In 2018, Iowa formalized its requirements for behavior therapists, requiring therapists to be board certified or hold a BCBA certification. In that way, Iowa is aligned with other states that have increased regulation requirements for ABA therapists in recent years.
Demand for BCBAs in Iowa
Recently, there was an increase in demand for ABA therapists in Iowa. The demand for BCBAs increased from 188 in 2022 to 355 in 2023. This is 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 Iowa is $41,893 ($20 per hour). The salary does vary from market to market. The average salary in Sioux City is $44,101 and the average salary in Cedar Rapids is $43,660.
Featured ABA Programs Accepting Iowa Applicants
Master’s Programs in Iowa To Become a BCBA
In Iowa, ABA therapists are regulated by the Board of Behavioral Health Professionals. Licensed behavior therapists in Iowa 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.
The Verified Course Sequence is the set of courses, typically seven courses of 21 credit hours, that are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International that prepares students to take the BCBA certification exam. The coursework ensures that all BCBA certified therapists have the same knowledge and skills. Universities may offer the set of courses in isolation, or part of a broader degree.
In Iowa, there is one bachelor’s degree program at Briar Cliff University that provides training for the BCaBA exam and two graduate certificate programs at the graduate level at Dordt University and the University of Iowa.
Online ABA Master’s Program in Iowa
There are no online ABA master’s programs currently in Iowa.
Hybrid Master’s ABA Program in Iowa
There are no hybrid master’s ABA programs in Iowa.
Graduate Certificate ABA Program in Iowa
The University of Iowa and Dordt University offer the ABAI verified course sequence through certificate programs. The graduate certificate programs provide an opportunity for practitioners who have earned a master’s degree in a related field to complete the coursework needed for the BCBA exam.
Dordt University
- Sioux City, IA
- Online
Program:
Online Applied Behavior Analysis Course Sequence
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $415 per credit hour; $8,715 total, not including fees
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
Dordt University provides an opportunity to complete the ABAI Verified Course Sequence through asynchronous coursework. Dordt is a Christian University and the ABA course sequence at Dordt is built around the idea that every person is an “image-bearer of God.” To that end, students learn to identify and target specific behaviors to support improvement.
University of Iowa
- Iowa City, IA
- Campus
Program:
Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On Campus
Length: Not listed
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $764 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
The certificate in ABA is provided through the School of Education. Students take the Verified Course Sequence and those that are interested can choose to complete one full on-site session each week for a school year at a clinical experience to earn the supervised hours. Options for supervised clinical experience include: outpatient clinics, feeding disorders clinics, and behavior reversal clinics.
On Campus Master’s in ABA Programs in Iowa
There are no functioning on campus master’s programs; the only program in Iowa, Drake University, is no longer taking student applications.
Drake University
- Des Moines, IA
- Campus
Program:
Master’s in Science, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Not applicable
GRE Required: No
Tuition: Not listed
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
Note: The Drake University program is no longer accepting students. The Drake University program provided the Verified Course Sequence and practicum experience towards the BCBA licensure.
No GRE Required ABA Programs in Iowa
The graduate certificate program at the University of Iowa does not require a GRE score for admission.
ABAI Accredited ABA Programs in Iowa
None of the options in Iowa are ABAI accredited. The University of Iowa graduate certificate program provides the Verified Course Sequence.
Affordable ABA Programs in Iowa
The University of Iowa graduate certificate program is provide at $764 per credit hour. The total cost of an ABA program will depend on factors like residency, prior credit hours, and other factors.
Accelerated ABA Programs in Iowa
The best option for an accelerated path to a BCBA in Iowa is the University of Iowa graduate certificate program.
ABA Bachelor’s Program in Iowa
There is one bachelor of arts program with two minor in behavior analysis available at Briar Cliff University.
Briar Cliff University
- Sioux City, IA
- Campus
Program:
Bachelor’s of Arts, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On Campus
Length: Not listed
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $35,544 tuition, not including fees
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
The B.A. in ABA provides students with an opportunity to explore the science of human behavior through coursework and experiences. Students engage in a practicum with a hands-on component to apply concepts from classwork and develop clinical skills. Students may engage in clinicals at the Briar Cliff Behavior Analysis Clinic, The Pier CEnter for Autism, or the South Sioux City Public Schools. students graduate prepared to sit for the BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst) exam. Students choose one minor, the basic behavior analysis route or the applied behavior analysis route. Both minor route options are 21 credits.
ABA and BCBA Programs in Iowa
| Degree Title | University Name | Program Length | Program Cost | ABAI Recognition | GRE Required | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | Drake University | 5-6 | ~$525 per credit | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Des Moines | IA |
| Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis | Drake University | 2-3 | ~$525 per credit | VCS Approved | No | Des Moines | IA |
| M.Ed. in Special Education (ABA Focus) | University of Iowa | 4-5 | ~$500 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Iowa City | IA |
