[2024] Accredited Online ABA Master's Programs in Texas

Do you feel puzzled by the prospect of navigating the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and becoming a BCBA while residing in Texas? Are you eager to further your education but feel constrained by the lack of flexibility in traditional on-campus master’s and certificate programs? If so, then you are not alone, and there’s a solution to your problem.

Online ABA/BCBA master’s and certificate programs in Texas are designed to address your concerns. These programs offer the high-quality education you are seeking, tailored to fit into your busy schedule. And the best part? You can access these online ABA programs from the comfort of your home or anywhere else, given that everything is completely online.

Best Accredited ABA Master's and BCBA Programs in Texas

Online ABA Master’s Programs in Texas

Here is a list of some of the popular schools offering online ABA/BCBA master’s in Texas:

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
St. Edward’s University
Texas Tech University
University of North Texas
Texas A&M University
The University of Cincinnati Online
Purdue Global

St. Edward’s University

Online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis

If you are interested in supporting individuals with autism by understanding and assisting in modifying their behavior, the online Master of Education – Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Edward’s University might be just what you are looking for. This program not only builds your understanding of behavior analysis but also prepares you for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Exam with practical clinical experience.

The entire 30-credit program can be completed in 21 months, even if you are working full-time. The course structure is designed for convenience with 7-week accelerated online classes, each taken sequentially.

By pursuing your online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis, you will develop:

A deep-rooted understanding of the practical applications of behavior analysis principles.
Proficiency in research methods, including data analysis, measurement principles, and experimental design.
The skill to identify changes in client behavior and the methods to bring about positive changes.
The ability to conceptualize, analyze, and put into action effective behavior analysis programs.
Advanced knowledge of the ethical and professional conduct grounded in theoretical foundations.

The demand for BCBAs has increased significantly in recent years. With this advanced degree, you may be a top candidate for jobs in K-12 schools and other professional environments that serve students with developmental and behavioral disorders.

During the program, you will enroll in various core courses, including:

Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
Child Development: A Behavioral Systems Approach
Behavior Research Methods
Organizational Behavior Management
Ethical Issues and Professional Standards in Applied Behavior Analysis

To be eligible for this online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

Texas Tech University

Applied Behavior Analysis – M.Ed.

The online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Texas Tech University allows to improve your professionals skills from anywhere in the world. The university accept around 20 students each semester in the Fall and Spring.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the program’s courses meet the coursework requirements needed to take the BCBA exam. However, you will need to fulfill some additional requirements before you are eligible to take the exam. As a student in this program, you will get plenty of opportunities to develop advanced skills in Applied Behavior Analysis.

During the program, you will enroll in various ABA courses, including:

Concepts and Principles of ABA
Behavior Change Procedures
Single-subject Designs in ABA
Ethical and Professional Conduct
Philosophical Underpinnings of ABA
Behavior Analytic Supervision and Management of Personnel

Once you have graduated, you might work as a consultant for individuals, schools, or organizations like child welfare organizations and residential treatment programs. Your goal in these roles will be to improve the skills, performance, and overall quality of life for the children or adults you work with.

You could also choose to work with specific groups of people, such as those with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, traumatic head injuries, mental health issues, young children, or elderly people.

Texas Tech only admit students to start their coursework in the Fall and Spring semesters. If you want to start in the Fall, you must submit your complete application by August 1. For Spring admissions, the deadline is December 1.

Here’s what you need to apply for the ABA program:

A GPA of 3.0 or better from your bachelor’s or most recent graduate coursework.
Two letters of recommendation from professionals (ideally a BCBA or a behavior therapist).
Applied experience in behavior analysis or providing behavior services, which should be shown in your resume.

University of North Texas

Online MA in Applied Behavior Analysis

At the University of North Texas, you can pursue an online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to make a difference in the field of behavior analysis.

This program is highly flexible, giving you the freedom to take anywhere from one to four classes each semester, based on what fits your schedule best. The entire course load is available online and is offered every semester. Plus, this program provides you with the coursework needed for the BCBA certification.

Throughout your studies, you will explore:

The fundamentals of behavior analysis science, including the principles that guide behavior changes.
Comprehensive assessment techniques for environmental factors, skills, and problem behaviors.
Evidence-supported intervention methods that are socially accepted and derived from experimental studies.
Ethical decision-making processes that consider cultural factors in a fast-changing professional environment.
Behavioral strategies specifically designed for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Best practices for training staff based on evidence in the field of behavioral practice.

By earning your online MA in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, you may open doors to a variety of professional opportunities. You could find yourself working with:

Children diagnosed with autism.
Employees in big businesses or government agencies.
Patients in medical facilities.
Individuals who have developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Students in different educational settings.

The ABAI has verified that this program’s courses meet the educational requirements needed to take the BCBA examination. However, to be eligible to take the BCBA examination, there are additional requirements you must fulfill, including gaining a certain amount of supervised hours, which you will need to arrange separately.

Texas A&M University

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Graduate Certificate

Texas A&M provides the necessary courses you need to take the BCBA exam. There are seven online courses in applied behavior analysis (ABA) graduate certificate, all approved by the BACB. You can take these courses as part of the ABA certificate, even if you don’t plan on becoming a certified ABA therapist.

During the program, it’s expected that you keep up good academic standing by maintaining your grade point average and enrolling continuously. Even though not every course requires it to the same degree, you should be able to share your knowledge through various forms of writing like papers, reports, and articles.

Since the ABA graduate certificate program is completely online, you need to have constant access to the necessary technology and a high-speed internet connection. You will also need to be comfortable using online course management systems and other online tools.

In Texas, the state doesn’t specify educational requirements for BCBA licensure. Instead, it requires current certification by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). This program’s curriculum satisfies the BACB’s educational requirements for certification as a board-certified behavior analyst, but it doesn’t cover the experience component of the certification requirements.

Here are some key things about the program:

All courses are online, so you will need a desktop or laptop computer to participate.
Classes are held in the evening, usually starting at 5:30pm.
All students on the certificate track start in the second summer session.
Courses are taken one after the other, and the first year’s courses are prerequisites for the second year.
The complete ABA Certificate requires 21 credits, with each course being worth 3 credits.
You should expect to participate in course activities online.

The University of Cincinnati Online

Online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

The online Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at the University of Cincinnati is all about understanding how people behave. The goal of the course is to help you learn ways to foster positive social skills and enhance the quality of life for individuals who are dealing with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and other conditions.

The program provides a strong foundation in ABA, psychology, and education, all of which will be beneficial in various contexts such as schools, agencies, and beyond. Course sequence of the program is verified by the ABAI, meaning it’s in accordance with the requirements set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This prepares you for the BCBA exam, provided you also fulfill the supervision requirements.

In the ABA master’s program, you will learn the essential skills to help people with behavioral and learning challenges. These skills can be used in various settings such as clinics, schools, residential facilities, and homes.

As part of this ABA master’s program, you will be trained to guide and educate individuals diagnosed with a range of conditions like autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment, anxiety, eating and feeding disorders, mood disorders, and substance abuse.

Upon graduation, your degree will be issued by the University of Cincinnati, and this will be noted on your transcripts and degree.

To be considered for this program, you will need:

A Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a related field, from a university that’s recognized regionally.
A GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) or above from your recent undergraduate degree.
A detailed resume or CV.
Copies of your academic transcripts.
A statement of your goals.
Two letters of recommendation.

Are Online BCBA Programs in Texas Accredited?

Yes, many online BCBA programs in Texas are accredited, including the programs mentioned in this article.

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) accredits BCBA programs that meet their specific criteria and standards. These accredited programs ensure that you are receiving a high-quality education that prepares you for the BCBA examination and professional practice in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

How Do I Become a BCBA in Texas?

To become a BCBA in Texas, you must:

Hold a master’s degree.
Have completed the required ABA course sequence.
Have completed the required number of supervised work hours.
Pass the BCBA examination

How Much Does a BCBA Earn in Texas?

As of January 2024, the average salary for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Texas is $76,169 per year. Top earning BCBAs in Texas earn well over $90,000 per year. Based on the average annual salary, the highest paying cities for BCBAs in Texas are:

Houston, TX: $83,213
Sugar Land, TX: $81,205
Cypress, TX: $78,590
Dallas, TX: $78,191
Hebron, TX: $77,991

Online ABA Master’s and Certification Programs in Texas – Accredited BCBA Programs