When B.F. Skinner founded behaviorism what did he discover? He claimed that just like any other animal humans can be trained through a series of reinforcements and punishments. Over the years the field of applied behavior analysis has used these founding principles to create a systematic approach to learning. It turns out, you and me ain’t nothing but mammals after all. Still, ABA today is much more sophisitacted than the behaviorism from Skinner’s day. We’re doing far more than teaching pigeons to turn and peck. We’re teaching people how to change their lives one overt measurable action at a time. Veterans who have lost a leg at war and children with autism that engage in sterotypical behaviors that may interfere with learning can each change their lives thanks to modern-day behavioral analysis.
This evidence-based approach to teaching is popularly used to help autistic children learn fundamental life skills as well as communication, social skills, and even academic skills. Today ABA clinics across the nation use the natural environment and other less sterile settings as the backdrop for ABA meaning that learning using ABA has moved away from the table time 1:1 model to a model that looks a lot more like how kids naturally play. And everyone can benefit and does. ABA principles are used for learning applications that each one of us use on a daily basis. If you are interestd in learning about the science of behaviorism as it applies to working with children, teens, and adults today in the 21st century then check out our piece on the 20 best online master’s degree programs in ABA.
1. Arizona State University
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Arizona State University is one of the top schools in the world for innovation. In fact, according to the US News and World Report, ASU ranks number one in the United States for innovation. Additionally ASU ranks as the 103rd best school in the nation and among the top for veterans, teaching, business, engineering, and value. To rank among the top in the world for innovation ASU has created some of the best online offerings anywhere. ASU online offers over 100 online degrees for undergraduates, graduates, and those seeking an online certification. Their undergraduate degree programs cover a wide range of offerings including in global management, art, geography, health, philosophy, psychology, tourism and recreation, and more. Their online graduate programs are wonderful options for adults who are looking to advance their careers while maintaining their jobs and other responsibilities. Some of their online masters programs include the master of arts in education, the global security cyber security MA, the master of science and graphic information technology, the master of science in psychology, the master of arts in World War II studies, and many more. If you are looking to expand your careee offerings through an online degree, then check out ASU online.
Among their many offerings is their online master of arts in special education with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis. The applied behavior analysis concentration utilizes research as well as experience to prepare students to work professionally with individuals who have special learning and behavioral needs. You will learn how to implement applied behavior analysis principles during instruction. Some of the courses in this concentration include behavior analytic assessment, verbal behavior, ethics of applied behavior analysis, measurement data display interpretation and experimental design, and others. If you are passionate about working with special needs students and wants to take your career to the next level or are interested in becoming a board certified behavior analyst then this is the course for you.
2. Ball State University
Ball State University ranks among the top public schools in the nation. According to US News and World Report, Boston University ranks as 144th best top public school and 36th for best first year experiences. In recent years, Ball State has offered some of the best online offerings. Students who study online at Ball State study with the same professors as the on campus students. Over the years, Ball State has increased their online offerings to include a wide array of online masters degrees and online undergraduate degrees. In fact, there are over 100 online programs to explore.
Among their many online offerings is there a master of arts in applied behavior analysis. This is a 30 credit program that is offered completely online. This online degree is offered through their teachers college and is accredited by the council for the accreditation of educator preparation. No matter what your educational background this program works for you. This is the largest program in applied behavior analysis in the nation. If you are looking for coursework that is valid in eligible to take the board certified behavior analyst exam then this program is for you. Among the course requirements include an introduction to applied behavior analysis, behavioral consultation, professional issues in applied behavior analysis, interventions and treatments for persons with autism, and verbal behavior, among others. For more information and to apply to this program head to their website.
3. Drexel University
Drexel University is a private institution that was founded in 1891 and currently enrolls over 15,000 students. According to the US News and World Report Drexel University ranks as the 133rd best school in the nation, the 23rd most innovative school, and the second best school for co-ops/internships. In recent years, Drexel University has offered a number of online degree options including online bachelors degrees, masters degrees, doctoral degrees and certificate programs. Some of the industries covered by online degrees include autism, engineering, psychology/psychiatry, medicine, broadcasting, digital media, technology, and special education, among others.
Drexel University offers an online applied behavior analysis degree. This is a master of science in applied behavior analysis that is geared towards working with children and adults with autism. This program is compliant with the board certified behavior analyst examination. The program is divided into two main component parts: core coursework and ABA concentrations. You will complete one of the following concentrations: advanced topics in ABA, autism spectrum disorders, social emotional and behavioral wellness. The autism spectrum disorders concentration emphasizes communication and language skills using research-based approaches. The social emotional and behavioral wellness concentration offers information on the best techniques for working collaboratively with partnerships and with patient’s families as well as in the larger educational community. The advanced topics in ABA prepare you for advanced roles in the field or doctoral studies.
4. University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public university that was founded in 1865. There are currently over 20,000 students enrolled. US News and World report ranks the University of Kansas as 124th best school in the nation, the 68th most innovative school, the 86th best college for veterans, and the 60th top public school. The University of Kansas offers a number of online programs for students. KU online offers degrees, certificates, and courses for students who are either initiating their programming or heading back to school. The online undergraduate programs include online bachelors degrees in communications, Liberal arts, exercise science, nursing, and more. For those of you who are looking to head back to school for an online graduate degree the University of Kansas offers a number of programs from their school of business, their school of education their school of social welfare their school of nursing and many more. KU online also offers a number of non-credit courses and certificates including those in law-enforcement, aerospace, Osher lifelong learning, leadership and management, behavior technician training, and many more.
The University of Kansas offers the Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science. This program has been accredited through the Association for Behavioral Analysis International ABAI. This is a 30 credit hour program which includes 12 content hours of coursework and three hours of research or practicum and 12 hours of thesis. To be admitted to this program you are not required to submit a GRE exam. The online masters degree includes course material in research methodology and direct observation, applied behavioral science, principles of behavior analysis, ethics legal and professional issues in applied behavioral science, behavior analysis and developmental disabilities, and functional behavioral assessment.
5. Penn State World Campus
In recent years, the Penn State world campus has grown to include more than 150 degrees and certifications. Whether you’re a transfer student, military student, or a returning student there is something for you at the Penn State world campus. The Penn State World Campus offers comprehensive programming at the associates bachelors masters and doctoral level and includes undergraduate as well as graduate certifications. The US News and World Report recognizes Penn State World Campus as one of the top 10 schools for online bachelors degrees.
Among the many online offerings is the Master of Education and Special Education. To be admitted to this program you must have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US institution. Students should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in proficient in English. GRE scores are not required. Students following this program may choose to emphasize Applied Behavior Analysis, autism, or academic and behavioral supports. The behavioral analysis emphasis includes course material in special education, applied behavior analysis, behavioral change procedures in management, concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis, and assessment of behavior and contexts. All students will study their core curriculum which includes teaching learners with disabilities in inclusive settings and an introduction to research in special education. If you are looking for a comprehensive online degree in applied behavior analysis than this one might be for you.
6. University of Nevada at Reno
The University of Nevada Reno (UNR) is a public four-year institution that enrolls over 20,000 students. The university was founded in 1874. The student-to-faculty ratio is currently 18 to 1. According to the US News and World Report the University of Nevada- Reno ranks as the 227th best school in the nation, and among the top public schools. In recent years UNR has expanded their online degree offerings including undergraduate degree programs, masters degree programs, doctoral degree programs, and graduate certifications.
Among their offerings is the Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis. This course has been accredited by the ABAI Association for Behavior Analysis International and meets the requirements necessary to take the board certified behavior analyst certification examination. This program focuses on the philosophies of behaviorism and includes the approved course sequences for the BCABA. The board now requires 10 courses in order for you to be eligible to sit for the exam. The courses that you will take at the University of Nevada Reno include: principles of behavior, ethics in psychology, radical behaviorism, experimental analysis of behavior, behavior management and consultation, and many more. If you’re looking to become a board certified behavior analyst then this is the course for you.
7. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida is a public four-year institution located in Tampa. The university currently enrolls over 44,000 students. USF offers comprehensive degree programming and currently ranks 103rd in the nation for best national University as well as 71st for best value and 68th for most innovative according to the US News and World Report.
USF offers an online MA in ABA. The online MA in Applied Behavior Analysis is an eight-week program delivered fully online. This course includes the seven classes you need in order to sit for the BCBA exam. The course is designed to ensure that you meet requirements to sit for the BACB examination. The courses offered include a practicum seminar, ABA basic principles, observational methods and functional assessment, single case experimental design, ethics and ABA, behavior theory, ABA and complex communities, directed research, and ABA in developmental disabilities. For more information on how to apply head to their website.
8. University of Southern Maine
The University of Southern Maine is a regionally accredited institution that was founded in 1878. Currently it has an undergraduate enrollment of 6,675 and is located in Portland, Maine. According to the US News and World Report the University of Southern Maine ranks as the 50th top public school in the region and among the top for social mobility. USM offers degrees for undergraduates as well as graduate students including professional doctoral degrees. USM offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certifications completely online. Follow these programs asynchronously to meet your professional needs.
The University of Southern Maine offers a Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program prepares students for a career as a board certified behavior analyst. This is a 36 credit hour graduate course eight of which have been verified by the ABAI Association for Behavior Analysis International. There are four additional courses that help to round out your understanding of special education procedures as well as educational research. The courses included in this online degree are: research methods and techniques, behavioral principles of learning, single case research methods, functional behavioral assessment, principles and procedures for instructional intervention, principles and procedures for behavior intervention, physical bases of behavior, psychopathology, and many more. For more information and to apply to this program had to their website.
9. University of West Florida
The University of West Florida is a public four-year institution that is located in Pensacola. UWF offers associates, bachelors, masters, postmaster certifications and doctoral degrees. The school currently enrolls over 12,000 students and offers academic and career counseling services as well as credit for life experiences and advanced placement credits. UWF offers a number of online opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UWF offers online bachelors degrees for students looking to study criminal justice, health sciences, psychology, nursing, accounting, and more. Their graduate programs include those in nursing, healthcare administration, social work, english, cyber security, exceptional student education, and much more.
Among their myriad online degree offerings is their online Master of Arts in Exceptional Student Education. For this online degree you choose between two specialization areas, either the applied behavior analysis specialization or the special and alternative education specialization. The applied behavior analysis specialization is a 30 credit our course that includes an optional 12 credit hours supervise experience. Among the courses you will take are: concepts of behavior analysis, applied behavior analysis and system support, supervision and management fluency, behavioral assessments, measurement and single case design, autism and the law, and many more. If you are looking to advance in your career or pursue board certified behavior analyst certification then this is the course for you.
10. Western Connecticut State University
Western Connecticut State University is a public four-year institution that offers comprehensive degree programming. The university is located in Danbury, Connecticut and enrolls over 5000 students. The student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1. The student services include academic and career counseling as well as placement services for completers. According to the US News and World Report Western Connecticut State University ranks regionally as they are 130th best school in the region and 90th best school for social mobility. WCSU currently offers a number of online options for undergraduate and graduate students.
Western Connecticut State University offers an online Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 30 credit hour program. Students may use the courses towards an advanced degree as well as certification board certified behavior analysis. All of the courses are online. Students must complete 15O0 hours of fieldwork in order to qualify for for the BACB experience standards. Student may choose from the following course sequence: introduction to concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis, advanced concepts and principles of behavior analysis behavior assessment, methods of measurement in applied behavior analysis, ethics and professional issues, assistive technology for applied behavior analysis, grant writing in applied behavior analysis, behavior change procedures, capstone an applied behavior analysis. If you are interested in pursuing a certification in behavior analysis and this is the course for you.
11. Endicott College
Endicott College is a regionally accredited institution located in Beverly Massachusetts. This private institution was founded in 1939 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3322. According to the US News and World Report, Endicott College ranks of the 23rd best school in the nation, the 11th best college for veterans, the best value school, the 10th best undergraduate teaching school, and the 15th best school for co-ops and internships. Students right now pursue an online degree through the Van Loan School of professional studies. If you are a working professional a parent or both then this is a great option for you. The Van Loan School offers online degrees that are both 100% online and blended or blended meaning that you can choose a style of programming that works for you. Online learners have the same access to services as the on-site students and library staff are available by phone on the evenings and on weekends.
Endicott College offers an online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. This is a 40 credit hour program that is designed to help you understand approaches that our best practice for autism spectrum disorder‘s. This program prepares you for a career in applied behavior analysis and meets the standards of the BCBA exam. There are five available concentrations including: autism, ABA and childhood clinical disorders, ABA and mental health, ABA and organizational behavior management, ABA general track. If you’re looking to satisfy the requirements for the BCBA exam then you may wish to follow the general track. The required curriculum includes conceptual issues in applied behavior analysis, basic principles of applied behavior analysis, behavioral assessment, ethical issues and behavioral analysis, supervision and management, ethics and behavior analysis, thesis in a capstone project and a comprehensive review.
12. Bay Path University
Bay Path University is a private four-year institution located in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. The institution offer is comprehensive degree programming and enrolls just over 3000 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12 to 1. According to the US News and World Report Bay Path University ranks as the 105th best school in the region and the 28th best school for undergraduate teaching and the 12th most innovative school. Innovation is measured through faculty, academic offerings and more Bay Path today offers their ethics and integrity program as well as our diversity and inclusion programming. Bay Path also offers women as empowered learners and leaders.
Additionally, Bay Path University offers online degrees including their online graduate program in applied behavior analysis. This is a master of science in applied behavior analysis for students who are interested in becoming board certified behavior analysts. The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 48 credit hour program that includes the following courses: the science of ABA, ethical practice in applied behavior analysis, research methods in ABA, behavioral assessment, interventions and behavior change procedures, pre-supervision and ABA, supervision and ABA, group supervision and ABA, and more. Students looking to focus on autism spectrum disorders may choose the 57 credit our program that includes course material in communication and social development for students with autism, advocacy collaboration and problem-solving for students with autism, teaching children with autism spectrum disorder’s, and more. For More information about the various schedules head to their website.
13. Cairn University
Cairn University is located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and is currently ranked as 136th best school in the region. Cairn University is a private institution that was founded in 1913. There are currently 1221 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11 to 1. Students benefit from the number of support services including the academic and career counseling services and the credit for life experience opportunities. Cairn online is a Christian-centered educational model. Students are encouraged to think about life from a biblical worldview. Cairn’s online offerings include bachelors programs associates programs and dual level programs including their master of arts and religion and Christian studies, their master of business administration and accounting, their MBA in finance, their master of science in business administration and organizational development, and more.
Cairn Online offers a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program is designed for students who are looking to become a board certified behavior analysts. This is a 30 credit hour program that includes core courses as well as specialization plus six Bible and theology credits. Students will study autism and other disabilities ABA for autism, principles of behavior, supervision and management, ethics for behavior analysts, biblical integration for educators, special education comprehensive, single subject research design, and more. This is a verified course sequence (VCS) for the Association for Behavior Analysis International ABAI.
14. California University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania is a public four-year institution that offers comprehensive programming. The student population is 6,842 and the student faculty ratio is 18 to 1. According to the US News and World Report, California University of Pennsylvania ranks as the 136th best school in the region and 50th for top public schools. The university offers a number of student services including academic and career counseling, employment services for their students as well as credit for life experiences.Cal U now offers online learning. Students may complete a associates bachelors masters or doctoral degree or professional certification 100% online. This is the same quality education that you will find on campus. The online programs are military-friendly. If you are looking to expand your career opportunities than this is a great option for you.
Cal U offers an online Master of Education in Special Education with an emphasis and Applied Behavior Analysis Autism. This is a fully online degree that prepares students to sit for the BCBA exam. With this degree you will have the flexibility to complete your masters degree at your own pace and qualify to apply for the behavior specialist licensure in Pennsylvania. Students who graduate from this program may find employment in private and public school settings and in mental health related settings. The curriculum includes an introduction to behavior analysis, characteristics of autism spectrum disorder‘s, communication behavior and instruction, concepts principles and assessments, applied behavior analysis interventions, and more for a total of 33 credit hours. If you are looking to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, then head to their website.
15. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a private four-year institution that offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in a number of locations across the United States. The student-to-faculty ratio remains small at 4:1. This is a special focus four-year institution with a focus on health professions. Their academic offerings include programming in education, business, and psychology.
The Chicago school of Professional Psychology offers an online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program may be completed part-time across 28 months. The online program prepares students for the field of applied behavior analysis ABAI. Students who complete this course may work with a wide variety of populations including children and adults and seniors. This program contains the educational requirements for students looking to pursue a career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Some of the courses you’ll take include science and human behavior, behavior assessment, and measurement and design and behavior analysis. If you are looking to BCBA or have an interest in working with people with exceptionalities then this is the program for you.
`16. Arcadia University
Arcadia University is a regionally accredited institution located in Glenside Pennsylvania. It’s US News and World ranking is 45 for best schools in the region. This is a private institution that enrolls 3,463 students and maintains a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1. To support their students’ success the college offers academic and career counseling. Arcadia University offers a number of online degrees as well as professional certifications.
Among their online degree offerings is there Masters of Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program is approved by the BACB the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. If you are interested in a career in applied behavior analysis then this is the course for you. The program is divided into three main component parts: foundation courses, concentration courses, and elective courses. Students will also be required to complete a culminating activity. The Concentration courses are 18 credits and include course material that focuses on applied behavior analysis, assessment, behavioral consultation, ethics, and training. Electives give students the opportunity to further specialize and include courses in disability studies in special education law, teaching methods for students with autism, and positive behavioral approaches. This is a 36 credit hour course. If you are looking for best-practice approaches to working with students with exceptionality’s then this course is for you.
17. McNeese State University
McNeese State University is a regionally accredited institution located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This is a private institution that offers associates, bachelors, postbaccalaureate, masters, and postmaster certifications. The current student population is 7,295 and the student-to-faculty ratio is 20 to 1. To assist student success the University offers AP credits, credit for life experiences, and academic/career counseling services. According to the US news and world report, McNeese State University ranks highly in the region for social mobility and engineering. Recently McNeese State University has started to expand their online offerings. The university offers online degrees for undergraduate and graduate students.
McNeese offers a masters degree in psychology with a concentration in applied behavior analysis. If you are looking to become a nationally certified board certified behavior analyst BCBA then this program is for you. McNeese utilizes an ABA-approved course sequence recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International ABAI. You may pursue this program online or on campus. The online option features a flexible schedule and is a good fit for students who are working professionals. McNeese offers a wide array of specialties including the following: non-human animal behavior, developmental disabilities, behavioral gerontology, behavioral health and technology, verbal behavior, organizational behavior management, school-based behavior analysis, gambling addiction and substance abuse. McNeese offers a comprehensive curriculum.
18. St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University is a public institution that was founded in 1869. The university is located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota and currently enrolls over 13,000 students. The institution offers comprehensive degree programming as well as student support services like credit for life experiences and academic and career counseling. The institution is also military friendly. St. Cloud State University offers online academic programming for graduate students.
St. Cloud State University offers a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. To be admitted to this program you must have a minimum GPA of 2.75. Students follow one of two plans and are required to complete 45 to 46 credit hours. The program is broken into three main components including core courses, electives, and research. Students will pursue a practicum and behavior analysis engage in experimental analysis of behavior, learn about advanced applied behavior analysis as well as behavioral applications behavioral assessment, ethics in psychology and behavioral analysis and the social bases of behavior. Students who wish to focus on autism spectrum disorders may elect to do so.
19. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University ranks us the 66th best school in the nation. According to the US News and World Report, Texas A&M ranks highly for veterans, teaching, value, innovation, engineering, computer science, study abroad, and much more. Texas A&M is a public university that offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. This military-friendly institution supported students with academic and career counseling. In recent years, Texas A&M has expanded to online offerings and offers a wide range of degrees for students looking to advance in their career. Online education is designed with professional students in mind.
Among their many online offerings is their master of science in special education. This program works best for professionals and requires 36 credit hours and two years of commitment. The master of science/master of education and specialization education does not require a GRE for admittance. The core curriculum Includes course material and single case experimental design, assessment in school settings, bilingual special education, applied behavior management in the classroom, adolescent literacy for students with diverse instructional needs, prevention support and intervention for students with emotional behavior problems, and advanced applied behavior analysis. The course sequence alliance with the BCBA fifth edition task list. For more information and to apply head to their website.
20. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a public institution that was founded in 1819. It currently enrolls over 28,000 students and is located in Cincinnati Ohio. This is a nationally ranked institution the ranks as the 143rd best school in the nation and highly for veterans, value, and public learning. The University of Cincinnati has recently added a number of online degrees and certification programs. These online programs are designed with working professionals in mind.
The University of Cincinnati offers a Master of Education in Behavior Analysis. This is a 30 credit hour program with a focus on individuals looking to become board-certified behavior analysts. The current curriculum is 10 total courses where you graduate in just 20 months. Students will study applied behavior analysis, child development, behavioral supervision and management, ethics for behavioral practice and research, functional behavioral assessment, and more. If you were looking for an evidence-based approach to helping children and young people with differences then check out the curriculums at the University of Cincinnati.
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