Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview and Career Outcomes
What is a behavior analyst?
Behavior analysts, using behavior assessments and evidence-based interventions, improve the lives of people with behavioral issues and contribute to the overall well-being of a diverse range of communities. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) grants a widely recognized certification to individuals who pass the qualifying exam and meet all the requirements. The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a graduate-level certification. BCBAs are independent practitioners and may also supervise technicians, assistant analysts and others who implement behavior-analytic interventions.
What can I do with a master’s in behavior analysis?
Behavior analysis professionals might work with children with autism, individuals with developmental disabilities or anyone in need of behavioral support in settings like schools, clinics and hospitals. After completing the program, graduates pursue a range of opportunities and may occupy roles as clinical directors or supervisors, organizational behavior management (OBM) specialists, applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapists, developmental specialists, private practice therapists and more.
How much do behavior analysts with a master’s degree make?
According to Lightcast Analytics, the national median salary for behavior analysts with a master’s degree is $75,000.
Can I attend part time? How long does it take to complete the program?
The program can be completed part time or full time. Students attending on a part-time schedule generally complete the program in two years.
What is the difference between a master’s in behavior analysis and a master’s in applied behavior analysis?
A master’s in behavior analysis often covers both the theory and application of behavior principles, while a master’s in applied behavior analysis (ABA) focuses more specifically on applying these principles in real-world settings. Both types of programs can prepare students for BCBA certification if they meet accreditation and coursework requirements. The main difference between these credentials often lies in a degree program’s emphasis rather than its core content.
What is the difference between BCBA and ABA?
- ABA practitioners work hands-on with clients, following established behavior plans, tracking progress and making small changes to interventions as needed, all under the direction of a BCBA.
- BCBAs have a more comprehensive role. They develop and manage customized, evidence-based intervention strategies, monitor their effectiveness, supervise ABA practitioners and ensure ethical standards are maintained throughout the treatment process.
Certification and Program Options
What are the requirements to obtain a Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification?
In order to become certified, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board requires applicants to (1) meet certain eligibility requirements through education, experience or a mix of both and (2) apply for, take and pass the BCBA exam. Certification is maintained through continuing education, adherence to ethics requirements and recertifying every two years. Visit the BACB’s website for more information.
Does this program fulfill the Behavior Analyst Certification Board course requirements for 2027?
Yes, this program’s curriculum meets the Behavior Analyst Certification Board course requirements.
Can you become a BCBA without a master’s degree?
To become a BCBA, applicants must complete an Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accredited program or similarly recognized behavior analysis degree program. Alternatively, applicants can complete a Verified Course Sequence. For more information on the BCBA exam, visit the BACB’s website.
How might I choose between the certificate and the master’s?
The online Certificate in Behavior Analysis is ideal for individuals who already hold a master’s degree but need additional educational credits to be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam and for professionals seeking behavioral analysis skills for their current careers. The online M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis is designed for professionals who currently have or are working toward the experience requirements needed to sit for the BCBA exam.
Do I need to have a teaching credential to apply to Lehigh’s behavior analysis master’s program?
A teaching credential is not required for the master’s program.
Admissions and Eligibility
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA, a resume, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. No GRE is required for this program.
Additional details and deadlines can be found on our admissions page.
When is the application deadline?
You can find the next application deadline and start date on our admission page.
Are GRE or GMAT scores required to apply?
No, neither GRE nor GMAT scores are required to apply to our program.
Can international students enroll in this program?
We welcome international students! However, this program cannot provide visa sponsorship. International applicants must already be eligible to study in the United States.
Please see our international students page for more information.
Cost and Financial Aid
How much does this program cost?
The M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis is competitively priced, with tuition and fees that are 25% more affordable on average than comparable programs. Lehigh University’s strong return on investment has earned it recognition as a Best Value College by The Princeton Review.
You can find a full summary of our program’s tuition and fees on our tuition and financial aid page.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes. Financial aid is available for all graduate students — regardless of whether they study part time or full time, online or on campus. Students are encouraged to request federal and state financial aid by completing their FAFSA.
Students who hold a Pennsylvania teaching certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education receive a 15% tuition discount. Lehigh University employees and their family members receive 100% tuition remission.
Lehigh University is also a Yellow Ribbon Program participant. Learn more on our veterans education benefits page. For more information about funding in general, you can visit our tuition and financial aid page.
What is your FAFSA code?
Our FAFSA code is 03289.
To learn more about the online M.Ed. in Behavior Analysis at Lehigh University College of Education and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also talk one-on-one with an enrollment specialist directly by calling (610) 215-2867 or emailing us at edprograms@lehigh.edu.