Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Prepare for a rewarding career as a behavior analyst with the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at Assumption University. Designed for students passionate about making a difference in areas such as autism services, education, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and social work, this graduate program teaches the science of behavior and its application across a wide range of clinical and educational settings.

Our ABA program is recognized as Tier 2A by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), reflecting a curriculum that meets rigorous academic standards in the field. Coursework spans the applied, experimental, and conceptual branches of behavior analysis, giving graduates a comprehensive foundation for both clinical practice and research careers.

Fieldwork is built directly into the program. Students complete a supervised practicum series alongside their coursework. They develop real-world competencies in behavior-analytic service delivery as they learn the underlying science and gain all the experiential hours needed to qualify for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. Students may also choose between a capstone project or a research thesis to further tailor the degree to their career goals.

Graduates meet the education requirements to sit for the BCBA exam under Pathway 1, and the program satisfies coursework and fieldwork requirements for licensure as an applied behavior analyst in Massachusetts. (Requirements vary by state; see BACB licensure information for details.)

With devoted faculty, an evidence-based approach to assessment and treatment, and a strong record of graduate employment, Assumption University’s ABA program prepares well-rounded behavior analysts ready to make a meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of the people they serve.

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Why Earn Your Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis From Assumption University?

Practicum with up to 2,000 fieldwork experience hours

Small classes, personal attention — learn from faculty with extensive clinical experience and research credentials

Choose between a capstone experience or a research thesis

Coursework meets requirements to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam

Career Opportunities for Behavior Analysts

Fast-growing field. The behavior analysis profession has nearly doubled in size over the past six years, with the number of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) worldwide climbing to over 85,000 as of 2026.
Much faster-than-average job growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17% employment growth through 2034 for behavioral health counseling roles — more than five times the average growth rate across all occupations — adding roughly 81,000 new positions nationally.
Strong earning potential. BCBAs report median salaries well above $80,000 annually, with clinical and private-practice settings frequently exceeding $95,000 — and top-paying states, including Massachusetts, ranking among the highest in the country.
High demand, limited supply. Industry data shows tens of thousands more BCBA-required job postings each year than there are certified professionals to fill them, giving graduates strong leverage in the job market.

Source: Salary and demand figures are drawn from industry salary aggregators and workforce reports (2026), not government data; job growth figures reflect U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for the closest related occupational category, as the BLS does not track BCBAs as a distinct occupation.