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ABA Masters Online – Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior. ABA refers to a set of principles that focus on how behaviors change, or are affected by the environment, as well as how learning takes place. The term behavior refers to skills and actions needed to talk, play, and live. While these principles impact everyone each day, they can be applied systematically through interventions to help individuals learn and apply new skills in their daily lives. ABA requires the implementation of established principles of learning, behavioral strategies, and environmental modifications to improve and teach new behaviors. In practice, implementation must be systematic so teachers can identify how behavior can be changed and understand how learning occurred. The ultimate goal of ABA is to establish and enhance socially important behaviors. Such behaviors can include academic, social, communication, and daily living skills; essentially, any skill that will enhance the independence and/or quality of life for the individual.
Featured Online Programs
Best ABA Masters Online Programs
A few of the biggest dilemmas while deciding to do a master’s in the program are which program to pursue, which school to pick, which university to enroll into. And then there are other considerations such as cost, placements, starting salary, employment rates, acceptance rates, etc. We at OMC went through all these matrices and created a list of the best online masters in geography. See the ranking below:
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 University of washington 1400 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, Washington 98195 |
$16,278 | 82% |
|
#2 Endicott College 376 Hale Street, Beverly, Massachusetts 01915 |
$12,666 | 79% |
|
#3 university of South Florida 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620 |
$8,350 | 74% |
|
#4 George Mason University 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, Virginia 22030 |
$12,594 | 72% |
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#5 Slippery Rock University 1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 |
$9,288 | 69% |
|
#6 Ball State University 2000 University Ave, Muncie, Indiana 47306 |
$9,328 | 67% |
|
#7 Arizona State University University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85287 |
$11,720 | 66% |
|
#8 Cairn University 200 Manor Ave, Langhorne, Pennsylvania 19047 |
$14,040 | 55% |
|
#9 Southeast Missouri State University One University Plaza, MS2025, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701 |
$5,373 | 51% |
|
#10 Florida Institute of Technology 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne, Florida 32901 |
$22,338 | 60% |
|
#11 Western Connecticut State University 181 White Street, Danbury, Connecticut 06810 |
$7,674 | 51% |
|
#12 Oregon Institute of technology 3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601 |
$12,713 | 51% |
|
#13 University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida 32514 |
$7,088 | 48% |
|
#14 Saint Cloud State University 720 Fourth Ave. South, Saint Cloud, Minnesota 56301 |
$7,607 | 45% |
|
#15 National University 11255 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037 |
$15,480 | 47% |
|
#16 University of Southern Maine 96 Falmouth St, Portland, Maine 04103 |
$7,776 | 36% |
|
#17 Mary Baldwin University 318 Prospect Street, Staunton, Virginia 24401 |
$13,000 | 42% |
|
#18 Montana State University Billings 1500 University Drive, Billings, Montana 59101 |
$5,598 | 28% |
|
#19 Purdue University Global 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906 |
$8,766 | 22% |
|
#20 Brandman University 16355 Laguna Canyon Road, Irvine, California 92618 |
$12,060 | 8% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding Masters in ABA Programs
The basic principles of ABA consist of environmental variables that impact behavior. These variables are antecedents and consequences. Antecedents are events that happen right before the behavior, and a conse-quence is the event following the behavior. It is through systematic application of antecedents and consequences that target behavior will maintain, increase, or decrease — this is how learning will occur!
The MA-ABA program is an extremely competitive and rigorous graduate program. Students are expected to spend extensive time at a fieldwork site, while also completing coursework and research projects. Many students devote 40-60 hours per week to their graduate studies, which includes expectations related to coursework, practicum, and thesis. The program offers an immersive learning experience that will prepare students to be outstanding behavior analysts.
Masters in ABA Degree Types
Behavior analysis has four different branches:
- The conceptual analysis of behavior, which addresses philosophical, theoretical, historical, and methodological issues;
- The experimental analysis of behavior, which focuses on research on basic processes and principles;
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA), which focuses on applying basic principles to solve problems of social significance while systematically evaluating these applications; and
- Behavior analytic service delivery, which focuses on professional practice and consultation.
The degrees that emphasize on the third and fourth branches as above, are awarded the MA in applied behavior analysis. And the degree programs that emphasize the first and second branches, are generally awarded an MS in ABA. These are the two primary degree types in the ABA masters program.
Specializations in Masters in ABA Programs
The subjects and courseware of a different master’s in the field of ABA is kind of interleaved. But, per the kind of job role that the aspirant may want to choose, the concentration of specialized subjects may vary. Below we discuss a few masters in ABA courses with specialization and careers path post-graduation.
| Area of Focus | Description | Careers This Concentration prepares for |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Behavioral Psychology | The course sequence is verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and teaches students how to develop meaningful and positive change in behavior with clients who have autism or other developmental disorders. Upon completion of the program and all necessary experience hours, students will be prepared to sit for the board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) exam. | |
| Master of Education in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis | This emphasis is for professionals who want to gain in-depth knowledge of the principles and procedures of ABA, with or without the goal of becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA). Educational professionals certified as BCBAs develop, implement, and monitor programs to promote positive behavior change in individuals with special needs. | Staff performance: Rather than working with students, you may also work with your peers in a school setting, analyzing data and conducting assessments to see if students’ needs and skills are being addressed. |
| Master of Science in Counseling, Applied Behavior Analysis | This course surveys the fields of psychotherapy and counseling. It reviews the various theories and techniques of counseling that are consistent with current professional research and practice in the fields of mental health and school counseling. | Counsel Pre-K-12 students, active military soldiers and veterans, people struggling with substance abuse or families who need help. Use your expertise to assist legal or law enforcement teams. Or take your talents into the corporate world as an HR leader or market researcher. |
| Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, High Incidence Disabilities with ABA Option | The nexus of the ABA program options is using the applied science of the behavior of the individual as the basis of a science of individualized instruction. Thus, the ABA program option focuses on building academic, social, and verbal behavior repertoires, cusps, capabilities of the individual. It emphasizes the principles, strategies, and tactics of science are central to: 1) effective pedagogy, 2) competent classroom management, and 3) sophisticated curriculum design/implementation. |
|
| Master of Arts in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) | With an applied behavior analysis degree, you will learn the principles and foundations of applied behavior analysis and how it can be used to teach new skills and improve human behavior. The courses in this program are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International® and can prepare you to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® exam. | Special education teacher: This role entails educating special needs students and addressing their individual differences and needs to promote learning, motivation, and self-sufficiency. |
| Master’s in ABA with an Emphasis in Autism | If you’d like to be out on the frontier of a field facing a national shortage, where school children and adults struggle with autism and other developmental disabilities, and where the rewards are both personal and financial, it’s time to explore a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis with an emphasis on Autism. Whether as a teacher, psychologist, ABA therapist, or other human service professional, you’ll find opportunities in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, behavioral centers, and residential facilities where you’ll help clients improve language, motor, social, and reasoning skills. Doors to corporations and industrial settings are now opening where applied behavior analysts teach job skills and promote work performance. | Autism spectrum disorders: Currently there is a shortage of behavior analysts specializing in autism and other developmental disabilities. In this specialization, you’d be focusing on helping students and children improve language, motor, social and reasoning skills. |
Curriculum and Skills Gained in Masters in ABA Programs
A master’s in ABA would have common courseware for most of the credits, but per the specialization of the course, some concentration of the courseware would vary. Below we would discuss a few subjects learned in a master’s in ABA online program, and the skills attained.
| Curriculum | Skills Gained |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis | Introduces behavioral principles and their applications in schools, developmental centers, and other human service settings. Includes functional behavioral assessments; selecting, defining, measuring, and graphing behavior; developing ethical behavioral intervention plans; implementing and assuring the fidelity of behavioral-change procedures; and evaluating behavioral outcomes for maintenance, generalization, and social validity. |
| Behavioral Consultation | Training and supervised experience in providing behavioral consultation. Emphasizes the design and implementation of interventions for improving behavior and promoting adaptive skills in a variety of applied settings. Focuses on the analysis of consultant-consultee interactions in problem identification, problem solving, and outcome evaluation. |
| Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis | Building upon an introduction to applied behavior analysis, provides an in-depth treatment of behavior logical principles and advanced coverage of special topics including antecedent interventions, behavioral fluency, development of verbal behavior, and planning and evaluating applied behavioral research. Content aligns with the task list for Board Certified Behavior Analysts. |
| Professional Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis | The synthesis and refinement of the student’s personal philosophy of applied behavior analysis and its practice in schools, hospitals, residential settings, and outpatient settings is emphasized. Individual study of current literature on issues, ethics, current problems, and research in applied behavior analysis. |
| Research Methods for Behavior Analysis | This course will introduce students to various methodologies used in special education with an emphasis in single case research as a quantitative method of analysis and Educational psychology. Students will learn about the use of single case research to explore interventions and impact on behavior with a focus on people with disabilities and autism. |
| Field-Based Experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis | Provides practical experiences for students in applied behavior analysis or the behavior disorders teaching concentration; supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts or qualified special education teachers, respectively. Includes planning, implementing, and evaluating behavioral interventions. |
| Field-Based Experience in Autism | Covers a variety of settings including schools, residential treatment centers, hospitals, day-cares, public and private clinics, and other settings. Intensive supervision given through individual supervisory meetings. Offered on-line only. |
| Introduction to Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders | Provides an overview of autism spectrum disorders. Emphasizes etiology and assessment of disorders in the autism spectrum. The various nomenclatures used to identify autism spectrum disorders are reviewed. |
| Verbal Behavior | Covers the operant analysis of verbal behavior. Students will learn the functional analysis of complex verbal relations (e.g., composition, private events, conditions affecting stimulus control) and practical applications (e.g., assessment, curriculum development, intervention methods). Verbal behavior principles and techniques, relational frame theory, and current research are considered. |
| Supervising Human Service Staff in ABA | Prepares students to serve as supervisors, trainers, mentors, and coaches to human service staff. Creating motivating work environments that maximize performance and minimize problems/absenteeism as well as integrating basic behavior analytic concepts into training plans that are client centered and that involve translating research into practice is emphasized. |
Accreditation for Masters in ABA Programs
Accreditation is a vetting process wherein an institution has
been evaluated by an independent accrediting body and found to meet the high
standards of a rigorous education. Thus, accreditation in essence is enforcement of quality. Read more about Accreditation.
Hence, to ensure that their degrees are recognized by the industry and fraternity they are getting into, and more importantly to be eligible for US federal student aid one must ensure that the institution one is enrolling in is accredited by one of the federally recognized accreditation bodies.
Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is one such organization in the field of ABA. IT has been the primary membership organization for those interested in the philosophy, science, application, and teaching of behavior analysis. It is a global nonprofit association, connects educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1974, ABAI provides an interface between the industry and the members setting up events, career counselling, certifications, etc.
Timeline For Graduating From ABA Masters Online Programs
Most master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis online typically takes anywhere between 16-24 months, while many accelerated master’s programs require just one year of study after students have completed their bachelor’s. In doing an accelerated program, students can save money on tuition. Typically, for an ABAI verified ABA master’s program, students need to take around 36 -48 total credits for the completion of the course.
Admission Requirements For ABA Masters Online Programs
Even though every master’s in applied behavior analysis online will have a specific requirement typically a master’s in ABA would require a bachelor’s degree majoring in a related field most preferably in psychology, GPA of around 3 in undergraduate work and a GRE score of around 3 and above. Some universities might even require experience and employer references. These are the typical master’s in applied behavior analysis prerequisites. And for students looking to get into a masters program, OMC has dedicated resources for GRE and GMAT.
Free ABA Programs
A master’s in ABA is a very structured course, so it requires a lot of planning and preparation for talking up the course. But for the holders of the degree program has a free course to look forward to, listed below:
Autism Partnership Foundation is now offering a FREE 40 hour RBT training – for anyone – FOREVER. This 40 hour training is based on the 2nd edition task list and meets the requirements outlined by the BACB for individuals seeking their RBT certification. Your certificate indicating you have completed your 40 hours of training will be sent upon completion. Check out the video below in which our Directors of Research sat down with Sarah Trautman to discuss the development of this training.
How to Pay for ABA Masters Online Programs
Keeping in mind the cost of education these days and the amount of debt that each student carries it is of prime importance how you choose to fund your master’s in ABA online program. The smartest way to fund education is a scholarship. For further reference, students can refer to this link here for scholarships.
For students who do not qualify for a scholarship, for such candidates if they are working professionals, they can check with their employers to reimburse the tuition fee. The other way of funding your master’s in operations research is to apply for a student loan. Students can also check if they are eligible for federal student aid. Here is a link to the FAFSA Application.
FAQs about in ABA Masters Online Programs
| Q: How do I become a certified applied behavior analyst? |
A: BCBA Pathway
|
| Q: Is RBT certification free? |
| A: Autism Partnership Foundation is now offering a FREE 40 hour RBT training – for anyone – FOREVER. This 40 hour training is based on the 2nd edition task list and meets the requirements outlined by the BACB for individuals seeking their RBT certification. |
| Q: How much does ABA certification cost? |
A: Tuition and Aid
|
| Q: Can you become a RBT online? |
| A: 40 Hour RBT® Online Training offers classes online only. Time to complete this education training ranges from 35 hours to 2 weeks depending on the qualification, with a median time to complete of 7.5 days. |
| Q: How long does it take to get an ABA certificate? |
| A: In order to earn an ABA certificate, a person has to complete the required coursework. Most certifications require 270 hours of coursework at an accredited institution if the person holds a master’s degree. |
| Q: How much does a BCBA make an hour? |
A: Top Earners
Average
25th Percentile
|
| Q: What is the difference between RBT and ABA? |
| A: A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional within the field of ABA, meaning they work directly under the supervision of an RBT supervisor or an RBT requirements coordinator. RBTs assist in delivering ABA services to a variety of individuals, in addition to performing tasks such as data collection. |
| Q: Is it hard to become a BCBA? |
| A: Being a behavior analyst can be very rewarding, however it is not the easiest process as it is rigorous and tedious to get through the coursework. … This is getting a little easier as our field grows, but be sure to check out the BACB website for a list of accredited schools and coursework. |
Careers and Salary Outlook For ABA Masters Online Graduates
Post a master’s in OR online, one can delve into many roles in the operations management field. This could vary from a role of an Occupational Therapist to a role of a Rehabilitation Counselor. There would be other intermediary roles in between. Below is a list of roles and salaries with their responsibilities highlighted.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (US $) | Job Growth (2019-2029) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education Teachers | $61,420 | 3% | Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities. Special education teachers work with general education teachers, specialists, administrators, and parents to develop IEPs. Students’ IEPs outline their goals, including academic or behavioral milestones, and services they are to receive, such as speech therapy. Educators and parents also meet to discuss updates and changes to IEPs. |
| Occupational Therapists | $86,280 | 16% | Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Patients with permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, often need help performing daily tasks. Therapists show patients how to use appropriate adaptive equipment, such as leg braces, wheelchairs, and eating aids. These devices help patients perform several daily tasks, allowing them to function more independently. |
| Psychologists | $82,180 | 3% | Psychologist’s study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors. Psychologists often gather information and evaluate behavior through controlled laboratory experiments, psychoanalysis, or psychotherapy. They also may administer personality, performance, aptitude, or intelligence tests. They look for patterns of behavior or relationships between events, and they use this information when testing theories in their research or when treating patients. |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | $80,480 | 25% | Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders result from a variety of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, a cleft palate, or autism. |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $47,660 | 25% | Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, mental health issues, or other mental or behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help clients recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors. Substance abuse counselors and behavioral disorder counselors, also called addiction counselors, work with clients individually and in group sessions. Many incorporate the principles of 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), to guide their practice. They teach clients how to cope with stress and life’s problems in ways that help them recover. Furthermore, they help clients rebuild professional relationships and, if necessary, reestablish their career. They also help clients improve their personal relationships and find ways to discuss their addiction or other problems with family and friends. |
Certifications and Licensure For ABA Masters Online Students
With licensure in over 33 states, the behavior analysis profession is rapidly becoming regulated. Behavior analysts working in one of these states should review the relevant websites immediately and either (a) apply for licensure or (b) determine whether they are in a class exempted from licensure.
Below we discuss few certifications in the field of applied behavior analysis:
| Certification | Description |
|---|---|
| BCBA Certification | The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals certified at the BCBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services. BCBAs may supervise the work of Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and other professionals who implement behavior-analytic interventions. |
| BCaBA | Students who already possess an undergraduate degree or who are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a different institution may enroll in our undergraduate level Verified Course Sequence to meet the requirements for BCaBA certification. |
| RBT | The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. RBTs assist in delivering behavior analysis services and practice under the direction and close supervision of an RBT Supervisor and/or an RBT Requirements Coordinator, who are responsible for all work RBTs perform. |
Additional Resources For ABA Masters Online Students
Apart from licensing requirements, behavior analysts require certification from the The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. (BACB) to practice their craft. The BCBA, BCaBA, and RBT certification programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). In the profession of applied behavior analysis, the BACB’s primary role is to operate certification programs, which involves responsibilities similar to regulatory boards.. In this role, the BACB establishes practice standards, administers examinations, and provides ethics requirements and a disciplinary system for each of its certification programs.
