Louisiana is actively improving its behavioral health services through initiatives aimed at expanding access to care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) plays a key role in this effort, providing prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery support services statewide, particularly for individuals at risk for substance use disorders and those with severe mental health needs. The state has also prioritized community-based services, ensuring that mental health care reaches underserved populations through Medicaid programs, early intervention services, and crisis response initiatives.
To support these efforts, Louisiana offers several master’s degree programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that prepare professionals to deliver evidence-based behavioral interventions. These programs train students in behavioral assessment, skill acquisition, and behavior reduction techniques, equipping them to work in settings such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, and autism treatment centers.
Featured ABA Programs Accepting Louisiana Applicants
Masters Programs in Louisiana to Become a BCBA
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a nationally recognized certification for professionals who provide behavior-analytic services. Overseen by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), this credential ensures that practitioners meet high standards in education, ethics, and professional competency to deliver effective interventions in various settings.
Louisiana offers several master’s degree programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) designed to prepare students for BCBA certification. These programs conform to BACB standards and provide students with the necessary coursework, supervised fieldwork, and hands-on experience to excel in the field of behavior analysis.
Online ABA Masters Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana offers online master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), providing a flexible path for students and professionals seeking BCBA certification while balancing work and academic commitments. These programs equip students with essential skills in behavior assessment, intervention strategies, data collection, and ethical decision-making, all delivered through virtual learning platforms.
Most online ABA programs in Louisiana incorporate asynchronous courses, live virtual sessions and interactive learning experiences. This allows students to interact with faculty and peers while maintaining the convenience of distance learning. In addition, some programs integrate opportunities for supervised fieldwork through local clinics, schools, and behavioral health agencies, ensuring that students gain the practical experience necessary for certification.
One of the institutions offering an online program is McNeese State University. Below is a list of other programs within the state with an option to take courses online.
Nicholls State University
- Thibodaux, Louisiana
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in High Incidence Disabilities and an option in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online, On Campus or Hybrid
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $237 per credit hour. With a total of 36 credit hours required, the total program cost is approximately $8,529. These estimates do not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses. For online graduates, the tuition is $385 per credit hour, with no additional costs for out-of-state students.
Program Overview:
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction at Nicholls State University offers five areas of concentration, including High-Incidence Disabilities with an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) option. This program offers a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) of ABA approved by the Board of Certification of Behavior Analysts (BACB), which allows candidates to meet the course requirements for the BCBA exam and additional certification in Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis in School (CABAS©).
The program is available on campus, online and in a hybrid format, offering flexibility to working professionals. Supervised experience in the field (1500 hours) is required, with internships approved by the program committee.
The program requires the GRE, although it is not required for full-time faculty. The ABA option at Nicholls is the only program in Louisiana that offers both BCBA and CABAS© certification, preparing graduates to perform functions such as ABA specialists, special education liaisons, and educational diagnostics.
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in Louisiana
The International Association of Behavior Analysis (ABAI) is a globally recognized organization that accredits high-quality graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABAI ensures that accredited programs meet rigorous academic, research, and professional training standards, preparing students to effectively apply evidence-based behavioral interventions. ABAI accreditation means a full course of work, supervised practical experience and adherence to ethical guidelines, essential for certification and professional practice.
There are a number of master’s degree programs in the state, such as the one at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) that are accredited by the ABAI. These programs adhere to rigorous academic and professional standards, ensuring that graduates are well prepared for certification as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA).
Another program of note is mentioned below.
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online or On Campus
Length: 58 credit hours
Tuition: $4,500 per semester for in-state students and $5,000 for out-of-state students. The estimated total tuition is around $18,000 for in-state students and $20,000 for out-of-state students. These estimates do not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
The Master’s Degree in Psychology, with a specialization in Applied Behavioral Analysis, from McNeese State University is a program accredited by ABAI (in its face-to-face modality). The online-only program is not accredited by ABAI, but it follows a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) and is an academic program associated with the Behavioral Health Centers of Excellence (BHCOE).
The program includes practical work, internships and a thesis, with clinical training provided in the McNeese Autism Program (MAP) or in BHCOE-accredited centers. There are both online and face-to-face options.
The GRE is required for admission (minimum combined score of 285).
Graduates complete all course requirements to sit the BCBA exam, gaining practical experience in behavioral assessment, intervention and research with people diagnosed with autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
No GRE Required ABA Masters Programs in Louisiana
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is often required for admission to graduate programs in the United States. It assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills. Although the GRE aims to measure academic aptitude, many universities have adopted a more holistic approach to admissions, recognizing that standardized test scores do not always reflect a candidate’s potential for success in their chosen field.
In Louisiana, there are Master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that do not require the GRE for admission, adopting a more inclusive approach to attract a wide range of applicants. These programs focus on evaluating candidates based on their academic performance, relevant experience and personal qualifications, rather than standardized test scores.
By eliminating the requirement for the GRE, these programs increase accessibility for students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. Instead of standardized tests, admissions committees often consider factors such as grade point average in the bachelor’s degree, work experience in behavior analysis or related fields, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. In addition, these programs continue to uphold the high academic standards necessary to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.
Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Shreveport, Louisiana
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On Campus
Length: 45 credit hours
Tuition: $526 per credit hour for in-state residents and $1,011 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 45 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $23,700 for in-state students and $45,518 for out-of-state students. These estimates do not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses
Program Overview:
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (MSABA) at Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for professional certification as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and licensure as Licensed Behavior Analysts (LBA) in Louisiana. The curriculum follows a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB), which guarantees that students complete the courses necessary to sit the BCBA exam.
The program does not require a GRE for admission and follows a scientific-practical model, emphasizing evidence-based practices and data-driven decision making to achieve socially significant behavior change. Students gain practical experience through internships, fieldwork, and research projects, with opportunities to work in LSUS’ Community Counseling and Psychology Clinic and internships in the local community.
Louisiana’s Most Affordable ABA Masters Programs
Several state programs offer competitive tuition rates, along with financial aid opportunities such as scholarships, grants and assistantships to help offset costs. In addition, flexible learning options, including part-time, online and hybrid formats, make it easier for students to balance their studies with work or other commitments.
For students looking for a balance between affordability and academic excellence, there is a master’s program at ABA in Louisiana that stands out in this category.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $718 per credit hour. With a total of 36 credit hours required, the total program cost is approximately $25,848. These estimates do not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses
Program Overview:
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) is a program designed to prepare students for careers as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). While the curriculum is currently under review by ABAI for Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approval, the program is not yet ABAI-accredited but intends to seek accreditation in the future.
The program offers an optional 16-credit internship component, providing supervised fieldwork hours at partner clinics, such as Emerge Center and Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. The GRE is not required, and FranU emphasizes affordability, offering financial aid and scholarships.
It is available in a hybrid modality, combining in-person and online coursework. Graduates can pursue careers in autism intervention, mental health counseling, and rehabilitation. FranU focuses on hands-on experience, ethical practice, and community service to develop skilled behavior analysts.
Accelerated Louisiana ABA Masters Programs
Accelerated master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offer an effective pathway for students eager to advance in the field of behavioral sciences. These programs are structured to streamline the educational process, allowing students to graduate more quickly than in traditional formats.
In Louisiana, although most programs in the state are not explicitly classified as accelerated, the master’s degree offered by Nicholls State University can be completed in approximately 18-20 months. Carefully designed courses and the flexibility to take them in different modalities allow students to balance their education with the management of other important time periods.
ABA Certificate Programs in Louisiana
ABA certification programs in Louisiana offer a structured and efficient route for people looking to gain experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). These programs are ideal for professionals who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and want to meet the course requirements to become Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).
Certification programs typically offer a specialized curriculum focused on the core principles of behavior analysis. They are also often more affordable and shorter in duration than full master’s programs, making them an attractive option for those looking to advance their careers in fields such as autism intervention, special education, and behavioral therapy.
Online ABA Certificate Programs in Louisiana
Online programs within Louisiana are structured to accommodate professionals who must manage their time with other tasks and responsibilities, offering asynchronous courses or live virtual classes that fit students’ schedules. Some programs may also include online supervision options, allowing fieldwork requirements to be completed remotely or through partnerships with local ABA providers.
One of the main advantages of online ABA certification programs is their affordability and accessibility, reducing the costs associated with travel or relocation for face-to-face classes. In addition, they offer people throughout Louisiana, including those in rural areas, the opportunity to access high-quality ABA education and prepare for certification.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU)
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Hybrid
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 15 credit hours
Tuition: The total program cost is approximately $14,938
Program Overview:
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) offers a 15-credit-hour curriculum with an optional 16-credit-hour internship sequence. The program provides a verified course sequence (VCS) by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), ensuring students receive coursework aligned with certification requirements.
The program primarily follows an in-person modality, though some courses may be available online. It is designed to prepare students for Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) certification, though additional requirements must be met. Internship opportunities are available at affiliated clinical sites, providing hands-on experience. Students interested in ABA careers will benefit from FranU’s emphasis on ethics, research, and applied interventions, making it a strong choice for those pursuing ABA certification.
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Online + Campus
Program:
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Modality: On-campus and 100% online
Length: 39 credit hours
Tuition: Tuition per credit hour is not explicitly listed for this program. However, based on available information, the average graduate student tuition is approximately $5,703 per year for in-state students and $13,740 per year for out-of-state students.
Program Overview:
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at McNeese State University offers a verified course sequence (VCS) approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), ensuring that graduates meet the academic requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. The certification program is available in both face-to-face and 100% online formats, providing flexibility for different learning preferences. In particular, the face-to-face program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), while the online program is not. The curriculum emphasizes the development of assessment and intervention skills, preparing students to address behavioral problems across a variety of settings. Students on the face-to-face program have the opportunity to gain practical experience through the McNeese Autism Program (MAP), an outpatient treatment center that offers ABA services to people with neurodevelopmental disorders. This practical experience is supervised by a team of Board-certified behavior analysts, enhancing the program’s hands-on training component.
ABA and BCBA Programs in Louisiana
| Degree Title | University Name | Program Length | Program Cost | ABAI Recognition | GRE Required | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. in Psychology (ABA Specialization) | Nicholls State University | 5-6 | ~$475 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Thibodaux | LA |
| M.S. in Psychology – ABA Track | McNeese State University | 5-6 | ~$390 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Lake Charles | LA |
| Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis | McNeese State University | 2-3 | ~$390 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Lake Charles | LA |
| M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Louisiana at Monroe | 5-6 | ~$450 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Monroe | LA |
