Behavioral health in Nebraska is making significant strides, with statewide initiatives focused on improving access to care, integrating services and expanding the behavioral health workforce. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Behavioral Health serves as the lead agency, administering and overseeing a community-based system of prevention, treatment and recovery support for mental and substance use disorders.
In addition, the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) plays a key role in recruiting, retaining and increasing the competency of the state’s behavioral health workforce. BHECN’s mentoring programs provide guidance and support to undergraduate and graduate students seeking licensed behavioral health careers in Nebraska.
Nebraska’s graduate programs, particularly the master’s degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), align with these strategic goals by preparing professionals to meet the state’s behavioral health needs. They also equip students with advanced knowledge and skills related to behavioral therapy for children and adolescents, including those with behavioral and neurodevelopmental disabilities.
By integrating comprehensive educational programs with statewide initiatives, Nebraska is strengthening its behavioral health framework and graduates can effectively contribute to the improvement of behavioral health services and the well-being of individuals and families.
Online ABA Masters Programs in Nebraska
Nebraska offers online and hybrid master’s degree programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) designed for students seeking flexibility in their studies. These programs emphasize evidence-based practices, behavioral assessment, and intervention planning, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to support individuals with developmental and behavioral challenges.
ABA’s online master’s degrees offer accessible courses that are tailored to working professionals and students with diverse commitments. Many offer asynchronous courses, allowing students to progress at their own pace, while some integrate live virtual sessions to enhance engagement with faculty and peers.
University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Kearney, Nebraska
- 36 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Education in Special Education a Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS) emphasis.
Modality: Online
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $337 per credit hour for Nebraska residents and $476 per credit hour for non-residents. With a total of 36 credit hours required, the total program cost is approximately $12,132 for Nebraska residents and $17,136 for non-residents. This estimate does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
The Master of Education in Special Education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) offers a Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS) emphasis, aligning with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This program equips educators to assess and address behavioral and emotional disorders in students, preparing them for a supplemental teaching endorsement as a Special Education Behavior Intervention Specialist.
The BIS emphasis includes specialized courses in functional behavioral assessment, behavioral intervention planning, teaching social skills to students with autism spectrum disorder, and applied behavior analysis. This specific curriculum enables educators to implement effective ABA strategies in educational settings.
Applicants must possess a teaching certification and meet GPA requirements. They are also required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores or a Professional Biography.
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in Nebraska
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is a leading organization dedicated to improving the field of behavior analysis through rigorous accreditation standards. ABAI accreditation signifies that a program meets high standards in curriculum design, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes, ensuring that graduates are well prepared for professional practice.
Although within the state there are not a diverse number of ABA master’s degree programs accredited by ABAI, Nebraska offers a program that is highlighted below and has an ABAI-verified course sequence.
This verification is crucial for those seeking certification as behavior analysts, as it provides the academic and experiential credentials necessary to obtain certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst Assistant (BCaBA).
University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Time
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 51-54 credit hours
Tuition: $627 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. With a total of 51-54 credit hours required, the total program cost is approximately $31,977 to $33,858. This estimate does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute is a two-year, full-time program designed to prepare students as behavioral health professionals, focusing on behavioral therapy for children and adolescents. The program is a collaborative effort between the Department of Psychology at the University of Nebraska Omaha and the Munroe-Meyer Institute at UNMC, providing students with access to the resources of both campuses. It offers supervised fieldwork experiences in clinical settings, including the Munroe-Meyer Institute, local school districts, and Nebraska community agencies, allowing candidates to gain up to 1,500 hours of field experience under faculty supervision. The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the course sequence for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam.
The program offers both on-campus and online courses, providing flexibility for students.
ABA and BCBA Programs in Nebraska
| Degree Title | University Name | Program Length | Program Cost | ABAI Recognition | GRE Required | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Nebraska Omaha | 5-6 | ~$365 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Omaha | NE |
| Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Nebraska Medical Center | Varies | ~$500 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited | Yes | Omaha | NE |
| Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Nebraska Omaha | 2-3 | ~$365 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Omaha | NE |
