20 Best Masters in Behavioral Psychology

The University of Kansas is part of an exclusive club as one of only 65 U.S. universities belonging to the Association of American Universities (AAU). The institution routinely secures one of the top spots in national rankings for both universities and degree programs. 

The Department of Applied Behavioral Science offers several programs in behavioral psychology. This degree program is the MA in Applied Behavioral Science, which is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board. After graduation, you have the option to go on to gain your Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in behavioral psychology. 

Applications must be submitted before December 15th and can be done entirely online. You’re not required to submit GRE scores as part of the application, but a strong score could put you at an advantage compared to other applicants. There’s also no minimum GPA required from your undergraduate studies, but again, a strong GPA could increase your chance of being accepted. 

The cost of graduate tuition at the University of Kansas is $424.50 per credit hour for this program. This rate includes both infrastructure and technology fees. For graduate students, the cost of room and board is around $10,726 annually, while books come in at around $574 per year. 

Simmons University has one of the best student-to-faculty ratios around, with 8 students to every faculty member (8:1). This means small class sizes and more personalized attention. The university has over 4,500 students studying more than 60 majors and programs, and the close proximity to Boston means a vast range of internship, research, and career opportunities. 

Simmons University offers both an MS (Master of Science) and EdS (Educational Specialist) in behavior analysis, both of which are good choices for students wanting to become a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). This is a part-time program that takes place in the evenings, and to earn either qualification you will need to complete 42 credits. 

You can study behavioral psychology at other institutions in New England, but the Behavior Analysis Accreditation Board, which is part of the Association for Behavior Analysis (ABAI), has awarded accreditation to this program; it’s the only program in the region to hold such accreditation. Thanks to strong preparation for the BCBA exam, on-campus students typically achieve a first-time pass rate that’s higher than the national average (85% in 2018 compared to 65% nationally). 

Tuition at Simmons University is calculated on a per-credit basis every semester. For both in-state and out-of-state students, the rate of tuition is $1,100 per credit hour for all master’s degrees or doctorates. There’s also a mandatory student fee of $116 due every semester. 

Established in 1851, Florida State University has a long history and is the oldest continuous higher education institution in the state. The student body of more than 40,000 students comprises individuals from more than 130 countries, plus every county across the state of Florida. The program catalog contains nearly 300 programs at bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, specialist, and professional levels. 

The master’s degree in applied behavior analysis is accredited by the ABAI, making it one of just 24 national graduate schools to have gained such accreditation. The curriculum and clinical practicum have both been verified by the BACB too. Your practicum could take place in one of many settings, including on campus. 

To be considered for this program, you will need to have attained a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all work attempted during your undergraduate degree. Successful applicants also typically score in the 50th percentile on the GRE for verbal and the 40th percentile for quantitative. 

Tuition at Florida State University varies between campuses. This program is taught at the Panama City Campus, with a graduate tuition rate of $444.26 per credit hour for in-state students. Students from out of state pay more than double, at $1,075.66 per credit hour. 

At Oregon Tech University, 96% of graduates are either employed or studying at a graduate level within 6 months of graduation. Their starting salaries average around $60,000 annually. Despite the popularity of this well-known institution, total enrollment is around 5,400, which keeps class sizes small and makes for a more personalized program. 

The MS in applied behavior analysis at Oregon Tech prepares students to meet the requirements for state and national certification. Your curriculum comprises courses that have been verified by the BACB as meeting the requirements for eligibility for the BCBA examination. This includes your practicum in the second year, which meets the requirements for approved supervised experience. 

Thanks to these guarantees, it’s a high-quality program; in fact, it’s the only master’s degree in applied behavior analysis in the state of Oregon. You’ll take foundation-level studies in behavior analysis, before moving on to more specialized courses that will advance your knowledge and skills in the area of psychology and how it applies to the role of the psychologist. 

For graduate students who are residents of Oregon, tuition costs $448.43. Out-of-state students pay $752.78. In terms of financial aid to help fund your education, there’s more information on the types of financial awards available on the university’s website. 

Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the state’s most well-known universities. It has a huge range of programs (over 300 majors) and is set among stunning natural beauty. It is also ranked among the world’s top 100 universities by The World University Ranking and the Academic Ranking of World Universities. 

The master’s in applied behavior analysis at Arizona State University will give you all the skills needed to help improve the lives of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or behavioral problems. Lasting for two years, your curriculum has been designed to meet—or exceed—the Fourth Edition Task List set by the BACB. 

The practicum is very involved and spans more than 1,500 hours and takes place in a variety of sites across the state. Overall, the course has a pass rate of 90% and sees 86% of graduates passing their certification examinations on the first try. 

Resident graduate tuition is $651 per credit hour, with mandatory fees bringing the total to $903 per credit hour. For out-of-state students, tuition is $1,139 before fees, or $1,391 inclusive of fees. Compared to other institutions that we’ve ranked here, this is above average for graduate tuition. 

Founded in 1869 and located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Saint Cloud University started out its days as the Third State Normal School. It was originally based inside a renovated hotel with just five staff making up the faculty. Today, there are more than 200 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs to choose from. 

When enrolled in this program, you’ll get advanced professional and academic instruction from an expert faculty that holds partnerships with over 120 agencies both nationally and internationally. You’ll take courses that specialize in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), developmental disability, program evaluation, and the development of staff and treatment programs. 

You’ll have the opportunity to take part in leading research projects in the application of behavioral principles, in addition to having access to graduate assistantships that take place on campus. It’s one of only 20 graduate programs to have been accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. What’s more, the online version of this program is the only accredited online ABA program. 

Graduates enrolled in this program will pay tuition of $605.03 per credit hour. Room and board is approximately $9,728 per year for both residents and non-residents, while books and supplies come in at around $1,200 per year for both. There are also additional miscellaneous fees; more information can be found on the website. 

Drexel University was established as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry in 1891. The campus is split across three Philadelphia locations and includes the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, which is the oldest major natural science museum and research institute in the U.S. 

Drexel University’s MS in applied behavior analysis is highly flexible and allows you to choose full or part-time study; whatever best fits into your existing schedule and commitments. Regardless of your choice, you’ll study under the same faculty and curriculum. Both programs have been certified by the ABAI too. 

You’ll need an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution to be eligible for this master’s degree; you’ll also need to have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher from that degree. Also, you will need to submit official transcripts from this degree program; plus two letters of recommendation; a resume; and a personal essay that covers your reasons for applying for the program, your interests in the field, and your career goals. 

Tuition at Drexel University varies between the university’s many schools. Your program will be taught by the School of Education, which has a tuition rate of $1,342 for nearly all graduate programs. However, the MS in applied behavior analysis is one of a few exceptions, with tuition of $1,006 per credit hour, plus small fees. 

McNeese State University was founded in 1939 and is a public institution. According to the university’s website, it is among the top 3 public and private schools in Louisiana for producing graduates who earn the best average starting salary. It also ranks among the top 3 for the best-value college education. 

The master’s degree in psychology from McNeese State University is a two-year program that can be taken fully online or in person, on campus. In addition to your classroom instruction, you’ll take part in a supervised practicum, which will take place in the McNeese Autism Program (MAP). 

MAP, an outpatient treatment program that connects those with neurodevelopmental disorders with ABA services, helps around 30 patients and is overseen by the ABA faculty and supervised by certified BCBAs. As a result, you can gain unparalleled clinical practice experience at McNeese State University. Upon graduation from this program, you’ll be ready to take your official licensure examinations. 

Average tuition at Drexel University for graduate programs is around $8,120 for residents of Louisiana or $16,157 for out-of-state learners. However, there are also some scholarships and non-resident fee waivers available to those who meet eligibility criteria, and where the university’s budget allows. 

The College of Arts & Sciences at UMass Dartmouth has 18 departments that provide more than 40 different academic programs. More than 3,100 undergraduate and graduate students, and nearly 200 full-time faculty members call this college home. Students also have access to two specialist academic advisors at the CAS STAR Center, who are dedicated to supporting College of Arts & Sciences students. 

You can earn a master’s degree in psychology, with an applied behavior analysis focus, in as little as 6 semesters at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. The curriculum features numerous courses that are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis. You’ll also be eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination upon graduation. 

The part-time program, comprising 36 credit hours, is designed to be completed in three years. For admission, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in psychology or another related field; for example, sociology, human services, or education. You’ll also need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (cumulative). 

If you’re taking 6 or fewer graduate credits per year, tuition is $4,097.52 per semester for Massachusetts residents or $7,394.52 for non-residents. For 18 graduate credits, the cost is $12,292.56 or $22,183.56, and for 24 credits per year, it’s $16,390.00 or $20,885.00. 

Southern Illinois University (SIU) is situated on a stunning campus and ranks among the top 5% of higher education institutions across the entire U.S. With a total enrollment of nearly 15,000 students, the university prides itself on welcoming students from all walks of life across the world. This diversity shows in the total enrollment of ethnic minority students, which is around 30%. 

This MS in behavior analysis and therapy has been accredited by the Association for Behavioral Analysis International, and is designed to prepare you to become a board-certified behavior analyst. Alternatively, as a graduate of this program, you will be ready to enroll in a doctoral program, after which you could become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D). 

Their master’s degree is offered either as a traditional, on-campus degree or as a hybrid program in which 75% of the coursework is completed online. A unique curriculum means that you will be able to practice all learned theory in real clinical settings. You’ll work with real people who have autism, brain injuries, or other neurological disorders. 

Graduate tuition and fees are approximately $15,826 per year for residents of Illinois or $32,728 for out-of-state students. What’s more, the average amount of financial aid granted to eligible students is around $10,742. According to collegetuitioncompare.com, this is a little higher than the average amount for similar schools in the state. 

At Pepperdine University, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) was founded in 1981. Pepperdine was the first university to offer numerous specialized master’s degree programs. In the last 5 years, the GSEP has provided nearly 45,000 hours of psychotherapy, won research grants of nearly $2 million, and boasts an 83% first-time pass rate on the LMFT licensure written exam. 

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis curriculum has been designed for both full-time students and working professionals. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the theory underpinning applied behavior analysis (ABA). You’ll also participate in clinical training and gain experience hours alongside trained, professional behavior analysts. 

The class sizes are small, meaning a supportive classroom environment where help is always available. Evening classes also make things easier for working professionals. For admission into this program, you won’t need to worry about your GRE scores. You’ll just need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from your existing undergraduate degree. 

According to the tuition calculator on the Pepperdine University website, the total cost of this program is around $48,840. However, the university also offers this program as a fully online, distance learning degree. Studying online, if it’s an option for you, could save you money on tuition and campus fees. 

The University of the Pacific was founded in 1851 and today offers 31 majors and 36 minors. Students have the option to take a double major, combine majors and minors together, or combine degree programs across different campus colleges and schools. 

At the University of the Pacific, the psychology department offers graduate students an MA in psychology with a specialization in behavior analysis. It’ll prepare you for BACB certification or further study at the doctoral level, and the program includes an ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS) and supervised experience. 

For entry into the program, you will need a minimum GPA of 3.0 from an existing undergraduate degree; however, the university notes that most successful applicants average much higher. You’ll also need GRE verbal, quantitative, and written test scores, in addition to a resume, three reference letters, and a list of 3 faculty members you’d like to work with, with justifications. 

Graduates studying at any of the schools and colleges on campus pay $24,452 per semester. The cost per unit for programs over 18 units is $1,528 per credit hour. There’s a full list of all mandatory fees on the university’s website. 

Western Michigan University (WMU) produces some high-caliber graduates; standing among the top 11% of all universities across America, 90% of Broncos find employment in their chosen field after graduation. WMU is also among the 80 top colleges for diversity and the top 15 for the most affordable, eco-friendly colleges. 

Western Michigan University’s Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis will prepare you for further study in a doctoral program, or open up new opportunities at a senior level in mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, government, and education. At least 37 hours are required to pass and you’ll need to achieve a minimum grade of ‘B’ in all coursework. 

For admission into the program, an undergraduate major in psychology is preferred; you’ll need to have at least 18 hours in psychology for admission. As part of these hours, you’ll need to have taken an introductory course in statistics, plus at least 8 hours in experimental and applied behavior analysis. 

Tuition fees for graduates studying at the main campus pay $681.67 per credit hour as residents of the state or $1,022.50 per credit hour for out-of-state students. You’ll also pay $461.50 in fees. 

The University of Miami is one of the nation’s top research universities, with over 17,000 students coming from countries around the world. The campus comprises 11 colleges and schools that teach more than 180 majors and other programs. Established in 1925, UM’s research program utilizes $324 million of funds in research expenditure. 

The MS in psychology, specializing in applied behavior analysis, is a full-time program for those who have an existing bachelor’s degree in psychology; however, students with a degree in a related field may be considered. Comprising 42 credit hours, the program starts in the Fall and can be completed within 5 semesters. 

While studying on this program, you’ll gain knowledge of foundation theory in applied behavior analysis, while practicing what you’ve learned in a clinical environment. You’ll also complete all the necessary coursework and experience-based requirements in order to qualify for the BCBA examination after graduation. 

Graduate tuition at the University of Miami is above the average for most institutions in the state or country. You’ll pay $2,170.00 per credit hour for both part-time (1-8 credit hours) and full-time (9+ credit hours) programs. Fees include an activity fee of $46.00, a wellness center fee of $156.00, a student health and counseling center fee of $192.00, and a student center complex fee of $186.00. 

California State University-Northridge (CSUN) was established in 1958 by the State of California. It’s one of the country’s largest public universities, with graduates who achieve at the top of their fields and earn more than alumni at peer institutions. Money Magazine named CSUN on its Best Colleges for Your Money 2017 ranking, while the U.S. News & World Report ranked the university on its list of the Top Public Schools in the Western United States. 

In the curriculum for this Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, all courses are taught by a faculty with doctoral-level training and experience, including courses with BACB-approved content. For graduates from the program, there’s a BCBA pass rate of 92% (national average 63%) and the program was also named in a list of the Top 25 Best Applied Behavior Analysis Programs by appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com.

You’ll have a range of practicum options open to you, with options both on-campus and off-site. The placements are arranged for you to ensure that you meet your required supervised hours. You may also qualify for a paid position with a partner agency, which could help with the cost of college. Past students have worked as student assistants or research assistants. 

Tuition at this university varies depending on the number of credits taken. For this program, the cost of tuition is around $3,588.00 per semester, with additional fees. These include a $294.00 student union fee, $18.00 activities fee, $3.00 health facilities fee, $75.00 health services fee, and $118.00 campus quality fee. 

California State University – Stanislaus serves over 10,000 students across two campuses located in the Central Valley, comprising 228 acres of stunning surroundings. Located in the Magnolia District of Turlock, the university provides students with a choice of 43 majors, 41 minors, and over 100 areas of concentration. 

California State University – Stanislaus (CSU) offers an MS in psychology with a behavior analysis concentration. The program has been approved by the Certification Board for Behavior Analysis as meeting the requirements for the BCBA examination. You’ll be closely monitored throughout by an experienced faculty and given regular opportunities to practice the theory learned through supervised clinical practicum classes. 

For admission into the program, you will need to have already gained a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a grade of at least a B-. You will also need to have completed the concentration prerequisites with at least 16 upper-division semester units in psychology. The full list of requirements can be found on the university’s website. 

California State University-Stanislaus isn’t an institution that charges separate tuition rates for non-residents. Irrespective of your residency, you’ll pay tuition of $9,018 per year at the graduate level. Books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and various other fees bring the total cost of attendance to $20,278 per academic year. 

The University of South Alabama was founded in 1963. Today, more than 14,000 students are enrolled in one of over 100 academic programs. Jaguar athletes take part in 17 NCAA Division I sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball. The 1,200-acre campus is situated in the Gulf Coast region, an area of outstanding natural beauty. 

The MS in psychology at the University of South Alabama has two concentrations; the behavioral and brain sciences concentration and the clinical and counseling psychology concentration. Both are taught by the Department of Psychology, with a third option available—the Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program in psychology.  

There’s a full breakdown of the courses in the curriculum on the university’s website. For admission into the psychology degree program, you’ll need to submit your official GRE scores alongside your application, in addition to 3 letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. 

Tuition differs from one campus school or college to the next. For the College of Arts and Sciences where this degree is taught, tuition costs just $442.00 per credit hour for state residents or $884.00 for out-of-state students. A full list of fees is displayed on the Tuition and Fees section of the website. 

Marquette University is located near downtown Milwaukee and is a Catholic, Jesuit university. Over 8,500 undergraduate and 3,300 graduate or professional students are enrolled from nearly every U.S. state and around 90 countries across the globe. The faculty comprises 1,200 highly experienced members of staff. 

The master’s degree in behavior analysis at Marquette University takes 2 years to complete full-time and comprises 30 credit hours. You’ll be allowed to tailor your program to meet your professional goals, directing your studies to more research-heavy careers or toward more direct professional practice. 

Facilities are state-of-the-art and include the Kodak Early Intervention Laboratory (KEIL), which “examines efficacious and efficient behavioral interventions to teach verbal behavior and academic, social, and daily living skills to children with autism (…)”. There’s also the Tiger Lab, which specializes in providing care to those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. 

Graduate-level tuition at Marquette University costs $1,170 per credit hour for all courses outside of the field of education. Marquette University has previously been named on a list of the Best Values in Private Colleges for 2018. However, financial aid is also available, including some awards that are granted directly by the institution. 

USC Dornsife is the oldest and largest of the schools in the USC system. The degree programs offered at this institution have gone from strength to strength, with a rise in the caliber of applicants accepted by the university. There are over 160 majors and minors available, and the university is focusing on the quality of its graduate program offerings, which have grown to a catalog of 38 doctoral degrees. 

This Master of Science in applied behavior analysis program comprises 315 instructional hours of coursework in applied behavior analysis, plus 1,500 to 2,000 hours of supervised hands-on experience. There’s an emphasis on the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children and adolescents, with the curriculum containing two courses in developmental psychology. 

With a curriculum that has been approved by the BACB, you’ll complete coursework that’s based on a foundation including classic research and theory in applied behavior analysis. However, this is blended with the latest advancements in research, theory, and technology. 

The tuition at this university varies widely based on the number of credit hours taken each semester; there are also several fees to take into account. There’s a useful comparison table on the university website, which highlights all tuition and fees. 

Students from over 50 countries around the world come together to study at Jacksonville State University, and more than 80% of them receive some form of financial aid to help with the cost of a higher education. There are more than a million books in the library and even a rock climbing wall in the student rec center. 

Your curriculum will include study in areas such as the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) and applied behavior analysis (ABA). EAB courses cover the interaction between environmental stimulus and behavior, while ABA courses will teach you how to apply those basic behavioral theories to individuals and communities. 

To apply for this graduate program, you won’t need an undergraduate degree in psychology; the university considers all applications, irrespective of a student’s undergraduate area of study. However, you’ll need a minimum score of 300 on the GRE for unconditional admission. There is no minimum score for conditional admission. 

Tuition for graduates runs at $400 per credit hour for in-state students. For out-of-state students, the cost of tuition is double, at $800. There’s also a general university Fee of $400 per semester for up to 5 credit hours or $500 for 5 hours or more.