2023 Best Master’s in Behavioral Psychology Programs
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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student/teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.
Do you want to acquire a master’s in behavioral psychology, but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best master’s in behavioral psychology programs.
What institution did we forget? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Northeastern University has continuously climbed in the ratings year after year. The institution’s distinctive approach to education and research is built on the values of experiential learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Learners from around the world can obtain an online master of science in applied behavior analysis from Northeastern’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences.
Most learners finish this degree program in two years. All learners must also finish a professional portfolio as their capstone project. They may choose to finish this 30 credit-hour degree program as a full-time or part-time learner.
Graduates of this degree program will be fit to assist children and adults with autism and other disabilities. The applied behavior analysis degree program prepares learners for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The cost of this degree program is $1,054 per semester hour. Northeastern has plenty of financial aid and scholarship opportunities for people who need financial support.
USF is a public research institution. Established in 1956, the university continues to grow, boasting 14 colleges and over 180 majors from which learners can select. Learners can pursue the fully online master of arts in applied behavior analysis. This degree program, offered by the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, will get learners ready to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst exam.
This degree program enables graduate learners to study and take classes from anywhere in the world. All graduate learners must also finish 1,000 hours of supervised practicum experience to obtain their degree. The University of South Florida is rated among the nation’s top institutions.
Established in 1851, FSU is the oldest continuous site of higher education in the state of Florida; over 41,000 learners call Florida State University home. With more than350 degree programs (including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, specialist, and professional degrees) and six Nobel Laureates on the faculty, there is no shortage of opportunities at FSU. Learners can earn degrees online, including an online learning and cognition MS degree program.
This 33-credit degree program can be finished in as little as two years. While this degree program is offered online, if learners are interested in the thesis path, they will have to take classes face-to-face. Online classes at Florida State offer engaging lectures, interactive learning, and smaller classes with ample mentoring. With 16 colleges and tons of focused programs, it’s no wonder that FSU is frequently rated among the best institutions.
Simmons University was established in 1899 as a private undergraduate women’s college. Today, Simmons has graduate professional programs to both women and men in areas of health studies, management, social work, and more. Interested learners can pursue an online master of science in behavior analysis, which prepares them to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.
Unlike other online programs, Simmons University has weekly, live face-to-face classes where you will have the chance to interact with fellow learners. In this 19-month master’s degree program, each class is made up of about 15 learners. All learners are required to finish a two-term intensive practicum. Learners will finish a total of 750 work hours over this period, which fulfills the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s requirements for completion of supervision under the “Intensive Practicum” category. Learners in this degree program will also benefit from both group mentoring and individual mentoring.
This state-run institution is home to over 5,000 learners. The university has teamed up with Southern Oregon University to offer a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis and autism spectrum disorder. This unique degree program has the best of not one, but two institutions. All graduates will obtain a master degree in education from Southern Oregon University and a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis from Oregon Institute of Technology. Graduate learners can finish this degree program in as little as one year. By the end of the degree program, they will also be prepared to take the national exam to become a certified behavior analyst.
The Oregon Institute of Technology offers Oregon’s only master’s degree in applied behavior analysis. With a holistic class schedule and reasonably priced tuition rates, it’s no wonder that many learners select Oregon Tech for their degrees.
Established in 1891, this private research institution is rated among the Top 100 in the United States and is one of America’s 15 largest private Universities. With more than 20,000 learners and numerous degree choices, Drexel is an excellent place for learners to further their education. Especially notable is Drexel’s online master’s in applied behavior analysis.
This online degree program is structured into four 10-week quarters per year. All learners must finish a total of 45 credits. All graduate learners must also select from one of two concentrations: autism spectrum disorders concentration or the practicum concentration. Learners who select the practicum concentration may finish the degree program with 750 practicum hours.
Drexel Online also has a one-of-a-kind dual master’s degree program in applied behavior analysis and special education. This degree program is also offered via Drexel’s highly regarded A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. Learners benefit from the same faculty, coursework, and degree as Drexel’s on-campus degree program.
This state research institution has five locations across Phoenix and four other learning centers in Arizona. ASU over 70,000 learners and is a hub of innovators and go-getters. Interested learners can pursue an online master of education in coursework and instruction: applied behavior analysis. The degree program is offered via ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Each class in this degree program lasts 7.5 weeks. Learners will take 10 classes for a total of 30 credit hours.
Interested learners may pursue an online master of science in applied behavior analysis and autism via the Esteves School of Education. This 42-credit degree program includes an optional behavior analyst certification board-endorsed class sequence. Graduate learners may also select whether to take a thesis sequence. Upon completion of this degree program, learners will be prepared to take the national examination to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Not only is this degree program reasonably priced, but it’s also convenient. In fact, both the practicum and non-practicum path options take just five semesters to finish.
The University of West Florida is home to over 10,000 learners. Established in 1963, UWF has many traditions and over 150 learner clubs and organizations. The College of Education and Professional Studies has a holistic MA in exceptional learner education. The degree program has concentrations in special and alternative education and applied behavior analysis.
Learners in this degree program must finish a Department of Teacher Education and Educational Leadership core along with an educational investigative sequence. All learners must also finish a cognate degree program of at least 15 semester hours. Areas of study consist of special education, exceptional and alternative educational studies, applied behavior analysis, and applied behavior analysis intensive.
The University of Kansas is home to over 28,000 learners who pursue an array of studies; the university is known for its adaptable programs and affordability. The institution awards over $200 million in financial aid each year. Interested learners can pursue an online MA in applied behavioral science offered by the Department of Applied Behavioral Science. This degree program incorporates both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Graduate learners must also carry out, write, and orally defend an empirically based thesis.
Online classes at the University of Kansas offer all the same benefits as taking classes on campus, with the flexibility to finish them from anywhere in the world! Learners will be required to join once-weekly “live” virtual classroom discussions with professors, along with participating in online quizzes and readings. Other classes will be taught via recorded video and audio lectures.
Florida Tech is rated among the nation’s top technical institutes. In fact, learners from more than 100 countries apply to this prominent institute. The school has an online MA in professional behavior analysis.
This unique online degree program includes a required one-year practicum component in collaboration with ABA service agencies across the country. Learners in this degree program can earn their degree in as little as two years. Learners who obtain their degrees online are still welcome to join the on-campus commencement.
Originally established as a branch of the University of Virginia, George Mason University is home to nearly 34,000 learners. Consistently rated as one of the best institutions in the nation, George Mason has plenty of unique degree options, including an online master of education in special education.
Offered via Mason’s College of Education and Human Development, this degree program requires completion of 30 credits. All learners must also select from one of two focused certificate paths: applied behavior analysis certificate or autism spectrum disorders certificate. George Mason’s online degree program is part-time, making it perfect for working professionals and busy families.
Most classes for GMU’s online MEd in special education are offered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. The cost of this degree program is $775 per credit hour. The institution also has many scholarships, along with financial aid and tuition waivers for people who qualify.
This state-run institution is home nearly 12,000 learners. Southeast Missouri State University has more than 145 undergraduate majors, 100 minors, and more than 75 graduate programs. Learners can take advantage of all this institution has to offer in an online setting. The school offers a reasonably priced online master of arts in applied behavior analysis.
This 42-credit degree program includes 24 credit hours of classwork and 18 credit hours of intensive university practicum. Most learners earn their degrees in just two years.
This degree program is based on a cohort model, meaning you will take classes with the same group of learners during your studies. Though online, you will be able to engage and interact with fellow graduates, along with your professors. Southeast Missouri State University is recognized for its scholarly excellence.
By obtaining an online master of science degree in applied behavior analysis from Bay Path, learners can pursue all of their career objectives. Learners at Bay Path University can select to finish one of three degree program options, including a 36-credit MS in applied behavior analysis, a 39-credit EdS in applied behavior analysis/applied research focus, or a 45-credit MS in applied behavior analysis/autism spectrum disorders. This five-semester degree program is perfect for people who wish to take the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst examination. At Bay Path University, online classes can be finished on either a part-time or full-time schedule.
The University of Cincinnati is a state research institution with an enrollment of nearly 44,000 learners. The institution has been named among the top tier of the Best National Universities. The university has a holistic online master of education in foundations in behavior analysis. This degree program is made up of 10 classes, each lasting 15 weeks.
