Applied Behavior Analysis MS

The ABA MS at Saint Joseph’s University allows working professionals to complete the coursework required to take the BCBA exam without putting their life on hold. All courses are offered 100% online and supervision hours are provided through a unique clinical practice course. With engaging online learning opportunities and a dedicated faculty, individuals who want to advance in their career track or switch fields can both meet their goals and succeed through this program.

Saint Joseph’s also offers a 24-credit online graduate certificate in ABA — a valuable credential for professionals in the education, criminal justice, mental health services and human resource development fields.

Through Saint Joseph’s 4+1 program, current Saint Joseph's University undergraduate students who are completing a BS in autism behavioral studies or psychology can also begin earning credits towards an MS in ABA, allowing them to earn a master’s degree in just one additional year. Students interested in this option must apply to the graduate program in their junior year and be conditionally accepted before they complete their bachelor's degree. If you have taken ABA courses from a previous task list and need to complete bridge courses, please contact the ABA Program Director for further guidance.

As an online ABA student at Saint Joseph’s, you’ll learn how to use data-driven methodologies to effectively analyze and guide positive change in human behavior. Our program, taught by expert faculty, is unique because it emphasizes Ignatian pedagogical principles with the use of behaviorally based teaching strategies and opportunities for reflection, including interteaching, interactive practice and guest lectures.

We offer optional supervised fieldwork experience, which is required to apply for BCBA certification. Additionally, one of the BACB members who developed the certification exam questions is an online faculty member at Saint Joseph’s, meaning your behavior analysis education will come directly from those who are at the cutting edge of this emerging discipline.

Saint Joseph's faculty are experts in their fields, bringing theory, practice and relevance to the classroom. Our small, dynamic classes allow for discussion, reflection and collaboration.

We’ve designed our synchronous, online ABA MS program for the working professional. Flexibility and choice are built-in so you can balance work, family and all the other commitments of a busy life.

To be considered for admission you must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and have earned an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

• Apply online.
• Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
• Submit a personal statement.
• Submit resume.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.

Visit our Graduate Admission Information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application.

Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. New students may enroll in courses during the fall, spring and summer semesters. 

Start terms: 

• Fall: August
• Spring: January
• Summer: May

If you’re applying as an international student, you must provide proof of English Language Proficiency and Certification of Finances along with your application. Check the Graduate Admission page for additional requirements.

View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

Affordable tuition options start at $1,080 per credit.*

*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page or contact us for more information.

Financial aid may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.

Discount Eligibility

Have you completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount.

Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.

Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs. 

Note: discounts cannot be combined.

Saint Joseph's is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits.

Saint Joseph’s University is approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, that assesses institutions for the highest available form of accreditation.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022: 

• Psychologists earned a median annual salary of $85,330
• Speech-language pathologists earned a median annual salary of $84,140 
• Social workers earned a median annual salary of $55,350

According to Psychology Today, Applied Behavior Analysis is used to help individuals with autism improve social interactions, learn new skills and maintain positive behaviors.