20 Cheapest BCBA Online Program in the United States

Most Affordable

The cheapest BCBA online program is in a flexible format and prepares professionals for taking their Behavior Analyst state licensure exam. A BCBA online program offers a affordable path for students to earn a degree and become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Schools around the country are making the path to earning an accelerated online master’s in Behavioral Psychology simpler than ever. This is thought to be a direct response to the increased need for psychologists, counselors, and analysts in the field. And now that so many working professionals are calling for graduate programs in the field to be held in a convenient format, space in these programs are filling up fast.

Many working professionals in behavioral psychology do not have the time to attend a traditional college program. So many students prefer to earn their graduate education in a convenient online format. These programs allow individuals to complete a degree in two years or less. And they are also affordable, so once they begin the degree, they can finish it. This ranking details schools and programs that fit the needs of professionals in this field.


Featured Schools:


Methodology for Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in Behavioral Psychology

This ranking used research conducted at the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available and free College Navigator database. An initial list of 30 schools was identified by searching for online Master’s in Behavioral Psychology. The list was then narrowed down by comparing schools to each other based on key factors; this included tuition rates and estimated time to completion rates for the program. The final 20 schools were chosen based on their total estimated in-state graduate tuition rates for the entire program.


20. Pepperdine University

  • Location: Los Angeles, California
  • Degree: Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Tuition: $71,250 for 38 credits
  • Credits: 38
  • More: Website

The accelerated online master’s in Behavioral Psychology at Pepperdine University is for professionals who want to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board examination (BCBA exam). This online ABA program takes roughly eighteen months to two years to complete. Additionally, students may also choose to complete the degree as a hybrid program by taking classes at the school’s West Los Angeles Campus.

Pepperdine’s program in human behavior studies focuses heavily on autism spectrum disorders. So graduates have the knowledge and experience to work with children and adults in this field. The degree is an evening program. Online students must attend live evening sessions during the week to meet the participation requirement. Courses are in a sequential format through the school’s virtual portal, where students also submit assignments and papers. Additionally, this degree requires students complete a three-semester practicum in the field. However, it can be in a student’s home community with the approval of the school’s department.

Other requirements for this degree include 38 credit hours of coursework and also a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, Multicultural Counseling, and also Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis for Behavior Change.


19. Simmons College

  • Location: Boston, Massachusetts
  • Degree: Online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
  • Tuition: total $45,000, $1,125 per credit hour
  • Credits: 40 quarter credits, 20 months
  • More: Website

Simmons College confers an affordable and accelerated online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis. Students can complete the behavioral psychology program online with 20 months of study. This graduate degree is for professionals who want to qualify to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam for certification in the field. This interdisciplinary program adheres to the guidelines for the board exam and is also 100 percent online.

Courses are live through the school’s learning management system in the evening to better accommodate all students. Students will find that this school has small class sizes, online professor office hours, collaborative projects, and more. Each student is also paired with a mentor for the duration of their program. This ensures that students meet the requirements for graduation and prepared to sit for the exam after graduation.

This practice-based degree requires students to complete an intensive one-year practicum at an approved site in their community. Additionally, there is a minimum of 40 quarter credit hours, a supervised practicum, and also a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Advanced Topics in Behavior Analysis, Behavioral Assessment, and also Introduction to Single Subject Research Designs.


18. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

  • Location: Chicago, Illinois
  • Degree: Online Master of Arts in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Concentration
  • Tuition: $49,248 total, $1,368 per credit
  • Credits: 36, 1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time
  • More: Website

Students interested in a one-year master’s in Behavioral Psychology online degree will find what they are looking for at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. This degree meets the educational requirements to qualify students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. However, it does not does meet the pre-exam supervised practicum requirements.

Courses for this degree are available online through the school’s virtual portal. Delivery formats vary depending on the type of class. Students can complete this degree in just one year with full-time study and two years with part-time study. This program’s culminating experience is an applied research project, which takes place of the need for an internship or thesis. Other requirements for this degree include 36 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Concepts and Principles in Behavior Analysis, Professional Ethics and Issues, and Observation and Measurement.


17. Saint Elizabeth University

  • Location: Morristown, New Jersey
  • Degree: Online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Credits: 36
  • Tuition: $36,036 total, $1,001 per credit
  • More: Website

The Saint Elizabeth University provides professionals with an accelerated online Master’s in Behavioral Psychology that focuses on developmental and behavioral disabilities. It is a program that will lead to a student becoming eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analysis exam. It is possible to complete this degree in two years as an online or hybrid course of study. The curriculum is focuses on the BCBA Fourth Edition Task List and include a supervised practicum that will also help them meet the 1,500 clinical hours needed to sit for certification.

This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, the supervised practicum, and also a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Interventions and Evidence-Based Practice, Writing for Publication, and also Foundations in Applied Behavior Analysis.


16. Florida Institute of Technology

  • Location: Melbourne, Florida
  • Degree: online MA in Behavior Analysis Practice
  • Credits: 45
  • Tuition: $42,300 total, $940 per credit
  • More: website

Professionals interested in earning the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst certification will want to check out the online Master’s in Behavioral Psychology from FIT. The Florida Institute of Technology program is a hybrid format. However, all coursework is available online except for seminars during the one-year practicum at an approved site. So, students from all over the country are eligible for this program.

This degree offers its online courses as on-demand offerings; students can attend class whenever it is most convenient for them. After completing the coursework, students move to their supervised practicum which consists of 1,500 contact hours at an approved site. This degree requires a minimum of 45 credit hours of coursework and practicum hours as well as a comprehensive final exam. More information on this program’s sample courses and practicum requirements are on the school’s website.


15. Northeastern University

Top 20 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Behavioral Psychology Online for 2019
  • Location: Boston, Massachusetts
  • Degree: online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Tuition: $40,200 total
  • Credits: 30
  • More: Website

Northeastern University offers students the chance to complete an accelerated online master’s in Behavioral Psychology. This is a fully online program that has a course sequence structure that is approved by the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board. So, students who complete this course of study are eligible to sit for the certification exam once they graduate. Additionally, students who already have a master’s degree may also choose the online Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). An ABA certificate is sufficient to become a BCBA. However, financial aid is not available for certificate programs.

Additionally, students can choose between live or on-demand courses depending on their scheduling needs and course availability. This flexibility provides the convenience working professionals need to stay on track. Students may also choose to complete the Learning Partnership Program, which offers interested individuals the chance to complete the required supervision hours to sit for the certification exam. This degree is highly customizable, so students should speak with a graduate admissions advisor about program requirements and sample course offerings.


14. Purdue University Global

Top 20 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Behavioral Psychology Online for 2019
  • Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
  • Degree: online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • More: Website
  • Tuition: $18,900, $420 per credit
  • Credits: 45 quarter credits

The accelerated online master’s in Behavioral Psychology at Purdue University Global is a practical degree with a concentration in applied behavior analysis. This particular concentration is verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and prepares students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination. The school currently provides students with the educational requirements to sit for certification.

Students take courses online through the school’s virtual portal, where live and on-demand classes are in 16-week sessions. This degree takes two years to complete. Students must complete a minimum of 70 quarter credit hours of coursework, an optional practicum, and also a thesis for graduation. Sample courses include Implementing Behavioral Change, Research Design in Applied Behavior Analysis, and also Clinical Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis.


13. Capella University

Top 20 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Behavioral Psychology Online for 2019
  • Location: St Paul, Minnesota
  • Degree: online MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Tuition: $30,600 total
  • Credits: 60 quarter credits
  • More: Website

Capella University confers an excellent accelerated online Master’s in Behavioral Psychology. It prepares professionals to work with children and adults that have behavioral disorders. Additionally, it meets the educational requirements needed to sit for the Board Certified Behavioral Analyst certification. However, it does not meet the experiential requirement for this exam. Students can choose from a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behavior Analysis in Education, or also Organizational Behavior Management.

Students take live online courses in 10-week quarters, so they can complete this program in less than two years. It requires a minimum of 55 quarter credit hours of coursework, the Integrative Project for master’s degree in Psychology, and also a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Techniques in Applied Behavior Analysis Research and Application, Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, and Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions.


12. Bay Path University

Top 20 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Behavioral Psychology Online for 2019
  • Location: Longmeadow, Massachusetts
  • Degree: online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Tuition: $26,820 total, $745 per credit
  • Credits: 36
  • More: Website

Professionals interested in an accelerated online Master’s in Behavioral Psychology that has been verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board will want to take Bay Path University’s program into serious consideration. This degree takes two years to complete as a wholly online program. However, students may also opt for the hybrid format if they live close to the campus. While this course sequence meets the requirements for the Board Certified Behavioral Analyst certification, students need additional supervised practicum hours to be eligible to sit for the exam.

All courses are online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses may be in live or on-demand formats. This degree also requires 1,500 contact hours in a supervised practicum in their community. Other graduation requirements include 36 credit hours of coursework and contact hours plus a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Ethical Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Change Systems in Education, and Interventions and Behavior Change Procedures.


11. Russell Sage College

  • Location: Albany, New York
  • Degree: Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism
  • Tuition: $685 per credit
  • Credits: 36 to 44
  • More: Website

The Russell Sage College confers an affordable accelerated online master’s in Behavioral Psychology. This two-year program meets the educational requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification exam. However, students who want to sit for the exam also need to complete the optional practicum experiences to fulfill the work experience requirement.

Courses are through the school’s learning management system and are live and on-demand. Students who complete the practicum experiences must coordinate with the school to ensure their site has program approval. This degree requires a minimum of 34 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and also a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Professional Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavioral Assessment, and also Advanced Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis.


10. The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth

Top 20 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Behavioral Psychology Online for 2019
  • Location: Dartmouth, Massachusetts
  • Degree: online Master of Arts in Psychology with an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) focus
  • Tuition: $523 per credit
  • Credits: 36
  • More: Website

The accelerated online master’s in Behavioral Psychology at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth is for working professionals. Part time students who want to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination can complete the program in three years. However, full-time students can graduate in two years.

This program meets the educational requirements to sit for licensure in most states. Online courses are asynchronous or synchronous through the school’s virtual portal in 16-week terms. Students must complete 39 credit hours of coursework, fieldwork, and also a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Behavioral Interventions, Topics in Child Development, and also Implementing Behavior Analysis in Educational Settings.


9. The University of Cincinnati

  • Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Degree: online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • Tuition: $22,830 total out of state
  • Credits: 30
  • More: Website

The University of Cincinnati offers an online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This degree is for professionals working in educational settings with children who have developmental disabilities. It is entirely online, so there are no on-campus residencies. Additionally, the first six courses in this degree sequence satisfy the educational requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.

This program does not offer practicum opportunities, so students interested in sitting for the exam will need to complete the work requirements in another setting. This degree takes 20 months to complete and features on-demand coursework and a fully functioning learning management system. Graduation requirements include 30 credit hours of coursework and also a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Academic Assessment and Intervention, Child Development, and also Frameworks for Disabilities and Disorders in Childhood.


8. University of Kansas at Edwards

  • Location: Edwards, Kansas
  • Degree: Online Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science
  • Tuition: $21,000
  • Credits: 30
  • More: Website

Students can complete the accelerated online Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science from the University of Kansas at Edwards in just two years. This degree fulfills the educational requirements necessary to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam. Additionally, this program has full accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

This is a practical degree and incorporates asynchronous and synchronous coursework requirements with research and practicum experiences. While this degree satisfies the educational requirements for BCBA certification, it does not meet the work requirements. This experience may need to be completed through another institution. Students interested in this degree should speak with a graduate admissions advisor to learn more about the program and its graduation requirements.


7. Arizona State University

  • Location: Tucson, Arizona
  • Degree: Online Master of Arts in Special Education, Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Tuition: $18,147
  • Credits: 30
  • More: Website

Arizona State University offers an affordable, accelerated online master’s in Behavioral Psychology that takes just 15 months with part-time study. This program is 100 percent online and students do not have to complete a practicum for graduation. The degree sequence adheres to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Fourth Edition Tasklist and will fulfill the educational requirements to sit for certification as a behavior analyst.

Students will note that this degree does not fulfill work requirements for the exam. This degree is straightforward: students will complete all of their coursework online as live or on-demand sessions that run for seven and a half weeks. The program requires that students complete 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Philosophical Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis in Educational Settings, Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis, and Ethics of Applied Behavior Analysis.


6. Western Connecticut State University

  • Location: Danbury, Connecticut
  • Degree: Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Tuition: $20,700 total, $690 per credit
  • Credits: 30
  • More: Website

Students enrolled at Western Connecticut State University provides students with the chance to complete an accelerated online master’s in behavioral psychology that may prepare students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification. This is a 100 percent online course of study. All courses are online as live or on-demand sessions that run in the traditional 16-week term format. Students will find that this degree does not require practicums or internships for graduation; this means that that pursuing certification will require finding other work experiences.

This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, the Capstone Project in Applied Behavior Analysis, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Assistive Technology for Applied Behavior Analysis, Grant Writing for Applied Behavior Analysis, and Research in Applied Behavior Analysis Literature.


5. The University of South Florida

  • Location: Tampa, Florida
  • Degree: Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Tuition: $17,689
  • Credits: 30
  • More: Website

The University of South Florida is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Behavioral Psychology. This master’s degree program prepares students to sit for the Board Certified Behavioral Analyst certification exam. So students will find that successfully graduating from this program will fulfill both the online education and work requirements for eligibility purposes. Students who commit to a full-time plan of study will graduate in two years while part-time students will graduate in two-and-a-half-years.

This degree is online through the school’s learning management system. Additionally, courses are on-demand so students can study anywhere they choose. This degree also includes supervised practicums which students complete under the supervision of a BCBA at an approved site in their home community.


4. University of Southern Maine

  • Location: Portland, Maine
  • Degree: online Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Tuition: $17,784 total, per credit cost $460 for in-state and $494 for out-of-state residents
  • Credits: 36
  • More: Website

Professionals who are interested in an educational viewpoint when it comes to their accelerated online master’s in Behavior Psychology will find a great program at the University of Southern Maine. This program was designed to help students meet the requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification exam.

Students will find that most of their program adheres to the educational requirements for the exam with all courses offered online through live and on-demand sessions. However, as this degree does not require a supervised practicum for graduation, students will need to meet the work hours required to sit for the exam another way. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Professional Ethics in Behavior Analysis, Single Case Research Methods, and also Behavioral Principles of Learning.


3. Ball State University

  • Location: Muncie, Indiana
  • Degree: online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism
  • Tuition: $20,130 total, $671 per credit for non-resident or $451 for resident
  • Credits: 30, with 8-week and 16-week course options
  • More: Website

Ball State University confers an accelerated online master’s in Behavioral Psychology that is approved by the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board. This degree will meet the educational requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavioral Analyst certification exam. Other requirements will need to be fulfilled in order to be eligible to sit for the exam. This program has accreditation from the National Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. And its ABAI-verified course sequence was designed for educators and academics.

This degree is offered entirely online with asynchronous and synchronous courses. Additionally, students can complete it in less than two years. BSU’s degree requires students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a field-based experience, and also a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Behavioral Consultation, Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis, and also Professional Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis.


2. St. Cloud State University

  • Location: St. Cloud, Minnesota
  • Degree: online MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Tuition: $15,360
  • Credits: 46
  • More: Website

Students enrolled at St. Cloud University will be offered the chance to complete an affordable, accelerated online master’s in Behavior Psychology. This degree is currently accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. And it meets the educational requirements for students who are interested in sitting for the Board Certified Behavior Analysis certification exam.

This is a 100 percent online course of study; courses are delivered through the school’s virtual portal and are held in asynchronous or synchronous sessions. A full-time student will be eligible for graduation in two years or less. This degree requires that a student completes a minimum of 45 credit hours of coursework, an internship, and a thesis or comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Behavioral Assessment, and Ethics in Psychology and Behavior Analysis.


1. Southeast Missouri State University

  • Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
  • Degree: online MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Tuition: $14,585
  • Credits: 42
  • More: Website

SEMO or Southeast Missouri State University confers online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students can complete this degree program in two years with full-time study. This degree was designed in two stages: the first stage consists of online coursework with the second stage consisting of fieldwork. Courses for the applied behavior analysis program meet the Fifth Edition Task List issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). And they are a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

This course sequence allows graduates be eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification exam. Students will complete their courses online through the school’s learning management system. Their second year will be dedicated to supervised work experiences in their community.

Students can expect to complete a minimum of 42 credit hours of coursework, supervised practicums, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Basic Principles in Applied Behavior Analysis, Methods for Studying the Behavior of Individuals, and Skill Acquisition and Assessment.


What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically proven, evidence-based, and effective form of therapy used to treat various developmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ABA focuses on changing behaviors by using proven strategies based on the principles of learning theory.

These strategies include positive reinforcement, prompting, behavioral shaping, and modeling. ABA therapists use data and ongoing assessments to develop individualized programs that target the specific behavior management goals of each individual child or adult.


What are the Admission Requirements for an ABA Master’s Program?

To apply and gain admission to an ABA master’s program, the admission requirements may vary from school to school. Generally speaking, applicants typically need to provide the below items.

  1. A completed application form.
  2. An up-to-date resume.
  3. Official transcripts from all previously attended schools.
  4. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum undergraduate or postgraduate GPA of 3.0.
  5. Letters of recommendation.
  6. A statement of purpose outlining interest in the program and professional goals.
  7. GRE scores for certain programs. Some are no GRE.
  8. A portfolio of previous projects (for certain programs).
  9. Current certification or licensure (for certain programs).
  10. Evidence of relevant field experience (for certain programs).

Program Accreditation for ABA

Prospective students should look for applied behavior analysis programs with programmatic accreditation. Organizations like the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) are the accrediting bodies.

Courses for an applied behavior analysis program should meet the Fifth Edition Task List issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and be a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Graduates who want to sit for the board exams to be Board-Certified Behavior Analyst or a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst should attend programs with this accreditation.


ABA Resources and Professional Organizations

  • Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
  • Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
  • Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA)
  • Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)
  • BHCOE Accreditation for ABA Therapy
  • Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies (CCBS)

What are the Career Options with a Master’s in Behavioral Psychology?

  • Behavioral Psychologist
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Senior Behavioral Psychology Researcher
  • Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
  • Marketing Executive
  • Educational Consultant
  • Behavior Coach
  • Organizational Consultant
  • Human Resources Executive
  • College or University Psychology Professor
  • Therapist in the Prison
  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Child and Family Social Worker
  • Motivational Speaker
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst

How Much Can You Earn in Behavioral Psychology?

The current average salary for behavioral psychologists is $81,330. However, there is a vast difference between professionals who choose a clinical path or those who choose to become behavioral disorder counselors. This means that professionals who are counselors can expect to make roughly half of their clinical practitioner counterparts, or about $40,000 a year.

The salary range for this field is between $39,000 to $108,500. Students will note that higher salaries may require licensure, additional school work, professional programs outside of university, and more. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are following the correct career path for their salary ambitions.


What are the Various Disciplines of Behavioral Psychology?

Behavioral psychology is a sub-discipline of psychology. It focuses on the behaviors of humans and animals with a specific focus on determining whether a behavior is due to external or internal stimuli. This means that the field is squarely within the realm of behavioral sciences and is informed by disciplines within that field.

The major disciplines in this field are research, psychology, developmental psychology, measurement and assessment, applied behavior analysis, and intervention. Medicine, biology, and chemistry also play a role in the field. So some schools offer classes as free or directed electives. Students will also notice that a strong emphasis on the study of autism and related developmental disorders is common in the field, providing them with a concentration area that is in high demand.


Do You Need a Licensure to Be a Behavioral Psychologist?

Behavioral psychologists must hold licensure to practice in their state. There are no exceptions to this rule. Because behavioral psychology is a clinical practice and requires a doctoral degree, every state requires a student pass licensure and relicense every few years to continue their work. This ensures that behavioral psychologists are not only adhering to the guidelines and standards that are common in the state but that they continuously educate themselves on the field.


Do You Have to Be Certified to Be a Behavioral Analyst?

Behavioral Analysts are not required by law to earn certification. But it is a common practice for employers to only consider professionals who have a Behavior Analyst Certification Board qualification. Many programs, including ones on this list, offer a pathway towards certification and provide students with both the educational and work requirements needed to sit for the exam.

One of the most sought-after ABA credentials is the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals certified at the BCBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services. Additionally a BCBA may supervise the work of a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), and other professionals who implement behavior-analytic interventions.

Certification DescriptionEducation
RTBRegistered Behavior Technicianhigh school
BCaBABoard Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst bachelor’s degree
BCBABoard Certified Behavior Analystmaster’s degree
BCBA-DBoard Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoraldoctorate
Certifications from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Professionals outside of these two specific career paths will find that while qualifications and endorsements are not required for them. However, earning a few will provide them with a strong resume. Additionally, many employers look for endorsements in candidates, specifically when working with clients with developmental disorders.


Your Career as a Behavioral Psychologist or Behavioral Analyst

Entering the behavioral psychology field is a life choice. Most professionals are passionate individuals who want to make an impact on a day-to-day basis. While the road to working in the mental health field can be long, most professionals find it rewarding once they have entered the workforce and are implementing positive change in the people and clients that they talk with every day.

It has never been easier to earn an accelerated online master’s in Behavioral Psychology than it is today. And with the help of this higher education ranking, professionals can find an affordable degree that will fit into their lifestyle so they can reach the heights of their career.


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