Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
We rank the best online PhD degree programs in applied behavioral analysis.
Key Takeaways
- There is a growing demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) with doctoral qualifications.
- Students who wish to hold special education leadership roles, conduct behavioral research, or teach at the postsecondary level may consider an array of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) PhD programs.
- Online applied behavior analysis programs make it possible to complete the doctorate in applied behavior analysis degree without disrupting professional development.
Top Online Applied Beavioral Analysis PhD Programs in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Walden University was the biggest winner this year, and climbed 3 positions to the #5 spot. Two major developments may explain Walden’s improvement in this ranking. First, Walden continues to expand flexible learning options, such as Tempo Learning, which allows students to progress at their own pace. This is beneficial for psychology students managing professional or personal obligations while pursuing their degrees.
Second, for PhD students in Clinical Psychology, Walden has introduced a more integrated in-residence requirement known as the BAYR. This involves a combination of online and face-to-face learning, providing hands-on experience in clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions, and professional development. It allows students to build relationships with faculty and peers, gaining critical feedback on their clinical skills, which is essential for licensure.
An online doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can lead to leadership opportunities for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) in areas like clinical practice, post-secondary education, and research. The doctorate may either be a professional training program, which is typically referred to as a Doctor of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) degree; or a research based program, which is typically referred to as a Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (PhD).
A number of accredited graduate schools offer both fully online and blended learning opportunities for students wishing to complete doctoral level applied behavior analysis programs. For those already in the field working to advance professional goals in behavioral health leadership, online programs can provide the opportunity for balance.
For a look at how these online doctoral programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the Best Research Universities for Psychology degrees.
For a look at the best schools in any subject, check out our College and University Rankings.
Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an online doctorate in applied behavior analysis.
About Accredited Online PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
Quality and credibility are important when it comes to finding an online doctorate in applied behavior analysis. The best online doctorate programs will have proper accreditation:
- Institutional Accreditation: Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online Ph.D programs offered by the graduate school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body. A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates.
- Programmatic Accreditation: In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure that you are only considering online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation. The primary agency responsible for specialized accreditation in ABA is the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board.
- Carnegie Classification: The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, or as it is more commonly known, the Carnegie Classification, is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States. Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”
For more information on financial aid loans and grants, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.
Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online PhD programs.
Key Point: Only consider universities offering online doctorate degrees with both institutional and programmatic accreditation.
Admission Requirements
Students with a bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis will typically qualify for recognition through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). However, completing a doctoral in applied behavior analysis program may make it possible to advance to an array of leadership roles in clinical, post-secondary education, and research settings. Admission requirements generally include the following:
- A completed online application
- Official undergraduate college transcripts
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal interviews
- Personal statement or essay
- Plan of study
Key Point: In most cases, you’ll be eligible to enter your ABA doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field. However, some specialized online PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.
Curriculum and Courses in Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
Students in this online doctor of ABA program will typically experience both comprehensive training in practical applications of applied behavior analysis as well as experience in the basic research methodology underlying the practice. Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is three to six years.
The typical components of your online doctorate in applied behavior analysis may include:
Foundational Courses
Foundational courses will typically focus on areas like experimental analysis and critical analysis as well as examination of human behavior, verbal behavior, the theoretical constructions of behavioral science. ABA programs will also incorporate basic and applied research methods as well as practical applications in experimental design. You may be able to complete many of these requirements through online classes.
Examinations for PhD Candidacy
Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after students complete one to two years of foundational courses.
Dissertation
In most cases, the central component of your online PhD program will be the completion of your dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to conduct research on an original research question.
This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.
Oral Defense
Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.
Teaching Requirements
Some online Ph.D programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.
Key Point: Students pursuing an advanced degree in Applied Behavior Analysis can pursue the practical doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or the research based PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Careers for Students Who Complete a PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis Program Online
Online accredited doctoral programs are generally terminal degree programs. This means that students who complete credible PhD programs online are usually eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field. Therefore, students with a Ph.d in applied behavior analysis will usually be eligible for opportunities in critical areas like special education leadership, autism treatment, policy research on behavioral health, and more.
For instance, Board Certified Behavior Analysts who earn a doctorate may be eligible for top field leadership roles such as Chief Clinical Officer. According to Payscale, Chief Clinical Officers may earn more than $112,000 per year in just the first four years of their career.
Working professionals who complete BCBA doctorate programs may also be eligible to work in the following areas.
- Public Health Research
- Special Education Leadership
- Special Education Curriculum Design
- Sociology Research
- Post-Secondary Education
- Educational Policy Consultation
- Clinical Practice
- Organizational Leadership
Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, BCBAs with a doctorate degree from an ABA PhD program can qualify for top leadership roles in the field.
What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online Ph.D programs?
Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.
The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on the chosen field, PhD programs in applied behavior analysis may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.
By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.
Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.
Back to TopThe Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis Doctorates
The online doctorate in applied behavior analysis programs identified here are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment. The following list contains fully online and blended programs for both the Doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Behavior Analysis (PhD).
- #1 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
84%
Student body
58K
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Washington
Cost of Degree: $18,633Expenses: $21,909Starting Salary: $98,137Salary after 4 years: $101,422Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Washington known for?
University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Physics
- Psychology
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
University of Washington is noted for several excellent online graduate level programs, including its Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Online Program.
- The University of Washington is great for students who:
Love reading. With 26 libraries, art centers, museums, labs, and lecture halls, UW boasts one of the largest library systems in the world.
- The University of Washington might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer sunny skies. The Pacific Northwest is famous for its cloudy climate.
- #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
67%
Student body
85K
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Arizona State University
Cost of Degree: $13,389Expenses: $21,219Starting Salary: $78,256Salary after 4 years: $80,875Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Arizona State University known for?
Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Business
- Engineering
- Education
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- History
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Arizona State University is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs, including its Online Doctor of Behavior Health, which is a clinical advanced degree.
- Arizona State University is great for students who:
Are seeking focused graduate degrees. With more than 400 advanced degree programs, ASU grad students can choose highly specialized programs.
- Arizona State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer smaller class and campus sizes. The Tempe, Arizona campus alone is home to nearly 55,000 students.
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Nevada 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
62%
Student body
23K
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Nevada, Reno
Cost of Degree: $6,584Expenses: $20,270Starting Salary: $79,384Salary after 4 years: $82,041Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Nevada, Reno known for?
University of Nevada, Reno’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Business
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Physics
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
The University of Nevada, Reno offers a doctorate of applied behavior analysis which is entirely on-campus. However, if you are interested in becoming a board certified behavior analyst through online programs, you can complete the online Board Certified Behavior Analyst Training program.
- University of Nevada, Reno is great for students who:
Are dedicated to their studies. Students note that the academic environment is extremely rigorous and that it is important to devote sufficient time to one’s classwork.
- University of Nevada, Reno might not be the best fit for students who:
Are seeking a more intimate learning atmosphere. Students at UNR note that some of the class sizes are comparatively larger.
University of Nevada, Reno’s Online Degrees
PhD in Judicial Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
DNP in Nursing Msn To Dnp
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #9 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs #9 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates) #10 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
74%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1295/30
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Simmons University
Cost of Degree: $28,662Expenses: $20,934Starting Salary: $76,984Salary after 4 years: $86,758Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Simmons University known for?
Simmons University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Literature
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Medical
- Economics
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Simmons University is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs, including its PhD in Behavior Analysis.
- Simmons University is great for students who:
Are studying in STEM subjects. Students note that the sciences programs at Simmons are generally stronger than the humanities programs.
- Simmons University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are seeking generous amenities. Students note that many dorms are outdated and that the food options in the dining halls are limited.
Simmons University’s Online Degrees
DSW in Social Work
Degree Concentrations
- Leadership
- Advanced Clinical Practice
- Teaching And Education
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
DNP in Nursing
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025 #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates) #5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Student body
74K
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Walden University
Cost of Degree: $10,657Starting Salary: $82,389Salary after 4 years: $92,849What is Walden University known for?
Walden University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Business
- Education
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Walden University offers a direct pathway for students planning to become board certified behavior analysts through its online Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) graduate-level certification.
- Walden University is great for students who:
Are studying nursing, public health, and healthcare administration. Walden is one of the nation’s top degree providers in these fields.
- Walden University might not be the best fit for students who:
Plan to earn PhDs in psychology. Walden’s PhDs do not have accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA).
- #8 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity #6 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates)
Tuition + fees
$14K
Student body
68K
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Capella University
Cost of Degree: $15,066Starting Salary: $95,703Salary after 4 years: $107,853What is Capella University known for?
Capella University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Business
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Capella University is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs, including its Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (PhD).
- Capella University is great for students who:
Are seeking flexibility in their educational experience. Capella is geared toward the busy schedules of adult learners and working professionals, which means students can choose from an extremely wide range of online and blended learning paths.
- Capella University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are not prepared to work independently. Students note that many of Capella’s programs require a large degree of self-guided learning.
- #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts #15 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
78%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1205/26
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Endicott College
Cost of Degree: $13,370Expenses: $20,676Starting Salary: $74,084Salary after 4 years: $83,490Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Endicott College known for?
Endicott College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Endicott College is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs, including its PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Endicott College is great for students who:
Prefer smaller class sizes. Students note that classes are intimate and that it’s easy to receive personal attention from professors.
- Endicott College might not be the best fit for students who:
Are looking for a wide selection of activities and opportunities for involvement. Students note that, as a smaller campus, Endicott has a more modest offering of clubs and groups.
- Endicott College is great for students who:
- #10 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2025 #15 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs) #19 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
7%
Student body
1K
What is The Chicago School known for?
The Chicago School’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
The Chicago-based institution is noted for several excellent online doctoral degree programs including the its Online PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is great for students who:
Are seeking friendly and supportive professors and faculty. Students note that professors seem to genuinely care about their students and their success.
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology might not be the best fit for students who:
Are seeking a traditional residential experience. Students note that all housing options are located off campus.
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is great for students who:
Other Options for Aspiring Applied Behavioral Analysts
Students considering an online doctoral in ABA should also check out the best on-campus options to compare features like cost, curriculum, acceptance rate, and more.
- #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
92%
Student body
54K
Median SAT/ACT
1500/33
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Southern California
Cost of Degree: $68,128Expenses: $22,216Starting Salary: $117,058Salary after 4 years: $131,920Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Southern California known for?
University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Communications
- Medical
- Education
- Computer Science
- Law
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
University of Southern California’s Online Degrees
EdD in Educational Leadership
- Required Credits: 43
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
EdD in Global Executive
- Required Credits: 50
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
DSW in Social Work
- Required Credits: 42
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
31%
Graduation
88%
Student body
55K
Median SAT/ACT
1365/29
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Texas at Austin
Cost of Degree: $12,012Expenses: $19,894Starting Salary: $104,200Salary after 4 years: $107,688Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Texas at Austin known for?
University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Physics
- Law
- Literature
- History
- Earth Sciences
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #5 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #9 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
91%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1487/34
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Boston College
Cost of Degree: $35,900Expenses: $21,925Starting Salary: $121,936Salary after 4 years: $137,416Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Boston College known for?
Boston College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Boston College’s Online Degrees
EdD in Higher Education
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024
Tuition + fees
$56K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
77%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1310/30
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Denver
Cost of Degree: $58,347Expenses: $21,196Starting Salary: $86,212Salary after 4 years: $97,157Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Denver known for?
University of Denver’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Law
- Psychology
- Business
- Economics
- Anthropology
- History
- Education
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #16 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Missouri 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
81%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1305/28
Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Saint Louis University
Cost of Degree: $24,494Expenses: $20,640Starting Salary: $85,553Salary after 4 years: $96,414Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Louis University known for?
Saint Louis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
To learn more, check out our Guide to Online Degrees.
