Your Community

Often in a BCBA online program, all coursework can be completed from your computer. However, the practicum experience requires placement in a university-approved agency where the student provides counseling services under supervision. Where applicable, students should find out how they might complete this required experience(s) locally.

You may also want to ensure your program meets BCBA certification experience requirements and any for state licensure. Contact an advisor with questions and check with your state board.

DID YOU KNOW?

The most common occupations for Applied Behavior Analysis majors, by number of employees, are Counselors, Social Workers, Elementary and Middle School Teachers.ⁱ

Virtual Residency

While program formats vary a great deal, online ABA programs may offer a virtual residency where students all log in at the same time. In these sessions, they take part in group and individual mentoring and discussions. Students might also be expected to come to campus for supervised practice or group work. 

Structured Research

Some behavior analysis programs online focus on research as opposed to practice. Courses may address psychological theories and assessment, psychopathology and research methods. While online universities may have inter-library loan systems with other colleges, students often make use of their school’s online digital resources, databases and librarians.

As every school is unique, it's best to contact online applied behavior analysis programs directly to learn more about potential benefits, requirements and program structure.

Types of BCBA Online Programs - BCBA Programs Online

Applied behavior analysis has its roots and theoretical base in the discipline of psychology. As a result, some online BCBA programs may prepare students to pursue a career as licensed psychologists, while others focus on counseling professions.

There are also Master of Education degrees in Behavior Analysis that may be of interest to current and future special education teachers or school counselors. The path that you choose often reflects goals, interests and educational background.

BCBA Masters Programs Online

An ABA Master's Programs Online may provide students with a solid base in the principles of behavioral psychology. Some programs offer ABA as a concentration within a Mental Health Counseling degree program. In this event, there are typically core counseling courses plus Applied Behavior Analysis track courses.

Others (BCBA masters programs online) follow a specific 18 credit course sequence. Students might also find a program where they take ABA courses as a non-degree optional elective sequence.

Online BCBA Masters Programs at a Glance

• Apply: Future applicants are commonly required to have earned a Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited school. Also, many schools want students to write an essay that explains why they want to study this discipline, and their goals as they move forward.
• Length: Full time students may be able to complete an online MS – ABA program in two years; or three to four years part-time.
• Coursework: Online ABA Masters programs that are aligned with Board Certified Behavior Analyst® requirements may entail supervised practice and a masters thesis. The thesis is often an applied research project and may be a good idea for students who want to pursue a PhD in the future. Programs vary.

Doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis Online Programs

Online PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis programs take the study of human behavior to the next level. Students may develop a solid grasp of experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis and radical behaviorism.

In some schools, graduates who complete their MS in ABA requirements while in the PhD program may also be able to pursue Board Certified Behavior Analyst® status.

Online PhD Behavior Analysis Programs at a Glance

• Apply: While it does depend on both the school and the PhD program, applicants may need to have earned a Masters degree in Psychology, Education, Behavior Analysis or another related degree recognized by the BACB. Further, they may be required to hold a current BCBA certification, furnish letters of reference, a personal essay and resume.
• Length: Full time students may be able to complete an online PhD ABA program in three years (post-Masters); or five years full time (post-Baccalaureate).
• Coursework: Students who pursue a Doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis online may gain experience in instructional design and verbal behavior. They may also acquire research skills and methods to teach and conduct research with precision.
• Dissertation: Doctoral students in ABA online programs may be required to complete a dissertation in which they contribute original thought and research to the field. Contact schools to learn more.

Online Graduate Certificates in Applied Behavior Analysis

Online Graduate Certificates in Applied Behavior Analysis, while not degrees themselves, may provide advanced skills and knowledge to current counselors, educators, and other professionals in a relatively short period of time.

Some BCBA online programs seek to prepare graduates for ABA certification. Other certificates might explore things like communication or consumer behavior and market research in depth.

Online ABA Certificates at a Glance

• Apply: Applicants to Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate programs may need to have earned a graduate degree in special education, psychology, mental health, ABA or related fields. Aside from this, there may be school-specific additional requirements such as a minimum GPA.
• Length: Full time online students might complete their program in about one academic year.
• Coursework: Programs that meet the BCBA® approved course requirements may be 18 credits, while others may require about 24 credits. It depends on whether they meet the full BACB requirement for a total of 270 classroom hours.
• Practicum: In some cases, in addition to coursework, there may be a 1,500-hour BACB® required fieldwork experience, 75 hours of which must be supervised.

Program goals, course sequence, and requirements vary, so contact schools for details.

Find Accredited Online Applied Behavior Analysis Programs

Students may find online applied behavioral analysis graduate programs at regionally accredited universities. This may speak to a school's finances, faculty and more. It may also be important should you wish to apply for federal loans.

While the BACB® preapproves university ABA training that meets its eligibility requirements, it does not accredit university programs. Therefore, be sure to check with schools and accreditation boards if this is important to you.

[i] datausa.io/profile/cip/422814/ |[ii] bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/BACB_CourseContentAllocation.pdf