20 Best ABA Graduate Programs

Best ABA Graduate Programs

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a specialized field of psychology that focuses on understanding and changing behavior. ABA is used to help individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and other behavioral issues.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in ABA, you'll need to earn a graduate degree in the field.

But with so many programs available, how do you choose the right one? In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best ABA graduate programs in the country.

University of Southern California (USC)

USC's ABA program is one of the most highly regarded in the country. The program is focused on preparing students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).

Students are required to complete a minimum of 270 classroom hours and 1,500 supervised fieldwork hours. USC's program is unique in that it offers a dual degree option, allowing students to earn both a Master of Education in School Counseling and a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis.

University of North Texas (UNT)

UNT's ABA program is also highly respected in the field. The program is designed to prepare students to become BCBAs and to work with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

UNT's program requires students to complete a minimum of 270 classroom hours and 1,500 supervised fieldwork hours. The program also offers a unique option for students to earn a graduate certificate in Autism Intervention.

Florida Institute of Technology (FIT)

FIT's ABA program is another top choice for students interested in pursuing a career in the field. The program is designed to prepare students to become BCBAs and to work with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

FIT's program requires students to complete a minimum of 270 classroom hours and 1,500 supervised fieldwork hours. The program also offers a unique option for students to earn a graduate certificate in Organizational Behavior Management.

University of Kansas (KU)

KU's ABA program is highly regarded for its focus on research and evidence-based practice. The program is designed to prepare students to become BCBAs and to work with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

KU's program requires students to complete a minimum of 270 classroom hours and 1,500 supervised fieldwork hours. The program also offers a unique option for students to earn a graduate certificate in Positive Behavior Support.

University of Washington (UW)

UW's ABA program is known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The program is designed to prepare students to become BCBAs and to work with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

UW's program requires students to complete a minimum of 270 classroom hours and 1,500 supervised fieldwork hours. The program also offers a unique option for students to earn a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities.

Best ABA Graduate Programs

If you're looking for additional options, here are ten more top ABA graduate programs to consider:

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA's ABA program is recognized for its evidence-based approach and rigorous coursework. The program requires students to complete a minimum of 225 classroom hours and 1,000 supervised fieldwork hours.
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL): UHCL's ABA program is designed to prepare students for the BCBA exam and offers coursework in areas such as ethics, assessment, and intervention. Students must complete a minimum of 270 classroom hours and 1,500 supervised fieldwork hours.
Simmons University: Simmons' ABA program includes both online and on-campus coursework options and emphasizes the use of technology in behavior analysis. Students must complete a minimum of 280 classroom hours and 1,500 supervised fieldwork hours.
California State University, Northridge (CSUN): CSUN's ABA program offers specialized training in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. The program requires students to complete a minimum of 270 classroom hours and 1,500 supervised fieldwork hours.
Ball State University: Ball State's ABA program emphasizes hands-on experience through practicum placements in community organizations or schools. The program requires students to complete a minimum of 270 classroom hours and 1,000 supervised fieldwork hours.
Columbia University: Columbia's ABA program offers an interdisciplinary approach with courses taught by faculty from the Department of Psychology and the Department of Psychiatry. Students must complete a minimum of 400 classroom hours and two semesters of supervised fieldwork.
Western Michigan University: WMU's ABA program includes coursework in behavioral assessment, ethics, research methods, and interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges. Students must complete a minimum of 225 classroom hours and one semester of supervised fieldwork.
Florida State University: FSU's ABA program emphasizes research-based practice with opportunities for students to participate in ongoing research projects within the department or university-affiliated clinics. Students must complete a minimum of 270 classroom hours and one year (two semesters) of supervised fieldwork.
Arizona State University: ASU's ABA program offers both online and on-campus options for coursework that covers topics such as ethics, assessment, intervention planning, supervision, and management skills for behavior analysts working in various settings such as schools or clinics.
Texas Tech University: TTU's ABA program includes both online and on-campus options for coursework that focuses on preparing students for the BCBA exam with an emphasis on ethical considerations when working with diverse populations such as families from culturally diverse backgrounds or those living in rural areas.

How Do I Choose the Best ABA Therapy Graduate Program?

Choosing the best ABA therapy graduate program can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's important to consider several factors before making your decision.

One key factor to consider is the program's accreditation status. Look for programs that are accredited by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), as this ensures that the program meets high standards for education and training in behavior analysis.

Another important factor to consider is the program's curriculum. Look for programs that offer a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as behavioral assessment, intervention planning, ethics, research methods, and supervision.

Additionally, you may want to consider programs that offer specialized coursework in areas such as autism intervention or organizational behavior management.

It's also important to consider the program's faculty and their areas of expertise. Look for programs with experienced faculty who are actively engaged in research and practice in the field of behavior analysis.

Finally, consider the program's practical experience requirements. Look for programs that require a significant amount of supervised fieldwork hours to ensure that you'll have ample opportunities to gain hands-on experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges.

By considering these factors when choosing an ABA therapy graduate program, you'll be better equipped to select a program that meets your needs and prepares you for a successful career in behavior analysis.

Is a Masters in ABA worth it?

If you're considering pursuing a career in behavior analysis, you may be wondering whether getting a master's degree in ABA is worth the time and expense. The short answer is yes - earning a master's degree in ABA can open up many career opportunities and increase your earning potential.

According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), individuals with a master's degree in ABA are eligible to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), which is the highest level of certification in the field. BCBAs are in high demand, particularly in schools and healthcare settings, where they work with individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges.

In addition to increasing your job prospects, earning a master's degree in ABA can also lead to higher salaries.

According to PayScale, the average salary for behavior analysts with a master's degree is $63,000 per year, while those with a bachelor's degree earn an average of $54,000 per year.

Of course, pursuing a master's degree requires a significant investment of time and money. However, many programs offer flexible scheduling options and financial aid opportunities to help make earning your degree more manageable.

Ultimately, whether or not pursuing a master's degree in ABA is worth it depends on your individual goals and circumstances. But if you're passionate about helping individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges and want to pursue a rewarding career that makes a difference, then earning your master's degree in ABA may be the right choice for you.

Wrapping It Up

Choosing the right ABA graduate program is an important decision. By considering factors such as program reputation, curriculum, and faculty expertise, you can find the program that best fits your career goals and interests. With the right education and training, you can make a difference in the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.