Earning a top master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis is a great career move for individuals who want to use behavioral laws to positively influence socially significant behavior. Many ABA Texas professionals work with individuals with a developmental disability and those on the autism spectrum. Positive behavioral improvements are critical for individuals to:
- attend school
- integrate into the community
- perform well at work
- achieve overall success in whatever an individual aspires to do
Earning a master’s in ABA is the first step to earning certification as a Board Certified Applied Behavior Analyst. We created this ranking of the top 5 ABA programs in Texas. All of these master’s programs offer the approved course sequence to meet the classroom requirements to sit for the BCBA exam. Our methodology for this ranking is below.
Student to Faculty Ratio
Featured Programs
- 12:1 or less= 3 Points
- 13:1 to 19:1=2 Points
- Greater than 20:1= 1 Point
Average Graduate Tuition Rate
- Less than $13,000 per year= 3 Points
- $13,000 to $20,000 per year=2 Points
- More than $20,000 per year= 1 Point
Percentage of First-Time Candidates Passing the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Exam
- Less than 25% or N/A-1 point
- 26% to 75%-3 points
- Greater than 75%-5 points
#5 -Texas State University – San Marcos, Texas
Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,147/year in-state and $15,307/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 64%
Points: 7
The special education graduate program in autism and applied behavior analysis from Texas State University is one of the best BCBA programs in Texas. This master’s is a hands-on program teaching skills in both special education and ABA. Students receive hands-on training through the Clinic for Autism Research Evaluation and Support (CARES), earning part of the practicum hours required to sit for the BCBA exam. Most graduates go on to work in the field while 20% continue to doctoral study.
The curriculum includes the verified course sequence by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. While a few courses are offered in a hybrid format, most courses are delivered in a face-to-face format. Courses are typically held during the evening hours to accommodate the needs of working professionals. Graduate students can take advantage of both full and part-time program plans are available.
#4 -Baylor University – Waco, Texas
MSEd in Educational Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
MA in Educational Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $38,772/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 71%
Points: 8
Baylor University offers two master’s programs for students planning a career in ABA. The MSEd in Educational Psychology offered through Baylor University features a concentration in ABA. The program is focused on helping individuals with developmental disabilities learn new skills and positive behaviors. Students can earn their degree in just 15 months.
An MA in Educational Psychology is available for students who are interested in research and plan to continue in doctoral study. This 30-credit hour program includes a master’s thesis. Students can complete the MA program in two years.
Both of these programs offer the verified course sequence needed by students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. Course offerings include:
- Challenging Behavior
- Managing Behavior Change Programs
- Single Subject Research Design
Many students receive free tuition, monthly stipends, and professional experience working with children and individuals with developmental disabilities.
#3 -University of Texas at Austin – Austin, Texas
MEd or MA in Special Education with a concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $12,036/year in-state and $22,952/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 75%
Points: 8
The Department of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin features a master’s degree focused on autism and developmental disabilities. Students can earn either their MEd or MA and complete the course sequence needed to sit for their BCBA exam. Students can complete the program in just one year of full-time study. The MEd has an applied emphasis while the MA degree is research focused and includes a thesis. Applied Behavior Analysis courses include:
Featured Programs
- Challenging Behavior and Developmental Disabilities
- Advances in the Understanding and Treatment of Autism
- Teaching Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Courses are taught by expert faculty who follow a scientist-practitioner method. Students gain the skills needed to work as:
- ABA therapists
- special education teachers
- behavior consultants
- professors and other educators in higher education
#2 -University of North Texas – Denton, Texas
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $6,350/year in-state and $13,694/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 85%
Points: 9
The University of North Texas offers two master’s degree programs in behavior analysis. The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis offers the 5th Edition Verified Course Sequence, meeting the coursework requirements students need to take the BCBA exam. Behavior analysis online courses accommodate the needs of working professionals. Students can take between one and three courses each semester depending on their schedule. Course offerings include:
- Culturally Responsive Ethics in Behavioral Practice
- Meaningful Assessment in Behavioral Practice
- Behavioral Practice in Autism
The Master of Science in Behavior Analysis gives students a broad and deep perspective on behavior analysis. Students can expect to learn the principles and theories related to ABA and the experimental analysis of behavior. Many faculty members have been recognized by the ABA and the National Council for Science and Technology. Research opportunities are available through organizations like the Behavior Analysis Resource Center and the Easter Seals North Texas Autism Treatment Program Research Group.
UNT has one of two ABAI accredited programs in Texas. Graduates are prepared to work in applied settings with:
- children on the autism spectrum
- individuals with developmental disabilities
- animals
- adult learners
#1 -University of Houston Clear Lake – Houston, Texas
Behavior Analysis Master of Arts
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,920/year in-state and $17,316year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
% of First-Time Candidates Passing the BCBA Exam: 100%
Points: 10
Our top Texas ABA program is offered by the University of Houston Clear Lake. This comprehensive program emphasizes coursework, practical experience and research with the focus on serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Courses include:
- Conceptual Issues in Behavior Analysis
- Verbal Behavior
- Conceptual Issues in Behavior Analysis
Students will be able to complete both practicum and research experiences across a variety of settings. This ABAI accredited program includes the approved course sequence needed by graduates to sit for the BCBA exam.
New students are admitted for the fall semester each year. GRE scores are not required as part of the admission process. Students who successfully complete their degree are successful working in a variety of settings including:
- schools
- hospitals
- clinics
Graduates are also prepared for doctoral study.
More Rankings of Interest:
- Top 10 Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis in Massachusetts
- Top 10 Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis in California
- Top 5 Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis in New York
- Top 5 Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis in Pennsylvania
- Top 5 Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis in Florida
