2026 What Prerequisites Do You Need for an Applied Behavior Analysis Degree? Entry Requirements, Credits & Eligibility Rules

Applied behavior analysis programs generally do not impose highly specific high school prerequisites, but requirements can vary depending on the institution and program type. Many programs emphasize foundational subjects that better prepare students for the quantitative and analytical demands of ABA coursework. Prospective students interested in the ABA program admission requirements for high school students should consider these recommended subjects to enhance their readiness and competitiveness.

• Mathematics: Courses such as algebra and statistics develop critical thinking and data interpretation skills essential for analyzing behavioral data and designing experiments in ABA studies.
• Biology: A basic understanding of biological principles supports comprehension of behavioral neuroscience concepts that underpin many ABA interventions.
• Psychology or Social Sciences: Although not always required, these subjects introduce theories of human behavior that are directly relevant to ABA principles and practices.
• English or Language Arts: Strong writing and reading comprehension abilities are crucial for document preparation, research analysis, and effective communication in ABA training.

These academic recommendations reflect the interdisciplinary nature of applied behavior analysis, linking empirical research methods with practical applications in behavioral health. While most bachelor's programs require only a standard high school diploma or equivalent, students who have completed these subjects often experience a smoother transition to college-level ABA material. According to a 2023 ABAI survey, about 68% of incoming ABA students had completed high school coursework in math and science.

Students interested in fast-tracking their education or exploring alternative credentials might also consider exploring the best 6 month programs that pay well as options for gaining relevant skills quickly.

The topic of high school prerequisites for Applied Behavior Analysis remains flexible yet strategic preparation through targeted coursework can improve admission prospects and success throughout ABA degree programs.

Prospective students aiming to enroll in an applied behavior analysis degree program should carefully consider the college prerequisites required to ensure academic readiness and a smooth progression through the coursework. Meeting these requirements helps build essential foundational knowledge and skills for success.

Key prerequisite courses commonly required include the following:

• Introductory Psychology or Behavior Analysis: This course introduces core concepts of human behavior and experimental methods, providing a necessary framework for understanding ABA principles and research techniques.
• Statistics: Courses in basic statistics develop students' ability to analyze and interpret data, a critical skill for conducting behavior assessments and evaluating treatment outcomes.
• Academic or Scientific Writing: Effective communication of findings and treatment plans is vital, so writing courses focus on developing these skills for both research and clinical settings.
• Biological or Laboratory Sciences: These courses support understanding of neurodevelopment and physiological factors influencing behavior, offering insight into the biological underpinnings of behavior changes.

These required college courses for applied behavior analysis program admission align with Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) standards and reflect common expectations curricula. Incorporating these prerequisites improves student success and retention rates. For those exploring career advancement options in related fields, reviewing online certificate programs that pay well may also prove beneficial for skill enhancement.

Typically, students can transfer between 30% and 60% of credits toward an applied behavior analysis degree, although this range depends on the institution's accreditation status and program-specific rules. Accredited programs, especially those recognized by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), tend to enforce stricter limits to maintain academic quality. Transfer amounts also vary based on the program's residency requirements and how closely prior coursework aligns with their curriculum.

Key factors include earning at least a C grade in courses from regionally accredited colleges, as well as completing a required number of credits directly at the enrolling institution. Transferred courses must correspond to core subjects in applied behavior analysis or approved electives, and some programs limit the age of transferable credits, often rejecting courses older than five to seven years. Students should also consider prerequisites and clinical training hours when planning transfers. 

Breakdown of All 2-Year Online Title IV Institutions

Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023

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Most applied behavior analysis degree programs no longer require SAT or ACT scores for admission, reflecting a growing trend toward test-optional and test-free policies. However, some competitive programs, certain public university systems, and merit-based scholarship applicants might still need to submit these standardized test results.

This shift away from mandatory testing stems from concerns about fairness and research highlighting how standardized exams disproportionately affect underrepresented groups, as noted by organizations like the National Association of Colleges and Employers and FairTest.

Instead of relying on test scores, applied behavior analysis programs often prioritize other admission factors. These include undergraduate GPA, relevant prerequisite courses in psychology or related fields, personal essays explaining career goals, and sometimes professional portfolios.

Letters of recommendation and interviews may also play a role in evaluating candidates. Data from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board emphasize that academic achievements and relevant experience are significant in admission decisions, reflecting the specialized nature of this field.

Success in an applied behavior analysis degree program requires a combination of skills that support both academic demands and practical application. These competencies help students navigate coursework and enhance their effectiveness in professional settings.

The following list outlines the key skills needed before enrollment:

• Foundational Academic Skills: Proficiency in reading, writing, and basic math is crucial for understanding research, analyzing data, and producing clear reports.
• Technical Competencies: Familiarity with statistical software and data collection tools allows students to efficiently monitor and assess behaviors through empirical methods.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: These enable systematic evaluation of behavioral patterns and crafting of evidence-based interventions.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal abilities facilitate collaboration with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams, which is essential in applied behavior analysis practice.
• Field-Specific Readiness: Knowledge of ethical guidelines and experience in behavioral observation or volunteering improve preparedness and credibility.

Whether professional experience is required to enter an applied behavior analysis degree program depends on the institution, program level, and area of focus. Undergraduate programs generally do not require prior experience, emphasizing academic prerequisites like relevant psychology courses instead.

Graduate-level programs, especially those targeting board certification, often recommend or require experience in behavior analysis or related human services. Applicants might strengthen their profiles with volunteer work, internships, or positions such as behavioral technicians or teaching assistants. In many cases, experience is optional to recommended, though some specialized or competitive programs may make it mandatory.

Programs that prioritize professional experience do so because it enhances experiential learning and prepares students for rigorous, practice-oriented studies. Admissions committees may view relevant experience as evidence of dedication and practical knowledge of behavior analytic concepts, potentially increasing a candidate's chances of success.

However, students without prior experience are still often considered, particularly if they show strong academic records and motivation. According to BACB guidelines, clinical experience is important but usually gained during or after degree programs rather than as an admission prerequisite.

Online applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs require specific technology standards to ensure students can fully engage in coursework and interactive learning activities. These technical prerequisites enable precise data collection, real-time feedback, and seamless participation, all critical components of ABA education. Understanding the technical prerequisites for an online Applied Behavior Analysis degree is essential for candidates to meet program demands efficiently.

• Hardware Requirements: Students should use a modern computer with at least an Intel i5 processor or equivalent, 8GB of RAM, and 250GB of storage. These specifications support running video software and data analysis tools needed for ABA coursework without performance issues.
• Reliable Internet Connection: A broadband connection with a minimum download speed of 10 Mbps is recommended to handle live video sessions and ensure smooth uploading of behavioral data. Stable internet is crucial to prevent disruptions during live lectures and synchronous activities.
• Required Software and Platforms: Familiarity with platforms such as Zoom, Canvas, or Blackboard is often necessary for lectures, assignments, and communication. Additional software for data tracking or behavior analysis may be required, making technical proficiency important for smooth workflow.
• Digital Literacy Skills: Since ABA training requires accuracy in data reporting and assignment submissions, students must confidently navigate online platforms and troubleshoot basic technical issues. Developing these skills supports adherence to program standards and successful degree completion.

Meeting the required tech skills for ABA degree admission is not just an administrative step but a foundation that supports academic success in this precise and data-driven field. Prospective students considering ABA should also explore related career opportunities and how their technical readiness aligns with the most lucrative bachelor degrees offered today.

International students applying to applied behavior analysis programs face additional entry requirements compared to domestic applicants. These prerequisites ensure that candidates meet both academic standards and visa eligibility criteria before enrollment. Common prerequisites for international applicants include the following:

• Academic Credentials: Applicants must provide official transcripts demonstrating completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from a recognized institution. Equivalency evaluations may be required to verify that foreign degrees meet U.S. educational standards.
• English Language Proficiency: Demonstrating proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS is typically necessary, ensuring students can engage effectively with coursework and research materials in English.
• Prerequisite Coursework: Programs often require foundational courses in psychology or related behavioral sciences. These prerequisites guarantee that students have the necessary background to succeed in advanced applied behavior analysis studies.
• Credential Evaluation Report: Many universities ask for an evaluation report from approved agencies to confirm the authenticity and comparability of international academic records to those in the United States.
• Visa Documentation: Applicants must secure appropriate student visas and provide proof of financial resources. These steps comply with U.S. immigration policies and support sustained study during the program.

Prospective enrollees seeking to advance their education in this field should carefully review specific institutional requirements to prepare their applications accordingly. For those interested in balancing work with study, exploring options such as the quick degree that pays well may offer relevant insights into flexible program structures.

University admission requirements set the baseline for getting into the institution, while ABA program prerequisites outline the specific academic and skill-based criteria you must meet before entering an Applied Behavior Analysis program. These two work together but serve different purposes in the admission process.

Key Differences Between University Admission Requirements and ABA Program Prerequisites

• General University Admission Requirements: These often include a minimum GPA, demonstration of English language proficiency via tests like TOEFL or IELTS for non-native speakers, and completion of broad general education courses across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to ensure academic readiness.
• Applied behavior analysis program prerequisites: These are more specialized, requiring targeted coursework in statistics, psychology, biology, and behavior principles. Many programs accredited by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) expect completion of experimental design and data analysis courses, plus submission of portfolios showcasing practical or clinical ABA experience.

Recognizing these distinctions is vital for applicants because meeting university admissions alone may not guarantee direct entry into an ABA program. Students often must complete additional prerequisite science courses specific to ABA. These specific demands can limit admissions to candidates with demonstrated interest or foundational skills in behavior analysis, which enhances program rigor.

Impact on Eligibility, Timelines, and Preparation

• Eligibility Restrictions: Applicants lacking ABA-focused coursework might face delays or conditional acceptance, having to complete required prerequisite classes before progressing.
• Accelerated Admission Opportunities: Those with relevant professional experience or prior coursework related to ABA can sometimes bypass certain prerequisite barriers, shortening overall degree completion time.
• Program Specialization Demands: The emphasis on ABA readiness means some programs prioritize applicants with clear backgrounds or portfolios demonstrating behavior analysis involvement, increasing program selectivity.

A 2023 survey by the Association for Behavior Analysis International reported that 65% of programs required prior coursework specifically in behavior principles, contrasting with fewer than 20% demanding additional general university credits beyond standard admission documents. This reflects a growing trend emphasizing readiness for ABA's specialized technical coursework rather than broad academic credit accumulation.

Applicants considering degrees with applied behavior analysis components should weigh these program-specific prerequisites carefully when planning their academic paths. For some, exploring job certifications that pay well related to behavior analysis or complementary fields might provide alternative or supplementary professional routes.

Yes, you typically have to pay for prerequisite courses before enrolling in an applied behavior analysis program. These courses often cover essential topics like psychology, statistics, and research methods. Costs fluctuate based on where you take them; if completed at the same institution offering the ABA program, tuition usually matches that school's usual rates.

Many opt for community colleges or online programs to save money, with public community colleges charging roughly $150 per credit hour, compared to $400 or more at private universities. Additional fees, such as lab or technology fees, might also apply, especially for online courses.

To reduce expenses, students frequently seek financial aid options, including federal assistance and scholarships targeted at psychology or special education disciplines. Transferring credits from previous classes can help avoid retaking prerequisites, lowering overall costs. Additionally, enrolling in accredited tuition-free or low-cost online courses is becoming a common tactic to fulfill requirements without excessive financial strain.

• Applied Behavior Analysis Online Undergraduate Certificate https://uwf.edu/programs/online/aba-undergraduate-certificate/
• How to Become an Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA) Therapist https://online.regiscollege.edu/online-masters-degrees/master-science-applied-behavior-analysis/resources/how-to-become-an-applied-behavior-analyst-aba-therapist
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) https://www.oit.edu/academics/degrees/applied-behavior-analysis
• Applied Behavior Analysis | College of Education https://www.tamuv.edu/education/graduate/special-education/applied-behavior-analysis/
• 4+1 Applied Behavior Analysis Accelerated Program | University of Michigan-Dearborn https://umdearborn.edu/cehhs/departments/education/41-applied-behavior-analysis-accelerated-program
• Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) https://tsengcollege.csun.edu/programs/ABA/admission-requirements
• Online MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis: Admissions https://www.arcadia.edu/majors-and-programs/applied-behavior-analysis-med-certification/admissions/
• 9 Careers in Applied Behavior Analysis | The Chicago School https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/insight/career-development/4-ways-to-use-degree-in-applied-behavior-analysis/