University of South Florida ABA Programs

The University of South Florida’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program leads the charge in addressing workforce demands for behavioral healthcare. The program prepares practitioners to work in specialized fields effectively. Students learn scientifically-validated treatment approaches and get a complete understanding of organizational structures, financing mechanisms, delivery systems, and outcome measurements in behavioral health services while at this school.

Students interested in ABA credentials at USF can choose from several program options that match their career goals and educational backgrounds:

• The doctoral program develops advanced behavior analysts with extensive research and practice opportunities through community partnerships
• The master’s program addresses growing workforce needs with specialized training
• The fully online Master of Arts program offers flexibility while meeting all BACB certification requirements
• The ABA Minor provides foundational skills for undergraduate students
• Continuing education options support professional development for practitioners

USF’s strong dedication to accessibility and excellence shines through its online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis. The program meets all upcoming 2027 BACB certification standards and offers great benefits. Students can complete the program in just five semesters, face no GRE requirements, and pay in-state tuition rates regardless of their location. Students also gain 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork experience to verify their readiness for certification.

The program gives students a deep grasp of behavioral health challenges. Mental and substance use disorders represent some of the biggest public health challenges communities face today. The curriculum uses evidence-based approaches to assessment and intervention, so graduates can tackle these complex issues effectively.

Career opportunities in this field typically require fingerprinting, background checks, and drug screening. These requirements reflect behavioral health work’s sensitive nature, particularly when working with vulnerable populations.

The University of South Florida, a distinguished member of the American Association of Universities, brings exceptional academic resources and research opportunities to its ABA programs. This prestigious membership highlights the quality and rigor students experience in USF’s Applied Behavior Analysis offerings.

What ABA programs does University of South Florida offer?

USF provides a range of Applied Behavior Analysis programs that match different educational goals and career paths. Students interested in becoming behavior analysts can choose from undergraduate concentrations to advanced graduate degrees at USF.

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis is the program’s cornerstone. This 45-credit-hour interdisciplinary program sits within the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. Students benefit from a detailed curriculum that spans three colleges—Behavioral and Community Sciences, Arts and Sciences, and Education. The program combines core ABA coursework with supervised practicum experiences and a thesis that shows research competency. The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board has accredited the MS program through December 31, 2028.

Students looking for flexibility will find the Online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis appealing. Students can complete this fully online program in just five semesters. Key program features include:

• Verified course sequence meeting all BACB requirements
• Practicum fieldwork curriculum providing 1,500 supervised fieldwork hours
• No GRE requirements
• In-state tuition rates for out-of-state students
• Instructors teaching one course at a time to maximize student attention
• Available scholarship opportunities

The online program trains ethical scientist-practitioners to address the nationwide shortage of behavior analysts. Graduates meet all academic and fieldwork requirements needed for board certification.

USF’s doctoral program develops behavior analysts who embrace the scientist-practitioner model. Doctoral students prepare for leadership roles through advanced coursework, research opportunities, and hands-on training with community partners.

The university’s undergraduate options include several ABA-focused paths. Students can earn a Behavioral Healthcare B.S. with Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration in 120 degree hours. The 21-credit concentration features six core courses:

• Fundamentals of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Planning
• Organizational Behavior Management
• Skills Assessment and Training in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis

USF also offers an ABA Minor that teaches fundamental skills for behavior analytic services. Practicing professionals can take advantage of continuing education options to boost their knowledge and skills.

MS program admission requires a 3.00 GPA and three reference letters, along with a resume or CV. The online MA program has become more available by removing GRE requirements.

Students should check if their chosen program aligns with local state licensing requirements, as these may differ from BACB certification standards.

Accreditation

Quality indicators for academic programs rely heavily on accreditation. USF’s dedication to excellence in Applied Behavior Analysis education shines through its complete accreditation credentials.

USF has earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This allows the university to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The foundational accreditation proves that USF meets high academic standards.

Good news for ABA students – the Master’s Program in Applied Behavior Analysis got its re-accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board in 2022. ABAI Accreditation Board oversees behavior analysis training programs at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Students can trust the program’s quality until December 31, 2028.

The Board granted full accreditation after finding that the program meets established standards without major issues. Site visitors highlighted several program strengths:

• Overall program quality
• Strong, experienced faculty
• Students’ exceptional scholarly achievements

The Online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis meets all Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification standards for 2027. Graduates will stay eligible for certification as requirements change.

ABAI Accreditation Board recognizes the program’s mission to:

• Prepare graduates to work in autism, education, developmental disabilities, child protective services, mental health, and rehabilitation
• Give knowledge and skills needed for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification
• Build expertise for research careers
• Add to the field through quality research and more practicing behavior analysts

Students seeking state licensure should know that states might ask for more than BACB certification. Some states need extra experience hours or supervision from licensed behavior analysts.

USF shows its steadfast dedication to high standards in behavior analysis education through these accreditations. This ensures graduates get recognized credentials that fit both current and future professional needs.

Tuition

Money matters a lot to students choosing an ABA program. USF costs less than many schools across the country, making it a budget-friendly choice for students from Florida and other states.

The Online Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis program at USF costs $600 per credit hour. Students need 41 credit hours to graduate, which adds up to $24,600 for the full program. You’ll also need about $1,000 for books and BCBA exam prep software.

USF stands out for its affordable education. Yes, it is recognized by respected names like Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and U.S. News & World Report for giving students great value. The university’s costs stay competitive with local college rates, even for students from other states.

• Traditional financial aid
• Private agency funding
• Corporate tuition assistance (if your employer offers it)

Note that these tuition waivers don’t work for this program:

• State of Florida Employee Education Assistance Program
• USF Employee Tuition Program
• Homeless Tuition Waiver

USF offers great value compared to other Florida schools. Florida Institute of Technology’s graduate tuition and fees average $22,588, while Rollins costs around $17,522. This is a big deal as it means that University of Miami’s rates are higher at about $40,220.

Your tuition and fees at USF depend on several things: your residency status, course level, admission term, course campus, and sometimes your specific program or college. Graduate-level rates apply to all graduate courses, whatever your student classification.

USF updates its tuition rates each year. You can find graduate-level rates for the 2025-2026 academic year on the university’s business and finance controller website.

The online program costs quite a bit, but many students find it worth the investment. They see real value in how it helps advance their careers and boost their earning potential in behavior analysis.

Admissions

Students who want to join USF’s ABA programs need to pay attention to specific deadlines and requirements. The best approach is to start preparing application materials early.

The master’s program welcomes full-time student groups in Fall and Spring semesters. Applications for Fall (August) entry should reach by June 1, while Spring (January) entry needs submission by October 15. Students who want priority review should submit by February 15. The program’s admission standards remain competitive. Recent cycles show 413 students applied, 147 received acceptance, and 107 joined the program.

Each program has its own set of requirements:

For the Master’s programs:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (exceptions might be possible)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement showing your readiness for graduate work
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• BCBA Supervisor Support Form (for online program)

For the PhD program:

• Master’s degree in behavior analysis or related field
• Minimum 3.5 GPA in master’s coursework
• Evidence of research experience
• Three strong recommendation letters
• Campus visit with faculty interview
• Personal statement and curriculum vitae

Both online MA and PhD programs have dropped the GRE requirement, making them more available to qualified candidates.

The application involves three main steps:

1. Complete the online graduate application with the $30 application fee
2. Submit transcripts from all previous institutions
3. Upload supporting documents through the application portal

International students must meet extra requirements. These include proving English proficiency and getting a course-by-course evaluation of all transcripts.

Master’s program graduates will meet all requirements to take the certification exam from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Students should check if USF’s program meets their state’s licensing requirements, since these might differ from BCBA certification standards.

What sets USF apart?

The University of South Florida’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs have earned exceptional national recognition. Multiple organizations including OMD, Intelligent, and BestColleges ranked USF #1 in 2023. These accolades showcase the program’s steadfast dedication to ABA education and training.

USF students achieve an impressive 82% first-time pass rate on the BCBA certification exam. This success highlights how well the program prepares its students through detailed training methods.

Doctoral-level behavior analysts with decades of ABA teaching experience lead all courses at USF. These experts teach one course at a time to give students their full attention. Students benefit from this focused mentorship as they explore complex behavioral concepts in depth.

The program structure sets USF apart from other universities. Students dive deep into subjects during eight-week course sessions. The cohort model encourages close bonds between students and creates a supportive learning community that enriches their educational journey.

Research excellence defines USF’s identity. Faculty members, graduate students, and alumni present their research at prestigious events like the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) conference. This academic involvement keeps USF pioneering emerging research and best practices in behavior analysis.

Students get great practical experience support at USF. A dedicated full-time practicum coordinator helps them find placements in community agencies and schools. Students also receive guidance through their clinical experiences. This approach ensures graduates master both theory and hands-on skills.

USF’s program stands out with several unique advantages:

• Seamless blend of coursework, research, and practice
• Research mentoring from doctoral students
• Strong behavioral foundation linking practice to basic principles

Program faculty set clear ethical practice expectations. This commitment to professional integrity and academic excellence produces behavior analysts who excel in both technical skills and ethical practice.

Next steps

Are you ready to start your trip to become a behavior analyst at USF? Your target program will slightly change how you apply.

The ABA doctoral program requires you to visit the USF Graduate Admissions Application Page first. You’ll need to create an account and select “Applied Behavior Analysis PhD” from the dropdown menu. The USF Admissions Page is your alternative route if you can’t access the application page directly. Click “Apply” on the left side and then click “Apply” next to “Graduate Admissions”.

After acceptance, the program chair and practicum coordinator will send you several emails during the first few weeks. These emails will help you with:

• Course registration
• Program orientation
• Fieldwork preparation
• Additional program requirements

The admissions process continues for other students during this time, so your patience will help. Questions about the online MA program? You can reach the admissions coordinator at tgsmith@usf.edu or call (813) 974-3096. Dr. Anthony Concepcion, program chair, is also available at aconcepcion@usf.edu.

Your plans might change, and that’s okay. You can request to defer admission or move your application to a future cycle. Send your deferral request early in the admission cycle. This helps the program offer your spot to another qualified candidate after application deadlines end.