Best ABA Programs in Pennsylvania (2027)
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 2027.
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.
- The degree is only half of it. Pennsylvania employers hire on the BCBA credential. A master's from a Pennsylvania program makes you eligible to sit the exam; it does not confer certification. You still need supervised fieldwork hours and a passing BACB exam result before you can bill independently. Read up on the BCBA certification path before you compare tuition.
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.
Looking for a specific metro?
See ABA programs by city for metro-level guides with local employers and salary data.
Best ABA Programs in Pennsylvania — Accredited Master's & Bachelor's Degrees
All 7 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Penn State Harrisburg — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis | $1,032/credit (~$40,248 total, 39 credits) | On-campus | |
| 2 | Lehigh University — M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis (Online) | $660/credit (~$21,780 total, 33 credits) | Fully online | |
| 3 | Drexel University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) | $1,132/credit (~$50,940 total, 45 credits) | Fully online | |
| 4 | Temple University — M.S.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis | $1,148/credit | On-campus with online components | |
| 5 | Arcadia University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) | $765/credit (~$25,245 total, 33 credits) | Fully online | |
| 6 | PennWest University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) | $534/credit | Fully online | |
| 7 | University of Scranton — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) | $965/credit (~$28,950 total, 30 credits) | Fully online |
Penn State Harrisburg — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
$1,032/credit (~$40,248 total, 39 credits)
Out-of-State
$1,380/credit (~$53,820 total)
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (most complete before graduation)
Concentrations
- 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
Lehigh University — M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis (Online)
In-State
$660/credit (~$21,780 total, 33 credits)
Out-of-State
$660/credit (~$21,780 total)
Length
18–24 months
Field Hours
2,000 supervised fieldwork hours (completed separately)
Concentrations
- 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
Drexel University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)
In-State
$1,132/credit (~$50,940 total, 45 credits)
Out-of-State
$1,132/credit (~$50,940 total)
Length
2 years (six 10-week quarters)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- 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
Temple University — M.S.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
$1,148/credit
Out-of-State
$1,577/credit
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (university practicum category)
Concentrations
- 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
Arcadia University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)
In-State
$765/credit (~$25,245 total, 33 credits)
Out-of-State
$765/credit (~$25,245 total)
Length
18 months
Field Hours
2,000 supervised fieldwork hours (completed separately)
Concentrations
- 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
PennWest University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)
In-State
$534/credit
Out-of-State
$587/credit
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- 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
University of Scranton — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)
In-State
$965/credit (~$28,950 total, 30 credits)
Out-of-State
$965/credit (~$28,950 total)
Length
18–24 months
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- 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
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
Behavior Analyst Salary in Pennsylvania
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
Sources
- ABAI — Verified Course Sequence Directory
- BACB — Certificant Data and Exam Pass Rates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024
- Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine — Behavior Specialist Licensure
- BACB — U.S. Licensure of Behavior Analysts by State
- NCES College Navigator — U.S. Department of Education