A career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a great choice for individuals with a passion for helping those with unique behavioral challenges. Applied Behavior Analysts have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to help individuals make positive behavior changes and improve their quality of life. According to a study by Burning Glass, Massachusetts ranks 2nd in the country in the demand for certified behavior analysts. We created this ranking of the top 10 programs in Massachusetts to earn a master’s in ABA. Programs in our ranking offer the approved course sequence to meet the classroom requirements to sit for the BCBA exam. Our methodology for this ranking is below. Where there are ties, we favored the program with the lower in-state tuition rate.
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
Featured Programs
- 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 in 2020
- Less than 25% or N/A (the course sequence is within its first 4 years of operation)-1 point
- 26% to 75%-3 points
- Greater than 75%-5 points
#10 -William James College – Newton, Massachusetts
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Masters Degree Program
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $33,900/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 53%
Points: 7
William James College features a master’s in applied behavior analysis to meet the growing demand for highly skilled ABA practitioners. The program includes the coursework required by the ABAI needed to sit for the BCBA exam. This 34-credit hour on-campus program takes just four terms to complete for full-time students. An online option is available for part-time students to complete. On-campus students can get an individualized field placement or employment with individual supervision from an ABA faculty member. Graduates are prepared for ABA roles in a variety of settings including mental health and education.
#9 -University of Massachusetts-Boston – Boston, Massachusetts
Master’s in Education: Learning, Teaching, and Educational Transformation-ABA for Special Populations
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Average Graduate Student Tuition: $18,433/year in-state and $35,980/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 57%
Points: 7
The Center for Social Development and Education at UMass Boston features a seven course ABA for Special Populations graduate certificate that can be applied toward the Master’s in Education: Learning, Teaching, and Educational Transformation program. Course offerings include:
Students should have a BCBA supervisor at their worksite during their coursework so students can meet Task List 5 competencies each semester. Those without a BCBA supervisor can complete a nine credit hour practicum that will provide that supervision component.
#8 -University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth – Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Psychology MA: Applied Behavior Analysis
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Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,390/year in-state and $29,578/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 33%
Points: 7
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth features a top value ABA master’s degree that takes just six semesters to complete. The ABAI verified course sequence meets the academic requirements needed by students to sit for the BCBA exam. Most courses use online and face-to-face components to accommodate students with busy schedules. Course offerings include:
- Behavioral Assessment
- Behavior Interventions
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Students benefit from comprehensive ABA training that prepares them to work in a variety of settings. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
#7 -Bay Path University – Longmeadow, Massachusetts
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $19,235/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 75%
Points: 8
Bay Path University offers a flexible applied behavior analysis master’s program online or in a blended format. Students can complete an MS in ABA, an EdS in ABA or an MS in ABA/autism spectrum disorders. Courses align with the BACB 5th Edition Trask List. The program fulfills the supervised fieldwork requirements needed to sit for the BCBA exam. Students can participate in an intensive study experience that prepares them to sit for the BACB exam. New students are admitted to the program in February, June, and October. Graduates have the skills needed to practice as scientists and clinicians in a variety of ABA settings.
#6 -Simmons University – Boston, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
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Average Graduate Student Tuition: $21,528/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 83%
Points: 9
Simmons University offers the only on-campus Behavior Analysis Accreditation Board accredited behavior analysis master’s degree program in New England. Students complete coursework and over 2,000 clock hours of supervised fieldwork. Courses cover areas like:
Featured Programs
- Ethics and Legal Issues
- Methodologies for Behavior Change
- Advanced Topics in Behavior Analysis
Courses are taught by world-class faculty and students are mentored by BCBA supervisors who oversee their fieldwork experience. Graduates are prepared to sit for the BCBA or BCABA exam.
#5 -Assumption University – Worchester, Massachusetts
Master’s in ABA
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Average Graduate Student Tuition: $13,320/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 79%
Points: 9
Assumption University offers a best value ABA master’s program for students who want to influence change and solve problems using the science of behavior. The curriculum includes both the ABAI verified course sequence and 1,500-2,000 fieldwork experience hours. Students can pursue an applied or research track depending on their professional goals. Required courses include:
#4 -Regis College – Weston, Massachusetts
Applied Behavior Analysis (MS)
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $38,280/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 89%
Points: 9
The affordable master’s in applied behavior analysis from Regis College is an interactive program taught by exceptional faculty. Courses are offered online and on-campus to accommodate students with limited scheduling availability. The program is delivered in an intensive eight-week hybrid format that allows students to focus on one course at a time. Course offerings include:
Hands-on learning opportunities include a practicum in a setting that allows students to build their professional network.
#3 -Cambridge College – Boston, Massachusetts
Autism/Behavior Analyst Program (MEd)
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Average Graduate Student Tuition: $17,062/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 85%
Points: 10
Cambridge College offers an innovative behavior analysis master’s degree focused on helping individuals on the autism spectrum. Students complete the verified ABA course sequence and field experience hours along with courses in autism/special education. Courses are offered online and on-campus, including evening and weekends, to accommodate busy professionals. Course offerings include:
Applicants should be employed in a relevant, related field and have at least one year of experience in an ABA treatment setting. Students can complete their degree in just two years and are prepared to sit for the BCBA exam.
#2 -Salem State University – Salem, Massachusetts
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
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Average Graduate Student Tuition: $8,857/year in-state and $10,477/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 82%
Points: 10
The high-quality MS in behavior analysis from Salem State University is a highly individualized program that can help students reach unique professional goals. Courses are taught by internationally renowned faculty with experience in the field. Major required courses include:
- Experimental Analysis of Behavior
- Conceptual Issues in Behavior Analysis
- Behavioral Assessment
Students can take advantage of hands-on training opportunities in the operant laboratory under the guidance and supervision of esteemed faculty members. Capstone experience options include a thesis or a research project. Students can choose from elective course offerings that include directed study, a practicum, and internship opportunities.
#1 -Westfield State University – Westfield, Massachusetts
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
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Average Graduate Student Tuition: $6,696/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 100%
Points: 10
Westfield State University offers a top master’s in applied behavior analysis with evening classes that make the program accessible to working professionals. Both full and part-time program options are available and new students are accepted during the fall, spring, and summer sessions. Required courses include:
Students complete core and elective courses, a practicum series, and either a comprehensive exam or thesis. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in a related field with a 3.0 overall GPA .
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