In Arkansas, ABA master’s programs take place within a context shaped by both geographic and population diversity—from cities like Little Rock to rural communities with limited resources. This has led universities to design curricula that combine academic training with applied experiences directly in schools, hospitals, and community centers across the state.
Students not only gain knowledge but also engage in applied research projects, practica in university clinics, and collaborations with state agencies, such as the Department of Human Services (DHS) and its Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS), that address urgent needs in autism, behavioral health, and special education.
Another distinctive aspect of Arkansas is the variety of formats: there are on-campus programs with strong community ties, hybrid options with short on-campus residencies, and fully online alternatives that make access easier for those living in remote areas.
Quick Facts
- ABAI/VCS-aligned programs in Arkansas: 3
- Fully online ABA master’s programs: 1
- Programs with optional GRE: 2
- Average program length: 36–42 credits
- Tuition range (per credit): $446 – $750
Online ABA Programs That Meet Arkansas’s BCBA Requirements
Masters Programs in Arkansas to Become a BCBA
In Arkansas, pursuing a master’s degree in ABA means accessing training that blends theory and practice with a clear goal: preparing students for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) certification while addressing the state’s growing need for behavioral health services.
The certification pathway includes several key steps: completing a graduate program that meets the standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), accumulating supervised fieldwork hours under a qualified professional, and passing the national certification exam offered at Pearson VUE testing centers across Arkansas.
These master’s programs serve as a direct bridge between academic learning and professional practice, opening opportunities in schools, hospitals, and community programs where ABA services are making an increasingly visible impact.
Online ABA Masters Programs in Arkansas
In Arkansas, online ABA master’s programs have become a key alternative for students who live in remote communities or need to balance graduate education with work. These programs maintain rigorous academic standards while offering the flexibility to study from anywhere in the state.
The format typically combines structured weekly classes with real-time interactive components, allowing for direct contact with faculty and peers. Another notable feature is that many of these programs link online coursework with supervised practice in the student’s own community, making it possible to immediately apply what they learn in school, clinical, or community settings without leaving the virtual format.
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
- 36 hours
- Online
Modality: Online
GRE Required: no (ACT/SAT/Praxis Core/GRE may be used to demonstrate basic competencies if other pathways are not met)
Program: M.Ed. in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $446 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 $16,066. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
Offered by the Department of Curriculum & Instruction within the College of Education & Health Professions, this graduate program prepares teachers to work in K–12 settings with evidence-based behavioral supports and compliance in special education. The ABA concentration is completed within the 36-credit plan, with the option of adding academic supervised practice through the Applied Behavior Analysis Family Service & Research Clinic (for supervision purposes), while the fieldwork hours required by the BACB are arranged separately.
Key Highlights
- Two clearly mapped degree/licensure pathways: an initial licensure route in special education and an endorsement route for already licensed teachers (plus a “non-licensure” route approved by faculty).
- The University of Arkansas Graduate Certificate in ABA (ABAI-verified) can be embedded within the M.Ed., allowing students to meet the academic component for BCBA® eligibility as part of the master’s; it also includes the option of a practicum at the university clinic for supervision purposes.
Additional Considerations
- Mandatory practicum in a designated school as part of the M.Ed., particularly useful for those working in school districts.
- Timeline and completion: estimated at 2 years; the initial licensure route is planned for 3 years. Application deadlines are Spring Nov 1 (or Dec 1 for initial licensure), Summer Apr 15, and Fall Jul 1/Aug 1.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Academic Catalog
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) through the Graduate Certificate in ABA, which may be integrated into the M.Ed.; full ABAI accreditation of the master’s is not specified.
No GRE Required ABA Masters Programs in Arkansas
In Arkansas, several ABA master’s programs have chosen not to require the GRE as part of the admission process. Instead of relying on this standardized exam, admissions committees typically place greater emphasis on undergraduate performance, experience in the educational field, letters of recommendation, and the personal motivation expressed in the application.
Below are two notable programs in the state that follow these criteria.
Ouachita Baptist University
- Arkadelphia, Arkansas
- 36 hours
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
GRE Required: no
Program: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Behavior Analysis
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $750 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 $27,775. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
Low-residency program with a lock-step cohort model (a single pathway for the entire cohort) and one required 3-day in-person residency; the remainder of the training is delivered online in synchronous format. In the M.A., the applied track includes three “Applied Experience in ABA” courses (focused on applications beyond autism/IDD) and an “Applied Research Project” during the final two semesters.
Key Highlights
- Admission cycle: one annual intake in August; applications open January 1 and close May 1.
- Internal flexibility: option to switch between the M.A. and M.S. during the first year through an internal process (application + interview).
Additional Considerations
- Block academic structure: two 8-week modules per semester (fall/spring).
- Integrated BCBA® preparation: quizzes, assessments, and test prep aligned with the BACB 6th ed. Task List included in the curriculum.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) overseen by ABAI; the M.A. fulfills the coursework component for BCBA® eligibility; fieldwork hours are not embedded in the M.A. (they are included in the M.S.).
Ouachita Baptist University
- Arkadelphia, Arkansas
- 42 hours
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
GRE Required: no (recommended, not required)
Program: Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Length: 42 credit hours
Tuition: $750 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. With a total of 42 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $31,500. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
The M.S. in ABA at OBU stands out for its lock-step cohort model, beginning annually in August and lasting approximately 2.5 years. Unlike the M.A. offered by the same institution, this program includes integrated supervised fieldwork within the curriculum and requires a thesis/capstone project, strengthening both the academic and practical preparation of students aiming for doctoral studies or advanced research.
Key Highlights
- Intensive practicum modules supervised by BCBAs, with emphasis on clinical, educational, and community applications.
- Mandatory inclusion of a thesis or capstone project focused on applied research.
Additional Considerations
- Competitive admission: one cohort per year with interviews and comprehensive academic review.
- Option for Graduate Assistantships (GA) and financial support, subject to institutional availability.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI; designed to meet BCBA® eligibility requirements.
Arkansas’s Most Affordable ABA Masters Programs
In Arkansas, pursuing a graduate degree in ABA doesn’t have to mean taking on an excessive financial burden. Among the available options, the University of Arkansas stands out for offering the most affordable master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). It provides a program with a per-credit cost well below the national average, making it the most accessible pathway in the state for those seeking advanced training in behavior analysis.
This affordable option allows students to focus on their professional development without the weight of significant debt—an especially important factor in a field where more trained professionals are needed to work with children, adolescents, and adults with diverse behavioral needs.
ABA Certificate Programs in Arkansas
With a duration of approximately 21 credits, ABA certificates in Arkansas can be completed in just over a year on a part-time basis. Although they do not always include supervised practice hours, they provide the academic foundation necessary to advance toward certification.
These programs are especially attractive to teachers and professionals working in special education, autism intervention, or supporting students with challenging behaviors, who are looking to expand their competencies without pursuing a full master’s degree—or for those who already hold one.
Online ABA Certificate Programs in Arkansas
Without the need for in-person classes or long commutes to campus, online ABA certificates in Arkansas are a meaningful option for those seeking training outside the traditional format. The virtual model is typically asynchronous, giving students the chance to progress through coursework at their own pace.
Although supervised practice hours are not always included in the plan, most programs guide students in arranging these experiences within their own communities.
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
- 21 hours
- Online
Modality: Online
GRE Required: no
Program: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Length: 21 credit hours
Tuition: $446 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. With a total of 21 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $9,372. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
The certificate curriculum is delivered entirely online and can be completed as a standalone graduate block or embedded into U of A degree programs (e.g., the M.Ed. in Special Education).
Key Highlights
- Access to the University of Arkansas Applied Behavior Analysis Family Service & Research Clinic to complete practicum for supervision purposes under the direction of BCBAs.
- The certificate covers 315 classroom hours distributed across six areas required by the BACB.
Additional Considerations
- BACB fieldwork hours are not included in the certificate; they must be arranged separately and reviewed prior to application.
- To sit for the BCBA® exam, a graduate degree is required in addition to the certificate; U of A allows this certificate to be embedded within a master’s to meet that requirement.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI (aligned with BACB).
BCBA Legislation in Arkansas
As of 2025, Arkansas requires state registration to practice as a behavior analyst, administered by the Arkansas Psychology Board. Registration requires holding a national certification (BCBA® or BCBA-D) and passing a background check. The regulation also provides for reciprocity with other states and requires renewal every two years.
In addition, both Medicaid and private insurance in Arkansas include coverage for ABA therapy for individuals with autism, though age limits and annual reimbursement caps often apply.
BCBA Demand in Arkansas
- Market momentum: National postings for BCBAs surged in 2024–2025 per the BACB/Lightcast report, continuing a decade-long climb; this broader trend supports expanding opportunities in Arkansas (schools, Medicaid-funded providers, and hospital/clinic systems).
- Current pay signals (Arkansas): Recent aggregates show statewide averages around $73.6K (ZipRecruiter) and $86.0K (Indeed).
- Drivers of demand (local): The new Medicaid manual (effective 2025) formalizes ABA service delivery and supervision requirements statewide, which typically increases hiring for BCBAs (clinical leadership) and RBT/BCaBA pipelines to meet compliance and utilization needs.
Arkansas moved from no state credential to a registration system (Act 432, 2025). Professionals should monitor the Arkansas Psychology Board for final rules, timelines, and application procedures.
ABA and BCBA Programs in Arkansas
| Degree Title | University Name | Program Length | Program Cost | ABAI Recognition | GRE Required | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.S. in Psychology (ABA Track) | University of Central Arkansas | 8 (4 years) | ~$269 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Conway | AR |
| M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Central Arkansas | 5-6 | ~$325 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Conway | AR |
| Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | 2-3 | ~$383 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Little Rock | AR |
