Earning an online master’s degree in behavioral psychology provides an entryway into the field, with numerous programs offering diverse specializations to choose from. Explore this page to learn more about finding an online master’s program in behavioral psychology.

Behavioral psychology examines how people think, learn and develop in order to change their thinking, behavior and communication. By measuring how different clients process emotions, behavioral psychologists create individualized solutions to help people address mental health concerns—from depression to trauma to stress management.

Many behavioral psychologists use applied behavior analysis (ABA), a type of therapy rooted in behavioral psychology research and taught in many psychology programs. ABA puts behavioral psychology analysis into practice through careful monitoring and continuous evaluation to help modify clients’ learned behaviors.
Psychology professionals interested in providing ABA services may earn the Board Certified Behavioral Analyst certification. Those interested in ABA may also pursue bachelor’s and doctoral programs in this area.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is the application of behavioral psychology practices based on the science of learning and behavior. Studying and utilizing ABA can be beneficial in a number of ways. It helps people navigate and understand how behavior works, how a person’s environment affects their behavior and how behaviors are learned. Over time, ABA therapy has the potential to enhance behavior, communication, focus, social aptitude, memory and attention skills. Additionally, it can influence how individuals respond to stress triggers, foster positive thinking habits and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

ABA therapy may be applied in a variety of settings, such as schools and hospitals. Regardless of the environment, ABA can be used to create problem-solving strategies that are tailored to the client, adapting to their needs, interests, skills, preferences and family situations. Driven by positive reinforcement, ABA helps behavioral analysts identify and modify behavioral responses while decreasing problematic behaviors. This type of therapy can be used to treat clients of all ages.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) accreditation board determines and implements standards for educational programs in behavioral analysis at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

Considering any of the programs listed above? We’ve gathered admissions information for your review below, but is it always best to check the university’s website for the most up-to-date information. 

The data collected below was last updated November 2021.

When choosing a master’s in behavioral psychology program, it’s useful to consider accreditation. In order to obtain Board Certified Behavioral Analyst certification, an aspiring behavioral psychologist may earn their master’s from a program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

If the degree program is accredited, aspiring behavioral psychologists may take into account how well the program fits with their lifestyle. For individuals with professional or personal obligations, an online master’s in behavioral psychology may be a viable option as it allows students to pursue their education without relocating—and often on their own schedules.

The criteria for admission to a master’s in behavioral psychology program will differ between universities, but there are some general expectations. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is typically required. Some schools may require at minimum a 3.0 GPA and previous coursework in the areas of psychology and/or education. Letters of recommendation may come from academic or professional sources. 

ABAI-accredited master’s in behavioral psychology programs should include at least 405 hours of instruction and 90 hours of supervised experience. Additionally, coursework may cover six specific subject areas—principles of behavior, research methods, conceptual analysis, applied behavior analysis, basic behavior analysis and ethics—and the curriculum should culminate in a thesis or equivalent component.

Sample ABA courses might include:

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect data on behavioral psychologists, it does track career outlook and salary information for all psychologists. The BLS reports that the annual median pay for psychologists was $85,330 in May 2022. From 2022 to 2032, the overall employment of psychologists is expected to increase by 6%.

Many psychologists hold a master’s or doctorate degree in psychology. As previously mentioned, if you wish to specialize in ABA, you can obtain the Board Certified Behavioral Analyst certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. To earn this credential, you’ll be required to earn a master’s in behavioral psychology or a similar graduate degree in psychology. How much you earn as an ABA psychologist depends on factors such as location, employer, education level and more.

The career paths listed below are examples of some of the professional opportunities individuals with an interest in behavioral psychology and human relationships may pursue—though this list is not exhaustive. Do keep in mind that certain positions may require specific education and training in order to obtain licensure to practice. If any of these careers interest you, be sure to research the necessary steps and requirements for practice.

Psychologists analyze their clients’ cognitive, emotional and social processes and behaviors, aiming to make sense of their thoughts, emotions, feelings and relationships with others and their environment. This understanding serves as a foundation for psychologists to enhance their clients’ processes and behaviors. They achieve this by interviewing and conducting behavioral tests to formulate tailored treatment plans, which they then discuss with their clients.

Earning a master’s degree in psychology (or a subfield like behavioral psychology) may be sufficient to practice in school and industrial organizational settings—though most psychologists need a doctoral degree. 

Marriage and family therapists provide support to individuals grappling with challenges in their family and other interpersonal relationships. Through the use of linguistic techniques, they encourage clients to openly discuss their emotions and experiences, aiming to assist them in processing their feelings, especially those triggered by reactions and adjustments to significant life changes. Marriage and family therapists then guide their clients through future decision-making processes. These professionals may also refer clients to other community resources and services, such as support groups.

Practicing as a marriage and family therapist requires a master’s degree, as well as a license. Master’s programs for marriage and family therapists may include psychology courses that show students how marriages, families and relationships function, as well as how these sorts of relationships tend to affect mental and emotional disorders. 

Social workers help clients address and handle the challenges that impact their day-to-day lives. Individuals on the path to becoming licensed social workers are taught to assess a client’s needs, strengths and available support networks to understand their goals. They then work to address any obstacles hindering the achievement of those goals and respond to crisis situations that may exacerbate the client’s problems. Social workers are also trained to research and advocate for community resources on behalf of the clients.

While some social workers need only a bachelor’s degree, clinical social workers must possess a master’s degree, as well as a license to practice. Master’s in social work programs may touch on human psychology and prepare learners to practice their chosen specialty.

Substance abuse counselors support clients facing substance abuse challenges such as alcoholism, drug addiction and eating disorders. Their purpose is to explore various treatment options, enabling clients to modify their behaviors and work toward recovery. They may also educate clients’ family members about the disorder to help them develop effective coping strategies. Additionally, they may direct clients to other resources and services, such as job placement programs.

If you plan on working as a substance abuse counselor in private practice, you will need a master’s degree in addition to having 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Then, you will need to pass a state-issued exam. Master’s degree programs for substance abuse counselors may delve into topics like psychology, behavioral disorders or mental health.

Behavioral psychology may lead to a variety of career outcomes depending on which degree you decide to pursue. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), a bachelor’s degree in psychology can prepare graduates to work in public affairs, education and health. They may work as counselors, probation officers or writers.

Earning a master’s in behavioral psychology online—which typically requires an additional two years of coursework plus a thesis—can prepare students for roles in consulting, market research, government, counseling or academia. Pursuing a PhD also prepares graduates to do research and requires, on average, five to seven years to complete.

Those who earn a master’s in behavioral psychology online focus on the relationship between environmental factors and behavior. Conversely, cognitive psychology focuses on the relationship between internal mental processes and behavior. In other words, behavioral psychology delves into the patient’s external world while cognitive psychology is centered on their internal world. Within the APA, cognitive psychology is grouped with experimental psychology, indicating the field’s focus on research (rather than practice).

Individuals who earn a master’s in behavioral psychology online focus on external influences affecting behavior. Clinical psychology looks at individual differences, normal and abnormal behavior, mental health and psychopathology. You can earn an online master’s in clinical psychology to embark on that career path. Health psychologists, for example, work in clinical settings to help patients overcome mental disorders such as depression.

Interested in a career in behavioral psychology? The following questions and answers describe what behavioral psychologists do and what kind of training is needed to become one.

Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy

Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW)

Last updated July 2023.