For those living in Utah who want to specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the state now offers a variety of master’s programs without the need to relocate or rely exclusively on distance education. This growing selection reflects Utah’s commitment to expanding behavioral health services and strengthening early intervention.
Students can choose from online, hybrid, and on-campus formats, many of which include supervised practicum experiences in schools, clinics, and community organizations. Curricula combine coursework in behavioral assessment, intervention design, and professional ethics with practical training that prepares graduates for BCBA® certification. Whether the goal is to work with individuals on the autism spectrum, address developmental disabilities, or contribute to broader behavioral health initiatives, these programs provide the skills needed to meet the state’s increasing demand for qualified specialists.
Quick Facts
ABAI/VCS-Aligned Programs in Utah: 7
Fully Online ABA Master’s Programs: 1
GRE-Optional Programs: 7
Average Program Length: 2–3 years
Tuition Range (per credit): $255–$600
Masters Programs in Utah to Become a BCBA
In Utah, those seeking to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) must complete a graduate program that meets the standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the international body that oversees the training and certification of behavior analysts.
Across the state, programs prepare graduates to work in a variety of settings, from public schools and autism centers to hospitals, mental health clinics, and community organizations.
Most programs in Utah include:
- A master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, special education, psychology, or a related field.
- Completion of a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) that fulfills the BACB’s academic requirements.
- Supervised fieldwork that allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world contexts from the early stages of the program.
Online ABA Masters Programs in Utah
In Utah, online and hybrid master’s degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offer an accessible option for those seeking BCBA certification without having to interrupt their professional or personal life. These programs combine the flexibility of distance learning with the academic quality and support typically found in on-campus formats.In addition, some universities in the state integrate supervised practical experiences from the early stages of the program, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings while advancing their academic training remotely.
Highlighted below is an in-state program delivered entirely online.
University of Utah
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Online
Program:
Master of Education in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis Emphasis
Modality: Online
Length: 32 credit hours
GRE Required: no
Tuition: $600 per credit hour. With a total of 32 credit hours required, the total program cost is approximately $19,200. This estimate does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
Offered full-time by the Department of Special Education, this program runs over six consecutive semesters and combines asynchronous coursework with weekly virtual meetings and collaborative projects. Students work closely with faculty and receive ongoing feedback, both for their final project and to strengthen the competencies required for BCBA® certification.
Key Highlights
- Integrated practicum with supervision from certified professionals.
- Weekly interaction with the program director for individualized guidance.
Additional Considerations
- Requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA; lower GPAs considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Prior experience in human services or education is recommended.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Program-specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in Utah
Accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) signifies that a program meets the highest standards in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) education, combining academic rigor with practical training.
Utah offers master’s programs with ABAI Verified Course Sequences (VCS) that meet the coursework requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. One example of this is Utah State University.
Below is another program highlighted in this category.
Utah Valley University
- Orem, Utah
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 37 credit hours.
GRE Required: no
Tuition: $359 per credit hour. With a total of 37 credit hours required, the total program cost is approximately $13,283. This estimate does not include additional supervisory fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
The master’s program spans six semesters and combines on-campus classes with online components. Training focuses on serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, integrating theoretical learning with hands-on experience at the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism. There, students participate in assessments, intervention design, and direct application of behavioral procedures under expert supervision.
Key Highlights
- Direct access to practical training from the start of the program.
- Curriculum includes 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork.
Additional Considerations
- Admission is offered only in the fall semester.
- Structured weekly supervision provided by certified behavior analysts.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
- Program-specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI.
No GRE Required ABA Masters Programs in Utah
Allowing candidates with strong academic and professional backgrounds to apply without relying on a standardized test is the reason several universities in Utah have chosen to remove the GRE requirement for their Master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This admissions approach focuses on evaluating academic history, relevant work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements, thereby expanding access to advanced ABA training for a wider range of applicants.
Utah State University
- Logan, Utah
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis Coursework
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 36 credit hours
GRE Required: no
Tuition: $488 per credit hour for online graduate courses. With a total of 36 credit hours required, the total program cost is approximately $17,568. This estimate does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
Utah State University (USU) offers a three-year Master of Science in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), beginning exclusively in the fall semester. The program combines solid theoretical foundations with clinical experience, preparing graduates to work effectively in educational settings and to pursue doctoral studies.
Key Highlights
- Mandatory thesis, strengthening students’ skills as both academic researchers and clinical practitioners in ABA.
- Structured curriculum covering fundamental principles through advanced topics and single-case treatment design, with organized supervision from an advisory committee.
Additional Considerations
- Fall-only start date with a competitive admission process; early decision applications are recommended by January.
- Eligibility to sit for the BCBA® exam goes beyond completing coursework, requiring supervised experience in compliance with BACB® standards.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Program-specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
Utah’s Most Affordable ABA Masters Programs
Although no master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Utah is explicitly marketed as affordable, tuition information indicates that Utah Valley University offers the most cost-effective option in the state.
Prospective students are encouraged to explore financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and assistantships, to further offset tuition costs. Utah programs are committed to training competent behavior analysts, equipped to make significant contributions in this field.
Accelerated Utah ABA Masters Programs
Although no master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Utah is explicitly classified as accelerated, some offer pathways for students to complete their degrees in a shorter time frame. These programs usually allow students to complete their coursework in two years or less, enabling them to meet the requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification more efficiently than traditional three-year programs.
Among the options available, the Master of Special Education at the University of Utah with an emphasis on ABA stands out as the most accelerated program in the state.
ABA Certificate Programs in Utah
Utah offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certificate programs for professionals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree who seek to meet the academic requirements for BCBA® or BCaBA® certification. Compared to a full master’s degree, certificates provide a faster and often more cost-effective pathway to advanced training, focusing on behavior assessment, intervention design, ethics, and data analysis.
Online ABA Certificate Programs in Utah
Online programs allow students to complete their training from anywhere in the state, with asynchronous classes and, in some cases, live virtual sessions. They offer flexibility, reduce travel costs, and expand access for those living in rural areas.
Utah Valley University
- Orem, Utah
- Hybrid
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 28 credit hours. Designed to be completed over three semesters.
GRE Required: no
Tuition: $359 per credit hour. With a total of 28 credit hours required, the total program cost is approximately $10,052. This estimate does not include additional supervisory fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
This certificate is designed for professionals with prior university education, typically in fields such as education, psychology, or human services, who wish to gain specialization in applied behavior analysis without completing an additional master’s degree. Over the course of three semesters, students fulfill the academic requirements to be eligible to sit for the BCBA® exam.
Key Highlights
- Access to applied practical experiences in educational and clinical settings.
- Supervised practice led by certified professionals.
Additional Considerations
- Intended for professionals holding a bachelor’s degree or higher who seek to specialize in ABA.
- BCBA® certification requires meeting additional supervised experience criteria, in addition to completing the VCS program.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), within Utah’s higher education system.
- Program-specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI.
Utah Tech University
- St. George, Utah
- Campus
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Modality: On Campus
Length: 16 credit hours, typically completed over multiple semesters
GRE Required: no
Tuition: $255 per credit hour. With a total of 16 credit hours required, the total program cost is approximately $4,080. These estimates do not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
Designed to develop essential technical and ethical competencies in behavioral intervention, this certificate combines on-campus classes with online options and access to learning labs at the Utah Tech campus. Its practical approach allows students to apply assessment strategies and design interventions from the earliest courses, maintaining close and consistent interaction with specialized faculty.
Key Highlights
- Personalized methodology: Courses progress from foundational concepts to practical applications through the experiential supervision course.
- Application of ABA across diverse populations, including individuals with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, or complex behavioral needs.
Additional Considerations
- Accessible to a variety of professional backgrounds: No prior master’s degree required; ideal for those seeking to advance in ABA without completing a full graduate program.
- Applicants must meet additional supervised experience requirements as established by the BACB®.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) within the Utah state system.
- Program-specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI, ensuring the curriculum meets the standards required to support BCBA® certification.
BCBA Legislation in Utah
Utah’s behavioral health system incorporates Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a key component of its strategy to support individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges. While the state does not require an additional license beyond national certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®), professionals must meet the education, supervised experience, and examination requirements established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) to practice. The Utah Behavioral Health Commission plays a coordinating role among agencies, health systems, and community providers to ensure consistent quality and access to services.
BCBA Demand in Utah
Although salaries vary by setting and experience, the combination of competitive compensation and the expansion of behavioral health services makes Utah an attractive location for certified behavior analysts seeking professional stability and community impact.
ABA and BCBA Programs in Utah
| Degree Title | University Name | Program Length | Program Cost | ABAI Recognition | GRE Required | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Utah | 5-6 | ~$435 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Salt Lake City | UT |
| Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Utah | 2-3 | ~$435 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Salt Lake City | UT |
| M.S. in Psychology (ABA Specialization) | Utah State University | 5-6 | ~$400 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Logan | UT |
| Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis | Utah State University | Varies | ~$400 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited | Yes | Logan | UT |
