Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)

Badge for BEST ONLINE DOCTORATE IN BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS
By Dave Tomar
Published:
Updated:

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

  1. University of Washington
  2. Arizona State University
  3. University of Nevada, Reno
  4. Simmons University
  5. Walden University
    +3
  6. Capella University
    –1
  7. Endicott College
  8. The Chicago School
    –2

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.

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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.

    • 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.

  • 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.”

    • 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The 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. #1

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $18,633
    Expenses: $21,909
    Starting Salary: $98,137
    Salary after 4 years: $101,422
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington known for?

    University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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.

    Compare school
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  2. #2

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $13,389
    Expenses: $21,219
    Starting Salary: $78,256
    Salary after 4 years: $80,875
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Arizona State University known for?

    Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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.

    Compare school
  4. #3

    University of Nevada, Reno

    Reno , NV
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Nevada 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    23K

    Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at University of Nevada, Reno

    Cost of Degree: $6,584
    Expenses: $20,270
    Starting Salary: $79,384
    Salary after 4 years: $82,041
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Nevada, Reno known for?

    University of Nevada, Reno’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  5. #4

    Simmons University

    Boston , MA
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $28,662
    Expenses: $20,934
    Starting Salary: $76,984
    Salary after 4 years: $86,758
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Simmons University known for?

    Simmons University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Walden University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Student body

    74K

    Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Walden University

    Cost of Degree: $10,657
    Starting Salary: $82,389
    Salary after 4 years: $92,849
    What is Walden University known for?

    Walden University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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).

    Compare school
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  8. #6

    Capella University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #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)
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Student body

    68K

    Career Outlook for Behavioral Analysis degree at Capella University

    Cost of Degree: $15,066
    Starting Salary: $95,703
    Salary after 4 years: $107,853
    What is Capella University known for?

    Capella University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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.

    Compare school
  9. #7

    Endicott College

    Beverly , MA
    #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: $13,370
    Expenses: $20,676
    Starting Salary: $74,084
    Salary after 4 years: $83,490
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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.

    Compare school
  10. #8

    The Chicago School

    Chicago , IL
    #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.

    Compare school

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.

  1. #1

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #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 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $68,128
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $117,058
    Salary after 4 years: $131,920
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Southern California known for?

    University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $12,012
    Expenses: $19,894
    Starting Salary: $104,200
    Salary after 4 years: $107,688
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas at Austin known for?

    University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Boston College

    Chestnut Hill , MA
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $35,900
    Expenses: $21,925
    Starting Salary: $121,936
    Salary after 4 years: $137,416
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Saint Louis University

    Saint Louis , MO
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $24,494
    Expenses: $20,640
    Starting Salary: $85,553
    Salary after 4 years: $96,414
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Louis University known for?

    Saint Louis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school

To learn more, check out our Guide to Online Degrees.

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