Prepare to Practice Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) With Pepperdine’s Online Master’s

Gain a thorough understanding of applied behavior analysis techniques to support meaningful behavior change.

  • Prepare to pursue BCBA certification — Coursework is designed to meet the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for the BCBA/BCaBA Pathway 2 eligibility route (additional requirements apply).
  • Complete in 12–15 months — Flexible program pacing helps you prepare to support children and adults across a range of professional settings.
  • No GRE required — Applicants are evaluated holistically based on experience, potential, and readiness beyond test scores.

12–15 Months

to complete

30 Units

total coursework

Flexible

study options

6 Units

supervised field practicum

About the Applied Behavior Analysis Program

The online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology provides academic and applied training for individuals who plan to work in behavior analysis.

4–5

Sessions

WSCUC

Accredited

As a student, you will develop a deep understanding of behavioral science principles and evidence-based techniques used to recognize, assess, and support meaningful behavior change.

Featuring online coursework that incorporates both synchronous and asynchronous components, the program helps you build skills to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds across a variety of settings, including:

  • Education
  • Developmental disability services
  • Autism support services
  • Rehabilitation settings
  • Organizational and workplace environments

Through the curriculum, you will develop knowledge and skills in:

  • Applied behavior analysis principles and concepts
  • Behavioral assessment procedures
  • Intervention design and implementation
  • Organizational behavior management
  • Data-informed behavior change strategies
  • Supporting adaptive skill development across diverse populations

The curriculum is designed to help you support individuals in developing adaptive skills for improved functioning across educational, family, social, and occupational settings.

As a student, you will also gain in-person experience under BCBA supervision at approved clinical sites through practicum coursework, where you will discuss clinical cases, receive feedback, and begin applying ABA principles in practice.

Once you graduate from the ABA online program and complete all necessary experience hours, you may be eligible to sit for the BCBA examination.

Pepperdine is proud to offer this program designed to meet the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for those pursuing the BCBA/BCaBA pathway 2 eligibility route to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

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Accreditation & Certification Pathway

Pepperdine University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Program highlights:

Designed to support students pursuing the BCBA/BCaBA Pathway 2 eligibility route

Includes supervised practicum experiences that allow students to begin accruing BCBA fieldwork hours

Provides the academic foundation and a portion of the supervised experience required for BCBA certification

The program combines graduate-level coursework with supervised practicum experiences to help students develop foundational knowledge and applied behavior analysis skills.

Because BCBA certification requirements extend beyond academic coursework, most students will need to complete additional supervised fieldwork hours after graduation before becoming eligible to apply for the BCBA examination.

In some states, professionals practicing applied behavior analysis must obtain state licensure in addition to BCBA certification. Licensure requirements vary by state and may include additional examinations, supervised experience, or application requirements beyond certification.

Requirements for BCBA certification and state licensure may change over time and vary by location. Students are responsible for reviewing current Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements and the regulations in the state where they intend to practice.

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BCBA Certification Requirements

To become eligible for BCBA certification, candidates must complete several requirements established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Pepperdine’s online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed to support students through key steps of that process.

BCBA RequirementHow This Program Supports You
Earn a qualifying graduate degree
Complete Pepperdine’s 30-unit Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Complete behavior-analytic coursework
The curriculum is designed to meet the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for students pursuing the BCBA/BCaBA Pathway 2 eligibility route.
Accrue supervised fieldwork hours
Students complete supervised practicum experiences during the program and receive placement support. Additional fieldwork hours are typically required after graduation to meet full BCBA certification requirements.
Apply for and pass the BCBA examination
Coursework is designed to build the knowledge and competencies assessed through the BCBA certification process.

Certification requirements may change over time. Students should review current Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) requirements and consult with an enrollment advisor before enrolling.

What Does a Behavior Analyst Do?

Behavior analysts use evidence-based methods to understand and improve behavior across a range of settings.

They may work with individuals who need support with:

  • Communication and social development
  • Learning and behavioral challenges
  • Adaptive functioning and independence
  • Performance and behavior change

In practice, behavior analysts:

  • Assess and analyze behavioral patterns
  • Design and implement intervention strategies
  • Use data to measure progress and outcomes
  • Adjust approaches to improve long-term results

Who This Program Is For

This program is designed for individuals who:

  • Want to pursue BCBA certification and are currently working in behavior analysis
  • Are interested in applying behavioral science in clinical, educational, or organizational settings
  • Are transitioning into the field from another discipline
  • Prefer flexible, online learning combined with supervised practical experience
  • Are seeking a structured pathway into applied behavior analysis

Applicants from a range of academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Admissions Overview

Pepperdine’s online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program uses a holistic admissions process designed to evaluate each applicant’s academic background, professional potential, and readiness for graduate-level study.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. A background in psychology or behavior analysis is not required.

Application materials may include:

  • Completed online application
  • Academic transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation

The program does not currently require GRE scores for admission.

Students may apply from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, including education, psychology, healthcare, human services, business, and related fields.

Additional admissions highlights include:

  • Multiple start dates throughout the year
  • Rolling admissions process
  • Flexible, online learning format
  • Enrollment support throughout the application process

Prospective students are encouraged to speak with an enrollment specialist to review eligibility requirements, timelines, and next steps.

For the most current admissions criteria, required materials, and application guidance, review the detailed application requirements.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for Pepperdine’s online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program is charged on a per-unit basis. Total program costs may vary depending on the number of units completed, transfer credit eligibility, and any applicable fees.

You will need to complete 30 units to graduate. To better understand the total cost of your degree, use Pepperdine’s Tuition Calculator to estimate tuition and program expenses.

Financial aid opportunities may be available to eligible students. Depending on your circumstances, funding options may include military education benefits, employer tuition assistance, federal student loans, private loans, scholarships, and other forms of financial support.

For the most current tuition rates, fees, and financial aid information, visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

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Curriculum and Learning Experience

The online ABA program combines graduate-level coursework with supervised practical training designed to help students build both foundational knowledge and applied behavior-analytic skills. Students learn how evidence-based applied behavior analysis techniques are used to assess behavior, support skill development, and encourage meaningful behavior change across a variety of settings.

Program Overview

30

Units

12–15

Months

Flexible

Study Options

165+

Practicum Hours

Skills You Will Develop

As you move through the online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, you will build practical skills used in behavior analysis, client support, and organizational settings.

  • Treatment planning — Develop strategies that support meaningful behavior change and client progress.
  • Case management — Coordinate care, monitor progress, and support clients across service settings.
  • Human development — Understand how developmental needs influence behavior, learning, and intervention planning.
  • Data collection — Gather and interpret behavioral data to guide decisions and measure outcomes.
  • Employee training — Apply ABA principles to support staff development, performance, and organizational behavior management.

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Assess and interpret behavior using evidence-based frameworks
  • Design and implement behavior intervention plans
  • Apply ABA principles across clinical and organizational settings
  • Evaluate outcomes and refine interventions using data
  • Support individuals in developing functional and independent skills

Program Structure and Pacing

You will complete 30 units of coursework, typically equivalent to approximately 10 courses, delivered across multiple academic sessions.

  • Full-time and part-time study options available
  • Program duration typically ranges from 12–15 months, depending on pacing
  • Students may extend their timeline based on course load and scheduling needs
  • Coursework is delivered online with a combination of live and asynchronous components
  • Four intake periods per year (January, April, July, and October)

Coursework follows a defined sequence that builds knowledge and applied skills over time. You will progress from foundational principles and behavioral assessment to intervention design, ethical practice, multicultural applications, organizational behavior management, and supervised practicum experiences before moving into advanced applied learning.

Featured Courses and Areas of Study

The curriculum is designed to help you build both foundational and advanced competencies in applied behavior analysis while preparing for supervised practice and BCBA certification pathways.

Courses include:

From foundational principles and behavioral assessment to intervention planning, ethics, supervision, and data-informed practice, the curriculum is designed to prepare you for applied behavior analysis across diverse professional settings. Explore the Course Catalog and review a Sample Curriculum Sequence to see how courses are structured throughout the program.

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Certification

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Curriculum

Clinical Training

Faculty

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FAQs

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Clinical Training

Supervised Practicum Experience

Clinical training provides the opportunity to apply what you learn in real-world settings under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and focuses on developing your skills through mentorship.

Through practicum experiences, you will:

  • Work directly with clients in applied settings
  • Develop assessment and intervention skills
  • Build confidence in professional decision-making

Most students complete a portion of required fieldwork hours during the program and continue accruing supervised experience after graduation to meet BCBA certification requirements.

How Clinical Training Works

Practicum is completed in person at approved sites within your community

Pepperdine provides a placement support team to guide your search

Students are responsible for applying to and securing placements

Existing roles in ABA settings may qualify if requirements are met

You must complete a minimum of 20 hours per month of supervised clinical training during practicum courses (approximately 165 hours across three terms). Additional fieldwork hours are often required after completing the program to meet full BCBA certification requirements.

While some practicum sites or employers may prefer or require Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credentials for certain roles, students may complete qualifying supervised experience in a variety of approved applied behavior analysis settings.

Learn more about practicum expectations, fieldwork requirements, and supervised experience in the MSABA Field Hours FAQ.

What You Will Gain

Through supervised practicum experiences, you will begin applying behavior analysis in real-world professional environments while developing the practical skills required for continued fieldwork and certification pathways.

As you progress through clinical training, you may gain experience in:

  • Conducting behavioral observations and assessments
  • Supporting behavior intervention planning and implementation
  • Collecting and interpreting behavioral data
  • Communicating with clients, families, supervisors, and interdisciplinary teams
  • Applying ethical and evidence-based ABA practices in applied settings
  • Building confidence in professional decision-making and client support

These experiences are designed to help you strengthen your applied understanding of behavior analysis while preparing for continued supervised fieldwork and professional practice.

Faculty Spotlight

Pepperdine faculty are active practitioners and experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping you grow as a behavior analyst. Throughout the program, you will learn from instructors working across clinical, educational, and organizational settings, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and real-world applications.

Mentorship is a central part of the learning experience. Faculty guide you in developing intervention strategies, analyzing behavioral data, and applying evidence-based approaches in ways that are both effective and ethically grounded.

Adel Najdowski, Ph.D., BCBA-D

MSABA Program Director

Professor

Psychology Division, Online Psychology Division, Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Biography

Dr. Najdowski serves on the board of directors for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and has contributed extensively to research and practice in applied behavior analysis. With more than 45 publications and leadership roles across professional organizations, she brings both academic expertise and applied insight into the program.

Find out more about Dr. Najdowski.

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Careers and Outcomes with a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is used across healthcare, education, community services, and organizational settings to support meaningful behavior change. Depending on certification and state requirements, graduates may pursue opportunities in clinical, educational, and behavioral support roles.

Career Outlook

Demand for professionals trained in behavior analysis continues to grow.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17% from 2024 to 2034, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.1

In addition, a labor market analysis published by the BACB and Lightcast reported a 28% increase in annual nationwide demand for BCBA and BCBA-D professionals from 2024 to 2025.2

Learn more about how to become a certified behavior analyst.

Earning Potential

Earning potential varies based on certification level, experience, geographic location, and work setting.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of approximately $59,190 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.3 Roles requiring BCBA certification, supervisory responsibility, or specialized expertise may command higher compensation depending on market demand and experience level.

What Can You Do with an Applied Behavior Analysis Degree?

Graduates may pursue roles such as:

  • Behavior Analyst / Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
  • Clinical Supervisor or Program Manager
  • Behavioral Consultant
  • Educational or School-Based Behavior Specialist
  • Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) Specialist
  • Early Intervention Specialist

Professionals trained in applied behavior analysis may work in:

  • Behavioral health clinics and ABA therapy centers
  • Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities
  • Schools and educational institutions
  • Early intervention programs
  • Community-based support services
  • Government and nonprofit organizations
  • Private practice settings
  • Corporate and organizational environments

Explore additional career paths with a master’s in ABA.

Career Support

Pepperdine supports students through career-focused resources, including:

  • Résumé and CV development support
  • Interview preparation
  • Job search resources
  • Guidance on certification pathways and professional development

These resources are designed to help you translate your academic training into professional opportunities aligned with your goals.

Earn Your Master’s. Help People Thrive.

Learn more about Pepperdine’s online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and take the next step toward a career in behavior analysis.

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FAQs

  • Eligibility requirements are governed by the BACB and may change over time. Generally, candidates must:

    1. Complete a qualifying graduate degree
    2. Complete approved behavior-analytic coursework
    3. Accrue required supervised fieldwork hours
    4. Apply for and pass the BCBA examination

    This program supports the academic component and includes practicum experience, though additional fieldwork is typically required after graduation.

  • Pathway 2 is a certification pathway recognized by the BACB that involves qualifying graduate-level coursework and supervised fieldwork requirements. Beginning in 2026, Pathway 2 applicants must also complete a Coursework Attestation process through a designated program contact.

  • The program is designed to support the coursework requirements needed to pursue BCBA certification and includes supervised practicum experience. Additional fieldwork and examination requirements apply.

  • Licensure requirements for applied behavior analysis vary by state and may include requirements beyond BCBA certification. Some states require additional licensure, registration, or authorization to practice behavior analysis.

    Students are responsible for reviewing the regulations for the state in which they intend to practice to determine applicable licensure and certification requirements.

  • Yes. The program may be a strong fit for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who want to advance toward graduate study and BCBA certification.

  • Not necessarily. Practicum and fieldwork requirements vary by placement site and state regulations. While some behavioral health organizations may prefer or require Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credentials for certain positions, students may complete qualifying supervised experience in a variety of approved applied behavior analysis settings.

    Pepperdine’s placement support resources can help students understand practicum expectations and identify appropriate opportunities based on their location and professional goals.

  • Program completion typically ranges from 12–15 months depending on study pace, course load, and scheduling choices. Students may extend their timeline based on course load and scheduling needs.

  • Yes. Flexible pacing options, including part-time pathways, are available.

  • The program is designed with working professionals in mind, and many students continue working while enrolled.

  • Coursework includes online learning that combines live and asynchronous components. Specific delivery formats may vary by course.

  • The program offers multiple start dates throughout the year, including January, April, July, and October entry points.

  • Securing a practicum placement is a student-led process supported by Pepperdine’s placement resources and guidance team.

  • Most students complete a portion of required hours during the program and continue accruing fieldwork after graduation to meet BCBA certification requirements.

  • In some circumstances, an existing role in an ABA-related setting may support practicum requirements if supervision and site criteria are met.

  • No GRE is currently required for admission. Applicants should confirm current requirements at the time of application.

  • No. Applicants from a range of academic backgrounds may be considered, subject to admissions requirements.

  • Transfer credit policies may vary. Applicants interested in transfer credit should consult admissions for current policy and eligibility.

  • Pepperdine University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

  • Coursework is completed online, while practicum training occurs in person at approved sites.

  • Pepperdine reports that the program’s BCBA exam pass rate was 48% in 2024.4 Students should review the most recent BACB university pass-rate data for updated information and additional context.

Pepperdine University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. Pepperdine University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.

  1. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June 10, 2026. ↩︎
  2. US Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts: 2010–2025. (2025). Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Retrieved June 10, 2026. ↩︎
  3. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June 10, 2026. ↩︎
  4. BCBA Examination Pass Rates for University Training Programs. (2024). Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Retrieved June 10, 2026. ↩︎