A study by Burning Glass Technologies revealed that in 2020, California had the highest the demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) in the country. The demand for BCBA/BCBA-D therapists has increased steadily over the past 10 years and increased 17% between 2019 and 2020.
Master’s degree programs offering the Verified Course Sequence approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) give future behavior analysts a streamlined path to meet the coursework requirements for this coveted certification. Graduates of BCBA programs are prepared to work in areas like human services or special education. Below are the best BCBA programs California has to offer.
We created this ranking of the top 10 ABA programs in California. These BCBA graduate degree programs are regionally accredited and offer the ABAI approved course sequence that meets the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) classroom requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. We included online programs as well as those offered on-campus and approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Our methodology for this ranking is below.
Featured Programs
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 12:1 or less= 3 Points
- 13:1 to 19:1= 2 Points
- Greater than 20:1= 1 Point
Average Graduate Tuition Rate
- Less than $13,000 per year= 3 Points
- $13,000 to $20,000 per year=2 Points
- More than $20,000 per year= 1 Point
Percentage of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam
- Less than 25% or N/A-1 point (Schools with an N/A have fewer than six first-time candidates or are in their first four years of operation)
- 26% to 75%-3 points
- Greater than 75%-5 points
#10 -Fresno Pacific University – Fresno, California
Master’s Program in Special Education with Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $14,940/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: There were fewer than six first time candidates during the year
Points: 5
Fresno Pacific University is one of the top BCBA schools in Cailfornia. They offer a high-quality Master of Arts in Special Education and BCBA. Students complete 14 core units along with 18 special education units and 28 BCBA units. Course offerings include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Foundations for Working with Students with Emotional Disturbance Disorders
- Comparative Development
Verified course sequence courses are offered online, on-campus, and in a blended format. New students are admitted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Applicants should have a BA/BS degree from an accredited university and submit three letters of reference for consideration.
#9 -University of California Riverside – Riverside, California
Applied Behavior Analysis M.Ed. Program
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Average Graduate Student Tuition: $11,442/year in-state and $26,544/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: There were fewer than six first time candidates during the year
Points: 5
The high-quality ABA program from the University of California Riverside prepares students to become BCBAs. The program provides students with the high- quality instruction and fieldwork experience students need for a successful career. Students can complete their degree in just four quarters. Required courses include:
- Behavioral Interventions in Schools
- Ethics for Applied Behavior Analysis
- Social, Emotional, and/or Emotional Intervention
Students can find their own independent fieldwork placement or be assigned one through the program. All students complete a portfolio project that includes all the applied projects completed as part of the degree.
#8 -National University – La Jolla, California
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $15,480/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 48%
Points: 7
National University features one of the most flexible BCBA programs in California. Their top Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis for students committed to working with individuals on the autism spectrum and others with neurodiverse conditions. This 10-course program includes verified a course sequence needed by students who plan to sit for the BCBA exam. Course offerings include:
- Developing ABA Interventions
- Supervision and Management
- Functional Behavior Assessment
Students will study human behavior to better create and implement behavior management plans. Students complete four-week classes that promote a healthy work/life/school balance. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed year-round.
Online Master of Science in ABA students can also complete the verified course sequence.
#7 -California State University Stanislaus – Turlock, California
Behavior Analysis Concentration (M.S. Psychology)
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Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 64%
Points: 7
Stanislaus State features a unique MS in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy concentration with a program track in behavior analysis. Students will apply critical thought to practice while providing clinical work that is research based and empirically validated. Coursework is approved by the CBBA and meets the academic requirements students need to sit for BCBA certification. Faculty closely mentor their students, helping them master professional competencies. The program prepares students for successful careers in behavior analysis working as BCBAs and Marriage and Family Therapists.
#6 -Pepperdine University – Malibu, California
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
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Average Graduate Student Tuition: $36,200/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 84%
Points: 8
The Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University offers a top value MS in applied behavior analysis that prepares students to work with a variety of individuals with behavioral challenges. The program follows the practitioner-scholar model of training that incorporates rigorous theoretical training with clinical experiences. Students working in an ABA-based setting can get their required field experience hours at their current employment site. Courses are offered during the evening hours to accommodate working professionals. New students are admitted for the fall, spring, and summer terms. Students can complete their degree in just 18 months.
Pepperdine also offers an online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. This fully online education program prepares students for BCBA certification. Online courses and in-person field experiences allow students to gain the skills needed to work with individuals diagnosed with a variety of impairments including:
- autism
- developmental disabilities
- traumatic brain injury
Through an innovative online learning platform, students will explore topics like experimental design and professional conduct. As one of the top online ABA programs in the country, Pepperdine is dedicated to the development of professional behavior analysts.
#5 -University of Southern California – Los Angeles, California
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
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Average Graduate Student Tuition: $47,880/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 86%
Points: 9
USC Dornsife offers one of the top applied behavior analysis master’s degree programs in California. The program prepares scientist-practitioner ABA professionals who enhance the lives of those who can benefit from ABA services. The USC ABA program includes 315 instructional hours of ABA coursework and 1,500 to 2,000 clock hours of field world. Course offerings include:
Featured Programs
- Behavioral Interventions
- Cognitive Development in Children
- Ethics for Behavior Analysts
Practicum sites are hand-picked for the program and give students a wide variety of experience working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Sites include reputable organizations like Autism Behavior Intervention and the Center for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis. Full-time students can complete their degree in two years.
#4 -San Diego State University – San Diego, California
M.A. with Autism Specialization
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 100%
Points: 9
San Diego State University offers one of the most affordable applied behavior analysis master’s programs in California. Their ABA master’s degree with an emphasis on autism. The comprehensive curriculum includes the approved course sequence needed to sit for the BCBA exam as well as the Clear coursework for the Extensive Support Needs and Early Childhood credentials in the state of California. Course offerings include:
- Ethics and Law
- Issues in Autism
- Behavioral Strategies and Supports
Students move through the program as a cohort and complete the program in just two years. The program is only available to full-time students.
#3 -California State University Sacramento – Sacramento, California
Applied Behavior Analysis Master’s Degree Program
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 100%
Points: 9
The College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies at Sacramento State offers a high-quality MS in ABA with research and clinical opportunities. This is one of the most budget friendly BCBA masters programs in the state. Clinical training is a key component of the program. There are numerous paid internship and job opportunities that allow students develop their skills under the guidance of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Course offerings include:
- Assessment and Treatment of Behavior Problems
- Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
- Applied Behavior Analysis in the Workplace
Graduates are prepared to work as behavior analysts in a variety of professional settings including schools and hospitals. The program also serves a strong foundation for students planning to pursue doctoral study in ABA.
#2 -California State University Northridge – Northridge, California
Master of Science Applied Behavior Analysis
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 83%
Points: 9
One of the best BCBA programs in California is offered by Tseng College at California State University. Their top MS in applied behavior analysis is a two-year program focusing on the real-world application of behavioral theory. Courses are taught by doctoral-level faculty who serve as mentors throughout the program. Course offerings include:
- Behavior Change Procedures and Systems Support
- Assessment in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Organizational Behavior Management
On and off-campus practicum options are arranged for students so they can complete the required amount of field experience to sit for the behavior analyst exam. Students benefit from close faculty support. The cohort format allows students to move through the program together, supporting one another and building a professional peer network.
#1 -California State University Fresno – Fresno, California
The Master of Arts (M.A.) Psychology — Applied Behavior Analysis Option
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 100%
Points: 9
The Department of Psychology at Fresno State offers one of the best behavior analysis master’s degree programs in California. Students will complete academic coursework, participate in research, and engage in a supervised field experience. Core courses include:
- Community Interventions and Support
- Verbal Behavior
- Advanced Learning and Human Behavior
Students complete a thesis that aligns with the research practices in the field and the APA’s publication standards. Full-time behavior analyst students can complete their degree in just two years.
ABA Programs Guide Staff
How Much Can I Make as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?
According to data provided by payscale.com, the average base salary for a BCBA is $65,963/year. The lowest paid 10% of employees make under $51,000 while the high paid behavior analysts make over $80,000/year. The lowest wages are paid to those just starting out in the field. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst with less than four years in the field can expect to make around $64,000/year. The highest paid analysts are those with 10-19 years of experience.
Salary can be influenced by the skills you bring to the table. Board Certified Behavior Analysts may be paid more if they have experience or training in areas like:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Clinical supervision
- Leadership and management
- Program development
Graduates of ABA master’s programs in California can expect to make 17.9% more than the average working in the San Diego area. Those working in the Los Angeles area can expect to earn 9.7% more than the national average.
Are there any ABA online programs?
There are several great ABA online programs for students who need the Behavior Analyst Certification Board approved courses to become behavior analysts. These programs prepare future behavioral analysts to work in a variety of therapeutic and educational settings. An ABA degree program online is a great choice for students who need flexibility of online learning and are unable to attend traditional campus courses.
What other ABA programs are available through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and the Association for Behavior Analysis Internation?
There are different types of applied behavior analysis ABA programs for all professional levels. One of the most popular is the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Registered Behavior Technicians are behavior analyst professionals with a high school diploma and 40 clock hours of training. The training covers areas like:
- behavior measurement
- documentation and reporting
- behavior reduction
- skill acquisition
This ABA program certificate is a great choice for providers working with individuals with challenging behavior including:
- self injurious behavior
- aggressive shouting
- repetitive behaviors
Colleges and universities offer ABA certificate programs so that students can complete the Verified Course Sequence they need to sit for the BCaBA or Board Certified Behavior Analyst BCBA exam. The BCaBA certification is a behavior analyst at the bachelor’s degree level. An ABA certificate program may be part of a behavior analysis degree or it may be an add on certification within an program like educational psychology.
The ABAI accredits programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level. These programs meet the ABAI’s standards for comprehensiveness, rigor, and quality. They evaluate:
- program mission
- curriculum
- outcomes assessment
- administration
- resources
- public disclosure
- degree programs
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