Homedegree ProgramspsychologyMasters ABA Applied Behavior Analysis

Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Online

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Earn Your Degree as Early as:
December 3, 2026*
Admissions Requirements
Courses
Ways to Save on Tuition
Career Outcomes
9
Total Courses
$420
Cost Per Credit
1 year
Average Completion*
15 hours
Weekly Course Effort

Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Overview

It’s time to earn your master's in ABA. Prepare to help clients with diverse behavior disorders improve their lives and better engage with the world.

  • Gain expertise in assessment, intervention, psychological and behavioral theories and concepts, and evidence-based practice strategies, and master the legal, ethical, individual, cultural, and social aspects of ABA.
  • Get the support you need through the graduate resource center and ABA student site. You’ll also have access to CBA learning modules to help you prepare for the BCBA exam.
  • Study at the largest provider of behavioral sciences master's degrees in the U.S. You’ll join a wide network of students, alumni, faculty, and employers.

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Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

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ABAI Verified Course Sequence

ABAI Verified Course Sequence Program

For the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) examination (via Pathway 2). Applicants will need to meet additional Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) eligibility requirements, including evidence of residency in an authorized country, before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

  • PS507: Ethics for Behavior Analysts
  • PS558: Behaviorism and Philosophical Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis
  • PS560: Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
  • PS561: Concepts of Measurement and Experimental Designs
  • PS562: Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • PS563: Implementing Procedures for Behavior Change
  • PS564: Clinical Applications, Supervision, and Management

Note: Please refer to the BACB’s website for full eligibility requirements (www.bacb.com). 
Additional information is also located on Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.

Admissions Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required to enroll in a graduate program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

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What Courses Will I Take?

The curriculum includes learning modules to help you prepare for the BCBA certification exam. The degree program culminates with a graduate research project that incorporates a BCBA certification prep exam.

Sample Courses

  • Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Ethics for Behavior Analysts
  • Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Implementing Procedures for Behavioral Change
  • Clinical Applications, Supervision, and Management
See All Psychology Courses

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Program Requirements

9
Core Courses
9
Total Courses
45
Total Quarter Credits

1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours

Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Ways to Save on Time and Tuition

Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.

Transfer Credits

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions.

Financial Aid

Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.

Grants and Loans

Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.

Corporate Partner Benefits

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

Military Tuition Reduction

Graduate tuition savings for military include a 17–30% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 14% per credit for veterans for graduate programs.

Prior Military Experience

Earn credit for your military training. We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.

View the total cost of attendance for your program.

Possible Behavioral Interview Questions for This Field of Study

  • Tell me about a time you implemented a behavior intervention plan. What were the outcomes?
  • Describe a situation where you had to work with a team to support a client. What role did you play, and how did you ensure effective collaboration?
  • Describe a situation where you had to adjust your approach when a client did not respond to the initial intervention. What steps did you take?
  • Tell me about a time when you faced an ethical dilemma at work. How did you approach the situation and ensure you upheld professional standards?
  • Tell me about a time you had to train or provide feedback to a client or staff member. How did you ensure they understood and followed through?

Sample Skills Developed and Used in This Field

  • Psychology
  • Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Treatment Planning
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Case Management
  • Intervention Plans
  • Data Collection
  • Functional Behavior Assessment
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Writing
  • Ethical Standards and Conduct
  • Advocacy
  • Behavioral Health
  • Crisis Intervention

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Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

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Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

99%

Faculty members who have advanced degrees

58%

Faculty members who have terminal degrees

477

Faculty publications in 2024–2025

More Than 44,000

Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2024–2025

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2025. 2024–2025 academic year.

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Estimated Graduation Date and Average Completion: Estimated graduation date is based on the assumption that you will enroll in time to begin classes on the next upcoming start date, will remain enrolled for each consecutive term, and will maintain satisfactory academic standing in each term to progress toward completion of your program. Completion time is based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete.

ABAI®: Association for Behavior Analysis International® and ABA International® are registered trademarks of the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

BCBA®: Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) is a registered trademark of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®.

Certification and Licensure: Refer to Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information. Visit the BACB website (www.BACB.com) for full eligibility requirements. The BACB verifies university training as meeting its eligibility requirements; it does not accredit university programs. Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams. It is important to understand that requirements for behavior analysts vary by state and can change with little to no warning. Students seeking employment as a behavior analyst should inquire directly to the jurisdiction where employment is desired, as some states require additional licensure or certification. The BACB U.S. state licensure requirements may be viewed at the following link: https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/. The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis meets the educational requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam that is required for the Behavior Specialist certification in Pennsylvania. Additional educational requirements for certification may be required in Pennsylvania.

Job Growth: Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lightcast2025_250204-a.pdf. Behavior Analyst Certification Board, U.S. Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Largest Providers of Applied Behavior Analysis Bachelor's Programs: Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2022–2023 Total Bachelor's Degrees Conferred, First Major, Applied Behavior Analysis, nces.ed.gov/IPEDS. Based on total number of bachelor’s degrees granted by Purdue Global compared to other degree-granting institutions.