Florida Institute of Technology ABA Programs 

The story of Florida Institute of Technology started in 1958 when Brevard Engineering College opened to meet NASA’s need for specialized technicians and scientists. Classes began at the Melbourne Municipal Airport. The institution moved to a dedicated campus in Melbourne, Florida within 15 years. It expanded its facilities and became Florida Institute of Technology.

The Melbourne campus remains home to this thriving educational institution that serves over 5,000 students each semester. Florida Tech has earned its reputation as “Florida’s STEM University” by emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The university has expanded its academic offerings to include various disciplines in the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts and the Nathan Bisk College of Business.

Florida Tech approaches behavior analysis scientifically. The university describes, explains, predicts, and changes behavior through environmental events as primary independent variables. Behavior analysis at Florida Tech includes four distinct branches:

1. Conceptual analysis of behavior – addressing philosophical, theoretical, historical, and methodological issues
2. Experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) – researching basic processes and principles
3. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) – applying principles to solve socially significant problems
4. Behavior analytic service delivery – focusing on professional practice and consultation

Students at Florida Tech immerse themselves in a research-driven, high-tech, and hands-on academic environment. Learning extends beyond theory into practical application. The university holds global recognition as the first school of behavior analysis. Its groundbreaking research and training have shaped the entire field. Expert faculty members who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA or BCBA-D®) guide students to gain hands-on experience in real-life settings. Students develop the knowledge and skills they need for a successful behavior analysis career.

This detailed approach to education has made Florida Tech one of the premier institutions for behavior analysis studies. Graduates consistently achieve high pass rates on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) exam.

What ABA programs does Florida Institute of Technology offer?

Florida Tech provides a detailed range of ABA programs at every academic level. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis, which prepares them for graduate studies or immediate careers in behavior analysis principles. This 120-credit program meets all requirements needed for the Associate Certification in Behavior Analysis® (BCaBA®) examination.

Florida Tech’s graduate studies offer several options based on career goals. The main Melbourne campus features three master’s programs:

1. Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S. – Students learn clinical and educational applications to help individuals with challenges such as autism spectrum disorder
2. Organizational Behavior Management, M.S. (OBM) – The program focuses on business and industry applications
3. Applied Behavior Analysis and Organizational Behavior Management, M.S. – Students get training in both clinical/educational and business/industry applications

The Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S. program runs at Florida Tech’s Orlando location with classes scheduled for Friday afternoons and some Saturday mornings.

Students interested in online education have two options:

• Behavior Analysis Professional Practice, M.A. – A 33-credit program that meets BACB® 2027 degree and coursework requirements for BCBA® certification
• Online Behavior Analyst Graduate Certificate – This program suits professionals who already have a master’s degree and want to complete behavior analytic coursework for board certification

The Behavior Analysis Ph.D. program creates skilled behavior-analytic researchers, instructors, and practitioners with strong foundations in basic principles. Students must complete at least 92 semester credit hours beyond their bachelor’s degree.

Florida Tech’s School of Behavior Analysis leads the field in ABA education. The school’s students consistently score higher than national averages on certification exams. The 2023 results showed 78% of Florida Tech’s ABA Online students passed the BCBA exam on their first try, compared to the national average of 56%.

Students can gain hands-on experience at the Scott Center for Autism Treatment on campus. The center’s state-of-the-art facility allows students to complete their fieldwork under expert faculty supervision while working with children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

These programs align with BACB credential requirements, which most states accept or require for licensure.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital factor in choosing an ABA program. Florida Tech’s offerings have earned prestigious recognition in the field. The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) leads the accreditation of behavior analysis programs and sets rigorous educational quality standards.

Florida Tech’s School of Behavior Analysis has earned detailed ABAI accreditation for all its programs. The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis got its first ABAI accreditation in 2025 for a full five-year term. This difference shows the program’s quality and marks a milestone for undergraduate studies. Being one of the few accredited undergraduate programs in the country gives graduates the ability to apply for and take the BCaBA examination right after finishing.

Florida Tech’s graduate programs have equally strong credentials. The ABAI Accreditation Board renewed full accreditation in 2024 for all three Master of Science programs for five years. These programs include Applied Behavior Analysis, Organizational Behavior Management, and the combined ABA/OBM program. The board found these programs met all standards without major issues. The on-campus master’s programs have managed to keep their ABAI accreditation for more than ten years.

The Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis program also received a five-year full accreditation renewal in 2024. This recognition at every academic level shows Florida Tech’s steadfast dedication to behavior analysis education excellence.

Beyond ABAI accreditation, Florida Tech arranges all ABA programs to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) requirements. Graduate programs fulfill the BACB’s 2027 coursework requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) level. Students looking to enroll should know that both the master’s in behavior analysis professional practice and the online behavior analyst graduate certificate meet these updated certification standards.

It’s worth mentioning that state licensing authorities might have extra or different requirements beyond BACB credentials. Many states accept BACB certification for licensure requirements. Florida Tech updates its state-specific licensing information yearly to help students plan their careers better.

Florida Tech takes pride in its students’ outstanding certification exam results. ABA Online students achieved a 71% first-attempt pass rate on the BCBA exam in 2024. This is a big deal as it means that they performed much better than the 54% national average.

Tuition

The cost of your ABA education at Florida Tech is a key factor to consider when planning your studies. Your tuition will depend on which program format you choose and how it’s delivered.

The ABA Online Master’s degree costs $1,000 per credit hour. You’ll need 33 credits to graduate, which brings the total tuition to about $22,350. The program splits these costs over two years – $9,030 for your first year and $12,350 for your second year.

Students who already have a master’s degree can save money. The ABA Online Certificate program costs $530 per credit hour. This saves you almost 50% compared to the full degree program.

The Orlando campus offers another option. Applied behavior analysis courses there cost $810 per credit hour. This price sits between the online certificate and full online master’s program rates.

Your total costs will include more than just tuition. The Behavior Analysis M.A. Program’s yearly expenses include fees ($250.05 in year one, $300.06 in year two), federal student loan fees ($166 yearly), plus typical costs for housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, and personal needs.

You have several ways to manage these costs. The Panther Payment Plan lets you split your tuition into smaller payments throughout each semester. Students taking at least 5 credit hours in the master’s program may qualify for federal financial aid.

Private student loans give you another way to fund your education. Florida Tech works with FASTChoice to help you find suitable private loan providers. The university updates its loan options page yearly.

Military members and veterans should check their education benefits. These might cover ABA Online programs through Florida Tech’s Military and Veteran Student Services. Students eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award can use it toward ABA Online graduate certificate programs.

The actual cost varies among students. Based on their experiences, most pay between $14,000 and $24,000 total. This range changes based on residency status, program format, and available discounts.

Admissions

Getting into Florida Tech’s ABA programs needs you to meet academic standards through a clear application process. You’ll have a smoother path to your chosen program if you know the requirements upfront.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA is required for all ABA programs at Florida Tech. This requirement serves as the foundation for both certificate and degree programs.

Your application package should include:

• A completed application form and fee
• Official transcripts from your colleges and universities
• Your current résumé or CV
• A statement of career objectives (some programs require this)
• Three recommendation letters (some programs require these)
• GRE scores (some programs require these)

Each semester has its own deadlines. ABA Online programs have specific dates – summer 2025 applications close April 21, 2025, and fall 2025 applications close July 31, 2025. Florida Tech accepts applications year-round, though February 15 is the general submission date.

Your academic background matters before starting ABA coursework. Students might need prerequisite courses if they lack previous coursework in the basic principles of learning/conditioning or introductory behavior analysis. These prerequisites are separate from degree requirements and must be finished before core ABA classes begin.

Different programs have slightly different admission requirements. The Behavior Analysis Professional Practice M.A., to name just one example, needs only transcripts and a CV/resume – no recommendation letters or objective statements. Make sure you check what your specific program needs.

Campus visits are a great way to get to know Florida Tech before enrolling. You can meet faculty and current students during these visits. The university strongly recommends these pre-admission visits to experience Florida Tech firsthand.

Students planning BCBA certification should note that Florida Tech’s programs match BACB requirements. You’ll need to meet additional BACB rules about degree and fieldwork. Understanding both university admission standards and professional certification requirements will help you plan your education better.

What sets Florida Institute of Technology apart?

Florida Tech, the world’s first school of behavior analysis, leads the field with its innovative influence. Students experience a unique blend of scientific rigor and real-life application in their ABA education.

Research-driven learning and hands-on experience define Florida Tech’s educational approach. Students work closely with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA or BCBA-D®) faculty members. This shared learning environment treats students like emerging professionals and gives them one-on-one guidance.

The program’s success speaks through its numbers. Florida Tech ABA Online students perform better than national averages on certification exams. This is a big deal as it means that in 2024, 71% of students passed the BCBA exam on their first attempt, compared to the national average of 54%.

Florida Tech stands out with its complete focus on all four branches of behavior analysis:

• Conceptual analysis (philosophical and theoretical foundations)
• Experimental analysis (research on basic principles)
• Applied behavior analysis (solving most important problems)
• Behavior analytic service delivery (professional practice)

The Scott Center for Autism Treatment on campus is a great way to get hands-on experience. Students can use behavior analytic strategies with real clients. This mix of classroom learning and practical work creates graduates ready for professional practice.

Florida Tech teaches more than just technical skills. Students learn to see the world from a radical behaviorist view, which helps them maintain scientific integrity throughout their careers. The courses follow behavior analytic principles, creating a learning environment that reinforces core concepts naturally.

Online students at Florida Tech enjoy an engaging experience with expert video lectures, biweekly meetings with experienced BCBAs, and carefully selected reading materials. This thoughtful approach to teaching has created one of the most respected online ABA programs today.

Next steps

Are you ready to join the ABA programs at Florida Institute of Technology? Your journey starts when you create an account at the designated ABA Online Application portal.

The semester deadlines to submit applications are:

• Spring: December 1
• Summer: April
• Fall: August
• Spring: November

Students can register online through PAWS after admission. Registration opens in November for Spring. The semester schedule runs as follows:

• Fall: August – December
• Spring: January – April

New applicants need to submit a complete application with a current résumé or CV. Official transcripts from previous universities must be sent directly. Student testimonials suggest you can balance the program with part-time work effectively.

The online program requires you to choose course sections that start with “W” (e.g., W01, W05). Weekly online meetings are required for most courses, and all times are listed in Eastern Time.