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.*

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 includes a 42-credit course sequence designed to meet the core competencies as outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®)*, two three-day immersions and an incorporated practicum experience. You may choose to complete the program on a full-time (two years) or part-time basis.

Two Immersions
with at least one in Ohio

Fieldwork Practicum
with placement assistance

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.

View all online ABA program course descriptions

Three-Day Immersions

You will complete two weekend-long, three-day immersion experiences, with at least one 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

Our dedicated placement team will help you find a fieldwork placement at an approved training site where you can gain hands-on applied behavior analysis experience and learn directly from board certified supervisors and mentors.

The 1,500 hours of fieldwork is integrated into the coursework to fulfill the experience requirements of this degree.*

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.

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%.1 A majority of the BCBA® job growth is in the healthcare and educational services industries2, 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

The online ABA program fulfills the requirements and prepares you to sit for the BCBA® exam. 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.

*Review the placement and fieldwork requirements set by the BACB.

1US Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts. Accessed January 2019.

2US Behavior Analyst Workforce. Accessed January 2019.