Online MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis: FAQs

The Program is an approved Verified Course Sequence (VCS) by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The ABAI has verified Arcadia's core ABA courses toward the subject requirements needed for eligibility to take the BCBA® or BCaBA® examinations. (Note: applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.)

Please note, the VCS system is retiring in 2025. Beginning Fall 2024, Arcadia University’s program will remain a verified course sequence, but will also align to the newest ABAI requirements that will replace the VCS system. Arcadia is also pursuing ABAI accreditation to stay ahead of the newest industry standards for ABA education.

In 2021, the Applied Behavior Analysis Program Guide recognized Arcadia for offering one of the top 20 online ABA master's degree programs. Additionally, The Princeton Review has ranked Arcadia one of the "Best in the Northeast" for seven consecutive years.

In most cases, entrance exams are not required for admission to this master's degree program. However, students who hold a BA or BS degree in education and are seeking an initial teaching certification (Instructional I) must submit passing scores from a provider of one of the approved basic skills assessment tests: PAPA, CORE, SAT, or ACT. You can learn additional requirements on our admissions page.

No, MAT/GRE scores are not required for admission to this master's degree program. You can learn more about how to apply on our admissions page.

The first step is to start your application. Learn more by visiting our admissions page.

No, prior work experience is not required to join this master's degree program. You can learn about additional program requirements on our admissions page.

Yes, this master's degree program accepts up to six transfer credits for the foundation course requirements. However, transfer credits are not accepted for the ABA concentration courses. You can learn about additional program requirements on our admissions page.

You can transfer up to six transfer credits for the foundation course requirements for this master's degree program. However, transfer credits are not accepted for the ABA concentration courses. You can learn about the other program requirements on our admissions page.

Arcadia University accepts applications throughout the year, and you can begin classes in the spring, summer, or fall. To learn more about the requirements for this master's degree program, visit our admissions page.

You will need a GPA of 3.0 to apply to the ABA program. To learn more about the program requirements, visit our admissions page.

The basic requirements for admission to the online ABA program include:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts from each college, university or professional school attended
• If applying for an add-on certification program, provide proof of Pennsylvania teaching certificates. A teaching license is not required.
• Students who hold a BA or BS degree in education and are seeking an initial teaching certification (Instructional I) must submit passing scores from a provider of one of the approved basic skills assessment tests: PAPA, CORE, SAT, or ACT
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Resume
• $0 application fee

For more details, visit our admissions page.

You can begin seeking this master's degree in the spring, summer, or fall.

We do not currently offer a virtual open house for the ABA program. Check back soon for the next opportunity to attend.

Those who hold a Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis often pursue BCBA or BCBA-D certification to qualify for behavior analysis roles. Impressively, the employment of these professionals grew by nearly 5,900% from 2010 to 2021, according to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®. Learn more about your career options by visiting our careers page.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified Arcadia's courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Verified Course Sequence pass-rate information is published annually and available from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®.

Arcadia’s program aligns with requirements for students from Canada (excluding Ontario), England, the Virgin Islands, Australia, and every state in the United States except New York.

It is important to note that completing Arcadia's program DOES NOT mean you receive your BCBA certification. In order for students to become a board certified behavior analyst, you must complete the required coursework hours, request coursework attestation, accrue 2000 supervised fieldwork hours, and pass the exam administered by BACB.

You will complete 33 credits to earn the Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis. To help you finish faster, we accept up to six credits for the foundation courses. Learn about the courses you will take on the curriculum page.

You will complete 13 courses to earn the Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis. Learn about the courses you will take on the curriculum page.

Applied Behavior Analysis is a concentration within Arcadia University's Master of Education program. You also have the option to seek a Graduate Certificate in Autism while pursuing this degree.

You will follow a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis while completing this Master of Education program.

While we offer this master's degree program in an asynchronous format, some elective courses follow a cohort model. You will have the option to attend live classes every few weeks to engage with your faculty and peers.

You will complete each ABA course online, a format that allows you to study in the times and locations that work best. As such, you will not need to visit campus to complete this program.

This master's degree program also includes 2,000 practicum hours, and you can meet this requirement where you currently work.

No, the ABA program does not have an on-campus residency requirement. You will complete 2,000 practicum hours, with the option to meet this requirement where you currently work.

You will complete 2,000 practicum hours, with the option to meet this requirement where you currently work.

Our program director, Dr. Sarah B. Woldoff, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychological evaluations. The remaining faculty members are adjuncts with clinical backgrounds who have been with Arcadia University for as many as 10 years.

Our program director, Dr. Sarah B. Woldoff, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychological evaluations. The remaining faculty members are adjuncts with clinical backgrounds who have been with Arcadia University for as many as 10 years.

Arcadia University has offered the MEd in ABA program online since 2012.

You can complete the ABA program in as few as 18 months. To learn more about the curriculum, visit our courses page.

We designed the ABA program for working professionals with busy lives. So, if something interrupts your course of study, you do not have to worry about losing credit for completed courses. To see the curriculum, visit our courses page.

Yes. We designed the online ABA program for maximum flexibility, with the option to study full time if you have the time to do so successfully. Please visit our courses page to review the curriculum.

Yes. We designed the online ABA program for professionals to take classes part time. Studying full-time, students take at least two classes each semester, which are 15 weeks in the Fall and Spring and 12 weeks in the Summer. This allows you to achieve a realistic balance between work, school, and personal responsibilities. To review the curriculum, visit our courses page.

The tuition for the online ABA program is $750 per credit hour. You will need to complete 33 credit hours for a total tuition of $24,750. Learn more by visiting the tuition page.

Currently, Arcadia University does not offer scholarships for the online ABA program. Please consider the following options regarding finances:

• Complete the FAFSA® to determine financial aid eligibility. Arcadia's FAFSA code is 003235.
• View lender information.

The total tuition for this master's degree program is $24,750. You will need to complete 33 credit hours at $750 per credit hour. Learn more by visiting the tuition page.

There is no application fee for Arcadia's online MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis program. After enrollment, you may incur other costs beyond tuition, including technology and graduate fees. You can learn more about this on our program's tuition page.