Currently, Connecticut law requires insurance companies to cover behavioral therapy, including Applied Behavior Analysis for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. In addition, a 2012 law requires that children who receive ABA therapy as part of their school Individualized Education Program should be supervised by a person who is licensed by the Department of Education or Health, or someone who is BCBA certified. So, teachers or teaching assistants who are administering ABA therapy in the classroom must be supervised.
Demand for BCBAs in Connecticut
There was a decrease in demand for ABA therapists in Connecticut. The demand for BCBAs decreased between 2022 and 2023, from 1,1165 in 2022 to 685 in 2023. This is not aligned with the national trend; the nationwide demand for BCBA certified therapists has increased every year since 2010, with a 14% increase between 2022 and 2023.
According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary for a BCBA in Connecticut is $85,765 ($41/hour). The salary does vary from market to market. The average salary in Waterbury is $99,367 and the average salary in East Haven is $95,249.
Master’s Programs in Connecticut To Become a BCBA
The BCBA credential is required for ABA therapists in Connecticut. There is no official state regulatory body in Connecticut, so therapists pursue credentials through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. To become a BCBA certified therapist who can work independently, applicants must:
- earn a master’s level credential and complete the verified course sequence that includes mandatory BCBA coursework,
- pass the BCBA examination,
- complete 1,000 practicum hours and 750 intensive practicum hours or gain 1,500 hours of independent fieldwork.
The verified course sequence is the set of courses, typically seven courses of 21 credit hours, that are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International that prepares students to take the BCBA certification exam. The coursework ensures that all BCBA certified therapists have the same knowledge and skills. Universities may offer the set of courses in isolation, or part of a broader degree.
There are three graduate degree programs in Connecticut that provide the verified course sequence and additional experiences to support BCBA coursework. These include on online option at Western Connecticut State University, two graduate certificate options at Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Saint Joseph, and one on campus option at Southern Connecticut State University. Programs are provided through either the Special Education or Psychology Department, depending on the university.
Online ABA Master’s Program in Connecticut
An online ABA Master’s program provides flexibility and the ability to learn the content necessary to become a BCBA while managing a job and family. In Connecticut, Western Connecticut State University offers an online program within a master’s program.
Western Connecticut State University
- Danbury, CT
- 30 hours, 16 months
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 30 hours, 16 months
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $4,358 per semester for full-time in-state students; $6,537 per semester for full-time out-of-state students
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The M.S. in ABA at Western Connecticut State University provides the verified course sequence. Courses are delivered using online technology and an asynchronous format. Students take courses, fall, spring, and summer sessions to complete the M.A. in 16 months. Students are admitted into cohorts that progress through the course together.
Hybrid Master’s ABA Program in Connecticut
There are no hybrid master’s programs offered in Connecticut.
Graduate Certificate ABA Program in Connecticut
Two universities offer graduate certificates in ABA; Southern Connecticut University and the University of Saint Joseph. Graduate certificates are ideal for practitioners who already have a master’s degree in education, psychology or a related field, and want to earn the BCBA credential.
Southern Connecticut State University
- New Haven, CT
- 21 credit hours
- On campus
Modality: On campus
Program:
Graduate certificate in ABA in Educational Settings
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $4,358 tuition per semester for in-state students; $11,223 tuition per semester for out-of-state students; not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The graduate certificate in ABA in Educational Settings provides the verified course sequence. The focus of the coursework is to prepare the practitioner to implement ABA in practical settings.
University of Saint Joseph
- West Hartford, CT
- 1.5 years
- On campus
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate
Modality: On campus
Length: 1.5 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $978 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The ABA graduate certificate at the University of Saint Joseph’s is provided through on campus courses. Courses are all held at night to support students who are working during the day. Students complete the verified course sequence. Students are admitted into cohorts that progress through coursework together. All instructors are doctoral BCBAs.
On Campus Master’s in ABA Programs in Connecticut
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. They may also provide supervised fieldwork. In Connecticut, Southern Connecticut State University offers an on campus master’s program.
Southern Connecticut State University
- New Haven, CT
- 30 credit hours
- On campus
Program:
Master of Science Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 30 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $4,358 tuition per semester for in-state students; $11,223 tuition per semester for out-of-state students; not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The M.S. in ABA is housed within the Department of Special Education. Students complete the verified course sequence and other courses including transition and research in special education. There are three tracks that students can choose from: a Master of Science, a sixth year diploma program, and the certificate program. Coursework focuses on working with people with disabilities, or in educational or therapeutic environments. Supervised fieldwork can be included within the program. Students are admitted in cohorts that are admitted every three semesters.
No GRE Required ABA Programs in Connecticut
None of the programs in Connecticut have a GRE requirement 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 Connecticut
All of the programs in Connecticut are ABAI accredited and include the coursework required to prepare students to pass the BCBA exam.
Affordable ABA Programs in Connecticut
An affordable option in Connecticut is the graduate certificate through the University of Saint Joseph. Tuition is $978 per credit hour, and the program is short and condensed. The total cost of any ABA graduate program will depend on the total coursework, expenses and fees.
Accelerated ABA Programs in Connecticut
The best option for an accelerated path to a BCBA in Connecticut is the University of Saint Joseph graduate certificate as it provides the shortest path through the verified course sequence in 1.5 years.
