Nevada is actively enhancing its behavioral health infrastructure through initiatives aimed at expanding access to services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and a range of behavioral health needs. Agencies such as the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and its Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) play a central role in this progress. Their efforts include improving service delivery, increasing provider capacity, and promoting evidence-based practices across clinical and community settings.
To meet the rising demand for qualified professionals, the state also supports advanced education and training opportunities in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). These master’s-level programs are designed to prepare individuals to deliver targeted, research-driven behavioral interventions aligned with Nevada’s health priorities.
Professionals trained in ABA are essential to the state’s workforce, contributing in areas such as education, developmental services, mental health, and public health initiatives. Their work not only addresses current service gaps but also promotes long-term improvements in the quality of life for individuals and families throughout Nevada.
Masters Programs in Nevada to Become a BCBA
To become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Nevada, individuals must complete a master’s degree that includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). These programs are structured to meet the academic and practical training requirements for certification, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field of behavior analysis.
ABA master’s programs in Nevada emphasize key areas such as behavioral assessment, intervention design, ethical practice, and data-driven decision-making. In addition to academic coursework, students are required to complete supervised fieldwork, which can often be arranged independently in collaboration with qualified supervisors. This combination of rigorous instruction and hands-on experience ensures that graduates are well prepared for the BCBA exam and professional practice.
Online ABA Masters Programs in Nevada
Nevada’s online ABA master’s programs are designed for real-life demands, offering students the opportunity to develop a meaningful career in behavior analysis without putting other responsibilities on hold.
Whether working in education, mental health, or another related field, these programs offer the flexibility to delve deeper into applied behavior analysis through asynchronous courses that allow students to pause and advance through content at their convenience. Additionally, to maintain direct contact, these programs provide links and forums with faculty and academic staff so students can address any concerns they may have during their training.
University of Nevada, Reno
- Reno, Nevada
- 37 hours
- Online
Program:
M.S. in Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 37 credit hours
Tuition: $572 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state residents. With a total of 37 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $21,164. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
The University of Nevada, Reno’s Online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis is a fully online graduate program offered through the Global Behavior Analysis Institute. The program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) designed to meet the coursework requirements for the BCBA® exam. It can be completed in as little as 20 months, offering an accelerated pathway for motivated students. The GRE exam is not required, facilitating the admissions process.
This program prioritizes academic and practical training, with fieldwork coordination integrated into the curriculum. Students can choose between intensive supervised fieldwork (1,500 hours) or supervised fieldwork (2,000 hours), completing at least half of the required hours during the program.
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in Nevada
In Nevada, ABAI-accredited Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) master’s programs reflect a commitment to academic excellence and professional preparation in the field of behavior analysis. The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is a leading authority that evaluates graduate programs based on the quality of their curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student outcomes. Programs that earn this accreditation offer a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students to become effective and ethical practitioners.
ABAI accreditation ensures that students receive training aligned with the highest professional standards, including a rigorous course sequence, applied research opportunities, and practical fieldwork that meets the requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. These programs are structured not only to meet the academic and ethical expectations of the field but also to provide mentorship and supervision in real-world settings.
Whether students pursue traditional in-person programs or flexible online formats, ABAI-accredited programs in Nevada offer valuable opportunities for those seeking professional development in various applicable ABA fields.
University of Nevada, Reno
- Reno, Nevada
- 36 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis
Modality: On Campus
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $293 per credit hour for in-state residents and $644 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 36 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $10,575 for in-state students and $23,184 for out-of-state students. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
The University of Nevada, Reno’s Master of Science in Behavior Analysis is a rigorous on-campus program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The program features a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which prepares students for careers as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). It consists of 36 credits, including coursework, internships, and a research thesis. The program offers robust research opportunities in areas such as autism, verbal behavior, public health, and organizational behavior management.
The program is fully on-campus, and the Master’s program requires the GRE for admission. This program does not include an accelerated option and is designed to be completed in approximately two years.
No GRE Required ABA Masters Programs in Nevada
In Nevada, some master’s programs have removed barriers to graduate education by eliminating the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) admissions requirement. This change reflects a broader trend nationwide toward more inclusive and holistic admissions processes. Programs that no longer require the GRE choose to focus on factors that more directly reflect an applicant’s potential for success in the field, such as academic performance, relevant work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
By not requiring the GRE, these programs open the doors to a broader range of applicants, including working professionals, individuals seeking career changes, and students from non-traditional backgrounds. This is particularly important in a field like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), where lived experience and a commitment to ethical and evidence-based care are often as valuable as test scores.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- 36 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Education in Special Education – Applied Behavioral Analysis Track
Modality: On Campus
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $344 per credit hour for in-state residents and $723 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 36 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $12,393 for in-state students and $26,028 for out-of-state students. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
The Master of Special Education program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers several specializations, including one in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This program is taught on campus and is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking advanced or advanced degrees in special education.
A GRE is not required for admission, although GPA scores and a letter of application/intent are required. Applicants are encouraged to consult directly with the admissions department regarding other requirements. Students benefit from a flexible curriculum, tailored with advisor input, which allows for customization to meet licensure or certification goals. Internships or fieldwork are optional but may be required for licensure in Nevada.
Accelerated Nevada ABA Masters Programs
Accelerated Master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are designed for those seeking to enter the field efficiently without sacrificing the quality of their training. These programs shorten the traditional graduate-level timeframe, allowing motivated students to complete their degree faster and begin their professional practice sooner.
In Nevada, the online master’s degree offered by the University of Nevada, Reno, can be completed in as little as 20 months, offering carefully designed courses that allow students to balance their training with other important timeframes.
ABA and BCBA Programs in Nevada
| Degree Title | University Name | Program Length | Program Cost | ABAI Recognition | GRE Required | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.S. in Psychology (ABA Specialization) | University of Nevada, Reno | 5-6 | ~$285 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Reno | NV |
| Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis | University of Nevada, Reno | Varies | ~$285 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited | Yes | Reno | NV |
| Graduate Certificate in ABA | University of Nevada, Reno | 2-3 | ~$285 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Reno | NV |
