ABA Masters Programs in Maryland

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) plays an essential role in overseeing behavioral health programs, including the regulation and certification of ABA services. A key initiative in the state is Maryland’s Medicaid Autism Waiver. This waiver allows Medicaid to cover home and community-based services, including ABA, for children ages 1 to 21 who are diagnosed with autism and meet specific eligibility criteria. Another significant law is the Autism Insurance Law signed in 2014. This law requires state-regulated health insurance plans to cover medically necessary ABA therapy for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By mandating coverage, the law has increased access to ABA therapy, which has, in turn, boosted demand for licensed behavior analysts across the state.

In 2017, Maryland introduced licensure requirements for behavior analysts practicing within the state. This law established the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists as the regulatory body responsible for issuing licenses to qualified behavior analysts. To practice in Maryland, BCBAs must meet certain criteria, including holding a master’s degree, completing supervised experience, and passing the BCBA exam. This licensure process ensures that professionals meet high standards of training and ethics. 

Masters Programs in Maryland To Become a BCBA 

Pursuing a master’s degree in ABA in Maryland offers students a unique opportunity to engage with a rapidly growing field in a state that values behavioral health. Many universities in Maryland offer ABA programs that prepare students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), with a focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. There are also diverse clinical settings and organizations that provide ABA services across the state, offering valuable real-world experience as part of their education.

Online ABA Masters Programs in Maryland

The demand for skilled behavior analysts is rapidly increasing in Maryland, prompting many professionals to pursue flexible education options in ABA. With a variety of online and hybrid ABA master’s programs available, Maryland institutions make it easier for students to balance their studies with full-time jobs. These programs offer a blend of rigorous coursework and hands-on experience, allowing students to work toward Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification while managing their personal and professional responsibilities. The convenience and flexibility of these programs have made advanced ABA education more accessible to working professionals across the state.

ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in Maryland

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is a leading organization that ensures that master’s programs in ABA meet rigorous benchmarks for curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and student success. Graduates of these programs are well-prepared to pursue certification as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and excel in professional practice.

Several universities in Maryland offer ABAI-accredited master’s programs in ABA. These programs provide a solid foundation in evidence-based practices and integrate academic theory with hands-on training, preparing students to work in a variety of settings, including schools, healthcare centers, and community organizations. With ABAI accreditation, these programs meet the rigorous standards of the field, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for a professional career in behavior analysis. Along with Mount St. Mary’s University and Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) also has an ABAI-accredited master’s program. 

No GRE Required ABA Masters Programs in Maryland

Previously, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) was a common requirement for graduate school admissions, measuring candidates’ verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing abilities. However, There has been a shift in many graduate programs across the nation dropping the GRE requirement for applicants. 

In Maryland specifically, there is a growing emphasis on valuing applicants’ relevant experiences, academic achievements, and personal accomplishments over standardized test scores. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Mount St. Mary’s University, and Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in Baltimore all do not require the GRE for admissions.

Maryland’s Most Affordable ABA Masters Programs

Investing in a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can be a substantial financial commitment, but Wisconsin offers several affordable options for students looking to further their education. Understanding the cost of a master’s program is important for many prospective students as they map out their academic and professional journeys. In Wisconsin, several ABA master’s programs are recognized for their affordability, delivering high-quality education at a more manageable cost compared to other institutions. These programs provide a robust foundation in ABA while assisting students in balancing their financial responsibilities.

The two most affordable ABA master’s programs would be Mount St. Mary’s University and University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Accelerated Maryland ABA Masters Programs

In Maryland, most ABA master’s programs typically take about 2 to 3 years for full-time students, with part-time options that may take longer. However, several schools offer pathways that allow students to complete their degree more quickly, depending on their course load and scheduling flexibility.

At Johns Hopkins University, students can complete their ABA master’s program in as little as two years by taking courses year-round, including summer semesters. Similarly, Mount St. Mary’s University offers a flexible, hybrid structure that allows students to finish the program in an accelerated time frame, typically within 1.5 to 2 years. UMBC also provides flexible course loads, which can enable motivated students to progress faster through their ABA coursework, especially if they enroll full-time.

The availability of online and hybrid formats at these institutions also supports students in managing their schedules more efficiently, making it easier to fast-track their education while balancing full-time jobs. 

Maryland’s Post-Master’s Certificate in ABA

Maryland’s Post-Master’s Certificate in ABA offers advanced training for those who already hold a master’s degree and wish to specialize in ABA. This certificate prepares individuals for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification and enhances their skills in designing and implementing behavior interventions. Two schools in Maryland offer the post-master’s certificate program: Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and Mount St. Mary’s University.

At Johns Hopkins University, the Post-Master’s Certificate in ABA is an online program focused on behavior assessment, intervention, and ethical practice, preparing graduates for BCBA certification. Mount St. Mary’s University offers a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person sessions, providing flexible learning while focusing on ABA theory, research, and application.