Arkansas continues to strengthen its behavioral health system, with a focus on improving access to care in both urban centers and the state’s many communities. With support from the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) and local mental health organizations, the state has prioritized early intervention, school-based support, and community-centered mental health services. As part of this effort, there is growing recognition of the importance of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in addressing challenges related to autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and behavioral self-regulation.
ABA master’s programs offered in Arkansas align with the state’s broader goals of workforce development and evidence-based service delivery. These programs are designed to meet national certification standards and commonly include a Verified Course Sequence (VCS), along with opportunities for applied research or supervised fieldwork. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue certification as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs®).
As behavioral health needs continue to evolve, ABA master’s programs in Arkansas play a key role in training professionals who are equipped to provide compassionate and effective care, in line with the state’s commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals and families.
Masters Programs in Arkansas to Become a BCBA
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification is an internationally recognized credential that qualifies professionals to assess, design, implement, and supervise evidence-based behavioral interventions. It is especially relevant for those working with individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, or other behavioral challenges.
Arkansas offers a growing number of master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) designed for individuals seeking BCBA certification. These programs are aligned with the academic and practical requirements established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), providing comprehensive and specialized training.
Online ABA Masters Programs in Arkansas
Online master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Arkansas offer a flexible and accessible option for professionals looking to advance their careers while preparing for certification as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). These programs are especially well-suited for individuals working full-time, managing family responsibilities, or living in remote areas where attending in-person classes can be challenging.
Although formats vary by institution, most programs combine asynchronous coursework with optional synchronous components, allowing students to manage their study schedules independently without compromising the quality or depth of their education.
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
- 36 hours
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Modality: Online
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:
The University of Arkansas offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), designed for professionals who want to work with individuals with disabilities in educational and behavioral settings. The program is delivered entirely online, offering flexibility for working adults and those living in remote areas of the state.
Students receive training in instructional planning, behavioral interventions, and special education law, with optional components for field experience.
The program includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS), which meets the academic requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), although it is not specified whether the program is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
No GRE Required ABA Masters Programs in Arkansas
More and more Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) master’s programs are reconsidering the requirement of the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) as part of the admissions process, and some in Arkansas have already adopted this approach. The goal is to make graduate studies more accessible to professionals with strong academic backgrounds or relevant experience, without a standardized test limiting their opportunities.
Although the GRE has traditionally been used to measure verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills, many programs now recognize that it doesn’t always reflect a candidate’s true potential.
Instead, greater emphasis is placed on factors such as undergraduate GPA, professional experience in behavioral health or education, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs even offer conditional admission to applicants with lower GPAs, placing value on motivation and professional trajectory.
Removing the GRE also eliminates common barriers such as cost, preparation time, and scheduling challenges, making it easier for individuals to pursue careers in ABA and demonstrate their potential through their experience.
While not all programs in Arkansas promote an explicit “no GRE” policy, many list the exam as optional or merely recommended, allowing applicants to focus on highlighting their strengths through their academic background, work experience, and passion for behavioral science.
Ouachita Baptist University
- Arkadelphia, Arkansas
- 36 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid
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:
Ouachita Baptist University offers a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a low-residency hybrid program that combines the convenience of online coursework with one required intensive on-campus session. The program includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) aligned with BCBA certification requirements; however, it does not specify whether it is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
A distinctive feature of Ouachita’s M.A. program is its flexible, practice-oriented structure. It does not require supervised fieldwork hours, nor does it include a thesis or capstone project. Instead, students complete an applied research project during their final two semesters. This format is ideal for professionals working in a variety of settings such as schools, psychiatric units, foster care, nursing homes, or substance abuse treatment programs. The degree is especially suited for those who plan to practice as BCBAs® rather than pursue doctoral studies or academic research.
For admission, applicants must have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and complete an interview. GRE scores are recommended but not required. Conditional admission is available for those with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99.
Ouachita Baptist University
- Arkadelphia, Arkansas
- 42 hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid
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:
Ouachita Baptist University offers a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), delivered in a low-residency hybrid format that combines primarily online coursework with one required on-campus intensive. This 42-credit program is designed for students who aim to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs®) and includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the BACB.
A key feature of the M.S. program is the inclusion of supervised fieldwork hours and the requirement of a thesis or capstone project, making it ideal for students seeking comprehensive training and the possibility of pursuing doctoral studies in the future. GRE scores are not required but are recommended. Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Arkansas’s Most Affordable ABA Masters Programs
For those aspiring to become behavior analysts in Arkansas, pursuing a graduate degree doesn’t have to be an overwhelming financial burden. Among the available options in the state, the University of Arkansas stands out for offering the most affordable master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
While Arkansas does not have a wide range of ABA master’s programs, the University of Arkansas distinguishes itself with a competitive per-credit tuition rate that helps ease financial pressure for students. Although the program is not explicitly advertised as “affordable,” it is clearly positioned as the most budget-friendly option compared to other academic offerings in the state.
Accessing an affordable ABA education in Arkansas allows students to focus on developing the skills needed to support individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges—without compromising their financial well-being in the process.
ABA Certificate Programs in Arkansas
ABA certificate programs in Arkansas offer a focused, graduate-level training path in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis without the need to complete a full master’s degree. They are designed for individuals who already hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in psychology, education, or related disciplines, and meet the academic requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.
In Arkansas, ABA certificate programs generally consist of around 21 academic credits and can be completed in approximately one year of part-time study. While some programs offer opportunities for supervised fieldwork, others focus solely on the academic components required for certification. These certificate pathways are particularly valuable for healthcare professionals seeking to apply behavior analysis skills in settings related to child and adolescent care and neurodivergence.
Online ABA Certificate Programs in Arkansas
Online ABA certificate programs in Arkansas offer a flexible and accessible alternative for professionals seeking to specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis. Fully delivered in a virtual format, they are ideal for working adults, individuals undergoing career transitions, or those living in areas with limited access to in-person programs.
Although these programs do not always include the supervision hours required for certification, many encourage students to arrange local fieldwork independently. The asynchronous format allows learners to progress through course content and complete assignments at their own pace, making it easier to balance studies with other responsibilities.
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
- 21 hours
- Online
Program:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
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 University of Arkansas offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, designed for professionals seeking to fulfill the academic requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) certification. The program includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), ensuring alignment with national standards.
Notably, the GRE is not required for admission to this certificate program. Students typically complete the certificate in under two years, gaining a strong theoretical foundation that prepares them for supervised fieldwork and progression toward the certification exam.
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 |
