In South Dakota, ABA master’s programs are closely linked with the Department of Social Services – Division of Behavioral Health and the Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities, anchoring training to state priorities such as early intervention, autism support, and community-based care. Universities collaborate with school districts, regional health networks, and local providers to give students practicum opportunities that are both real-world and aligned with their academic preparation.
Quick Facts
● ABAI/VCS-Aligned Programs in South Dakota: 2
● Fully Online ABA Master’s Programs: 1
● Average Program Length: 1.5–2 years
● Tuition Range (per credit): $466 – $510
● GRE-Optional Programs: 1
Masters Programs in South Dakota to Become a BCBA
To obtain BCBA® certification in South Dakota, the pathway includes:
- Completing a master’s degree that incorporates a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) aligned with professional standards.
- Accumulating supervised practice hours under the guidance of a certified BCBA in school, clinical, or community settings within the state.
- Passing the national exam administered at Pearson VUE centers in South Dakota.
In practice, many students arrange their practicum through their employers (e.g., school districts or autism service providers), which accelerates the transfer of learning to daily work and strengthens job placement upon graduation.
Online ABA Masters Programs in South Dakota
In South Dakota, the online format goes beyond simply “taking classes from home”: it often integrates virtual clinical rounds, reviews of real cases from the state, and tele-supervision for students living far from urban centers.
Features that make it especially valuable in the state:
- Practice tied to the territory: partnerships with the Division of Behavioral Health and regional care networks ensure that supervised hours formally count while also strengthening the services where the student is already employed.
- Compact calendars: short blocks or intensive sessions that maintain steady pacing and frequent start dates, important in a region with challenging weather seasons and long travel distances.
- Close faculty support: scheduled tutoring, feedback on intervention videos, and panels with professionals from local schools and clinics to align training with South Dakota’s real needs.
Augustana University
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- 34 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
GRE Required: not specified
Length: 34 credit hours
Tuition: $510 per credit hour. Therefore, the total program cost ranges from approximately $18,740 to $22,040, depending on the supervision model chosen. This estimate does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
With eight academic courses and fieldwork subjects taken in parallel, the university provides structured supervision while students complete their practicum experiences at their own workplace (or a similar setting), ensuring that learning translates into real practice from the very first semester.
Key Highlights
- Two supervision models to fit cost and logistics: A (all supervision provided by Augustana) and B (group supervision by Augustana + external individual supervision).
- Defined pace and cohort support: a 5-semester plan with concurrent academic and practicum courses, promoting steady progress and professional community.
Additional Considerations
- Designed for individuals already working in behavior-related contexts.
- Courses published in the catalog (e.g., concepts and principles, ethics, research methods, management and supervision, FBA, behavior change, capstone).
Accreditation
- Program-Specific: First program in South Dakota verified by ABAI to meet coursework requirements; see recognition in institutional announcement.
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Augustana University
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in South Dakota
In South Dakota, there are no master’s programs with full ABAI accreditation; however, there are programs that include a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Why does this matter? The VCS confirms that the academic plan officially covers the required content to progress toward professional certification (BCBA®), providing a clear pathway and credibility with employers in the state.
University of South Dakota
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- 30 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Health Sciences – Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid
GRE Required: not specified
Length: 30 credit hours
Tuition: $465.80 per credit hour for in-state residents and $625.80 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 30 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $13,974 for in-state students and $18,774 for out-of-state students. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
A 30-credit specialization delivered primarily online, with a short in-person component in Sioux Falls to build practical skills under supervision. The first year emphasizes conceptual foundations, followed by applied coursework and a practice-oriented capstone. This pathway is designed for adult learners who need scheduling flexibility but also value direct contact with faculty during the in-person training segment.
Key Highlights
- One hybrid course requires attendance in Sioux Falls for hands-on supervised work.
- Specialization authorized by the Board of Regents (2023).
Additional Considerations
- The department indicates that completing the specialization fulfills one of the main requirements for eligibility to sit for the professional exam.
- Additional practicum arrangements must be planned with academic advising.
Accreditation
- Program-Specific: Official materials indicate that the specialization fulfills the coursework requirement toward professional exam eligibility; no additional program-specific accreditation is specified.
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
No GRE Required ABA Masters Programs in South Dakota
What benefits does the applicant gain with this model?
- Fewer entry barriers and faster processes: multiple start dates and rolling review, especially useful for those already working in school districts or community agencies in the state.
- Emphasis on verifiable merits: intervention hours, clinical experience, supervision received, participation in interdisciplinary teams, and observable outcomes in the classroom or clinic.
In South Dakota, this type of admissions approach is already in place. A clear example is the University of South Dakota, which does not require the GRE for its master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This allows professionals already contributing in the field to move into graduate study and progress toward professional credentialing through a more direct and relevant process.
Accelerated South Dakota ABA Masters Programs
While few programs in the state carry the official “accelerated” label, South Dakota offers pathways that allow completion in 18–24 months thanks to intensive calendars, summer terms, and continuous enrollment.
Format Highlights
- Short blocks and small cohorts to maintain steady pacing and consistent feedback.
- Applied projects/capstone (instead of an extensive thesis) to demonstrate competence and accelerate the professional pathway toward BCBA®.
Example in the state:Augustana University offers an intensive option that makes it possible to complete the degree in less than two years.
ABA Certificate Programs in South Dakota
In South Dakota, graduate certificates in ABA provide a compact pathway for those who already hold a master’s degree and seek the academic eligibility for professional credentials without completing another full graduate program.
Online ABA Certificate Programs in South Dakota
Online certificates are particularly well-suited to a large, rural state like South Dakota thanks to two key pillars:
- SARA framework: allows institutions from other states to offer distance education in South Dakota under shared standards.
- Medicaid with telehealth: recognizes the delivery of ABA services remotely, making it easier to arrange local practicum experiences with valid supervision while completing the program online.
University of South Dakota
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- 2 years
- Hybrid
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Graduate Certificate
Modality: Hybrid
GRE Required: not specified
Length: 7 courses over approximately 2 years
Tuition: $300 per credit hour (Estimated)
Program Overview:
Graduate certificate designed for those who wish to “stack” this block alongside their main program. The sequence moves at a steady pace of one course per semester and can be taken online in synchronous format; the remaining portion is completed through a hybrid course with supervised practical training in Sioux Falls.
Key Highlights
- Maintains direct faculty contact during the practical component.
- The program can only admit students located in states where it meets educational requirements for licensure/certification.
Additional Considerations
- Applicants must provide location information during admission, and supervised practice is authorized in South Dakota (restrictions may apply outside the state).
- Standard graduate admission: application, fee, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, CV, and official transcript submissions (specific requirements may vary by program).
Accreditation
- Program-Specific: ABAI Verified Course Sequence; listed courses meet the academic requirement for BCBA® exam eligibility.
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
BCBA Legislation in South Dakota
South Dakota requires a state license to practice as a behavior analyst. It is regulated by the Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA) Advisory Committee within the Board of Social Work Examiners (DSS). To obtain licensure, applicants must hold national certification (BACB®), submit an application and fees, undergo a background check, and complete periodic renewals.
In terms of coverage, state law requires state-regulated plans to cover ABA for ASD when medically necessary (SDCL 58-17-157 and related). In parallel, South Dakota Medicaid reimburses ABA under EPSDT for individuals under 21, with clinical requirements and, when applicable, prior authorization.
BCBA Demand in South Dakota
Demand is strong and growing, with more openings in metropolitan areas (e.g., Sioux Falls) and steady need in rural regions. Opportunities exist in school districts, autism service providers, pediatric clinics, hospitals, and Medicaid-funded programs.
Regarding salaries, recent references place the statewide average at around $89K per year, with Indeed reporting averages near $94K annually and similar levels in Sioux Falls; ranges vary by employer and experience.
With state licensure in effect, mandated ABA insurance coverage, and active Medicaid guidelines, the job market for BCBAs in South Dakota shows stable and favorable prospects.
