Want to pursue ABA programs but worried about the GRE exam? The good news is that many graduate schools now accept students without GRE scores. This change helps students who find GRE testing and minimum score requirements a major obstacle.

The field shows excellent career potential that makes these available pathways worth considering. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) can expect job opportunities to increase by over 18 percent nationwide in the next decade. These professionals earn a national average salary of $76,000. Many online ABA masters programs that don’t need GRE scores are now accessible to more people, giving working professionals the flexibility they need.

The best BCBA online programs take less time than you might expect. Arizona State University’s 30-credit program takes just 18 months to complete. Walden University students can finish their studies in as few as 15 months. These programs run entirely online, so you can study whenever and wherever you want.

Need a program that’s both convenient and budget-friendly? Some institutions offer great value. Ball State University’s program costs less than $16,000 for students from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Our next sections will showcase the 15 best online ABA programs without GRE requirements for 2025, helping you choose the right program for your future career.

Ball State University

Ball State University leads the way in online Applied Behavior Analysis education with a detailed program that balances accessibility and academic rigor. Their first-time BCBA exam candidates from the verified course sequence achieved a 55% pass rate in 2023.

Program Overview

Ball State offers a fully online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis that focuses on autism. Students need 30 credits to graduate from this program. The coursework goes beyond basic BCBA requirements by including both foundational behavior analysis principles and specialized autism courses. Students learn to apply theoretical knowledge through assessment, intervention, and ethical practices in a variety of populations and settings. The program concludes with a capstone project that shows students’ analytical and practical abilities.

Key Features

The program stands out with these benefits:

100% online delivery without GRE requirements
Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) verified course sequence
Small class sizes limited to 25 students for individual attention
Choice between 8-week or 16-week courses
Special focus on autism that gives graduates an edge in the job market
Part of Ball State’s nationally recognized Teachers College

Tuition and Duration

Students who follow a structured course plan can finish in less than two years. The program offers competitive tuition rates:

Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio residents pay less than $16,000 total
Out-of-state residents pay less than $23,000 total

Out-of-state online graduate students pay $15,312 in tuition and $850 in fees.

Eligibility

Students must meet these requirements for BCBA exam eligibility:

Earn the master’s degree (30 credits)
Complete the ABAI-verified course sequence
Finish supervised fieldwork (2,000 standard hours or 1,500 concentrated hours)

The program prepares students for certification under both the 5th Edition Task List and stays eligible under the 6th Edition through 2027. Most graduates work as behavior analysts in schools, clinics, or consulting companies. The national average salary in this field reaches $64,000.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University gives students two paths to earn ABA credentials without taking the GRE. These programs line up with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board standards and let you choose based on your career goals.

Program Overview

ASU brings two options to the table for ABA study. The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis runs as a full-time, two-year program with 45 credit hours that lines up with the BCBA test content outline. Students learn three main areas: foundational behavior-analytic skills, client-centered responsibilities, and essential knowledge. The Master of Arts in Special Education with an Applied Behavior Analysis concentration takes a different approach. This 30-credit online program gives working education professionals the flexibility they need.

Key Features

These programs stand out with several benefits:

Both programs have verified course sequences approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International
The MS program comes with 2,000 hours of supervised practicum fieldwork built into the curriculum
The core team consists of Board Certified Behavior Analysts with real-life experience
Students in the MA program can choose a remote supervised independent fieldwork practicum
Every course helps students prepare for the BCBA examination

Tuition and Duration

Students complete the MS program’s 45 credit hours over four full-time semesters plus summer sessions. The MA program takes as little as 18 months. The MS program costs include a program fee of $2,500 per fall/spring semester and $2,000 for each summer session. MA program students pay about $8,439 yearly before fees.

Eligibility

Both programs meet what you need for BCBA certification. The MS program gives you the required 345 classroom hours and 2,000 supervised practicum hours. The MA program covers the BACB-required 315 classroom hours of graduate-level instruction that matches the BCBA/BCaBA Task List (5th edition) and Test Content Outline (6th edition). MA students must get their supervised independent fieldwork hours on their own, but they can join an optional practicum.

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida stands at the top for its ABA program, rated #1 by various platforms in 2023. USF earned this recognition by offering high-quality education that remains budget-friendly in behavior analysis.

Program Overview

USF’s fully online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis helps address the nationwide shortage of behavior analysts through a complete 41-credit program. Students learn to become ethical scientist-practitioners and gain skills they need to work in developmental disabilities, autism, education, child protective services, rehabilitation, mental health, and business sectors. The program aligns with all upcoming 2027 BACB certification standards. Students benefit from an all-encompassing approach that blends coursework from three colleges—Behavioral and Community Sciences, Arts and Sciences, and Education.

Key Features

Students don’t need to take the GRE for USF’s online ABA program. The program offers several benefits:

Doctoral-level behavior analysts with decades of teaching experience design the classes
Students can complete the verified course sequence online in 5 semesters
Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition rates
Students get guidance through practicum fieldwork to complete 1,500 supervised experience hours required by the BACB
Faculty members focus on one course at a time to give students maximum attention
Qualified students can apply for scholarships

Tuition and Duration

In-state, out-of-state, and international students pay the same tuition of $24,600 for the Online MA in ABA. This breaks down to $600 per credit for 41 credits. Students can finish the program in just 5 semesters, making it faster than many other programs. The classroom-based MS costs $19,414 for Florida residents and $41,478 for non-residents.

Eligibility

Students must complete 1,500 total hours of Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork experience to qualify for BCBA certification. Finishing in five semesters means dedicating about 20 hours weekly to supervised experience throughout the program. Students need to find a fieldwork site and BCBA supervisor before starting the program. USF partners with the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence to help students access quality training sites.

Regis College

Regis College makes learning engaging in its Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program. Students learn through role-play, peer presentations, and detailed practicums. This approach helps students address behavioral issues in children and adults effectively.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at Regis College needs 33-39 credit hours. The program covers treatment evaluation, behavior assessment, intervention, and ethical practices. Students become skilled clinicians through coursework and supervised fieldwork experience. They learn both research and practice of ABA. The curriculum meets all coursework requirements needed to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Health science professionals get the knowledge they need to create better behavioral outcomes in their communities.

Key Features

The program is notable with these advantages:

No GRE/GMAT needed for application
100% online coursework with three start times annually
A chance to cooperate with the Autism Center at Regis
ABAI Verified Course Sequence for BCBA® exam eligibility
Eight-week course format (except for 16-week Practicum and Capstone courses)
Small interactive classes that build lasting professional networks

Tuition and Duration

Students can finish the master’s program in 16-20 months. Tuition costs $1,060 per credit, making the total program cost about $42,400 for all 40 credits. Students should plan for extra costs like a $300 graduation fee and a $580 technology service and support fee.

BCBA Eligibility

The Regis ABA curriculum has earned Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Verified Course Sequence (VCS) status. Of course, this verification shows that the program meets all coursework requirements for BCBA® examination eligibility. Students must meet other requirements to take the examination. The supervised fieldwork component is crucial—it gives students the structured experience they need to become professional clinicians. Students who live and plan to practice in New York cannot join the program due to strict licensure regulations.

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas is distinguishable as the country’s first standalone Department of Behavior Analysis. Their online ABA program doesn’t require GRE scores for admission. This 20-year old institution earned its reputation through an innovative approach to behavior analysis education.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis at UNT prepares students to become effective and compassionate behavior analysts. Students complete 30 credit hours in this professional practice degree. The program builds competencies in five core areas: foundational knowledge, assessment methodology, evidence-based strategies, culturally responsive decision-making, and specialized training in autism and staff development. Students learn to analyze behavioral responses to environmental factors and develop behavior change procedures that work.

Key Features

The program has several unique advantages:

Students can access online coursework anytime through asynchronous learning
Students choose to take 1-3 classes each semester
Every course runs each semester, including summer terms
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) verifies the course sequence
Expert faculty teach their specialty areas
New students can start any semester

Tuition and Duration

Texas residents pay approximately $13,900 for the program, with different rates for out-of-state students. Students typically finish in 1-2 years depending on their course load. The program lets students learn at their own pace. Courses follow a step-by-step curriculum that students complete in numerical order. This structure works well for both full-time and part-time students without compromising educational quality.

Eligibility

Students get all required coursework for BCBA exam eligibility through the ABAI verified course sequence. Students need to arrange their supervised fieldwork hours separately since these aren’t part of the degree program. Graduates work in diverse settings with autistic children, healthcare patients, people who have developmental disabilities, and students in educational settings. The program prepares students for Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification and possible licensure, though state requirements may vary.

Simmons University

Simmons University runs one of the few master’s programs worldwide with Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accreditation. This makes it an excellent choice among ABA programs no GRE required. The program known as New England’s first ABAI-accredited master’s program.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Behavior Analysis at Simmons helps students become leaders who can implement, evaluate, and manage behavior analytic principles and methods. Students learn about functional assessment, ethics, evidence-based instructional methods, verbal behavior, and experimental analysis. The curriculum prepares students well for the BCBA® exam. Campus students achieved a first-attempt pass rate of 67% in 2024, which is substantially higher than the national average of 54%.

Key Features

ABAI-accredited program (first in New England)
No GRE requirement for admission
Part-time evening classes that work well for professionals
Thesis research project completed during Practicum courses
Faculty expertise ranges from experimental behavior analysis to organizational behavior management

Tuition and Duration

Master’s students pay $1,140 per credit hour for this 40-credit program, with total tuition around $45,600. Students also pay a fee of $130 each semester. The part-time structure lets students keep their jobs while studying.

Eligibility

Students can qualify for the BCBA exam through Pathway 1 for accredited programs, as the program meets all Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s requirements. Students need to find a worksite by their first semester’s end to prepare for Practicum. The university helps students locate suitable placements. Most graduates move into supervisor, consultant, and leadership positions in the field.

St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University’s graduate training program in Applied Behavior Analysis is 41 years old and doesn’t require GRE scores for admission. This innovative program has had ABAI accreditation since 1999.

Program Overview

Students can earn a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis through advanced training in behavior analysis. The program offers specializations in autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and organizational development. Students can complete the 52-credit curriculum through campus and online delivery formats that prepare quality clinicians with a complete approach.

Key Features

The program excels with these distinctive advantages:

Students from 18 countries, all 50 states, and every Canadian province make up the program’s global community
The faculty collaborates with over 120 agencies nationally and internationally
Students gain practical training at the university’s Autism Discovery Center
Quality education thrives in small class sizes

Capella University

Capella University combines a competency-based curriculum with BCBA certification preparation through several online ABA programs no GRE required options. Students can build professional competence while preparing for their exam through the university’s well-laid-out approach.

Program Overview

Students can choose from multiple ABA education paths at Capella. The Graduate Certificate needs 40 quarter credits, while Master’s degree options require 60 quarter credits. The Master’s program comes with three specializations: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behavior Analysis in Education, and Organizational Behavior Management. These programs include ABAI-verified course sequences that meet BCBA exam eligibility under Pathway 2.

Key Features

Students benefit from several program advantages:

100% online delivery with structured learning
Expert guidance from enrollment specialists and academic coaches
Scholar-practitioner faculty teaching evidence-based therapies
Exam-readiness resources integrated throughout the curriculum

Tuition and Duration

The program charges $525 per credit with a $160 resource kit fee. The Graduate Certificate costs about $21,000 and Master’s programs total $31,500. Most students complete their certificate in 18 months and Master’s degrees in 24 months.

Eligibility

The ABAI-verified course sequence meets all BCBA coursework requirements. Students ended up needing 2,000 hours of supervised experience outside Capella that they can complete during or after the program.

Mary Baldwin University

Mary Baldwin University helps future behavior analysts learn science-based behavior change methods without GRE requirements. The master’s program builds strong theoretical foundations and practical skills that students need to earn professional credentials.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at Mary Baldwin University lets students complete their degree online in about 2 years. Students dive deep into a 37-credit curriculum that teaches behavior change principles based on the work of renowned psychologists like B.F. Skinner and Edward Thorndike. The program teaches students how to improve behaviors that matter socially, find variables vital to behavior change, and help people learn appropriate behaviors while replacing unwanted ones with better alternatives.

Key Features

Students benefit from several program advantages:

100% online classes that fit their schedule
Real-world fieldwork opportunities
One-on-one advising support throughout their studies
Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) verified course sequence
International Behavior Analyst Organization (IBAO) approved content provider status

Tuition and Duration

The 2025-26 academic year costs $495 per credit hour. Students pay a library/technology/credentialing fee of $87.50 per semester. Most students finish the program in two years, which works well with their professional schedules.

Eligibility

Students can prepare for both BCBA® and BCaBA® examinations through this program. They need to maintain C grades or better in courses that count toward exam eligibility. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Graduates can work with people who have developmental conditions, help children with behavioral challenges, or pursue careers in organizational management.

Get Your ABA Program Started Now

ABA programs without GRE requirements are available to more people who want to pursue advanced education but face standardized testing barriers. You’ll find 15 excellent schools that offer quality education paths to BCBA certification without this common obstacle.

These programs are especially valuable when you have a full-time job. Students can complete all coursework online at their own pace. On top of that, it takes less than two years to graduate, and some fast-track options let you finish in just 15-18 months.

Program costs vary substantially between schools. You might pay anywhere from $13,900 at the University of North Texas to over $45,000 at other universities. Your choice should balance tuition costs against what each program offers.

Each program meets BCBA exam education requirements, though fieldwork supervision varies by school. Some programs include practicum hours in their curriculum, while others ask students to set up fieldwork on their own.

Board Certified Behavior Analysts have excellent job prospects. This is a big deal as it means that growth will top 18% in the next decade. A reliable job market and national average salaries of $76,000 make these programs a smart investment.

You can focus on autism spectrum disorders, educational settings, or organizational behavior management. These GRE-free programs fit different career goals and interests. Now is the perfect time to chase your behavior analysis dreams through these flexible, career-boosting programs.

15 Best Online ABA Programs with No GRE Requirement

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