Last updated: March 9, 2026

Best ABA Programs in Pennsylvania (2026)

The top accredited Applied Behavior Analysis programs in Pennsylvania — from Penn State Harrisburg's ABAI-accredited M.A. to Lehigh's 100% BCBA pass rate program — with tuition, certification paths, Behavior Specialist licensure, and salary data for 2026.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle

Best ABA Programs in Pennsylvania (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania has 24+ ABA master's programs, more than nearly any other state — with Penn State Harrisburg offering the state's only ABAI-accredited program (39 credits, evening format for working professionals).
  • Lehigh University boasts a 100% BCBA exam pass rate at just $660/credit — with a 15% discount for Pennsylvania teachers, making it one of the best value ABA programs in the Northeast.
  • Pennsylvania uses a Behavior Specialist license through the State Board of Medicine — not the "LBA" title most states use — requiring a master's degree, 1,000+ clinical hours, and 90 hours of evidence-based coursework.
  • The BLS median salary for behavioral health counselors in Pennsylvania is approximately $50,480, but BCBA-certified professionals in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metros typically earn $70,000–$90,000+.
  • Arcadia University offers a fully online M.Ed. for just $25,245 total (33 credits at $765/credit), completing in 18 months — one of the most affordable ABA programs in the state.

Pennsylvania is one of the strongest states in the country for ABA education, with over 24 master's programs producing a steady pipeline of BCBA candidates. Penn State Harrisburg holds the state's only ABAI accreditation, offering a 39-credit evening program designed for working professionals, while Lehigh University has earned recognition for its 100% BCBA exam pass rate and competitive $660/credit tuition.

For students prioritizing affordability, Arcadia University delivers a fully online M.Ed. for under $26,000 total, and PennWest University offers public-university pricing starting around $534/credit. Drexel, Temple, and the University of Scranton round out the options with strong online programs and diverse clinical training environments.

Pennsylvania's licensing framework is unique — the state issues a "Behavior Specialist" license through the Board of Medicine rather than the more common "Licensed Behavior Analyst" title used elsewhere. BCBA holders can apply for this credential, but the state also recognizes non-BCBA pathways with its own coursework and clinical experience requirements.

Best ABA Programs in Pennsylvania — Accredited Master's & Bachelor's Degrees

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
Penn State Harrisburg — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis $1,032/credit (~$40,248 total, 39 credits) On-campus (evening classes) 2 years ABAI-Accredited; BACB-Aligned
Lehigh University — M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis (Online) $660/credit (~$21,780 total, 33 credits) Fully online 18–24 months BACB-Aligned
Drexel University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) $1,132/credit (~$50,940 total, 45 credits) Fully online (quarter-based) 2 years (six 10-week quarters) ABAI-Verified; BACB-Aligned
Temple University — M.S.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis $1,148/credit On-campus with online components 2 years BACB-Verified; BACB-Aligned
Arcadia University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) $765/credit (~$25,245 total, 33 credits) Fully online 18 months ABAI-Verified; BACB-Aligned
PennWest University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) $534/credit Fully online 2 years BACB-Aligned
University of Scranton — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) $965/credit (~$28,950 total, 30 credits) Fully online (7-week sessions) 18–24 months BACB-Aligned

Penn State Harrisburg — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis

Harrisburg

In-State Tuition

$1,032/credit (~$40,248 total, 39 credits)

Out-of-State

$1,380/credit (~$53,820 total)

Format

On-campus (evening classes)

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (most complete before graduation)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — autism, developmental disabilities, behavioral research

  • Only ABAI-accredited ABA program in Pennsylvania — the gold standard for BCBA preparation
  • Evening class schedule designed for working professionals — most semesters require just two evenings
  • 39-credit program includes coursework, practicum, and culminating experience for BCBA eligibility
  • Most students complete the full 1,500-hour BACB fieldwork requirement before graduation
  • Penn State's established network across Pennsylvania provides strong clinical placement access
  • Full- or part-time enrollment options available
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Lehigh University — M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis (Online)

Bethlehem (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$660/credit (~$21,780 total, 33 credits)

Out-of-State

$660/credit (~$21,780 total)

Format

Fully online

Full-Time

18–24 months

Field Hours

2,000 supervised fieldwork hours (completed separately)

Concentrations

Behavior Analysis — BCBA preparation, autism intervention, behavioral assessment

  • 100% BCBA exam pass rate — one of the highest success rates in the country
  • Flat $660/credit regardless of residency — 25% less than comparable programs
  • Pennsylvania teachers receive an additional 15% discount (up to 18 credits/year)
  • Fully online format with asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility
  • Lehigh's research tradition in special education and behavioral sciences
  • 33-credit program — fewer credits than many competitors while meeting all BACB requirements
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Drexel University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)

Philadelphia (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$1,132/credit (~$50,940 total, 45 credits)

Out-of-State

$1,132/credit (~$50,940 total)

Format

Fully online (quarter-based)

Full-Time

2 years (six 10-week quarters)

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — autism spectrum disorders track, research methods

  • ABAI-verified course sequence meeting all BCBA exam eligibility requirements
  • Flexible online format with live weekly meetings — quarter-based for faster progress
  • 45-credit program includes dedicated autism spectrum disorders track and research component
  • Philadelphia-based clinical training access for students in the metro area
  • Faculty advisors assigned to each student for personalized academic guidance
  • Financial aid eligible — Drexel offers various graduate scholarship opportunities
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Temple University — M.S.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis

Philadelphia

In-State Tuition

$1,148/credit

Out-of-State

$1,577/credit

Format

On-campus with online components

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (university practicum category)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — practicum-integrated, BCBA preparation

  • BACB-verified course sequence with integrated university practicum experience
  • Philadelphia's largest public research university — diverse clinical training sites
  • In-state tuition advantage for Pennsylvania residents at $1,148/credit
  • College of Education and Human Development provides interdisciplinary training
  • Strong connections to Philadelphia-area ABA employers and clinical sites
  • Supervised experience hours completed through the university practicum structure
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Arcadia University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)

Glenside (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$765/credit (~$25,245 total, 33 credits)

Out-of-State

$765/credit (~$25,245 total)

Format

Fully online

Full-Time

18 months

Field Hours

2,000 supervised fieldwork hours (completed separately)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — BCBA exam preparation

  • Among the most affordable ABA programs in Pennsylvania — $25,245 total tuition
  • Fully online with no application fee — low barrier to entry
  • ABAI-verified course sequence aligning with BCBA exam content
  • 33-credit, 18-month completion timeline — efficient path to certification
  • Flat tuition rate regardless of residency — accessible to out-of-state students
  • Also offers a 4+1 accelerated early entry master's for Arcadia undergrads
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

PennWest University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)

Online (California, Clarion, Edinboro campuses)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$534/credit

Out-of-State

$587/credit

Format

Fully online

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — BCBA exam preparation, PA Behavior Specialist licensure

  • Most affordable ABA master's option in Pennsylvania — public university pricing
  • Fully online through PennWest Global Online — three merged PASSHE campuses
  • Designed to meet both BCBA exam requirements and PA Behavior Specialist licensure
  • Competitive out-of-state rate at $587/credit — among the cheapest nationally
  • Pennsylvania's state university system offers strong financial aid options
  • Also offers a post-master's ABA certificate for those with existing graduate degrees
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

University of Scranton — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)

Scranton (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$965/credit (~$28,950 total, 30 credits)

Out-of-State

$965/credit (~$28,950 total)

Format

Fully online (7-week sessions)

Full-Time

18–24 months

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — BCBA preparation, ethical practice

  • Jesuit university with strong emphasis on ethical practice in behavior analysis
  • Accelerated 7-week session format — complete courses faster than traditional semesters
  • 30-credit program — efficient path to BCBA exam eligibility
  • Fully online with personal financial aid counselor support
  • Also offers an accelerated B.S./M.S. pathway for undergraduate students
  • Flat tuition rate regardless of residency — $965/credit for all students
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Pennsylvania Behavior Specialist Licensure Requirements

Behavior Specialist License

Issued by: Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine

  • Master's degree or higher from an accredited institution in psychology, education, or a related field
  • 90 hours of evidence-based coursework (through accredited programs, BACB-approved training, or Bureau of Autism Services-approved sources)
  • At least 1,000 hours of in-person clinical experience with individuals with behavioral challenges
  • At least 1 year of experience involving functional behavior assessments of individuals under 21
  • Criminal background check from Pennsylvania State Police (covering the previous 10 years of all states of residence)
  • Child abuse history clearance
  • BCBA certification can satisfy most education and experience requirements for the Behavior Specialist license

Renewal

Biennial renewal with 2 hours of continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements

Visit Licensing Board →

Behavior Analyst Salary in Pennsylvania

BLS Median

$50,480

Entry Level

$36,000–$45,000

Experienced

$70,000–$90,000+ (BCBA-certified, Philadelphia/Pittsburgh metros)

Top Earners

$95,000–$120,000+ (clinical directors, private practice)

The BLS median for the broader behavioral health counselor category (SOC 21-1018) in Pennsylvania is approximately $50,480. However, BCBA-certified professionals typically earn significantly more — $70,000–$90,000 in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas, with clinical directors and private practice BCBAs exceeding $100,000. The state's large population base and high concentration of ABA employers, particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania, create strong salary competition for experienced behavior analysts.

Pennsylvania ABA Job Market and Workforce Demand

BLS Employment

18,840

Projected Growth

19% nationally through 2034

Top Employers

CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia), Melmark, NHS Human Services, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Trumpet Behavioral Health

Pennsylvania's ABA job market benefits from the state's large population, strong healthcare infrastructure, and high concentration of ABA providers in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh corridors. The BACB reports over 2,489 active BCBAs in Pennsylvania (as of 2023, a 12.8% increase from 2022), with demand continuing to grow. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), one of the nation's leading pediatric institutions, is a major ABA employer, and organizations like Melmark, NHS Human Services, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health operate extensive programs across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

PennWest University offers the lowest per-credit rate at approximately $534/credit for in-state students. For total program cost, Arcadia University is highly competitive at $25,245 total for its 33-credit online M.Ed., and Lehigh University offers exceptional value at $660/credit with a 100% BCBA pass rate.
Pennsylvania regulates behavior analysts under its State Board of Medicine using the "Behavior Specialist" title — a legacy of the state's early regulatory framework. Most other states use "Licensed Behavior Analyst" (LBA), but the requirements are functionally similar: a master's degree, supervised clinical experience, and evidence-based coursework. BCBA certification holders can use their credential to meet most of the Behavior Specialist requirements.
Lehigh University reports a 100% BCBA exam pass rate for its graduates — the highest in the state. Penn State Harrisburg also has strong exam outcomes, and as the only ABAI-accredited program in Pennsylvania, provides the most streamlined path to certification.
Yes. Lehigh, Drexel, Arcadia, PennWest, and the University of Scranton all offer fully online ABA master's programs that meet BACB coursework requirements. The academic coursework can be completed 100% online, but supervised fieldwork hours (1,500–2,000 hours depending on the pathway) must be completed in person at an approved clinical site. Penn State Harrisburg and Temple offer on-campus or hybrid formats for students who prefer in-person instruction.
The BLS median for the broader behavioral health counselor category in Pennsylvania is approximately $50,480. However, BCBA-certified professionals earn considerably more — typically $70,000–$90,000 in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas. Clinical directors and BCBAs in private practice can earn $95,000–$120,000+. Pennsylvania's relatively low cost of living outside Philadelphia makes these salaries competitive, especially compared to higher-cost Northeast states.