The 10 Best Online Master's in Behavioral Psychology Degree Programs

Arizona State University, established in 1885, is one of the largest public universities in the U.S. and currently serves a student body of over 80,000 individuals. ASU has five campuses in the Phoenix metropolitan area and offers over 150 online programs. Among these programs is the school’s online master of education in curriculum and instruction (applied behavior analysis), which requires distance learners to complete a total of 10 classes. Each class is three credits and takes eight weeks to complete. The curriculum is pre–approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and prepares graduates to sit for the board certification exam. Online master’s students in behavioral psychology explore foundational principles and concepts by taking courses like behavior analysis for exceptional populations, ethics of applied behavior analysis, behavior assessments, and research methods in the field. Graduates can move on to work as school psychologists, marriage and family therapists, CTE teachers, counselors, and social workers.

Competitive applicants to this master’s in behavioral psychology online degree program should hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution earned with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Prospective students must submit a personal statement, a resume, proof of English proficiency, and three letters of recommendation. However, the program does not require applicants to submit their GRE scores.

George Mason University, founded as an independent institution in 1972, is located in Arlington, Virginia, and educates a student body of 34,000 learners. This public university offers an online master of education in special education with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis, wherein students investigate the complex learning needs of individuals with disabilities. Degree candidates enrolled in this program choose between two supporting graduate certificate tracks: autism spectrum disorders or applied behavior analysis. These certificates feature 15 and 18 credits of specialization–related coursework, respectively. Students who who do not wish to earn a full master’s degree can also opt to pursue standalone certificates. The full curriculum consists of 30 credit hours, including a residency or field experience and a capstone project.

Program graduates can pursue work as school administrators, interventionists, psychologists, and speech and language pathologists. Those who earn a master’s in behavioral psychology with the applied behavior analysis specialization qualify for employment as registered behavior technicians and psychologists for special needs patients; they can also work in community programs at hospitals, clinics, and schools.

Although not explicitly required to gain admission into the program, applicants with experience in industry or an education–related field receive preference.

Northeastern University if one of Boston’s top private research universities. Established in 1898, the school currently has a student population of approximately 25,500 and features a diverse catalog of online degrees. Among these offerings is an online master of science in applied behavior analysis. This degree prepares students to take on supervisory roles as behavior analysts at service agencies and private schools and act as independent consultants. Graduates help children and adults with autism and other disabilities develop independence in their daily routines. In this practitioner–focused program, distance learners investigate methods for teaching patients to effectively communicate with others, participate in community activities, develop academic skills, and engage in positive social interactions.

Online master’s students in behavioral psychology have the opportunity to learn through hands–on experiences, work in groups on team projects, and configure their coursework and electives to match their academic interests. This program also helps young and developing professionals network among their peers and prepares graduates to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam.

Applicants to this program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university earned with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Prospective students should also submit a written statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation; however, applicants need not submit their GRE scores.

Located in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is a private research institution with a student body of 26,000 individuals. Among the school’s many offerings is an online master of science in applied behavior analysis degree program, which prepares students to assume roles in clinical, behavioral health, and educational settings. This master’s in behavioral psychology program prepares graduates to work as special education teachers, school psychologists, social workers, and case managers. The coursework featured in this degree track is verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, preparing distance learners to sit for the certification exam. Degree candidates pursuing this master’s in behavioral psychology online choose from a practicum concentration or an autism spectrum disorders concentration. The autism concentration emphasizes communication, language skills, and research–based approaches, while participants in the practicum concentration engage in 750 hours of hands–on experience at regional mental and behavioral healthcare centers.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution earned with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Prospective distance learners should also submit a personal essay, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. Students complete an admissions interview prior to being fully accepted into the program.

California University of Pennsylvania, located about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh, was founded in 1852. This public university offers a master of education in applied behavior analysis distance program with three concentration tracks: autism, general, and autism spectrum disorders. All three tracks of this online master’s in behavioral psychology can be completed entirely remotely without any on–campus obligations. Cal U’s online curriculum features classes and training that prepares graduates to work with children who have autism and other disabilities. Students also complete an intensive practicum experience where they study under board–certified behavior analysts. Cal U is one of only a few universities In Pennsylvania that teaches the coursework required to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree earned with a minimum GPA of 2.8. The GRE is not required for admission. Financial aid is available for those pursuing an online master’s degree in behavioral psychology, and ~90% of the student population at Cal U receives financial aid.

The Sage Colleges is a private institution located in Troy, New York. Established in 1916, Sage educates a student body comprised of 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The school’s master of science in applied behavior analysis and autism is offered entirely online and requires no on–campus obligations. Students choose between a hands–on practicum track and a non–practicum track. These curricula consist of 42 and 34 credits, respectively. In both cases, students can earn their degree in as few as two years. Participants who elect to follow the practicum track while earning a master’s in behavioral psychology online meet the eligibility requirements for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam. Faculty deliver online classes asynchronously, and courses feature audiovisual presentations, active learning experiences, and fluency drills. Distance learners pursuing the practicum track also receive additional supervision from faculty at the school’s center for applied behavior analysis.

This program accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits students on a first come, first served basis each fall and spring semester. Prospective students must submit a resume, a career goals statement, and two letters of reference. Competitive applicants will have already taken some courses in statistics, research design, or experimental methods.

Southern Illinois University is a public research institution with a student population of approximately 14,500 individuals. The school offers a master of science in behavior analysis and therapy through a hybrid program. Students take 75% of coursework online and complete the remaining 25% in face–to–face classrooms in Lenox, Illinois. These mandatory in–person class sessions, typically scheduled on Friday evenings or Saturday mornings, meet at least three times per semester.

Required coursework covers basic behavior principles, legal and ethical issues in behavior analysis, and staff training and development. Students also take two elective courses, choosing from from classes such as child behavior and behavior analysis in developmental disabilities. Additionally, all distance learners complete an internship in rehabilitation under the supervision of a faculty member; most degree candidates begin this internship after completing two semesters of coursework. Finally, to end the program, learners choose between completing a research paper or a thesis project.

SIU awards more than 10 million dollars in scholarships each year, and online graduate students can apply for fellowships and scholarships. Program participants may also work as graduate assistants.