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The Capella Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) helps you understand why people engage in certain behaviors and how to apply behavioral knowledge to help improve lives. Our program prepares you to assess behavior, collect and analyze data, identify areas for change, and develop and implement interventions for children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or other intellectual disabilities. This program includes a five-course sequence that has been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and meets the educational requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA) examination.*
*Applicants must meet additional requirements to qualify.
Apply today with no application fee.
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $15,000 Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund select bachelor’s degrees. Eligibility rules apply. Books, supplies, course materials, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses related to residencies, practicum, etc., are not covered by the scholarship.
This specialization provides you with a foundational knowledge of major competency areas in the applied behavior analysis field. The curriculum focuses on foundational behavior analysis theories, concepts and techniques, research methods and ethical standards to which professionals in the applied behavior analysis field must adhere.
The coursework prepares you to interpret research studies in applied behavior analysis, identify behavioral problems through assessment, select targeted behaviors for change and conduct consultations. You’ll also develop your ability to design, implement and evaluate culturally appropriate and ethical behavioral interventions under the supervision of a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
$365 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 per 3000-4000 level credit, $150 resource kit fee, 180 total quarter credits, 120 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, supplies, course materials, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses related to residencies, practicum, etc., are not covered by the scholarship.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
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The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses (PSYC4001, PSYC4011, PSYC4003, PSYC4004, PSYC4005, PSYC4016) toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
Applicants to the BS in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis program must provide the following information for admission:
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
Learn more about international student admissions.
Our distinguished faculty members are industry leaders, bringing real-world relevance into the courseroom to enrich your education and career.
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Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a bachelor’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
Pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.
Applied Behavior Analysis Career Skills
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis.
Job titles to explore
Employment settings to explore
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
We can help you understand education financing, review your options, and explore ways to save on your degree.
Learn how licensure, education methods and workplaces differ in clinical vs. non-clinical psychology.
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.