In May 2022, House Bill 412 was passed. HB 412 created the Georgia Behavior Analyst Licensing Board, to support the licensure of ABA therapists. Prior to this, Georgia’s laws, especially relating to autism, have progressed in the past decade. Ava’s Law (House bill 429), passed on July 1, 2015, required private insurance companies to cover therapeutic treatments for autism, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for children age six and younger. Georgia Civil Rights law also ensure that individuals with autism have access to ABA therapy.
Two other programs provide support for families of children with autism, the Georgia Medicaid Program for ASD services and the Georgia Autism Initiative for Early Intervention. Both of these initiatives seek to expand services for children with autism, including ABA therapy. While ABA therapy is becoming more widespread and accessible, the BCBA credential is the minimum requirement for ABA therapists.
Demand for BCBAs in Georgia
There was a slight decrease in the demand for ABA therapists in Georgia. The demand for BCBAs decreased between 2022 and 2023, from 3,028 in 2022 to 2,704 in 2023. This is not aligned with the national trend; the nationwide demand for BCBA certified therapists has increased every year since 2010, with a 14% increase between 2022 and 2023.
According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary for a BCBA in Georgia is $67,989 ($33 per hour). The salary does vary from market to market. The average salary in Athens is $85,916 and the average salary in Atlanta is $77,433.
Master’s Programs in Georgia To Become a BCBA
The BCBA credential is required for ABA therapists in Georgia. There is no official state regulatory body in Georgia, so therapists pursue credentials through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. To become a BCBA certified therapist who can work independently, applicants must:
- earn a master’s level credential and complete the verified course sequence that includes mandatory BCBA coursework,
- pass the BCBA examination,
- complete 1,000 practicum hours and 750 intensive practicum hours or gain 1,500 hours of independent fieldwork.
There are four graduate degree programs in Georgia that provide the verified course sequence and additional experiences to support BCBA coursework. These options include one online option at Columbus State University, and three on campus options at Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, and the University of Georgia. Programs are provided through either the Special Education or Psychology Department, depending on the university.
Online ABA Master’s Program in Georgia
An online ABA Master’s program provides flexibility and the ability to learn the content necessary to become a BCBA while managing a job and family. In Georgia, one university offers an online program. Columbus State University offers the BCBA coursework within the M.Ed in Special Education.
Columbus State University
- Columbus, GA
- 30 credit hours
- Online
Program:
Master’s of Education in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis track
Modality: Online
Length: 30 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $309 per credit hour for online courses for in-state, $858 per credit hour for online courses for out-of-state students, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The M.Ed. in Special Education ABA track is designed for professionals who already have an undergraduate degree in education, psychology, or a related field and want to use ABA techniques in their classroom or become an ABA therapist. Students complete the verified course sequence, and related coursework in special education (for example, special education law).
Hybrid Master’s ABA Program in Georgia
There are no hybrid master’s programs offered in Georgia.
Graduate Certificate ABA Program in Georgia
There are no graduate certificate programs in Georgia.
On Campus Master’s in ABA Programs in Georgia
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. They may also provide supervised fieldwork. These programs are good options for students who want to interact directly with faculty, and who want access to campus learning activities including research opportunities. In Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University, and the University of Georgia offer on campus programs.
Georgia Southern University
- Savannah, GA
- 31 hours, 5 semesters
- Campus
Program:
Master’s in Psychology, Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 31 hours, 5 semesters
GRE Required: No (GRE exam scores are optional)
Tuition: $284 per credit hour for in-state; $1,160 per credit hour for out-of-state, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The Master’s in Psychology, Behavior Analysis program is housed at the Armstrong Campus in Savannah. It is the only ABA master’s program in southeast GA. The program provides the verified course series within psychology coursework. Students can also take courses in independent research and supervised practicum to earn hours towards BCBA certification.
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- 36 semester hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 36 semester hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $408 per credit hour in-state, does not include fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The M.S. in ABA is part of the College of Education and Human Development. The mission of the program is to train ABA practitioners who are grounded in the practices and philosophy of ABA, and can ethically and compassionately apply ABA. Students graduate prepared either to practice or pursue doctoral study. Students are admitted as part of a cohort that progresses through the coursework together. Students can expect to collaborate with faculty, participate in fieldwork and research experiences. The College provides various graduate research assistantships and financial aid opportunities for students.
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- Time
- Campus
Program:
Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 2 years, 5 semesters
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $10,034 tuition, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The University of Georgia M.S. in ABA combines on-campus coursework with field experiences to prepare students to work in clinical settings with people with developmental disabilities. Students may work in the UGA Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic, the Center for Autism and Behavior Education Research (CABER) Demonstration Classroom and other locations. Students have access to supervised fieldwork and research opportunities.
No GRE Required ABA Programs in Georgia
None of the programs in Georgia have a GRE requirement for admission. The 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 Georgia
All of the programs in Georgia are ABAI accredited and include the coursework required to prepare students to pass the BCBA exam.
Affordable ABA Programs in Georgia
An affordable option in Georgia is the online Master’s degree through Columbus State University. The cost per credit hour for in-state tuition is $309 (not including fees) and the online program limits fees and expenses. The total cost of any ABA graduate program will depend on the total coursework, expenses and fees.
Accelerated ABA Programs in Georgia
The best option for an accelerated path to a BCBA in Georgia is the Columbus State University online coursework as the program consists of 30 credit hours of coursework.
