Kentucky has had licensure regulations for ABA therapists since 2010. It was one of the first states to establish licensure since the field became more regulated starting in 2009. The state also has an insurance mandate that requires insurance companies to provide insurance coverage for ABA therapy for individuals with autism.
Demand for BCBAs in Kentucky
The demand for ABA therapists in Kentucky has decreased recently; there were 593 job postings for ABA therapists in 2022 compared to 383 in 2023. This is not aligned with the national trend; nationally, the demand for ABA therapists with a BCBA or BCBA-D certification has increased each year since 2010, with a 14% increase between 2022 and 2023.
According to Indeed, the average salary for an ABA therapist in Kentucky is $61,588 per year ($26.43 per hour). Salaries differ depending on city and metro region. For example, the average salary in Louisville is $60,195 while the average salary in Cold Springs is $62,491.
Featured ABA Programs Accepting Kentucky Applicants
Master’s Programs in Kentucky To Become a BCBA
In Kentucky, the Applied Behavior Analysis Licensing Board oversees ABA therapy licensure. Licensed behavior therapists in Kentucky 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.
Students seeking to earn their BCBA credential have various options in Kentucky. The University of Kentucky offers an on campus master’s degree; Eastern Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, and the University of Louisville all offer online master’s programs; and the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, and the University of Louisville offer graduate certificate options.
Online ABA Master’s Program in Kentucky
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 Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, and the University of Louisville all offer online programs.
Eastern Kentucky University
- Richmond, KY
- Online
Program:
Master in Science in General Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 42 credit hours
GRE Required: The GRE is waived for students who have a 3.0 GPA
Tuition: $703 per credit hour
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
The online master’s degree in general psychology with a concentration in ABA provides the Verified Course Sequence and instruction that prepares students to work to create positive change to the lives of individuals with behavior disorders and other behavior change goals. Coursework is fully online.
Northern Kentucky University
- Highland Heights, KY
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Education, concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $7,300 tuition for in-state residents; $7,778 tuition for residents of Ohio or Indiana; $8,604 tuition for non-residents
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
The concentration in ABA provides students with the skills to work with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Students complete the Verified Course Sequence within the Master of Arts in Education-Teacher as Leader program, the Educational Specialist Teaching and Leading program, or Rank 1 program. If a student does not hold a teaching license, they can complete the course sequence within the Master of Arts in Integrative Studies program. Courses are offered online in and accelerated format with each course provided over seven weeks.
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- Online
Program:
Master’s of Special Education, ABA
Modality: Online
Length: 10 courses; 2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $830 per credit hour
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
The M.Ed in Special Education, ABA prepares professionals to work with individuals with intellectual disabilities that impact their academics and behavior. Courses are taught online. The program has a strong commitment to applied research. The program does not lead to a teaching certification.
Hybrid Master’s ABA Program in Kentucky
There are no hybrid master’s ABA programs in Kentucky.
Graduate Certificate ABA Program in Kentucky
Graduate certificates provide the Verified Course Sequence, the coursework required to pass the BCBA exam. They do not provide supervised clinical hours or support with research or on-campus opportunities. There are 4 options to earn a graduate certificate in ABA in Kentucky: the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University provide an online graduate certificate; the University of Louisville offers a graduate certificate in ABA that can be earned online or on campus and a graduate certificate that focuses specifically in applying ABA with individuals with autism.
University of Kentucky
- Lexington, KY
- Online
Program:
Graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $753 per credit hour
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
The graduate certificate in ABA is provided for practitioners who work in psychology or education and want to learn how to work with individuals who have behavioral challenges. The program is run through the College of Education and focuses on supporting individuals with developmental or learning disabilities. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree prior to starting the certificate.
Eastern Kentucky University
- Richmond, KY
- Online
Program:
Graduate certificate in psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 30 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $703 per credit hour
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
The online graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis provides an accelerated path to the BCBA certificate for practitioners who already have a master’s degree in a related field. The program is delivered through the College of Psychology prepares practitioners to work in school and community-based settings with a variety of individuals.
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- Time
- Online + Campus
Program:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online or on campus
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $830 per credit hour
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
The graduate certificate in ABA is administered through the College of Education and Human Development. Students can attend courses online or on campus. The program provides the Verified Course Sequence and teaches students how to support individuals who demonstrate behavior challenges.
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- Online
Program:
Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $830 per credit hour
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
The online certificate in ABA with a focus on autism prepares practitioners to apply ABA strategies and practices with individuals who have autism. The program is offered by the College of Education and Human Development.
On Campus Master’s in ABA Programs in Kentucky
An on campus master’s program provides the ABAI Verified Course Sequence, and additional coursework with opportunities to work with faculty in research projects or at clinical sites. In Kentucky, the University of Kentucky provides an online master’s in ABA.
University of Kentucky
- Lexington, KY
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 42, one calendar year, full-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $801 per credit hour for residents; $2,000 per credit hour for non-residents, not including fees
Accreditation: None listed
Program Overview:
The M.S. in ABA trains graduate students to provide behavior consultation and support to teachers, staff, parents, and individuals with challenging behaviors. Students work with schools, homes, or other facilities. The program is housed within the College of Education and focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities, including those with autism. Students take the Verified Course SEquence and receive supervision in clinical setting to prepare them to sit for the BCBA exam.
No GRE Required ABA Programs in Kentucky
None of the programs in Kentucky 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 Kentucky
None of the programs in Kentucky are ABAI accredited. They provide the ABA Verified Course Sequence to prepare students for the BCBA exam.
Affordable ABA Programs in Kentucky
An affordable option in Kentucky is the Eastern Kentucky University master’s program with a per credit hour cost of $703. However, the total cost of an ABA program will depend on factors like residency, prior credit hours, and other factors.
Accelerated ABA Programs in Kentucky
The best option for an accelerated path to a BCBA in Kentucky is a graduate certificate through a graduate certificate. For practitioners that have already earned a master’s degree in a related field, the graduate certificates from the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, or the University of Louisville provide the coursework needed to obtain the BCBA credential.
ABA and BCBA Programs in Kentucky
| Degree Title | University Name | Program Length | Program Cost | ABAI Recognition | GRE Required | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Kentucky | 5-6 | ~$590 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Lexington | KY |
| Graduate Certificate in ABA | University of Kentucky | 2-3 | ~$590 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Lexington | KY |
| M.A. in Clinical Psychology (ABA Focus) | Eastern Kentucky University | 5-6 | ~$450 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | Yes | Richmond | KY |
| M.Ed. in Special Education (ABA Focus) | University of Louisville | 4-5 | ~$750 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Louisville | KY |
