- Degree Level
- Graduate
- Degrees Offered
- Master of Education
- school/college
- School of Education
A Flexible Route to Behavior Analyst Licensure and In-Demand Careers
Develop the expertise to foster meaningful behavioral change in numerous professional settings with Arcadia University’s online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis program. You will learn from licensed professionals with behavior analysis experience, gaining valuable career skills and guidance while learning in a flexible format.
- Online ABA degree program with an optional Online Graduate Certificate in Autism
- Flexible online format with the option to study full or part time
- Small classes focusing on collaboration with your peers and faculty
- Ranked among the top 20 online ABA degree programs in 20211
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about this online program from Arcadia University.
What Makes Arcadia’s ABA Program Unique?
Arcadia tailored the online ABA program to provide the right skills and knowledge for this rapidly growing education specialty. The online courses align with the criteria for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensure exam,* enabling you to pursue qualifications for in-demand positions after obtaining your master’s degree. To elevate your employment prospects, you can take electives to earn your Online Graduate Certificate in Autism at the same time as your M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Influence Positive Change in Your Behavior Analysis Career
Demand for behavior analysts with BCBA or BCBA-D certification has grown at an astounding rate—nearly 5,900% from 2010 to 2021.2 Prepare to meet this growing need by experiencing a practical, career-aligned applied behavior analysis education at Arcadia University. Our distinguished faculty bring extensive experience to each online class, equipping you with the expertise to conduct behavioral consultations and harness practical analysis principles while working with clients. Because our curriculum fits licensure requirements set by the BCBA and numerous states, you can gain the right qualifications for careers in behavior analysis after earning your Master of Education degree with Arcadia. In fact, 80% of our alumni enter their desired career field within a year of graduating.
Engaging ABA Curriculum. Flexible Online Format.
Experience an applied behavior analysis education that prepares you to perform at a high level in your career. The online courses focus on assessing student and client behavior across the lifespan so you can contribute to positive change in homes, schools, and communities. Plus, gain hands-on experience through an on-site practicum, with the option to meet this requirement at your current workplace. We also provide continuous advising throughout the M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis degree program, helping us achieve 95% student retention.
Our online ABA program is an approved Verified Course Sequence (VCS)** by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
ABA Course Highlights:
- Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Change
- ABA Training and Supervising Human Service Staff
- Positive Behavioral Approaches
- Special Topics in Autism
Admissions Requirements
Arcadia University is here to support you throughout the admissions process. Ready to get started? Here are the basic requirements for applying to the online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis program:
| Completed online application—you can apply now | |
| Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution | |
| Official transcripts from each college, university, or professional school attended | |
| If applying for an add-on certification program, provide proof of Pennsylvania teaching certificates. A teaching license is not required | |
| Students who hold a B.A. or B.S. degree in Education and are seeking an initial teaching certification (Instructional I) must submit passing scores from a provider of one of the approved basic skills assessment tests: PAPA, CORE, SAT, or ACT | |
| Two letters of recommendation | |
| Personal statement | |
| $0 application fee | |
| Resume |
You can transfer up to six credits to meet part of the Master of Education foundation course requirements. However, this program does not accept transfer credits for the ABA concentration courses. We welcome applications all year, and you can begin classes in the spring, summer, or fall.
Tuition Details
In a flexible online format, you will accrue 30 credit hours to attain your ABA M.Ed. degree. The program’s cost per credit for the current school year is $750 and is subject to change.
Be sure to explore your financial aid options if you need assistance funding your online ABA program. Arcadia University is also a Military Friendly® School, striving to offer quality and cost-effective education for military service members and veterans.
What You Will Learn
Arcadia’s online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis program equips you with the expertise to assess behavior and lead evidence-based interventions. Our expert faculty members will help you understand the clinical applications of research, preparing you to become an ethical instructor or clinician after acquiring your M.Ed. degree.
ABA Program Outcomes
- Expand previous knowledge of the scientific study of principles of learning and behavior.
- Understand historic and current literature in the scientific foundation for applied behavior analysis (ABA), which as an applied science develops methods of changing behavior and as a profession provides services to meet diverse behavioral needs.
- Understand the interaction of behavioral treatments and other educational, clinical, or therapeutic interventions.
- Develop competence in assessing, intervening, and monitoring behavioral interventions for children and youth, as well as working as consultants for other adults who may impact the effectiveness of the interventions in a variety of locations and circumstances.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and professional commitments required as a practitioner in Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Identify other resources and supports available to people with behavioral needs and their families.
Expert Faculty With Clinical Experience
While seeking your M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis with Arcadia, you will learn from faculty members who excel in the online classroom and clinical environments. Our instructors also have extensive experience working as certified behavior analysts—tap into their expertise and get personal support for your career in classes with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
ABA Faculty Spotlight
Sarah B. Woldoff, PhD/BCBA
Assistant Professor and Director of ABA and Autism Graduate Studies, School of Education
Dr. Woldoff is a licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychological evaluations and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with more than 20 years of clinical experience working with children and adults on the autism spectrum. Before joining Arcadia, Dr. Woldoff’s career focused on diagnosis, clinical research, school-based programming, clinical training, and program evaluation.
Full Bio
Dr. Sarah Woldoff is an assistant professor in the School of Education. She is also the director of the master's degree and certificate programs in the areas of Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis at Arcadia University. Her career has included university appointments, including assistant director of Autism Services at the University of Miami and working as a staff psychologist at the Center for Autism Research at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where she performed evaluations, supervised clinical evaluations for several research studies, co-led staff training, supervised psychology trainees, and counseled families. Dr. Woldoff's expertise also includes the use of the ADOS-2 and ADI-R diagnostic evaluations. Most recently, Dr. Woldoff served as the chief clinical officer for an agency that provided autism services across the life span. Dr. Woldoff's real-world experience, exceptional clinical knowledge, and teaching experience at both the undergraduate and graduate levels cultivate a unique experience for students.
Approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified Arcadia’s courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination. The BACB requires that a master’s degree in a related field be obtained prior to applying for board certification.
In addition to the Applied Behavior Analysis graduate certificate and master’s degree, Arcadia also offers optional applied behavior analysis practicum opportunities to help you gain experience and meet the requirements to sit for the BACB’s certification exam through several local agencies in the Tri-State area.
Online Learning Experience
Arcadia’s online programs bring together the best aspects of flexibility and personal guidance. You can study at your pace, accessing the online coursework at convenient times for your schedule. At the same time, we built our online environment to provide seamless engagement with your instructors and classmates. Benefit from a highly flexible experience backed by ongoing support for achieving your career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis program. If you have a question not covered here, request more information to connect with an enrollment advisor or call us @ 855-235-6653.
How fast can I complete the online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis program?
You can complete the ABA program in as few as 18 months. To learn more about the curriculum, visit our courses page.
How long do I have to complete the online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis program?
We designed the ABA program for working professionals with busy lives. So, if something interrupts your course of study, you do not have to worry about losing credit for completed courses. To see the curriculum, visit our courses page.
Is the online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis program ranked?
In 2021, the Applied Behavior Analysis Program Guide recognized Arcadia for offering one of the top 20 online ABA master's degree programs. Additionally, The Princeton Review has ranked Arcadia one of the "Best in the Northeast" for seven consecutive years.
How many courses are in the online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis program?
You will complete 13 courses to earn the Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis. Learn about the courses you will take on the curriculum page.
What are the admissions requirements for the online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis program?
The basic requirements for admission to the online ABA program include:
- Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts from each college, university or professional school attended
- If applying for an add-on certification program, provide proof of Pennsylvania teaching certificates. A teaching license is not required.
- Students who hold a B.A. or B.S. degree in education and are seeking an initial teaching certification (Instructional I) must submit passing scores from a provider of one of the approved basic skills assessment tests: PAPA, CORE, SAT, or ACT
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- $50 application fee
For more details, visit our admissions page.
How do I apply to the online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis program?
The first step is to start your application. Learn more by visiting our admissions page.
Sources and Disclaimer
- “Arcadia’s Applied Behavior Analysis Ranked among 20 Best Online Programs.” Arcadia University. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://web.archive.org/web/20210803162303/https://www.abadegreeprograms.net/rankings/online-masters.
- “US Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts: 2010–2021.” Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://www.bacb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BurningGlass2022_220208.pdf.
*Arcadia’s program aligns with requirements for students from Canada (excluding Ontario), England, the Virgin Islands, Australia, and every state in the United States except New York. It is important to note that completing Arcadia’s program DOES NOT mean you receive your BCBA certification. In order for students to become a board certified behavior analyst, you must complete the required coursework hours, request coursework attestation, accrue 2000 supervised fieldwork hours, and pass the exam administered by BACB.
**The VCS system is retiring in 2025. Beginning Fall 2024, Arcadia University’s program will remain a verified course sequence, but will also align to the newest ABAI requirements that will replace the VCS system. Arcadia is also pursuing ABAI accreditation to stay ahead of the newest industry standards for ABA education.
