Earn Your Master of Applied Behavior Analysis Online from University of Dayton
Learn to Influence Behavioral Growth
The online Master of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from University of Dayton’s School of Education and Health Sciences prepares you to provide individuals with behavioral problems and their families with effective strategies needed to thrive.
While earning your master’s in applied behavior analysis online, you will learn to identify, implement and assess the need for intervention in targeted individuals as well as groups.
The flexibility of our online program allows you to continue working while you complete the academic preparation and fieldwork experience required to apply to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the courses in the University of Dayton’s online ABA program as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA examination.
Join Our Tradition of Service
Our online ABA program is driven by University of Dayton’s Marianist tradition and is designed to prepare students to become behavior analysts who will:
- Become scholarly practitioners
- Embrace diversity for the promotion of social justice
- Use critical reflection in daily professional decision-making
- Engage in building community
Earn Your Master of ABA Online
Take the next steps to pursue a rewarding career as a behavior analyst.
An Immersive Curriculum
The online ABA curriculum — which includes a Verified Course Sequence by the ABAI — features one three-day immersion and offers two program tracks: Supervised Fieldwork and Independent Fieldwork.
As a student in the Supervised Fieldwork Track, you will:
- Complete the 42-credit program in as few as 24 months
- Complete the 1,500 fieldwork hours during the program
- Receive support from dedicated site placement specialists
- Meet with faculty in small groups for supervision and support
As a student in the Independent Fieldwork Track, you will:
- Complete the 30-credit program in as few as 21 months
- Complete 600 fieldwork hours during the program and 900 fieldwork hours independently at your existing place of employment
Upon graduation and after completing 1,500 hours of fieldwork, you will meet the requirements to sit for the BCBA exam.
One Immersion
in Dayton, Ohio
Fieldwork Practicum
to gain hands-on ABA skills
Full-Time or Part-Time
paths of completion
As a student in the online master’s in applied behavior analysis program, you will learn to adapt fundamental skills to meet the specific needs of your future clients. The comprehensive curriculum includes the core competencies outlined below.
Basic Behavior-Analytic Skills
Master common behavior analytic skills and methods for assessing the cause of problem behavior.
Client-Centered Responsibilities
Learn effective intervention strategies that can be applied to almost all clients.
Foundational Knowledge
Understand basic concepts that can be adapted into advanced techniques used for behavior change.
Three-Day Immersion
You will complete one weekend-long, three-day immersion experience on the University of Dayton campus. The immersion is a great opportunity to connect with your classmates and faculty while learning directly from industry experts. Immersion sessions include:
- Guest presenters
- Sample casework
- Problem-solving simulations
- Interprofessional education
Fieldwork Experience
Whether you pursue the Supervised Fieldwork Track or the Independent Fieldwork Track, you will gain hands-on applied behavior analysis experience and learn directly from board certified supervisors and mentors at an approved placement site.
As a Supervised Fieldwork student, with support from our placement specialists, you will graduate with 1,500 hours of fieldwork and meet the requirements to sit for the BCBA exam.
As an Independent Fieldwork student, you will graduate with 600 hours of fieldwork. Upon independent completion of the remaining 900 hours of fieldwork, you will meet the requirements to sit for the BCBA exam.
Capstone Project
Through the culminating capstone project, you will demonstrate your competency in applied behavior analysis. This will be completed in conjunction with the in-person fieldwork experience.
Individually or with a group, you will use a single-case design, research-based case study to conduct your project in a clinical or educational setting.
All projects will occur under the direct supervision of an appropriately credentialed behavior analyst. Depending on where you complete your fieldwork experience, you may serve as the direct intervention agent or consultant to complete the case study.
Integrated CBA Learning Modules
To prepare you for the BCBA exam, our online ABA curriculum integrates the CBA Learning Module Series by Behavior Development Solutions (BDS) in the last two terms of the program. You will have access to the modules and BDS learning management system, including practice BCBA tests for a few months after graduation, allowing you to continue preparing for the exam on your own time.
BDS has a money-back guarantee policy for students who do not pass the BCBA exam.
Start Your Path Toward Becoming a Behavior Analyst
Gain hands-on, practical experience through our curriculum.
Online Master of ABA Admission
The University of Dayton School of Education and Health Sciences seeks passionate individuals who have a strong interest in working with those with autism, emotional and behavioral disorders, ADHD, or other types of behavioral health needs.
Your application will be evaluated holistically. It should include the following:
- Online application
- Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Application fee
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
The online ABA program can be completed in as little as two years and offers three start dates per year: September, January and May.
Learn more about application requirements and view upcoming application deadlines.
Online Learning Experience
As an online ABA student, you will become fully immersed in the University of Dayton community while benefiting from the flexibility of online learning. Our advanced learning technologies are designed to support you on your journey toward becoming a behavior analyst.
The online platform enables you to:
Come face-to-face with classmates and faculty in weekly, live HD video classes
Access coursework anytime through the mobile-friendly online classroom
Socialize and network on the virtual campus with ABA professionals across the country
Actively engage in discussions using screen-share and annotation tools
Why Earn a Master
of ABA
Pursuing a career as a board-certified behavior analyst® is both rewarding and promising: You will have the opportunity to give back to your community while joining a rapidly growing field in both the Midwest and across the country.
From 2010 to 2017, the growing demand for BCBAs® increased by approximately 800%.2 A majority of the BCBA® job growth is in the healthcare and educational services industries3, which are related to the skills you will learn in the online master's in applied behavior analysis program from University of Dayton.
Applied Behavior Analyst Jobs
Board certified behavior analysts® often work in organizations such as human service agencies, school districts, hospitals and state-funded programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Behavior analysts can pursue positions such as:
- Behavior coach
- Clinical director
- Behavioral consultant
- Educational consultant
- Organizational consultant
Help Individuals with Behavioral Problems Thrive
Request information to take the next step in your ABA career.
1This statistic includes data from a survey conducted by Behavior Development Solutions in May 2018 with a 90.6% response rate.
2US Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts. Accessed January 2019.
3US Behavior Analyst Workforce. Accessed January 2019.