In New York, only Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBA) can use Applied Behavior Analysis as a form of therapy. To obtain licensure, an individual must complete a state registered ABA program, complete 1,500 clock hours of supervised practicum experience and pass a licensing exam. The LBA credential was created in 2014 in response to the Insurance Reform Law of 2011. This law allows individuals with autism to access ABA therapy through their insurance, making it available to thousands of individuals in need. The demand for individuals with master’s level ABA training and LBA certification has increased. We created this ranking of the top 5 programs in New York to earn a master’s in ABA. All of these programs offer the approved course sequence to meet the classroom requirements to sit for the BCBA exam. Our methodology for this ranking is below.
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
- Less than 25% or N/A-1 point
- 26% to 75%-3 points
- Greater than 75%-5 points
#5 -Manhattanville College – Purchase, New York
Masters of Professional Studies In ABA
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,830/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: N/A
Points: 5
The top master’s in applied behavior analysis master’s program at Manhattanville College was created to help meet the increased demand for ABA practitioners to work with a variety of individuals including those with autism. The program prepares students to be scientist-practitioners who conduct behavioral assessments and administer behavioral interventions. Courses include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Low Incidence Disabilities
- Ethical and Professional Conduct in ABA
- Cultural Perspectives for Educators
Each student must complete two practica or two intensive practica, gaining necessary field experience. Graduates are eligible to sit for the LBA certification exam and the BCBA exam.
#4 -University of Rochester – Rochester, New York
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and Human Development
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $39,696/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 67%
Points: 7
The Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester features a top master’s in ABA for students who want to improve the lives of individuals with autism. The program features the BACB Verified Course Sequence needed to sit for the BCBA exam. The cutting edge curriculum includes coursework in:
- behavioral principles and procedures
- assessment and treatment of challenging behaviors
- performance management
Students complete practicum placements in a variety of settings including community service agencies and public schools. Both full and part-time program options are available.
#3 -Hunter College – New York, New York
The Master of Science in ABA
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $10,770/year in-state and $19,920/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 73%
Points: 8
The School of Education at Hunter College in New York features a top master’s in ABA for students who want to work with individuals with autism and their families. This 41 credit hour program is available online or in-person. Courses include:
- Ethics and Professionalism for Applied Behavior Analysts
- Managing Behavior Analytic Records
- Behavior Analytic Approaches to Learning
All students complete a practicum in ABA, gaining valuable hands-on training. Graduates are eligible to sit for the BCBA exam and licensure as LBA in New York.
#2 -Columbia University Teachers College – New York, New York
Applied Behavior Analysis Master of Arts
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $46,216/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 80%
Points: 9
Columbia University Teachers College features a top master’s in ABA that leads to dual certification in New Your as a general and special education teacher for students birth through grade six. Students who complete the program are also eligible for certification and/or licensure as:
- NYS Licensed Behavior Analyst
- BCBA
- CACAS Board Certification at various competency levels
All ABA master’s students are placed in full-time internships at CABAS schools run by behavioral analysts. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty on research and both faculty and students conduct a significant amount of research each year.
Featured Programs
#1 -Queens College – Queens, New York
Master of Arts in ABA
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $10,770/year in-state and $19,920/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 100%
Points: 10
Our top choice for a master’s in ABA in New York is offered by Queens College. The comprehensive curriculum includes the course sequence approved by the BACB and required to be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam. Students can gain valuable experience at the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Evidence-Based Services or with a variety of partner organizations that provide the opportunity for students to get supervised experience. Graduates who complete the program and meet the requirements from NYS and the BACB can become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of New York.
ABA Programs Guide Staff
February 2020
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