If you're passionate about helping adults and children with special emotional or cognitive needs, an advanced degree in behavioral psychology might be a perfect fit for you. The following Top 30 Online Master's Programs in Behavioral Psychology for 2019 can help you narrow down the degree program that's right for you.
Each of the online degrees listed offer courses approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board in preparation for the BCBA exam. In addition, each school provides unique opportunities for students who wish to specialize in practices such as autism spectrum disorders.
If you're searching for another reason to study behavioral psychology, look no further. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, psychologists can make upwards of $77,000 per year, which inevitably increases with more education and experience acquired.
With the need for psychologists on the rise, job openings within the field are expected to grow 14 percent from 2018 until 2026.
So what are you waiting for? Check out Grad School Hub's Top 30 Online Master's Programs in Behavioral Psychology for 2019 and make your move today!
Methodology
The staff of Grad School Hub has compiled the following 30 Best Online Master's in Behavioral Psychology 2019 for the 2019-20 academic school year based on public data released from educational, commercial, and government databases. Data contributed from sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics, and the U.S. Department of Labor plays a significant role in how graduate degree programs are ranked because institutional transparency is essential for deciding which career path is right for you. Based on this data, GSH organizes information into five weighted categories, which are:
- Alumni Feedback: 20%
- Continued Enrollment: 20%
- Degree Selectivity: 10%
- Graduate Expenses: 25%
- Projected Annual Salary: 25%
A more comprehensive evaluation of how each category is determined and scored is accessible through our Ranking Methodology page.
#30 – Arcadia University
Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis
Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $27,471
Arcadia University's Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis is a comprehensive degree program that can be completed entirely online. AU's 36-credit M.Ed. is offered through Arcadia's School of Education and requires courses such as Cultural Foundations of Education, Procedures for Behavior Change, and Ethics and Professionalism.
Additionally, all graduate students must complete an action research project to earn their degree. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board has approved the six-course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA exam.
#29 – University of Southern Maine
MS in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Portland, Maine
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,019
Offered through its Department of Educational and School Psychology, the University of Southern Maine is home to a comprehensive MS degree in Educational Psychology. While attending USM, graduate students can also choose to specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis.
USM's 36-credit program is made up of 12 courses with required courses including Research Methods and Techniques, Behavioral Principles of Learning, Psychopathology, and Professional Ethics. Courses can be completed online with both synchronous and asynchronous delivery.
Applications to USM are accepted on a rolling basis. All applicants must have a minimum combined verbal and quantitative GRE test score of 290.
#28 – Saint Joseph's University
MS in Criminal Justice with a Behavior Analysis concentration
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $36,058
Unlike any other degree listed so far, Saint Joseph's University offers an MS in Criminal Justice with a Behavior Analysis concentration. SJU's unique 36-credit program is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and is made up of four core courses, seven concentration courses, and one elective course.
All courses can be completed entirely online and may include Behavior Analysis Consulting, Basis for Behavior Change, and Behavior Analysis and Crime Prevention. Applicants should have at least one year of applied behavior analysis working with clientele or volunteer experience.
#27 – Western Connecticut State University
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Danbury, Connecticut
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,422
Western Connecticut State University offers students a chance to earn an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis completely online. WCS's Education and Educational Psychology Department prepares students for the BCBA examination by providing supervised independent fieldwork, practicum, and an intensive practicum.
Required courses include Grant Writing for Applied Behavior Analysis and Assistive Technology for Applied Behavior Analysis. All graduate students must complete a capstone project in Applied Behavior Analysis in addition to a research course.
#26 – Texas Tech University
Master of Education in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis
Lubbock, Texas
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees:$15,235
The online Master of Education in Special Education at Texas Tech is a 36-credit degree program with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. Offered through TTU's College of Education, this program's course sequence meets the requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA exam.
Required courses include Applied Behavior Analysis, Single Subject Design, Functional Behavior Assessment, and Ethics and Professional Conduct. All courses are taught by certified behavior analysts. TTU allows students to transfer up to six credit hours. Applicants can only apply for Fall or Spring admission.
#25 – National University
MA in Human Behavior
La Jolla, California
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,377
National University now offers an online MA in Human Behavior through its College of Letters and Sciences. Admitted students must complete at least 54 quarter units of graduate work, including 10 core classes, and two electives.
Required curriculum includes Theories of Behavior Change, Creative Leadership, Personal and Professional Ethics, and Stages of Adult Development. NU's program is ideal for those with specific ambitions in the fields of supervision, management, and administration. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and new students can begin classes any month of the year.
#24 – Florida Institute of Technology
MA in Professional Behavior Analysis
Melbourne, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $31,582
The Florida Institute of Technology offers an MA in Professional Behavioral Analysis through a hybrid program focused upon the values: "Quality," "Convenience," "Time," and "Value." In order to earn an MA, FIT requires students to complete 24 credit hours of online coursework. The remaining 21 credit hours must be completed in-person at an approved site.
After completing one's coursework, students must pass a comprehensive 150 multiple choice exam, which will help prepare them for the BCBA exam. Admission to FIT is accepted year-round and school terms begin in January, April, July, and October.
#23 – Texas A&M University – College Station
MS in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis
College Station, Texas
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,455
Unlike most other universities for Applied Behavior Analysis, MS in Special Education at Texas A&M University-College Station doesn't require applicants to have a teaching certificate. With an emphasis on ABA, this 36-credit program can be completed entirely online in just two years.
Required courses may include Behavior Management, Assessment in School Settings, Consultation in Special Education, and Transition from School to Work. While applicants are not required to submit GRE scores, prospective students should have experience in working with disabled populations and familiar with behavior analysis theories.
#22 – McNeese State University
MA in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,978
McNeese State University now offers a BACB-approved MA in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Professors will emphasize the development of both assessment and intervention skills through a 55-credit non-thesis program.
Required courses may include Behavioral Assessment, Psychopathology, Social and Cultural Diversity, Verbal Behavior, and Ethics for Behavior Analysts. While courses are offered entirely online, all graduate students must complete an internship in the McNeese Autism Program or the Clinical Applied Behavior Analysis Academy. Applicants must have a minimum score of 285 on the GRE.
#21 – Bay Path University
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,012
Bay Path University offers an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis with the option of completing a Concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders. BPU students have the option to enroll part-time or as a full-time student in order to complete the 36-credit degree.
Required courses include Ethical Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis and Behavior Change Systems in Education. Completion of this program leads to the eligibility to sit for the BCBA certification exam. GRE and GMAT scores are not required for admission. BPU's class schedule begins every February and October.
#20 – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
MA in Psychology with an Applied Behavior Analysis focus
Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,898
Graduate students can now earn an MA in Psychology with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth. UMass's 36-credit program is designed to be completed in three years, although the university also offers an 18-credit Applied BCGC to be completed in only two years. Required courses include Child Development, Child Psychopathology, and Behavioral Interventions.
While many courses are offered online, UMass's degree requires an on-campus component as well. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
#19 – Drexel University
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $39,021
Drexel University Online now offers a MS in Applied Behavior Analysis through four 10-week quarters a year. DU's MS program is ideal for those who currently work as special education teachers, school psychologists, social workers, and in related professions.
Required courses include Behavioral Interventions, Measurement, and Experimental Design, Consultation, Systems Change, and Supervision. DU students may also choose between a practicum concentration or an autism spectrum disorders concentration and, in addition, a lesson study, thesis, or practitioner capstone track.
#18 – Simmons University
MS in Behavior Analysis
Boston, Massachusetts
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,781
The Master of Science degree in Behavior Analysis at Simmons University is offered entirely online and can be completed in 19 months. Along with weekly interactive online classes, all SU students will fulfill the 750 hours of mentoring and supervision necessary to sit for the BCBC exam.
SU's 40-credit program requires courses such as Ethics and Legal Issues, Verbal Behavior, and Mentoring and Supervision. Applicants do not need to submit their GRE score for admission.
#17 – Ball State University
MA in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism
Muncie, Indiana
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,369
Ball State University offers a unique Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis on studying autism spectrum disorders. BSU's 30-credit program is offered through the university's Teachers College and can be completed online in less than two years.
This specific MA program is ideal for current teachers, psychologists, ABA therapists, or other human service professionals preparing for their BCBA exam. Required courses include Behavioral Consultation, Professional Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis, and Intervention and Treatments for Persons with Autism. BSU students can choose to enroll in one, or two courses each semester.
#16 – West Virginia University
MA in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis
Morgantown, West Virginia
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,814
Do you need extra time to complete your MA degree? Unlike other online Master's programs, students of West Virginia University's online MA in Special Education are able to complete their degree within eight years. WVU's 36-credit program offers an MA with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis and allows students to complete a capstone course in preparation for the BCBA exam.
Required courses include Designing Single-Case Research, Naturalistic and Functional Analyses of Behavior, and Professional Ethics for Behavior Analysts. WVU has been ranked among the top public schools and national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#15 – College of Saint Elizabeth
MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
Morristown, New Jersey
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,819
The College of Saint Elizabeth's online Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis is ideal for students who intend to sit for the BCBA exam. CSE's 30-credit degree program requires courses such as Behavior Analysis and Learning, Applied Ethics, and Interventions and Evidence-Based Practice. In addition, CSE also offers an 18-credit Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis.
While CSE requires applicants to have a 3.0 GPA or above, submitting a GRE score is not required for admission. U.S. News and World Report have ranked College of Saint Elizabeth amongst some of the best regional universities in the Northern U.S.
#14 – University of Washington – Seattle Campus
Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis
Seattle, Washington
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,068
Graduate students of the University of Washington's College of Education can earn an online double M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education. WU's BACB-verified course sequences are taught using synchronous online learning methods for topics such as Educating Students with Autism, Special Education and The Law, and Becoming an Ethical and Professional Behavior Analyst.
While UW's double M.Ed. requires to complete a senior capstone, completing the 750-hour intensive practicum is optional. UW has been highly ranked amongst the top 100 U.S. universities for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or STEM-related degrees, by U.S. News and World Report.
#13 – The University of West Florida
MA in Exceptional Student Education with an Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization
Pensacola, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,175
The University of West Florida offers a unique online MA degree in Exceptional Student Education as part the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education or NCATE.
UWF's online students benefit from live interaction with professors and peers through weekly online class meetings.
UWF's BCBA-verified course sequence includes topics such as Positive Behavior Support and Systems, Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis, and Behavior Assessments, Interventions, and Outcomes. In addition, students are required to complete a cognate program involving either Special and Alternative Education, or Applied Behavior Analysis.
While UWF conveniently offers five start dates per year, applicants should note how online degrees are not available in every U.S. state.
#12 – The Sage Colleges
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism
Albany, New York
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,077
The Esteves School of Education at The Sage Colleges offers a comprehensive online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism. This 34-credit program can be completed in as little as two years.
Required courses may include Behavioral Assessment, Ethical and Professional Conduct for Behavior Analysts, and Core Skills in Autism. Students may also decide to complete an optional practicum sequence in addition to an optional thesis.
All Sage College faculty are Board Certified Behavior Analysts who are experienced in working with children and adults affected by autism spectrum disorders. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and new students can enroll for Fall and Spring semesters.
#11 – University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis
Cincinnati, Ohio
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,978
University of Cincinnati's Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis is a comprehensive online degree program consisting of 10 courses; six of which have been BCBA-verified. Required courses include Ethics for Behavioral Practice and Research; Family Intervention and Early Intervention; and Child Development.
Although UC's M.Ed. courses are spread out over 15 weeks, it's possible to complete this program in as little as five semesters. Admitted students may also transfer up to nine semester credit hours from a regionally accredited graduate school.
#10 – Oregon Institute of Technology
Master of Education with Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,425
Oregon Institute of Technology and Southern Oregon University have joined forces to offer online students an M.Ed. program in, both, Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
OIT's 45-credit M.Ed. provides BCBA-verified coursework and can be completed in as little as one year. Required courses include Organizational Behavior Management, Community Behavior Analysis, and Clinical Behavior Analysis.
#9 – Saint Cloud State University
MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,582
Saint Cloud State University is home to an online MA degree in Applied Behavior Analysis through its School of Health and Human Services. SCSU's classes are taught by industry professionals and include courses such as Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Behavioral Applications, and Social Bases of Behavior.
Graduate students are able to choose between a 45-credit thesis, or a 46-credit comprehensive exam while completing their 750-hour clinical internship. All SCSU applicants must submit their GRE scores.
#8 – Northeastern University
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Boston, Massachusetts
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,998
Northeastern University's Bouvé College of Health Sciences offers an online MS in Applied Behavior Analysis where part-time students can earn their degree in as little as 18 months. NU's coursework allows students to create a professional portfolio for their degree capstone while preparing for the BCBA exam. An intensive practicum is optional.
Northeastern was named as one of the Top 25 Most Prolific Research Institutions in Applied Behavior Analysis by The Behavior Analyst Today, a peer-reviewed journal.
#7 – George Mason University
Master of Education in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis
Fairfax, Virginia
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,032
The online Master of Education in Special Education at George Mason University offers online students an 18-credit certificate track in Applied Behavior Analysis. GMU's MEd program is ideal for busy professionals who need to earn their MEd on their own time.
An additional 30-credit program is available with required courses such as Ethical and Professional Behavior for Behavior Analysis, Special Education Research, and Universal Design for Learning. All graduate students must complete a capstone course as well. GMU accepts applicants on a rolling basis.
#6 – University of Houston – Victoria
Master of Education in Special Education Applied Behavior Analysis
Victoria, Texas
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,995
The University of Houston – Victoria offers online students an M.Ed. in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis through its School of Education, Health Professions, and Human Development.
UHV's 39-credit program provides BCBA-verified courses such as Human Growth and Development; Programming and Collaboration, Diagnostic Teaching; and Assistive Technology and Instructional Strategies. U.S. News and World Report ranked UH at #91 for Top Public Schools and #171 amongst Best U.S. National Universities.
#5 – University of Kansas
MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
Overland Park, Kansas
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,014
The University of Kansas offers an online MA in Applied Behavioral Science with BCBA-verified courses such as The Empirical and Conceptual Foundations of Behavioral Science. In addition, KU also offers unique practicums in collaboration with Behavioral Health Holdings, which is a leader in serving children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
KU's MA curriculum is available through synchronous and asynchronous classroom environments. Prospective students are encouraged to submit their GRE scores with their applications, although it's not required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
#4 – Florida State University
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Tallahassee, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,506
Florida State University offers a five-semester Master of Science degree program in Applied Behavior Analysis. FSU's MS is a 39-credit, non-thesis program with a comprehensive final exam similar to that of Florida Institute of Technology. Required degree courses include Conditioning and Learning, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Ethical and Professional Issues. FSU's MS program meets the verified course sequence requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
FSU's MS program is unique in providing graduate students with a tuition waiver through paid assistantship placements through approved Behavior Analytic agencies. Applicants should note, however, how FSU does not accept credit transfers, and only admits MS students for the Fall and Winter semesters.
#3 – University of South Florida – Main Campus
MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
Tampa, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,398
Students at the University of South Florida can earn an online MA degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in as little as five semesters. USF's 41-credit program prepares graduates to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam with required courses such as Behavior Theory, Ethics in ABA, and Observational Methods and Functional Assessment.
Although the degree is offered online, all graduate students are required to secure a practicum site and supervisor. Applicants should have a background in ABA and come prepared with their GRE test scores as required. USF Main only accepts applications for the Fall and Winter terms.
#2 – Southeast Missouri State University
MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,776
The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis at Southeast Missouri State University is an online 42-credit program offered through its College of Education. Students can complete SMSU's program in two years by taking 6–7 credit hours each semester.
Required courses include Ethics and Professional Conduct in Applied Behavior Analysis, Family and Community Resources, and Maturing and Aging. While coursework can be completed at your own pace, all graduate students must complete three semesters of a 6-credit intensive university practicum. SMSU only accepts applicants for the Fall and Spring semesters.
#1 – Arizona State University – Tempe
MA in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Tempe, Arizona
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,007
The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University now offers a 30-credit MA in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Each of AU's 10 required courses is available online and nearly eight weeks-long. Required courses include Behavior Change Systems, Behavior Assessment, Controversial Therapies, and Ethics of Applied Behavior Analysis.
ASU's MA program meets the verified course sequence requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. GRE scores are not required for admission.