Applied Behavior Analysis
Master's
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is an innovative degree program that brings you the skills, knowledge, and industry-aligned experience to advance as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA).
Program overview
Expertise in behavior analysis
The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program fulfills the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for pursuing BCBA pathway 2 eligibility.
This program prepares graduates to become behavior analysts, serving in supervisory and consultant roles within schools, agencies, hospitals, and other organizations that seek to apply behavioral science to improve socially significant behaviors.
You’ll complete 30 semester hours, gain practical experience through experiential learning courses, and complete a scholarly project that reflects your topic of interest. Students are provided with the option of additional coursework to gain hours toward supervised fieldwork experience required by the Behavioral Analysis Certification Board (BACB).
The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program fulfills the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for pursuing BCBA pathway 2 eligibility.
This program prepares graduates to become behavior analysts, serving in supervisory and consultant roles within schools, agencies, hospitals, and other organizations that seek to apply behavioral science to improve socially significant behaviors.
You’ll complete 30 semester hours, gain practical experience through experiential learning courses, and complete a scholarly project that reflects your topic of interest. Students are provided with the option of additional coursework to gain hours toward supervised fieldwork experience required by the Behavioral Analysis Certification Board (BACB).
- Primarily asynchronous with occasional synchronous meetings allows students to complete their degree in a way that works for their life and commitments.
- Choose how to accrue your fieldwork hours as required by the BACB.
- Study at one of the first universities to offer a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis.
- Learn from faculty and leaders with influential articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and extensive ongoing clinical experience.
- This program offers the flexibility to apply understanding of behavior principles in areas not typically included in behavior analysis curricula, including sustainability, gerontology, and health and fitness. You can also add optional coursework in building supervisory skills.
- In conjunction with the experiential learning classes, students complete a scholarly project across two semesters in which they either develop and complete a research project or a literature review of a topic of importance in the field of applied behavior analysis.
- Build a professional network that allows you to continue your development with colleagues working in leadership positions around the globe.
The experiential learning courses that are required for matriculation can also be applied toward the BACB requirement for concentrated supervised fieldwork. Students can take practicum courses that would also apply toward this requirement.
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Fall Term
| Admissions Deadline | |
| Fall | August 1 |
Spring Term
| Admissions Deadline | |
| Spring | December 1 |
Application
Application fee
Two letters of recommendation
Transcripts from all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
Transcripts from outside of the U.S. will require a course-by-course evaluation from WES or ECE
Personal statement
Resumé
TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
Program objectives
Prepare for success
This program was designed to prepare students to employ the principles and procedures derived from research to create meaningful change in the lives of their clients.
Study includes how behavior is affected by one’s environment, positive and negative reinforcement of behaviors, skill acquisition, and complex learning challenges.
Advanced courses build upon this foundation, preparing graduates to address the most complex behavior problems and learning challenges.
Learn to work ethically, collaboratively, and compassionately while maintaining scientific rigor.
Watch and learn
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$43,170Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidProject INTEGRATE is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. To apply, you must first be accepted to the program and submit your application by May 1. Learn more about Project Integrate.
Your education, your way
Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.
#8
Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
53.5%
Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses
(NCES, 2022)
97%
Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education
(BestColleges, 2024)
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