Applied Behavior Analysis is the science of understanding and improving socially significant human behavior. These improvements are essential for individuals to attend school, integrate into the community, perform well at work, or achieve overall success in whatever an individual aspires to do. Professionals with ABA knowledge and skills are in demand and many universities are now offering accredited programs that prepare students to become Board Certified Applied Behavior Analysts. We created this ranking of the top 5 programs in Florida 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 -University of North Florida – Jacksonville, Florida
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $8,570/year in-state and $19,585/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 63%
Points: 8
The College of Education ad Human Services at the University of North Florida offers a Master of Education in Special Education with a concentration in ABA. This 36 credit hour program includes the BACB Verified Course Sequence. Courses include:
- ABA in Developmental Disabilities and Autism
- ABA Education and Performance Management
- Ethics in ABA and Educational Settings
Graduates are well prepared to provide therapeutic ABA services for individuals of all ages with exceptionalities.
#4 -Florida Institute of Technology – Melbourne, Florida
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $18,914/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 88%
Points: 9
The top master’s in ABA from Florida Institute of Technology is a highly interactive program that prepares students to improve the lives of children and adults with challenging behaviors. Students can attend class on the main campus or at the Orlando Graduate Center. Courses are offered during the day, evening, and on the weekends. Internship opportunities are available in multiple hospitals and clinics due to the program’s proximity to an expansive medical community. The program is ABAI accredited and courses are approved by the BACB. The BACB has also approved the Intensive Practical Training in Behavioral Analysis that meets the practicum requirement to sit for the BCBA exam.
#3 -Florida State University – Tallahassee, Florida
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,684/year in-state and $24,116/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 100%
Points: 9
Florida State University offers a top ABA master’s at its Panama City campus. This five semester ABA program is accredited by the ABAI and features a BACB verified curriculum and practicum experience. Courses include:
- Behavior Analysis in Performance Management and Supervision
- Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities and Autism
- Ethical & Professional Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis
Students receive a tuition waiver by working at paid assistantship positions through approved agencies, including the Early Childhood Autism Program. At the completion of the program, students must pass a comprehensive exam and complete a Professional Portfolio showcasing a variety of ABA skills. Students from both the Panama City and Tallahassee campuses can participate in the program since most classes are taught via Interactive Television Network.
#2 -University of South Florida – Tampa, Florida
Master of Science in ABA
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $8,350/year in-state and $19,048/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 92%
Points: 9
The University of South Florida features a top master’s in applied behavior analysis offered by the Department of Child and Family Studies. The program was created to meet the demand for professionals who can effectively work with a variety of populations in:
Featured Programs
- education
- child protective services
- business
- mental health
This 44 credit hour ABA master’s degree includes coursework and practical supervision across the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Education. The program is accredited by the ABAI and offers the verified course sequence to sit for the BCBA exam. Students also complete the practicum requirement set by the BACB.
#1 -Florida Atlantic University – Boca Raton, Florida
Master’s Degree Program in Exceptional Student Education-Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $5,467/year in-state and $16,695/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 86%
Points: 9
Our top master’s in ABA is offered by Florida Atlantic University. This program is delivered through the Department of Exceptional Student Education and features an ABAI approved course sequence for applied behavior analysis. Students who complete the program will earn an MEd in Exceptional Student Education. Courses include:
- Behavior Analytic Teaching
- Behavior Assessment and Intervention Selection
- Behavior Change and Management Strategies
All students complete a three credit hour internship experience as part of the Exceptional Student Education Department core courses. Graduates meet the coursework requirement to sit for the BCBA certification exam.
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