How long does it take to get a master's in ABA online?

You can expect to spend between 1-2 years completing your online master's in applied behavior analysis. Online programs may offer part-time, full-time, or accelerated course schedules to accommodate different scheduling preferences.

Is it worth getting a master's in ABA?

The value of a master's degree in ABA depends on your professional goals. If you plan to become a BCBA, you need a master's-level degree accredited by ABAI. However, you can also pursue a supervised career in ABA therapy with just an associate or bachelor's degree.

How much do ABA therapists make with a master's degree?

Undergraduate-trained ABA therapists earn an average of $47,180 per year, while graduate-trained BCBAs earn an average of $75,570 per year, according to Oct. 2025 Payscale data, Your earning potential can vary based on experience, geographic location, and employer.

Top Online ABA Master's Degrees Of 2026

According to research from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, nationwide demand for behavior analysts has grown annually since 2010, including a 58% increase in demand from 2023 to 2024 alone. Earning an online master's degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) prepares you for entry into this growing field.

Explore top ABA graduate programs with flexible, online delivery, and learn how to ace your application with our comprehensive guide.

Popular Online Psychology Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Top Online Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis

How We Identified Top Schools and Programs

Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, affordability, hands-on experience, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in applied behavior analysis. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.

Since many psychology programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting features that matter to you most.

We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.

How to Choose an Online ABA Master's Program

Selecting an online applied behavioral analysis (ABA) master's program isn't always easy. Key factors to consider include accreditation and whether a program matches your career goals. Admission requirements, program flexibility, and program cost can also play an important role in your decision.

Accreditation

Programmatic or specialized accreditation means that an independent agency evaluated the program and determined that it meets industry and academic standards. It ensures graduates have the skills required to excel in their chosen field. If you plan to pursue a career as a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), choose a master's in ABA with accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Admission Requirements

Applying to graduate school costs money – typically between $50-$100 for an application fee and between $5-$15 for each official undergraduate transcript you need to supply. To reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, consider applying to programs where you meet the minimum admission requirements.

Career Relevance

When choosing a program, ensure the curriculum aligns with your career goals. A master's degree in ABA is ideal for students interested in supporting autistic individuals or those with other developmental challenges. If your professional interests lie in mental health counseling, school counseling, or addiction recovery, another degree type may be a better fit.

Flexibility

Choosing the right online ABA master's program requires understanding what flexibility you need to succeed. For example, do you need a program with a part-time schedule? Are you interested in synchronous (live) or asynchronous (recorded) course delivery? Are there sites in your local area where you can complete the required fieldwork?

Cost and Financial Aid

Graduate school is a major investment. According to 2019-2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate students attending an online master's in clinical, counseling, or applied psychology – including applied behavior analysis – paid an annual average of $12,048 in tuition and fees. Consider how much you are willing to invest in your education, and prioritize programs with scholarship and grant opportunities.

How to Apply to an Online ABA Master's Program

Admission requirements for an ABA master's degree vary by school. Some programs only require that you demonstrate a high GPA in your undergraduate studies. More competitive programs request letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and may have a preference for candidates with work experience. Follow these steps to apply to your chosen program:

Step 1: Review Application Requirements and Deadlines

Carefully review the application requirements for each program you are interested in, and consider whether you would be a competitive candidate, based on your GPA, undergraduate coursework, and experience. Mark all application deadlines in your calendar, and make a plan to complete application materials on time.

Step 2: Request Letters of Recommendation

If your program requires letters of recommendation, be sure to send requests to your letter writers well in advance of the admission deadline. Writers should know you well and be able to speak to your skills, interests, and potential. If you have limited work or volunteer experience, consider requesting letters from your undergraduate professors.

Step 3: Prepare Other Application Materials

ABA master's programs typically take a holistic approach to admission, considering not only academic qualifications, but also your commitment to the ABA field and the difference it can make in people's lives. If required, your personal statement and resume are great ways to highlight your passion, work experience, or volunteer experience.

Step 4: Order Official Transcripts

Graduate schools require applicants to provide transcripts from each undergraduate institution previously attended. These official transcripts must be sent directly from your undergraduate institution to the graduate school. Typically, you can order transcripts online for $5-$15, through platforms like Parchment. Processing can take several business days.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

After you finish reviewing your supplemental application materials to ensure they are complete, accurate, and well-written, you are ready to upload them to the school's online platform and submit your finished application. Some programs require an application fee, commonly ranging from $50-$100.

Step 6: Participate in Admission Interviews

Competitive ABA master's programs may schedule candidate interviews to help make final admission decisions. If an interview is required, you will meet with the admissions committee via video conferencing software. Come prepared to discuss your undergraduate and/or work experience, your professional goals, and why you want to join the school's ABA program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many top graduate schools offer online master's degrees in applied behavior analysis. Online ABA programs provide a combination of remote classroom instruction and in-person experiential learning in your local community.

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