Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology—Applied Behavior Analysis
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Program at a Glance
- Pursue careers working with children and adults struggling with a range of mental and behavioral health challenges.
- Prepare to sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination.
- Explore the design, analysis, and application of learning theories and behavior principles to understand what motivates human behavior.
- We offer postgraduate certificate programs and a master's degree with a concentration in applied behavior analysis if you are interested in sitting for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
4 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
180
(120 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
Purdue Global Career Outcomes 2020–2021
Each year, our Center for Career Advancement sends a NACE First Destination survey to our graduating class to learn more about their career choices and potential income within 18 months of graduation. We’re proud of our recent Purdue Global alumni accomplishments.
95%
Graduates in Purdue Global’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Applied Behavioral Analysis program were employed or continued their education within 18 months of graduation.
“Career Outcomes Rate” is not the same as an “employment rate”—it includes graduates who are: (1) employed (whether full or part time); (2) participating in a program of voluntary service, (3) serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, or (4) enrolled in a program of continuing education. This rate may also include graduates employed in jobs unrelated to their degree or who were employed while attending Purdue Global. (9,106 graduates surveyed across associate's, bachelor's, master's, JD, EJD, and DNP programs from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. 7,803 of 9,106 replied.)
Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Overview
Applied behavior analysis uses an individual understanding of people, how they learn, and what they need to devise behavioral interventions to help them succeed. If you’re interested in helping others, consider this psychology degree.
Use of ABA methods is widely recognized as an effective method of treating those with behavior disorders, such as children with autism and those who are affected by trauma. Purdue Global’s online applied behavior analysis (ABA) degree is designed to provide you with the foundational skills to:
- Address complex behaviors
- Solve social problems
- Moderate relationships between individuals, family members, and/or people in the community
Accelerated Master’s Degree Options
You can work toward a Purdue Global master’s degree in public administration, educational psychology, human services, legal studies, or psychology while you earn your bachelor’s degree. Complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately. For details and eligibility requirements, speak to an Advisor.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
This program meets certification requirements for the BCaBA® examination in specific states. Refer to Licensure.PurdueGlobal.edu for additional information on licensure and state authorizations.
Train for BACB® Certification Online
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the course sequence of this program toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst examination.*
Note: Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. Refer to Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information. Visit the BACB website (www.BACB.com) for additional state-specific requirements.
View BACB exam pass rates
Purdue University 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.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
Explore Other Learning Opportunities
ABA Student Site
This is a one-stop resource site for current students and alumni of Purdue Global’s behavior analysis degree programs.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Students are invited to join organizations such as the Psychology Club, Psi Chi International Honor Society, and Autism Speaks U.
Optional Internship
Gain valuable real-world experience with an optional internship while you earn your applied behavior analysis bachelor’s degree.
Take a Career Assessment
Discover your work interests and use them to chart your ideal career path.
Learn More
What Courses Will I Take?
The curriculum examines the major concepts, values, theories, studies, research methods, and historical trends in psychology as they apply to human behavior, learning, and development.
In your first course, you’ll develop your degree plan with a faculty member to align your degree path with your career outcomes.
See All Psychology CoursesSample Courses
- Autism Spectrum Disorders in Young Children
- Personality Development
- Exceptional Needs Children
- Clinical Psychology
- Program Design and Evaluation
Program Requirements
- Core Credits45
- Major Credits107
- Elective Credits28
- Total Credits180
Career Opportunities
The demand for assistant behavior analysts is increasing. Between 2010 and 2020, the annual demand for individuals with a BCaBA certification increased annually, from 2,204 jobs in 2018 to 6,653 in 2020, a 202% increase.†
In addition to preparing you for certification exams, an applied behavior analysis degree from Purdue Global can help you pursue a number of career opportunities.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Speaking
Top Jobs With This degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. The professional practice of psychology is regulated by each state, and the degree requirements of this program do not guarantee or prepare you for licensure in any state upon graduation.
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.
View Psychology Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
50%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
237
Faculty publications in 2020–2021
More Than 36,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2020–2021
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, September 2021. 2020–2021 academic year.
Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us
Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period.
There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.
That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Certification Exams: 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.
†Source: Burning Glass Technologies, “US Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts,” https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/BurningGlass2021_210126.pdf. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.