Academics

Program Overview

The demand for Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) has increased dramatically in the last decade, and job growth is expected to continue to rise in the coming years. Northeastern’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares you to become a BCBA with the knowledge to understand and change socially significant behavior by utilizing the principles of applied behavior analysis. The program also provides the experience needed to develop and monitor the educational and behavioral programming of individuals with autism or behavioral needs.

The program requires completion of a 30-semester-hours course sequence and offers an option to add on up to 4 semester-hours to accrue further supervision at Northeastern University. The required sequence includes eight core courses, two experiential learning courses, and two courses that will guide students through completion of a scholarly project.

Our program meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for pursuing BCBA Pathway 2 eligibility through a flexible, asynchronous online-focused format with two weekends of in-person instruction per semester.

The hybrid program on our Charlotte campus is delivered online and in person. The industry-aligned curriculum allows you to work independently for most of the semester, completing coursework in an asynchronous format online, while on-campus instruction occurs twice each semester, on Friday and Saturday.

Tuition and Aid

The domestic tuition price is inclusive of a scholarship of up to 25% for all domestic students beginning their graduate studies in the 2026 academic year. This scholarship is not transferable to alternative programs of study, terms or campuses outside of Charlotte, NC.

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025–2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from Student Financial Services.

Finance Your Education

We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships. Learn more here.

Curriculum

Explore this program’s 2024-2025 requirements and courses, all designed to meet industry needs and must-have skills.

Experiential Learning

Northeastern’s experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. Your Northeastern education can be a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Students enroll in two experiential learning courses to gain practical skills in the field under the direction of Northeastern faculty. Students may elect to use these courses to work toward the requirements set forth by the BACB for Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. Faculty supervisors bring a rich array of practical experience in public and private settings. Students who are already employed in a behavior analytic role may be eligible to complete their fieldwork in their current professional setting. All students may gain assistance from Northeastern faculty in identifying appropriate settings for fieldwork.

Scholarly Project

In conjunction with the experiential learning classes, students enroll in two classes to complete a scholarly project in which they either develop and complete a research project or a literature review of a topic of importance in the field of applied behavior analysis. 

Admission Dates

fall 2025 Domestic Deadlines

SPRING 2026 Domestic Deadlines

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