Find your perfect college degree
Struggling with educational expenses? I was in the same boat a year ago after my graduation. I wanted to pursue an online master’s degree in ABA; however, staggering tuition fees and the unavailability of an online learning format kept me away from my dream.
I then started the research and found multiple cheapest online masters in ABA. If you want to pursue a career in it, here are my findings that will end your research once and for all.
The Cheapest Online Masters in ABA
Starting a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is affordable with many low-cost online master’s programs. These programs are flexible, convenient, and don’t cost too much. Let’s get straight into them;
Georgia State University
Georgia State University offers a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, a program tailored for those aspiring to become educated as ABA therapists, educators, and clinical practitioners in behavior analysis.
This comprehensive program focuses on developing critical skills such as measurement, experimental design, and behavior-change procedures. It also emphasizes client-centered responsibilities, problem identification, intervention strategies, and ethical compliance.
Its curriculum is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. This program makes the graduates eligible for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination. Georgia State University also provides funding opportunities to support students, including the Behavioral Early Education Scholars (BEES) initiative.
- Credit Hours: 36
- Tuition Per year: $15,108
- GRE Required: No
- Acceptance Rate: 82.39%
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Endicott College
Endicott College, a private university in Massachusetts, offers an affordable Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This program is ranked #74 in Best Regional University in North.
The ABA program at Endicott College is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of autism spectrum disorders and applied behavior analysis principles. It’s an accelerated program ideal for those waiting for the BCBA exam.
It is one of the cheapest online masters in ABA, spanning over two years and covering various aspects of behavioral assessment, behavior change procedures, and ethical issues. Students can specialize in ABA therapists, Autism, Childhood Clinical Disorders, Mental Health, and Organizational Behavior Management. The program, totaling 40 credits, offers flexibility with three start dates per year.
- Credit Hours: 40
- Tuition Fee (per year): $662 per credit hour
- GRE Required: No
- Acceptance Rate: 70.4%
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
University of Michigan-Dearborn
The University of Michigan-Dearborn offers a unique 4+1 master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis designed for current undergraduate students. It allows students to earn their BA/BS and MS degrees in an accelerated format.
A standout feature of this program is the opportunity for students to double-count up to 15 credits of 500-level or higher courses, effectively reducing their workload by the equivalent of five classes.
To complete the program within five years, students must finish any remaining courses specified in the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis study plan. This includes 15 credits of graduate coursework as undergraduates, leaving them with 15 credits to complete as graduate students. Despite being affordable, its curriculum is exclusively graduate-level, focusing on Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Credit Hours: 60
- Tuition Fee (Per year): $25,072
- GRE Required: No
- Acceptance Rate: 67.51%
- Accreditation: HLC
Troy University
Troy University offers an enriching online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. It’s designed to impact lives through meaningful behavior change.
The curriculum follows a scientist-practitioner model, offering a comprehensive blend of educational and clinical experiences. Students engage in coursework covering fundamental and applied research, learning principles, and behavior analysis in various settings. The program requires a minimum of 47 quarter credits and is typically completed within two years.
The program includes at least 1,500 concentrated supervised fieldwork hours supervised by faculty and community board-certified behavior analysts. Graduates are well-prepared for the BCBA examination, which is necessary for independent practice and licensure in many states. Career paths for graduates are diverse, including private practice and roles in agencies, hospitals, clinics, and classrooms.
- Credit Hours: 47 quarter credits.
- Tuition Fee: $950 per credit hour for non-residents
- GRE Required: Yes.
- Acceptance Rate: 92.43%.
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus’s ABA program is designed to equip students with crucial skills and knowledge for impacting the lives of individuals with disabilities. This program stands out for its hands-on experience in clinical and community settings, allowing students to work directly with disabled individuals.
It also emphasizes mastering fundamental behavior-analytic skills, including measurement, experimental design, and behavioral change procedures. It offers opportunities for practicum internships, giving students real-world experience in clinical and community settings. The cohort model fosters a supportive learning environment and professional relationships among peers.
Students learn client-centered responsibilities, such as problem identification, intervention methods, and management, crucial for effectively supporting individuals with disabilities. The best part? It covers the BACB Professional and Ethical Compliance Code and meets the coursework requirements for eligibility for the BCBA examination.
- Credit Hours: Minimum of 36 semester hours
- Tuition Fee: $31,334 per year
- GRE Required: Yes
- Acceptance Rate: 21.34%
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Ball State University
Ball State University has the largest ABA program in the USA. It offers a master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis with a special emphasis on Autism. You will be taking an additional three courses on Autism. This fulfills the requirements of the ABAI course sequence. It means you can directly appear in the ABAI exam after your degree.
This additional autism education gives you a fair advantage over competition in the job market.
The curriculum emphasizes real-time learning, with instructors leading live classes, mirroring the experience of in-person classes with active online participation. The program offers flexibility, allowing students to complete coursework tailored around their work and family commitments.
- Credit:: 30
- Tuition Fee: $451 per credit for residents (Indiana) & $671 per credit for non-residents
- GRE Required: No (for most students)
- Acceptance Rate: 48.91%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of South Carolina-Columbia
The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Applied Behavior Analysis. It’s designed to provide comprehensive training in this specialized field. The curriculum is structured to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional certification.
This program spans five semesters and includes a total of 36 credit hours. The coursework comprises seven three-credit courses specifically focused on Applied Behavior Analysis, covering essential topics such as behavioral assessment, intervention strategies, and ethical considerations.
Additionally, students must complete 15 credits of practicum, which are crucial for gaining hands-on experience and satisfying the supervision hours mandated by the BACB. The program’s hybrid format, combining online and on-campus sessions, offers the flexibility of online learning while retaining the benefits of face-to-face interactions.
- Credit Hours: 36 (including 15 credits of practicum)
- Tuition Fee: $6867 per semester
- GRE Required: No
- Acceptance Rate: 68.35%
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Rowan University – Applied Behavior Analysis Master’s Program
Rowan University in New Jersey presents an affordable Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This program aims to prepare graduates for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) certification. Designed for full-time students, it can be completed across four semesters and two summers. It requires 33 semester hours and is tailored to accommodate working students with late afternoon and evening classes.
The curriculum of this ABA degree encompasses 11 courses covering various topics. These include the history and conceptual foundations of behavior analysis, basic principles of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and behavioral assessment.
- Credit Hours: 33
- Tuition Fee (Per year): $15,787
- Acceptance Rate: 78.01%
- GRE Required: No
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Why Should You Pursue a Career in ABA?
Choosing a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a strategic decision for those eager to make a difference. ABA is a field where you can truly change lives.
It opens up diverse career options for you, like ABA therapists. You’ll be working in schools, clinics, or even in homes. I love the challenging nature of the job, as it opens up a lot of learning opportunities. Moreover, ABA is useful for a range of behavior problems, making every day interesting and fulfilling.
When it comes to payscale, ABA careers can be financially rewarding. As the importance of this work gains more recognition, salaries are improving. According to Glassdoor, ABA therapists earn between $38,000 and $67,000 a year. This means you can enjoy a career you’re passionate about while earning a good income. ABA is an excellent choice for those seeking a positive impact and a stable, rewarding career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth Getting A Master’s In ABA?
Yes, securing a master’s degree in ABA is absolutely worth it. The 14% projected employment growth between 2018-2028 speaks volumes about the potential of this sector. So, if you’re aiming for BCAC or looking to qualify for a state license, the ABA program is for you. There are many reputable books on autism to check out when considering a career in ABA Therapy or Special Education.
What’s The Most Affordable Online ABA Master’s Program?
With an annual tuition fee of $15,587, Rowan University, NJ, offers one of the most affordable online master’s programs in ABA. It has a decent acceptance rate of 78.01% without any requirement of the GRE. So, it’s a win-win situation for talented candidates.
Is An Online Master’s Degree In ABA Worth The Same As An In-Person One?
Yes, an online master’s in ABA is equally respected as an on-campus degree. However, ABA is directly related to behavioral analysis, where face-to-face interactions matter for most people. So, you must gauge your personal preferences while making a decision.
Whether you are interested in Occupational Behavior Development and Therapy or Speech and Language Pathology, there is a program for you in an Applied Behavioral-related career.
Conclusion
These cheapest online masters in ABA offer a pathway to a rewarding career in this growing field. The programs I shared above provide quality education at an affordable cost, making advanced expertise in ABA accessible to a broader range of aspiring professionals.
If you are looking for an affordable institute for an ABA master’s degree, the above options will help you make an informed decision.
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