In South Carolina, the SC Association for Behavior Analysis (SC ABA) advocates for standards and licensing qualifications. Currently, there is no law prohibiting the practice of ABA or the use of “behavior analyst” by people who are not BCBA certified. Current legislation refers to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for ongoing updates to requirements. This presents a risk for consumers and for therapists.
Demand for BCBAs in South Carolina
Between 2022 and 2023 there was a decrease in demand for ABA therapists in South Carolina. According to job postings, there were 424 ABA therapist jobs posted in 2022 and 310 in 2023. This trend is not aligned with national trends that show an overall increase in demand.
According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary for a BCBA in South Carolina is $41,954 ($20/hour). The salary does range from market to market. The average salary in Myrtle Beach was $44,153 while the average salary in Columbia was $41,318.
Master’s Programs in South Carolina To Become a BCBA
To earn the BCBA credential in South Carolina, students must have:
- a master’s degree,
- completed the required graduate level coursework (21 credit hours or sequence of seven courses,
- Completed field work under the supervision of a BCBA, and
- passed the BCBA exam.
There are three universities in South Carolina that offer the BCBA coursework. These include on campus and hybrid options. Students can choose from programs that approach ABA from an education or psychology standpoint. The University of South Carolina program is incorporated into the School of Education, while the Francis Marion University program is part of the Psychology Department. These options provide various entry points and perspectives for students.
Online ABA Master’s Program in South Carolina
There are currently no online-only master’s programs for Applied Behavior Analysis in South Carolina. Students who require online-only programs can apply to national online university options.
Hybrid Master’s ABA Program in South Carolina
The University of South Carolina offers a Master’s of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis that incorporates both online and on campus courses. This option supports students who are engaged in learning online and on campus.
University of South Carolina
- Columbia, SC
- 30-39 hours, 1.5 years
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master’s of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online and on campus
Length: Between 30 and 39 hours of coursework and field work, depending on track, 1.5 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $6,867 per semester for in-state students, $14,880 per semester for out-of-state students
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The M.Ed. in ABA is either 30 or 39 crest hours, depending on the track students choose. All students complete 24 credits of core coursework. Then, students who are on the Practicum track (39 credits) obtain 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork. Students work under a supervisor that is a certified BCBA to complete their fieldwork. Students on the Independent Fieldwork track (30 credits) complete 300 hours of supervised fieldwork through the university and accrue the remaining fieldwork requirement under the supervision of a BCBA that they already know. Program faculty help students identify which track makes the most sense for them to ensure they can complete the program and fieldwork.
Courses are completed in a hybrid format, with both online and on campus meetings. Students can also work on faculty-led research projects if they choose.
Graduate Certificate ABA Program in South Carolina
Clemson University and Francis Marion University offer the option to earn a BCBA certificate. This is an option for students who already hold a master’s degree or are enrolled in a master’s degree program and want to earn BCBA certification as well.
Clemson University
- Clemson, SC
- Campus
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Modality: On-campus
GRE Required: Yes (the requirement is waived if applicants have a 3.0 GPA or higher on their most recent degree earned)
Tuition: $15,554 in-state tuition, $40,866 out-of-state tuition
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate is a program through the College of Education that prepares students to earn the BCBA credential. This certificate is earned in addition to or as part of another university graduate program.
Francis Marion University
- Florence, SC
- 21 hours
- Campus
Program:
BCBA Certification
Modality: On campus
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: Yes
Tuition: $580 per credit hour for in-state students, $1061.20 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
Francis Marion University offers the seven-course sequence for students who are enrolled at Francis Marion and want to complete the BCBA certification but who are not enrolled in the Master’s of Science in Applied Psychology program.
On Campus Master’s in ABA Programs in South Carolina
On campus master’s programs provide more direct experiences with professors and peers. These programs also provide options to be involved in research projects and work in applied settings. These are good options for students who want to interact directly with faculty, and who want to experience learning on campus. They are also ideal for students who are interested in research and want to be part of research opportunities.
Francis Marion University
- Florence, SC
- 42 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master’s of Science in Applied Psychology, emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Modality: On campus
Length: 42 credit hours
GRE Required: Yes
Tuition: $580 per credit hour for in-state students, $1061.20 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
Francis Marion University offers a Masters of Science that includes the seven-course sequence for BCBA certification. Most coursework and practical experiences occur during the work day, though a few courses are offered at night. Courses include a combination of theory and practical application. The fieldwork required to earn a BCBA certificate is not included as part of the Master’s program. Applicants should be aware that they should have taken general psychology and behavioral statistics courses are required prior to applying.
No GRE Required ABA Programs in South Carolina
In South Carolina, the University of South Carolina does not require the GRE for admission. Admission requirements vary from program to program, with some requiring a minimum GPA for admission, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
ABAI Accredited ABA Programs in South Carolina
All of the programs in South Carolina are ABAI accredited and include the coursework required to prepare students to pass the BCBA exam.
Affordable ABA Programs in South Carolina
The University of South Carolina’s program has the lowest in-state tuition. This cost does not include tuition and fees, or any costs related to relocating for the hybrid program. The total cost of any ABA graduate program will depend on the total coursework, expenses and fees.
Accelerated ABA Programs in South Carolina
The best option for an accelerated path to a BCBA is the Francis Marion University certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis because it provides the seven-sequence of courses but does not require fieldwork, which is ideal for candidates who are able to meet the fieldwork requirement on their own.
