What Is a Master’s in ABA?  

A master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) program is an advanced degree program that prepares graduates to use ABA techniques and best practices in clinical settings. The following overview of an ABA master’s program will include a look at core courses, specializations, and board certification processes.  

Before pursuing a master’s in ABA, applicants should have a clear understanding of what ABA is, the general history of ABA, and the types of therapeutic interventions that applied behavior analysts often use.  

Applied behavior analysis is a therapeutic technique that focuses on an individual’s behavior as well as the actions or occurrences that precede the behavior (antecedents) and those that follow the behavior (consequences). Positive reinforcement is a major component of ABA, with therapists using appropriate rewards to encourage positive behaviors. ABA has been used as an intervention for people with autism and other patients for decades.    

While many modern psychological interventions, such as talk therapy, focus on a patient’s thoughts and feelings, applied behavior analysis is centered on the patient’s behavior. Applied behavior analysts create unique treatment plans for their patients based on how they learn and the types of behaviors they want to manipulate (e.g., more of the positive behaviors and less of the negative behaviors).  

ABA has its roots in operant conditioning and behaviorism, both of which are highly studied in psychology circles. The foundational thesis of ABA is that behavior is learned and that by understanding what leads to and what follows a behavior — and treating the patient based on this knowledge — behavior can be changed. In modern psychology, ABA is often used in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions.  

According to a 2019 study published in the journal Behavior Analysis in Practice, “The relationship between the fields of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and education extends across decades.” Behavioral analysis has been well-studied and applied in special education and early childhood education, including support and guidelines in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  

Obtaining a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis follows a particular structure and curriculum. Although not every master’s in ABA program will look precisely the same, most are built around a two-year schedule that includes core ABA courses as well as hands-on supervised patient experience. Some ABA master’s programs may also include a thesis and/or research assistant position.  

The curriculum of a master’s in ABA typically includes courses such as:  

In addition, prospective analysts who want to apply for board certification must complete at least 1,500 supervised clinical practicum hours.  

While ABA is well-studied and often used for patients with autism, there are many specializations within the field that deal with different patient populations. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) recognizes the following subspecialities within ABA:  

Some students may enroll in a master’s in ABA program tailored to their desired specialty, but others may use their clinical practicum hours to find a specialty that suits their goals and gain hands-on experience in the field.  

Graduates of a master’s in ABA program can expect to develop technical and soft skills from their graduate studies.  

Because ABA therapy is based on behaviors and learning, a large part of any ABA master’s program is developing technical skills to assess behaviors and plan interventions. ABA master’s students will learn to complete detailed assessments of their patients’ skills and preferences and how to write specific treatment goals based on their assessments.  

Working from the established treatment goals, an analyst must learn to build out treatment plans that detail the behaviors they are trying to change as well as the reinforcements they plan to use.  

Aspiring applied behavior analysts should use their time as a master’s student to hone their interpersonal skills. ABAs will not only communicate with their patients and the patients’ families, but also with psychotherapists, registered behavior technicians (RBTs), and other caregivers. Because ABA applies to all types of behaviors, other caregivers will have to learn how to follow the analysts’ plans when they are not in therapy settings.  

Unlike some medical interventions, ABA is extremely personalized to the patient, which means there may be extensive trial and error during the initial treatment stages. An ABA master’s program will help students develop strong problem-solving skills, which are critical to finding a treatment plan that works for each patient in conjunction with their support system.  

Some ABA patients can come from vulnerable populations, meaning ethical considerations are also critical. Reputable ABA master’s programs should include a course on ethics in the profession.  

When choosing an ABA master’s program, prospective applicants should consider the accreditation status of the program. Additionally, applicants should verify whether the program will meet the requirements for BCBA certification upon graduation.  

ABA master’s programs that have earned accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) have demonstrated that their program meets board certification requirements for the BCBA. Only a few programs at the master’s or doctoral level have earned ABAI accreditation, although a lack of accreditation does not indicate that graduates are not eligible for BCBA certification. Before applying to an ABA program, prospective students should verify that the program meets the requirements for board certification if that is their ultimate goal.  

According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, board-certified behavior analysts are “independent practitioners who can provide behavior-analytic services” and supervise the work of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), and other professionals who utilize behavior-analytic interventions. 

Graduates of an approved ABA program must apply for board certification through the BACB. There are four possible pathways for certification:  

Applicants through all pathways must complete a graduate degree along with practical fieldwork in applied behavior analysis and then pass the BACB certification exam.  

Most ABAs work directly with patients seeking behavior analysis services. Consequently, students in ABA programs should expect to complete hands-on training that prepares them for independent practice.  

The internship experience is not unique to aspiring ABAs. Many professional fields require internships as part of their initial training. Interns work under the supervision of more experienced practitioners while simultaneously completing coursework. Internships give students a chance to observe and learn how applied behavior analysts work and to explore different specializations within the field.  

Supervised fieldwork is a requirement to become a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst. Supervised fieldwork is completed under direct supervision of an experienced behavioral analyst, and only certain activities qualify as fieldwork when applying for board certification. These include: 

A student’s fieldwork supervisor can help determine which activities qualify for certification purposes.  

Depending on the type of hours completed and the type of certification being sought, applicants must complete between 1,500 and 2,000 hours of fieldwork before applying for board certification. Fieldwork hours must be completed within five years prior to applying for certification.  

It is also important to note that pre-certified behavior analysts can complete both restricted hours (providing direct client services) and unrestricted hours (behavior analysis that does not directly involve treating clients).  

Earning a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis prepares graduates to become behavior analysts. However, there are different populations and settings in which graduates may choose to work as well as career paths that build on an ABA foundation but exist outside of the typical ABA career field.  

While many applied behavior analysts go on to work directly with patients in private practice or in a healthcare setting, there are a range of careers available to those with ABA skills and training, such as:  

Some of these positions may be available upon completion of a master’s program, while others may require further training, such as earning a doctoral degree in psychology or a specialized certification from the BACB.  

A master’s degree is required to earn board certification and work as an independent applied behavior analyst. Some ABAs go on to earn a doctoral degree for more professional opportunities or to earn the BCBA-D distinction.  

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track salaries for applied behavior analysts. According to the hiring website ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for applied behavior analysts is $73,532, as of September 2024.    

Every advanced degree program comes with its own challenges and considerations. Investing in the future means dedicating time, effort, and typically a significant amount of money to the process, which is why it is important to make a well-considered choice.  

Graduate students in virtually every field face many of the same challenges during their studies. According to a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, “There are high levels of stress among graduate students, and stress is associated with multiple negative outcomes among student populations, including academic burnout.” Managing stress, sleep, and time are critical when completing graduate work, internships and fieldwork.  

Before enrolling in a master’s program, applicants should make sure they are choosing a career path that makes sense for them. For example, shadowing or interviewing a working applied behavior analyst before making the leap is a good idea. Applicants may also want to start thinking about how or if they want to specialize in a certain field and begin making connections in that professional world as they begin their studies.  

Most importantly, applicants to a master’s in ABA program should make sure they are committed to completing the program and pursuing a relevant career.  

Russell Sage College has campuses in Albany and Troy, New York. The Sage Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism program is specifically designed for students who want to specialize in applying behavioral analysis to the treatment of people with autism. Program courses are offered entirely online and can be completed in as little as two years. Sage also offers fieldwork placement assistance for students who want to become Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts. Reach out today to learn more or start your application.