Accredited Online BCBA Programs & Certification in New York (NY) [2025 ABA Programs]

Are you looking to advance your career in behavior analysis, specifically as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)? Are you struggling to find online programs based in New York that can accommodate your busy schedule? After all, balancing work, personal commitments, and education can be a daunting task.

Fortunately, there are several online BCBA programs available from reputable universities in New York. They offer flexible learning environments that allow you to study when and where it’s most convenient for you, so you can balance your education with your other responsibilities.

best bcba programs online and New York

Online BCBA Programs in New York

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online BCBA programs in New York:

  • Empire State University
  • Capella University
  • Hofstra University
  • Niagra University
  • St. Joseph’s University
  • Purdue Global
  • Russell Sage College
  • Arizona State University Online
  • University of Dayton

Empire State University

Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Empire State University offers you an opportunity to earn your M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) online. This comprehensive and flexible program is designed to equip you with the skills necessary to become a BCBA and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in the state of New York.

As a Behavior Analyst, you will be exploring the intriguing science of human behavior. The unique focus of Empire State University’s ABA program is compassionate behavior change. You will gain real-world experience across a variety of settings such as schools, residential facilities, healthcare organizations, or community venues. You can choose to enroll full-time or part-time, and complete the 41-credit program in as little as four terms or under 1.5 years.

One of the best features of this program is its flexibility. You can complete courses at your own pace, making it easier for you to juggle other personal and professional obligations. Small class sizes and groupings foster a collaborative learning environment. You can opt to join group video calls for study or socializing, scheduled as per the group’s convenience.

All core courses are fully online with no mandatory live class sessions. Your courses will be broken down into one- or two-week modules. Each module includes faculty-recorded lectures, instructional videos, and assignments that you can complete at your convenience within the module’s timeline.

These modules also provide ample opportunities for interaction with your fellow students and faculty through video. In addition, there are optional virtual office hours and meetings with faculty for a more personalized learning experience.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis I and II
  • Single Subject Design and Measurement
  • Functional Behavior Assessment
  • Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Supervision and Staff Training
  • Maintaining Client Records in ABA

The program culminates in a capstone course where you can choose to complete either an experimental thesis or a professional development project, under the guidance of the course instructor and a faculty mentor.

Practicum courses form an essential part of the curriculum. These supervised clinical courses can be completed in various settings and meet the New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst practicum requirements.

And, to ensure your success, the program also incorporates preparation for the BCBA exam right from the start, supplemented with online exam prep tools. So, not only will you receive a comprehensive education, but you’ll also be thoroughly prepared to pass your certification exam.

Hofstra University

Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Hofstra University’s online Master of Science program in Applied Behavior Analysis gives you an opportunity to become a board certified behavior analyst. This 37-credit program could be completed in two years or less, depending on whether you opt for part-time or full-time studies. Keep in mind that you will need to complete additional fieldwork after the program to meet the licensure requirements of New York State.

As a behavior analyst, you will use research-based methods to assess and address challenging behaviors. You will create specific plans to reduce these behaviors and replace them with more positive ones. Behavior analysts also focus on boosting student performance across educational and social-emotional domains.

After graduation, you might find yourself working in various settings like centers, clinics, or homes, especially with adolescents and adults with autism and related disorders. Your main aim would be to help them build functional skills relevant to their needs.

You will design learning plans and behavior intervention strategies based on evidence-backed methods. Consistent data collection and monitoring is a critical aspect of your work. The field of behavior analysis is data-driven and relies on scientifically supported methods to bring about meaningful change.

With growing recognition of this field, there is a rising demand for professionals skilled in applied behavior analysis strategies and treatments. As a BCBA, you will use research-backed functional behavior assessment techniques to work with diverse populations, including areas like education, social/emotional learning, and substance abuse treatments.

Potential employers will value your training in:

  • Identifying environmental factors that lead to challenging behaviors
  • Using data-driven evidence for implementing treatments
  • Training caregivers
  • Aiming to build independence and social/emotional skills

Applied Behavior Analysis can be used in various settings such as:

  • Educational institutions, both public and private
  • Home and community settings where treatment can be incorporated into daily life
  • Clinic-based centers focusing on group or social skills and promoting team collaboration
  • Residential treatment centers

To finish the MS program, you will need to complete a 150-hour practicum managed by the program and the Office of Field Placement. After graduation, you will need to complete more hours to meet the additional requirements for the BCBA and New York State LBA. The BCBA certification requires a total of 2,000 hours, while 1,500 hours are needed for the LBA.

Niagra University

Online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

Niagara University offers an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis online program, designed to prepare you for a career as an applied behavior analyst. The program meets the academic requirements for professional practice as a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of New York.

The online program will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the principles of behavior analysis, research methods, behavioral assessment techniques, and the professional and ethical aspects of behavior analysis. Plus, you will also gain hands-on experience by completing a minimum of 250 hours of supervised practice in applied behavior analysis.

Some of the key courses you will take include:

  • Assessment of Students with Exceptionalities: This course will equip you with various assessment skills needed when working with learners who have disabilities. It also covers the legal, moral, and social issues associated with special education assessment.
  • Nature of Autism: Theory and Practice: This course explores the current understanding of Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, discussing history, characteristics, identification and assessment methods, associated learning styles, strengths and weaknesses, and evidence-based strategies.
  • Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis: This course introduces you to the fundamental concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis, its history, philosophical foundations, and the basics of observing and measuring behavior.
  • Functional Behavior Assessment: Here, you will learn to define target behaviors and design and implement behavior assessments and functional analysis procedures.

The program aims to prepare you to:

  • Provide effective support to individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
  • Analyze and manage changes in individual behavior using a systematic, data-driven approach.
  • Understand how the environment and an individual interact, and how this interaction affects behavior.
  • Teach new skills and behaviors, especially to those with autism spectrum disorders.
  • Explore unique opportunities for education and helping those in need, fostering personal and professional growth.

This program paves the way for diverse career options such as becoming an applied behavior support specialist, assistant applied behavior analyst, ABA technician, behavior consultant, interventionist, program coordinator, or a clinical director.

To successfully complete the program, you will need to maintain a B average in your coursework, pass a comprehensive examination, and successfully complete all practicum and internship placements. Also, you will have to pass all New York state certification exams.

St. Joseph’s University

Applied Behavior Analysis Advanced Certificate

St. Joseph’s University offers an online Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis ABA that allows you to understand the factors influencing human behavior. This program will help you understand how to plan and implement behavioral interventions, teaching functional behavioral skills to people of all ages, from infants to adults.

This certificate program also fulfills the academic requirements for you to take the BCBA examination.

As a licensed behavior analyst, you will have the chance to work with people diagnosed with autism, autism spectrum disorders, or related conditions. You could work in a wide range of public and private settings including schools, homes, day programs, community, residential and vocational training settings, businesses, and human service agencies.

The program includes an optional 6-credit intensive supervised practicum (a total of 750 hours on completion) that fulfills the BCBA experiential requirement. Alternatively, you can complete the program with just the 29 core credits, without opting for the intensive supervised practicum.

The program’s courses, led by a diverse group of qualified faculty, aim to provide rich theoretical knowledge, comprehensive training, practice, evaluation, and supervision in applied behavior analysis, especially as it relates to individuals with autism and related disorders.

To be eligible for the Advanced Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, you must have a master’s degree (with a minimum GPA of 3.0) in behavior analysis, education, psychology, or a related field.

By the end of the program, you will be able to:

  • Clearly define target behaviors and choose the right measurement systems to monitor these behaviors.
  • Design suitable behavior acquisition procedures for a range of skills, including language, academic, and socialization skills.
  • Develop ethical and appropriate behavior reduction procedures for various disruptive behaviors.
  • Use principles in research design to assess and modify the effectiveness of behavior interventions in a systematic way for precise control over environmental variables.
  • Understand and apply the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts across all aspects of behavior analytic services.
  • Use literature in the field of autism and related disorders to make informed decisions about assessments and effective treatments.

top online BCBA programs in New York

How Much Does a BCBA Make in New York?

As of November 2024, the average salary for a BCBA in New York is $128,398 per year. Top earning BCBAs in New York make over $170,000 per year.

The salary of a BCBA in New York can vary widely, indicating that there are likely numerous opportunities for career progression and salary growth depending on your expertise, geographic location, and years of experience.

Can You Become a BCBA Without a Degree?

You cannot become a BCBA without a degree. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which provides BCBA certification, requires that candidates have a graduate certificate, master’s or doctoral degree in behavior analysis from an accredited university.

Is the BCBA Exam Hard?

The difficulty of the BCBA exam can be subjective, as it varies depending on one’s preparation, understanding of the subject matter, and test-taking abilities. The BCBA exam is designed to assess whether you have mastered the content in the BCBA Task List.

The BCBA exam is known to be rigorous and comprehensive, covering a lot of applied behavior analysis material. It includes 160 multiple-choice questions that are evenly spread over the content areas of the BCBA Task List. Questions may involve applied scenarios, requiring you to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than simply recall facts.

Good preparation is key to doing well on the exam. This typically involves completing a comprehensive course of study in ABA, gaining practical experience, and doing focused review and practice specifically for the exam. There are many resources available, including study guides, practice exams, and review courses, that can help you prepare.

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