In North Dakota, master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are expanding alongside the state’s public behavioral health network. Universities collaborate with the Human Service Zones, the Division of Behavioral Health within the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), and regional Behavioral Health Clinics to align training with state priorities such as early identification, community-based support, and continuity of care.
The result is an academic pathway designed to integrate seamlessly with North Dakota’s school systems, healthcare providers, and community service agencies.
Quick Facts
● ABAI/VCS-Aligned Programs in North Dakota: 1
● Fully Online ABA Master’s Programs: 1
● Average Program Length: 2 years
● Tuition Range (per unit): $551 – $551
Masters Programs in North Dakota to Become a BCBA
Becoming a BCBA® in North Dakota follows a clear and practice-oriented path. In practical terms, the process typically includes:
- Academic training: completing a master’s degree that includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) covering the coursework required for exam eligibility.
- Supervised experience: accumulating fieldwork hours under the guidance of a BCBA, often within schools, Human Service Zones, autism service providers, and agencies contracted by insurance or Medicaid.
- National exam: taking and passing the BACB examination at authorized Pearson VUE centers.
What sets North Dakota apart is that field experience is rarely “simulated.” Practicum placements often take place in the same agencies that later hire graduates, accelerating the transition to employment and helping students build strong professional references.
Online ABA Masters Programs in North Dakota
Online delivery has become increasingly important in North Dakota for practical reasons: long distances, harsh weather, and the concentration of services in regional hubs. Online ABA programs serving state residents are often structured in short course blocks, with weekly mentorship and live “case consult” sessions where students bring real data from their schools or local clinics for discussion.
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, North Dakota
- 30-33 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization
Modality: Online
GRE Required: not specified
Length: 30 – 33 credit hours
Tuition: $551 per credit hour (same rate for in-state and out-of-state students). With a total of 33 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $18,219. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
UND states that its ABA pathway supports the key components toward professional credentialing (graduate degree, verified sequence, and fieldwork coordination), allowing students to progress academically while gaining experience within their own communities.
Key Highlights
- Flat tuition nationwide: online students pay the same per-credit rate regardless of state of residence.
- Wide range of specializations: opportunities to choose strategic electives and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration.
Additional Considerations
- FBI background check required after admission to the master’s program.
- Supervised experience is planned with advising based on each student’s context.
Accreditation
- Program-Specific: UND notes that the ABA specialization includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) to support eligibility for the professional exam.
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
ABA Certificate Programs in North Dakota
For those who already hold a master’s degree or are seeking an alternative academic option, the post-graduate certificates in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offer a concise and focused route toward advanced credential eligibility, emphasizing behavioral knowledge and functional analysis.ABA certificate programs in North Dakota are typically delivered in small cohorts, taught by practicing professionals, and allow students to “stack” earned credits if they later choose to pursue a higher degree.
Online ABA Certificate Programs in North Dakota
The online format fits well with a large, sparsely populated state like North Dakota, allowing students to progress from any city or town without interrupting their work. Distance certificate programs are structured around clear weekly goals, frequent feedback assessments, and case discussion sessions, maintaining close contact with faculty even in a remote setting. While supervised practice is typically arranged separately, universities provide guidance to help students coordinate it with BCBA supervisors at their local workplaces.
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, North Dakota
- 22 hours
- Online
Program:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
GRE Required: not specified
Length: 22 credit hours
Tuition: $551 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state residents. With a total of 22 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $12,139. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
Fully online and delivered asynchronously, the certificate program offers the option to enroll in a 15-hour practicum to strengthen observational and intervention skills while completing the academic sequence.
Key Highlights
- Flat tuition nationwide: the per-credit rate is the same for residents and non-residents.
- Stackable credits: the 22 credits from the certificate can be applied toward UND’s M.S. in Special Education (ABA specialization), preventing course duplication if students continue to the master’s program.
Additional Considerations
- Admission requires an FBI background check after the offer of admission, 2 letters of recommendation (ideally from BCBAs/faculty/ABA supervisors), and a CV with relevant experience.
- UND highlights dedicated academic advising, virtual tutoring, and 24/7 resources (library, tech support) for distance learners.
Accreditation
- Program-Specific: The certificate publishes a course sequence that supports professional eligibility; check ABAI’s VCS Directory to confirm current status.
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
BCBA Legislation in North Dakota
North Dakota requires a state license to practice as a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) or Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA). The legal framework is outlined in the North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 43-64 (Behavior Analysts), which regulates application requirements, license duration, and professional conduct.
In terms of service coverage, the Department of Insurance issued Bulletin 2018-1 reminding state-regulated insurance plans of their obligation to cover autism treatment, including ABA when medically necessary. In parallel, North Dakota Medicaid reimburses ABA services (e.g., codes 97151, 97153, and related) and provides billing guidelines for schools and providers.
BCBA Demand in North Dakota
The demand for BCBAs is concentrated in the Fargo–West Fargo, Bismarck–Mandan, and Grand Forks areas, with continued need in regions that have fewer service providers. Recent data place North Dakota’s average annual salaries around $90K–$95K for entry-level positions, with some specialized providers in Fargo reporting rates near $59/hour. Figures vary by employer, experience, and service setting (clinical, school, or community).
With active state licensure, insurance mandates, and updated Medicaid guidelines, the job market in North Dakota remains strong for behavior analysts working in schools, pediatric clinics, and publicly funded programs across the state.
