Last updated: February 19, 2026

Best Online ABA Programs

The top online Applied Behavior Analysis programs for aspiring BCBAs in 2026 — ranked by accreditation, certification outcomes, hands-on training support, and what you'll actually pay.

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • Every program on this list holds both ABAI verification and BACB approval — the two credentials that matter most when choosing an online ABA program.
  • Total tuition ranges from about $15,000 at public universities to $45,000 at private schools, with most programs taking 1.5 to 2.5 years to finish.
  • The national BCBA certification exam pass rate hovers around 58–62%. The top programs on our list beat that by 10–25 percentage points, which tells you a lot about preparation quality.
  • All accredited ABA programs require 1,500–2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience at an approved site — this part is always in person, even for fully online programs.
  • Demand for behavior analysts continues to surge, with the BLS projecting 19% growth in behavioral health roles through 2034. There are now over 67,000 active BCBAs across the country.

If you're looking for the best online ABA programs to launch your career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, you're not alone — Applied Behavior Analysis is one of the fastest-growing fields in behavioral health right now. Earning a master's from a BACB-approved program is the standard path to BCBA certification, and the top online programs let you complete coursework from anywhere while building clinical skills locally.

We compared every accredited online ABA master's program in the U.S. using data from the ABAI Verified Course Sequence directory, the NCES College Navigator, and institutional outcome reports. Whether you want the most affordable option, the fastest path to certification, or a program with elite placement support, our 2026 ranking breaks down what actually matters.

Our Ranking Methodology

We score every online ABA program against five weighted factors using publicly available data from NCES, the ABAI directory, and BACB certificant data. Only regionally accredited programs with both BACB approval and ABAI verification are eligible. Read more about how we evaluate programs on our methodology page.

  1. ABAI verification and BACB approval status (25%) — Both designations are required for inclusion; programs with longer verification histories score higher.
  2. Certification exam outcomes (25%) — We benchmark each program's reported results against the national average to identify schools that genuinely prepare graduates.
  3. Supervised experience and placement support (20%) — Does the program help you find approved sites, or are you on your own? We evaluate coordination resources, partner networks, and faculty supervision options.
  4. Affordability and financial aid (15%) — Total cost, per-credit rates, assistantship availability, and employer tuition partnerships all factor in.
  5. Flexibility and student support (15%) — Course delivery format, part-time options, start date frequency, and advising resources.
Read full methodology →

Quick Comparison

# School Tuition Length Format
1 University of North Texas $350–$520/credit hour 2 years Asynchronous coursework + local supervised experience
2 Purdue University Global $420–$510/credit hour 20 months (accelerated) – 2 years Fully online with dedicated placement coordination
3 Ball State University $380–$490/credit hour 2 years Online lectures + community-based practicum
4 Simmons University $550–$680/credit hour 18 months (full-time) – 2 years Online coursework + New England clinical network
5 University of West Florida $320–$450/credit hour 2–2.5 years Asynchronous online + Florida-aligned practicum
6 Regis College $500–$620/credit hour 2 years Eight-week online modules + supervised practice

Ranked Programs

1

University of North Texas

Denton, TX

Tuition

$350–$520/credit hour

Length

2 years

Format

Asynchronous coursework + local supervised experience

Acceptance

54%

Accreditation

ABAI-Verified; BACB-Approved; SACSCOC

Retention

91%

Why We Chose This

UNT is widely considered the birthplace of modern ABA — their Department of Behavior Analysis is one of the oldest and most respected in the country. That pedigree translates directly into outcomes: graduates consistently clear the certification exam at rates above 85%, well ahead of the national average. Faculty publish regularly in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and JABA, and the alumni network of 3,000+ practicing behavior analysts gives students a real advantage during the job search.
  • Longest-running ABA program in the country with unmatched academic reputation
  • Certification outcomes consistently 20+ points above the national average
  • In-state tuition extended to all distance learners regardless of residency
  • Faculty leading translational research in autism intervention and OBM
  • Over 3,000 alumni currently practicing as board certified behavior analysts
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2

Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, IN (Online)

Tuition

$420–$510/credit hour

Length

20 months (accelerated) – 2 years

Format

Fully online with dedicated placement coordination

Acceptance

68%

Accreditation

ABAI-Verified; BACB-Approved; HLC

Retention

84%

Why We Chose This

Purdue Global stands out as the best online ABA program for working professionals who need maximum scheduling flexibility. Monthly start dates, an accelerated 20-month track, and the ExcelTrack competency-based option mean experienced practitioners can move through faster. A dedicated coordination team arranges BACB-qualifying supervised experience placements nationwide — a huge perk if you don't live near a major metro area.
  • Monthly enrollment with an accelerated 20-month completion option
  • ExcelTrack competency-based track lets experienced professionals advance faster
  • Nationwide placement coordination so you're not scrambling for a site on your own
  • Employer tuition reduction agreements with several major ABA service providers
  • Certification results trending above the 75th percentile nationally
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3

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Tuition

$380–$490/credit hour

Length

2 years

Format

Online lectures + community-based practicum

Acceptance

60%

Accreditation

ABAI-Verified; BACB-Approved; HLC

Retention

87%

Why We Chose This

Ball State is one of the most affordable ABAI-verified ABA programs you'll find anywhere — and affordability doesn't come at the expense of quality. Graduates consistently score well on the certification exam (around the 80th percentile), and the program's emphasis on ethical practice and evidence-based intervention design produces clinicians who are ready to work with complex cases from day one. Faculty maintain active research partnerships with Indiana's behavioral health service network.
  • Among the lowest-cost ABAI-verified options for aspiring behavior analysts
  • Strong certification outcomes — graduates consistently outperform national benchmarks
  • Small entering classes of ~25 students for meaningful faculty interaction
  • Research strengths in autism spectrum interventions and developmental disabilities
  • Clinical site partnerships across Indiana, Ohio, and neighboring states
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4

Simmons University

Boston, MA

Tuition

$550–$680/credit hour

Length

18 months (full-time) – 2 years

Format

Online coursework + New England clinical network

Acceptance

58%

Accreditation

ABAI-Verified; BACB-Approved; NECHE

Retention

89%

Why We Chose This

Simmons is the top choice for students who want a clinically rigorous online behavior analysis program with a social justice lens. The curriculum goes beyond standard ABA training to address ethical leadership, cultural responsiveness, and working with underrepresented populations. If you're in or near New England, the clinical site network is hard to beat — and faculty who publish in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis bring real research depth to the classroom.
  • Best online ABA program for students focused on ethics and cultural responsiveness
  • Deep clinical partnerships throughout the New England region
  • An 18-month fast track available for full-time students
  • Faculty contributors to JABA and other peer-reviewed behavior analysis journals
  • Strong emphasis on working with underrepresented and underserved populations
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5

University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL

Tuition

$320–$450/credit hour

Length

2–2.5 years

Format

Asynchronous online + Florida-aligned practicum

Acceptance

65%

Accreditation

ABAI-Verified; BACB-Approved; SACSCOC

Retention

83%

Why We Chose This

UWF is the most affordable online ABA program on our list — and one of the cheapest accredited options in the entire country, thanks to in-state rates extended to all distance learners. The curriculum is specifically designed around Florida's behavior analyst licensure requirements, which is a real advantage if you plan to practice in the Southeast. The flexible part-time format also makes this the best BCBA program for students who need to work while earning their degree.
  • Lowest total cost among accredited online ABA programs — in-state rates for everyone
  • Curriculum built around Florida state licensure standards for behavior analysts
  • Fully asynchronous delivery designed for students balancing work and school
  • Flexible pacing lets part-time students finish in 2.5 years
  • Growing career placement network across Florida and the Gulf Coast region
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6

Regis College

Weston, MA

Tuition

$500–$620/credit hour

Length

2 years

Format

Eight-week online modules + supervised practice

Acceptance

70%

Accreditation

ABAI-Verified; BACB-Approved; NECHE

Retention

81%

Why We Chose This

Regis College rounds out our top online ABA programs with a values-driven curriculum that emphasizes ethical practice and service to vulnerable populations. The eight-week course format lets you focus deeply on one subject at a time rather than juggling multiple classes — a structure that many adult learners prefer. Small cohorts of 15–20 students mean you actually get to know your faculty, and the clinical placement team draws on partnerships with Autism Speaks affiliates and regional behavioral health providers.
  • Focused eight-week course blocks — one subject at a time for deeper learning
  • Small cohorts of 15–20 students with genuine faculty mentorship
  • Values-driven approach emphasizing ethics and service to vulnerable communities
  • Clinical placement coordination across New England and beyond
  • Growing certification outcomes as the program builds its track record
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How to Choose the Right Program

Finding the best online ABA program for your situation means looking past rankings and thinking about what actually matters to your career. Will you practice in a state that requires specific coursework? Do you need help finding a supervised experience site, or do you already have one lined up? Start by confirming your state's licensure requirements, then narrow from there.

  • Confirm ABAI verification and BACB approval first — without both, you may not qualify to sit for the certification exam after graduation.
  • Ask for certification outcome data — not just the numbers the program publishes on its website, but trends over the last 3–5 cohorts. Programs that consistently beat the national average are doing something right.
  • Evaluate placement support honestly — some programs assign you a coordinator who finds sites near your home; others hand you a list and wish you luck. This difference matters more than most students realize.
  • Calculate the real total cost — per-credit tuition is just the starting point. Factor in technology fees, background checks, liability insurance, and any travel costs for supervised experience.
  • Check state licensure alignment — behavior analyst licensing varies significantly by state. A program designed around Florida requirements may not cover everything California asks for.

Application Guide

Getting into a top online ABA program is less competitive than doctoral admissions, but preparation still matters — especially for schools like UNT and Simmons with lower acceptance rates. Most programs want a bachelor's in psychology, education, or a related field. Check the BACB's current eligibility requirements before you apply to make sure you won't hit any surprises after enrollment.

  1. 1 Shortlist 4–6 programs and compare them on what actually differentiates them — cost, placement support, scheduling flexibility, and certification outcomes.
  2. 2 Verify prerequisites — most programs require undergrad coursework in psychology, statistics, and research methods. Some accept students from unrelated majors with bridge courses.
  3. 3 Write a personal statement that goes beyond "I want to help people" — talk about specific populations you want to serve, clinical experiences you've had, and why behavior analysis over other paths.
  4. 4 Line up 2–3 recommendation letters from faculty, clinical supervisors, or employers who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level clinical work.
  5. 5 Submit everything before the deadline — transcripts, resume, writing samples if required. Programs with rolling admissions fill cohorts on a first-come basis, so earlier is better.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The master's degree is the educational requirement — you complete coursework and supervised clinical hours through an accredited program. BCBA certification is the professional credential you earn afterward by passing the BACB's certification exam. Think of the degree as the preparation and the BCBA as the license to practice. You need both to work independently as a behavior analyst.

Yes. The BACB doesn't distinguish between online and campus-based coursework — what matters is that your program holds BACB approval and ideally ABAI verification. The supervised clinical component must always happen in person at an approved site, but the academic portion can be fully online. Every program in our ranking meets both BACB and ABAI standards.

Plan for 2–3 years total from enrollment to certification. The master's degree itself takes 1.5–2.5 years depending on your pace, but you also need to accumulate 1,500–2,000 supervised clinical hours (which you can start during the program) and then pass the certification exam. Some accelerated tracks, like Purdue Global's 20-month option, can compress the academic timeline.

Total tuition ranges from about $15,000 at affordable public options like UWF ($320/credit) to $45,000 at private institutions like Simmons ($680/credit). UNT and Ball State fall in the middle and offer strong value for the quality. Some programs also have employer tuition partnerships with ABA service providers, which can knock 10–20% off the sticker price.

Not necessarily. Most programs accept bachelor's degrees in psychology, education, social work, or related fields. Some — including Purdue Global and Regis College — also admit students from unrelated backgrounds if they complete bridge courses in introductory psychology, statistics, and research methods. Check each program's specific prerequisites before applying.

This is where placement support really matters. Programs like Purdue Global and UNT have dedicated coordination teams that arrange sites nationwide, even in rural areas. Others expect you to find your own. Before enrolling, ask the program directly: "How many students in my area have you placed in the last two years?" That answer tells you more than any brochure.

The national pass rate sits around 58–62% for first-time candidates, so yes — it's a challenging exam. But your program choice makes an enormous difference. Graduates from the top-ranked programs on this list pass at rates between 70% and 90%, which means the preparation quality varies dramatically. When evaluating programs, ask for their reported outcomes over the last three years, not just a single cohort.