Rhode Island has been working to strengthen its behavioral health system through integrated services, early intervention, and increased access to community-based care. The state’s efforts, led by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), include support for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and mental health needs. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) plays a key role in these initiatives, especially for children and adults who require individualized behavioral support.
ABA master’s programs in Rhode Island train professionals with the skills needed to address these needs through evidence-based behavioral interventions. These programs focus on behavior assessment, skill development, ethical practice, and data-driven decision-making. They also prepare students to work in a variety of settings, such as schools, mental health clinics, and developmental service agencies.
Masters Programs in Rhode Island to Become a BCBA
Master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Rhode Island are designed to prepare students for certification as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), a professional credential recognized in educational, clinical, and community settings. These programs combine advanced coursework with supervised practicum opportunities, training students in behavior assessment, intervention design, ethical practice, and supervision strategies.
To become a BCBA, individuals must meet the requirements established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which include completing a master’s degree with an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence (VCS), completing supervised fieldwork, and passing the BCBA exam. ABA master’s programs in Rhode Island are aligned with these requirements and are structured to provide comprehensive academic and professional preparation.
These programs play a key role in addressing the growing demand for ABA services across the state, particularly in areas such as autism support, behavioral health, and special education.
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in Rhode Island
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) sets the global standard for excellence in behavior analysis education. While full accreditation by ABAI is highly selective and not common among all programs, ABA master’s programs in Rhode Island do include an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence (VCS), meaning their curriculum has been reviewed and approved to meet the academic requirements for BCBA certification eligibility.
Programs offering a VCS demonstrate that they follow a curriculum covering key competencies such as behavioral assessment, intervention strategies, ethics, and applied research. These components are essential for students who wish to pursue certification and enter the workforce with a strong foundation in ABA.
Salve Regina University
- Newport and Warwick, Rhode Island
- 36 hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On Campus
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $650 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. With a total of 36 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $23,400. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
Salve Regina University offers a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) designed to prepare students for national BCBA certification. The curriculum includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the BACB and requires 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork or the equivalent in academic credits. Students must complete six core courses and choose from a wide range of electives tailored to their personal or professional interests, covering topics such as autism, health psychology, and organizational behavior management.
The program is delivered in person at the Newport and Warwick campuses in Rhode Island, and offers support with practicum placement, including the option to complete it at the student’s current workplace, provided supervision requirements are met.
Additionally, the program is offered in two formats: a traditional master’s track and an accelerated (5th-year) option for qualified undergraduates. Students without prior ABA coursework are required to complete an introductory course.
The curriculum is aligned with ABAI standards and meets the academic requirements to sit for the BCBA certification exam, while also offering flexibility in pacing. This master’s program is ideal for those seeking to advance professionally in clinical, educational, or community settings, applying evidence-based strategies for behavior change.
Accelerated Rhode Island ABA Masters Programs
Rhode Island offers a streamlined pathway to earning a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through an accelerated 5th-year program designed for undergraduate students. This option, available at one of the state’s leading institutions (Salve Regina University), allows qualified students to begin graduate-level coursework during their undergraduate studies and complete the master’s degree with just one additional year of study.
This accelerated format shortens the traditional timeline without compromising academic quality or professional preparation. The program includes an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence (VCS), ensuring that students meet the educational requirements to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) upon graduation. Supervised practicum opportunities are also offered, providing hands-on experience to complement theoretical learning.
Ideal for highly motivated undergraduates, this accelerated track supports early entry into the field of behavior analysis while reducing overall tuition costs and time in school. Courses are offered in the evening and delivered in person, making it a practical option for students balancing academics with work or field experience.
ABA Certificate Programs in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers postgraduate-level certificate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), aimed at professionals who already hold a master’s degree in education, psychology, social work, or other related fields. These programs are structured around an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence (VCS).
In addition to academic instruction, some programs also offer supervised practicum components coordinated by the university, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings. These programs are ideal for educators, therapists, and clinical professionals who want to deepen their ABA training without pursuing a full master’s degree.
Salve Regina University
- Newport / Warwick, Rhode Island
- 24 hours
- Campus
Program:
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (Post-Master’s Certificate) in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On Campus
Length: 24 credit hours (6 core ABA courses + 2 practicum courses)
Tuition: $665 per credit hour for all students. With a total of 24 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $15,960. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed for professionals who already hold a graduate degree in education, psychology, social work, or a related field. This 24-credit program includes six core courses and two practicum experiences, all aligned with an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence (VCS), meeting the academic requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification exam. Courses are delivered in person during evening hours at two locations, providing flexibility for working professionals.
The university coordinates practicum placements, offering valuable opportunities for supervised field experience. This certificate is ideal for individuals seeking a practical and direct pathway to BCBA certification without the need to complete a full master’s degree. The program emphasizes ethical practice, intervention design, and behavioral assessment.
Salve Regina University
- Newport, Rhode Island
- 18 hours
- Campus
Program:
Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On Campus
Length: 6 courses | 18 credit hours
Tuition: $1,305 per credit hour. With a total of 18 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $23,490. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
The Minor in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Salve Regina University offers undergraduate students a foundational introduction to the science of behavior. Designed for those majoring in psychology, education, social work, or other related fields, the minor consists of six courses covering key ABA topics such as behavior assessment, behavior change procedures, ethics, and data analysis. Courses are delivered on campus and provide an academic foundation for students considering graduate studies or careers in behavior support services.
This minor allows students to explore both the theoretical and practical aspects of ABA while completing their undergraduate degree. Although it does not include practicum or supervised fieldwork, it represents a strong first step toward ABA-related careers or graduate-level certification opportunities.
