In August, 2024 the Governor of Illinois signed HB 5344 into law. This law amended the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act (HB 4769) to state that no one should use the title “licensed behavior analyst” or similar unless they are actually licensed. And, no business or organization should provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy unless each person providing or applying analysis services holds a valid license.
In Illinois, university programs are aligned with Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) standards, which maintains high expectations for BCBAs. At the state level, the nonprofit advocacy organization, the Illinois Association for Behavior Analysis (ILABA) and government organization the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (ILDFPR) are working to advance the professionalism of behavior therapy by maintaining and refining standards and requirements for ABA therapists.
Demand for BCBAs in Illinois
There has been a steady increase in demand for ABA therapists in Illinois. The demand for BCBAs increased 28% between 2022 and 2023, from 2,071 in 2022 to 2,652 in 2023.
According to Talent.com, the average salary in Illinois for an ABA therapist is $80,541 ($38.72 per hour). The salary does range from market to market. The average salary in Chicago, for example, is $74,395.
Master’s Programs in Illinois To Become a BCBA
The BCBA credential is an important part of qualifying ABA therapists for practice in Illinois. State legislation requiring licensure (HB4769) is new, but even before this legislation, employers strongly preferred candidates who were certified BCBAs. Moving forward, all ABA therapists must hold a BCBA credential to work in schools and clinics.
To earn the credential, students must have:
- an acceptable graduate degree from an accredited university with coursework in behavior analysis, or an accepted graduate degree from an accredited university,
- supervised practical experience, and
- a passing score on the BCBA exam.
There are a range of programs to earn a master’s degree in ABA and the BCBA credential. These options include online and on campus options, as well as options that are provided through either departments of education or psychology. Some programs focus more on research, while others are focused on clinical practice. Multiple programs focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion with coursework and research on providing ABA therapy in diverse settings with diverse populations.
Online ABA Master’s Program in Illinois
Online ABA Master’s programs provide flexibility and the ability to learn the content necessary to become a BCBA while managing a job and family. In Illinois, Southern Illinois University and The Chicago School have online options. Both programs provide a full Master’s degree. Students who choose this option will take the coursework and complete requirements to earn a graduate degree, but will complete coursework online and may be required to secure their own clinical locations or BCBA supervisors.
Southern Illinois University
- Carbondale, IL
- 45 credit hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master’s of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy
Modality: On-campus and online options
Length: 45 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $7,710 per semester, not including expenses and fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The Master’s of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy includes classwork, clinical experience, and research opportunities. The focus is appling ABA into practical settings. Coursework includes the courses required for BCBA certification and legal, observation methods, behavior consultation, and electives in other topics like verbal behavior and experimental analysis. Completion of a thesis or research paper is required for the graduate degree.
The online option is provided for students who work full-time or need more flexible learning options. Online students must seek their own internship options. Online courses are scheduled for evenings and are provided in a live (synchronous) format. The live format supports community building and interaction with faculty.
The Chicago School
- Chicago, IL
- 2 years attending full-time
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On-campus and online options
Length: 2 years attending full-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,409 per credit hour
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The Chicago School is a private university originally founded for the study of psychology. Today, the school has expanded and provides a master’s program in ABA. The program incorporates the “scientist-practitioner” model with coursework in theory, research, and evaluation. Students must choose a focus, either research or practical. In addition to coursework, students in the research track complete a research project, and students in the practical track complete an advanced project.
Hybrid Master’s ABA Program in Illinois
National Louis University offers a Master’s in Science in ABA that incorporates both online and in person experiences. This option supports students who want the flexibility of studying online with some in person interaction with faculty and peers.
National Louis University
- Chicago area, Illinois
- 38 SH
- Online + Campus
Program:
M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online and on campus
Length: 38 SH
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $790 per credit hour
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The M.S. in ABA focuses on the foundations of behaviorism and the design and implementation of ABA interventions in research and practice. In addition to core coursework, students complete a thesis capstone project and can take elective courses, such as Child, Family and Community, Biological Bases of Behavior, or Assistive Technology.
Graduate Certificate ABA Program in Illinois
Northern Illinois University offers a graduate certificate in ABA. This is an option for students who already hold a master’s degree or are earning one, and want to study ABA or who want to earn the BCBA certification.
Northern Illinois University
- Dekalb, IL
- 7 courses, 21 credit hours
- Campus
Program:
Certificate of Graduate Study in Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 7 courses, 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $509.75 per credit hour
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The certificate of graduate study at Northern Illinois University is designed for professionals who want to earn the BCBA credential and become experts in behavior analysis. Students complete a series of seven courses that prepare them to sit for the BCBA exam.
On Campus Master’s in ABA Programs in Illinois
On campus master’s programs provide more direct experiences with professors and peers. These programs also provide options to be involved in research projects and work in applied settings. These programs are good options for students who want to interact directly with faculty, and who want access to campus learning activities including research opportunities.
Northern Illinois University
- Dekalb, IL
- 33 credit hours
- Campus
Program:
Special Education: Behavior Analysis (M.S.Ed)
Modality: On-campus
Length: 33 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $509.75 per credit hour
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
Northern Illinois University’s M.S.Ed program in behavior analysis is delivered through the department of special education and focuses on applying ABA in various settings. It also includes a focus on research with courses in writing for publication, single case research, and laboratory field studies. Upon completion, students earn a Master’s in Special Education with a specialization in behavior analysis.
Southern Illinois University
- Carbondale, IL
- 45 credit hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master’s of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy
Modality: On campus and online options
Length: 45 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $7,710 per semester, not including expenses and fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The Master’s of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy includes classwork, clinical experience, and research opportunities. The focus is appling ABA into practical setting. Coursework includes the course sequence required for BCBA certification and legal, observation methods, behavior consultation, and electives in other topics like verbal behavior and experimental analysis. Completion of a thesis or research paper is required for the graduate degree.
In the on campus program, students have access to research opportunities and on campus internships in and around SIU. Students studying on campus can also apply for graduate assistantships that support tuition costs and provide ongoing experiences.
The Chicago School
- Chicago, IL
- 2 years attending full-time
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On-campus and online options
Length: 2 years attending full-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,409 per credit hour
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The Chicago School is a private university originally founded for the study of psychology. Today, the school has expanded and provides a master’s program in ABA. The program incorporates the “scientist-practitioner” model with coursework in theory, research, and evaluation. Students must choose a focus, either research or practical. In addition to coursework, students in the research track complete a research project, and students in the practical track complete an advanced project.
University of Illinois at Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 40 credit hours
- Campus
Program:
M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis, Disability, and Diversity in Urban Society
Modality: On-campus
Length: 40 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: For 12 or more credit hours per semester, tuition is $6,360 for in-state students and $13,255 for out-of-state students
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, Disability and Diversity in Urban Society prepares students to become a BCBA with a focus on working with marginalized populations. The focus is on strengths-based approaches to support children and adults with disabilities in school and community. In addition to 40 credit hours of coursework, students can complete optional supervised fieldwork. Courses are provided during evening hours to accommodate students who also work during the day.
No GRE Required ABA Programs in Illinois
All the programs in Illinois do not have GRE requirements for admission. The admission requirements vary from program to program, with some requiring a minimum GPA for admission, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
ABAI Accredited ABA Programs in Illinois
All of the programs in Illinois are ABAI accredited and include the coursework required to prepare students to pass the BCBA exam.
Affordable ABA Programs in Illinois
The most affordable options in Illinois, based on credit hour, are Southern Illinois University at $509.75 per credit hour, and National Louis University at $790 per credit hour. The total cost of any ABA graduate program will depend on the total coursework, expenses and fees.
Accelerated ABA Programs in Illinois
The best option for an accelerated path to a BCBA is the Certificate of graduate Study at Northern Illinois University as it provides the coursework to complete a BCBA without additional research or clinical coursework.
