Key Takeaways:
- Accredited online ABA certificate programs start as low as $4,308 for the full program.
- Most certificates fulfill coursework requirements needed to sit for the BCBA or BCaBA certification exam.
- All programs on this list can be completed fully online (or mostly online) from regionally accredited universities.
If you want to work in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), earning a graduate certificate online is one of the fastest ways to get qualified. ABA is a science-based approach to understanding and improving behavior, especially for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
At GetEducated, we help students compare online programs to make informed decisions. Below, we break down 19 accredited online ABA graduate certificates sorted by cost, including tuition, accreditation, and admission details.
Best Online ABA Certificate Programs in 2026
Whether you’re starting your journey in applied behavior analysis or advancing toward certification, these programs provide verified coursework and practical preparation. Explore each option below to compare structure, coursework, and how well they support your path toward BCBA or BCaBA credentials.
GetEducated's Picks
- George Mason University Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Arcadia University Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
- National University Graduate Certificate in Consciousness, Psychology & Transformation
1. University of Massachusetts Global: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
UMass Global prepares you for BCBA certification through coursework in foundational ABA concepts, experimental research designs, and intervention strategies.
- Cost: $5,695 (in-state and out-of-state) | Credits: 18 | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree, 2.5 GPA; GMAT, GRE, or MAT scores; essay, transcripts, recommendation letters
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
This is one of the most affordable paths to BCBA exam eligibility, making it a strong pick for budget-conscious students. See the full cost breakdown on the UMass Global tuition page.
2. University of Massachusetts, Lowell: Graduate Certificate in ABA (BCaBA Prep)
UMass Lowell's BCaBA preparation certificate focuses on behavioral intervention in autism, developed in collaboration with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center. All courses are BACB-approved.- Cost: $6,930 (in-state and out-of-state) | Credits: 12 | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
A compact 12-credit path to BCaBA exam readiness.
3. Texas Tech University: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Texas Tech’s College of Education offers an online ABA certificate meeting BCBA programmatic requirements. Available as a standalone certificate or combined with an online Master of Education in Special Education.
- Cost: $7,225 (in-state and out-of-state) | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; official transcripts
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
A versatile option for those deciding between a certificate and a master’s degree. View current rates on the Texas Tech University tuition page.
4. University of Colorado Denver: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
UC Denver’s ABA certificate is taught by practicing ABA professionals, providing education that applies directly to certification and career advancement.
- Cost: $7,386 (in-state) / $8,736 (out-of-state) | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; official transcripts
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
The modest price gap between in-state and out-of-state makes this accessible nationwide. Review the latest rates on the CU Denver tuition page.
5. University of Wisconsin, Whitewater: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
UW-Whitewater covers ABA-based interventions and strategies for working with individuals who have challenging behaviors. Coursework meets Board Certified Analyst Examination requirements.
- Cost: $8,927 (in-state) / $18,426 (out-of-state) | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree, 2.75 GPA; official transcripts
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
A solid, HLC-accredited path to certification, especially if you’re a Wisconsin resident looking to keep costs low. See the latest fees on the UW-Whitewater tuition page.
6. University of Northern Colorado: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
UNC’s ABAI-verified ABA certificate combines special education and school psychology coursework.
- Cost: $10,545 (in-state and out-of-state) | Credits: 19 | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; official transcripts
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Covers ethics, supervision, and ABA application among populations with diverse needs. See current costs on the UNC tuition page.
7. Webster University: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Webster’s ABA certificate covers behavior assessment, analysis, interventions, and ethical guidelines. Notably, this program requires applicants to already hold a master’s degree.
- Cost: $11,325 (in-state and out-of-state) / $8,535 (military) | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Master’s degree, 3.0 GPA; official transcripts
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
A strong choice if you already have a graduate degree, with military-friendly pricing as a bonus. See what you’ll pay on the Webster University tuition page.
8. University of Arizona: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
The University of Arizona offers a certificate meeting BCBA exam requirements, covering behavioral principles for working with individuals and families.
- Cost: $11,858 (in-state and out-of-state) | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA; transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, recommendation letters
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Flat-rate tuition and the weight of a major research university make this certificate a competitive pick for aspiring BCBAs. Explore current costs on the University of Arizona tuition page.
9. University of Massachusetts, Lowell: Graduate Certificate in ABA (BCBA 5th Edition)
UMass Lowell’s more comprehensive 21-credit certificate aligns with the BCBA 5th Edition task list. Some courses may apply toward UMass Lowell’s master’s in ABA and Autism Studies.
- Cost: $12,135 (in-state and out-of-state) | Credits: 21 | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
At 21 credits, this certificate goes deeper than most ABA programs and could give you a head start if you decide to pursue a full master’s later.
10. Florida Institute of Technology: Graduate Certificate in Assistant Behavior Analyst
Florida Tech’s Assistant Behavior Analyst certificate prepares bachelor’s-level students for BCaBA certification. Covers measurement, experimental design, ethics, and supervision fundamentals.
- Cost: $12,432 (in-state and out-of-state) / $11,189 (military) | Credits: 16 | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; official transcripts
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
A solid entry point at the assistant level before pursuing full BCBA certification. View the latest pricing on the Florida Tech tuition page.
11. Northern Arizona University: Graduate Certificate in Positive Behavior Support
NAU takes a unique approach with its Positive Behavior Support (PBS) certificate. Rooted in ABA, the program emphasizes replacing challenging behaviors with socially acceptable alternatives.
- Cost: $12,486 (in-state and out-of-state) | Credits: 21 | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA; essay and official transcripts
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Fulfills BCBA certification requirements while offering a strengths-based angle. Check pricing on the NAU tuition page.
12. Walden University: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Walden’s ABA certificate focuses on evidence-based techniques for addressing behavioral challenges in individuals with autism or developmental disabilities.
- Cost: $13,080 (in-state and out-of-state) / $11,190 (military) | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Can be completed in as few as 12 months. See the full cost breakdown on the Walden University tuition page.
13. Purdue Global: Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Purdue Global’s ABAI-verified ABA certificate is led by practitioner faculty. Prepares students for the BCaBA examination by covering behavior intervention plans, treatment approaches, and assessment.
- Cost: $14,020 (in-state and out-of-state) / $6,525 (military) | Credits: 35 | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; official transcripts
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
At 35 credits, this is the longest program on the list, but the $6,525 military rate is among the lowest available anywhere. Confirm the latest rates on the Purdue Global tuition page.
14. University of Cincinnati: Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis
UC Online teaches methods to develop effective interventions across developing populations. Emphasizes prevention and early intervention.
- Cost: $15,204 (in-state) / $15,519 (out-of-state) | Credits: 21 | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA; transcripts, recommendation letters, resume
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Covers functional behavior assessment, data-based decision making, and ethical standards for practice. Review current costs on the UC tuition page.
15. Florida Institute of Technology: Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analyst
Florida Tech’s BCBA-level certificate explores experimental analysis of behavior and advanced supervision. This is the more advanced of Florida Tech’s two offerings.
- Cost: $16,317 (in-state and out-of-state) / $14,685 (military) | Credits: 21 | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; official transcripts
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Builds on foundational knowledge with advanced supervision coursework.
16. Pennsylvania State University: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Penn State World Campus offers an ABA certificate focused on implementing positive behavioral change. This is the only program on the list that is not fully online.
- Cost: $16,452 (in-state and out-of-state) | Format: Mostly Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree, 2.75 GPA; transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, resume
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Penn State’s name recognition is hard to beat. Check pricing on the Penn State World Campus tuition page.
17. Cairn University: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Cairn University offers an ABA certificate that integrates a Christian, faith-based approach. Coursework includes designing ministries for individuals with autism and their families.
- Cost: $16,512 (in-state and out-of-state) | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA; official transcripts
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
A fitting choice for students who want to combine professional ABA training with a faith-centered philosophy. See full cost details on the Cairn University tuition page.
18. Arcadia University: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Arcadia University’s 22-credit ABA certificate focuses on evidence-based practices for behavior modification in school and community environments.
- Cost: $17,760 (in-state and out-of-state) | Credits: 22 | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree, 3.0 GPA; official transcripts and recommendation letters
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
It can be completed in as little as two semesters despite its higher price point. Check the latest pricing on the Arcadia University tuition page.
19. Purdue University: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Purdue University’s certificate meets BCBA exam eligibility requirements and is also CAEP-accredited. Credits can also apply toward Purdue’s Special Education doctoral program.
- Cost: Contact the university for current tuition details
- Credits: 21 | Format: 100% Online
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree; transcripts, recommendation letters, resume, statement of purpose
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; CAEP
A strategic entry point if you are considering a doctoral degree in Special Education. See graduate rates on the Purdue University tuition page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online ABA Certificate Programs
Here are answers to common questions about finding and choosing the best online ABA certificate programs.
What is an ABA certificate, and who is it for?
An ABA certificate is a graduate-level credential in Applied Behavior Analysis, designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who want to qualify for BCBA or BCaBA certification without completing a full master’s degree.
Can I become a BCBA with just an online certificate?
The certificate covers the coursework component, but you also need supervised fieldwork hours and must pass the BCBA exam. Visit the BACB website for the most current eligibility details.
How much do online ABA certificate programs cost?
Prices range from about $4,308 (Cal State San Marcos) to over $17,000 (Arcadia). Military-affiliated students can find rates as low as $6,525 at Purdue Global.
Are online ABA certificates respected by employers?
Yes, as long as the program is from a regionally accredited university and meets BACB coursework requirements. All programs on this list meet that standard.
Ready to Find The Best Online ABA Certificate Program?
Choosing the right program depends on your budget, career goals, and timeline. Browse our online rankings at GetEducated to compare programs, read reviews, and take the next step toward your ABA career.