In Indiana, ABA master’s programs benefit from an ecosystem closely tied to real-world practice: school districts, regional health networks, and autism service providers regularly collaborate with universities to offer practice with immediate impact. In addition to online options, there are on-campus and hybrid formats that maintain strong partnerships with public schools, pediatric clinics, and community programs, so fieldwork is often organized in the same settings where graduates will later work.
Another distinctive feature is the faculty profile, as many combine teaching with clinical practice or consulting in behavioral intervention. This translates into seminars focused on real cases, close supervision, and constant updates in procedures.
Quick Facts
- ABAI/VCS-Aligned Programs in Indiana: 2
- Fully Online ABA Master’s Programs: 2
- GRE-Optional Programs: 1
- Average Program Length: 32 credit hours
- Tuition Range (per unit): $442 – $750
Featured ABA Programs Accepting Indiana Applicants
Master’s Programs in Indiana To Become a BCBA
In Indiana, the Behavior Analyst Licensing Board oversees ABA therapy licensure. Licensed behavior therapists in Indiana 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.
Students seeking to earn their BCBA credential have two online options within Indiana: Ball State University and Purdue University.
On Campus Master’s in ABA Programs in Indiana
Indiana University Southeast
- New Albany, IN
- On-campus
Program:
Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) with a Concentration in Applied Behavioral Sciences
Length: 34 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $312.04 per credit hour for in-state residents and $739.16 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 34 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $10,609.36 for in-state students and $25,121.44 for out-of-state students. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
The MIS with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Sciences combines psychology and professional skills for work in human services. The curriculum emphasizes interpersonal and group dynamics, communication strategies, crisis resolution, and management techniques, along with tools for program coordination, grant writing, and evaluation. It culminates with a thesis focused on applying research to real-world problems in public and private organizations.
Key Highlights
- Flexible and personalized pathway: selection of interdisciplinary courses to align training with specific professional goals.
- Mentorship and small cohorts that foster practical learning and preparation for direct intervention in human services settings.
Additional Considerations
- Academic requirement: minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for admission; the program page lists the modality as hybrid.
IU Southeast - Regional advantages: students from nearby Kentucky counties may qualify for in-state tuition through reciprocity agreements or reduced rates under the Indiana Partner Program.
Accreditation
- Program-Specific: ABAI accreditation is not specified; this is a concentration in applied behavioral sciences within the MIS.
- Institutional: Indiana University Southeast is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Online ABA Master’s Program in Indiana
Choosing an online master’s program allows you to progress without leaving the state. Many programs follow a block format (e.g., 8 weeks per course, one subject at a time) or include weekly synchronous sessions to support clinical discussion and faculty supervision.
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- Fully Online
Program:
Master’s of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus on Autism
Length: 30 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $442 per credit hour for in-state residents and $661 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 30 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $13,260 for in-state students and $19,830 for out-of-state students. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
With an emphasis on autism, this master’s program is organized into 10 courses that can be taken in 8- or 16-week blocks, allowing students to complete the curriculum in about 18 months. The coursework delves into advanced functional assessment, single-case design, skill teaching, and verbal behavior, with a strong focus on interventions for autism spectrum disorder in both school and clinical contexts.
The final stage includes a capstone project that integrates evidence of learning and addresses an applied problem related to autism, demonstrating practical as well as conceptual mastery. Its online format provides weekly pacing and faculty support, designed to sustain continuity and academic rigor without the need for travel.
Key Highlights
- Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the strongest online graduate education programs in the country.
- Option to also complete the Graduate Certificate in ABA within the same structure, useful for those seeking an intermediate credential.
Additional Considerations
- Ability to customize elective courses in areas such as child development, special education, and advanced autism intervention strategies.
- Continuous academic advising from admission through career planning, with specialized support in managing practice and certification.
Accreditation
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI.
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Purdue University
- West Lafayette, IN
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Educational Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis
Length: 30 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $750 per credit hour for all students. With a total of 30 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $22,500. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
Designed for education professionals who need a clear and practical route to train in ABA without interrupting their work. The College of Education notes that the program covers two key components of the professional pathway: the graduate degree and the academic training in ABA, allowing students to apply what they learn directly in their own district or school while completing the program.
Key Highlights
- Start dates and pacing designed for working teachers: online calendar with multiple entry points throughout the year and distributed course load to progress without leaving the classroom.
- Stackable pathway with certificate: the university offers a 21-credit ABA Certificate for those who want to deepen their training or “stack” credentials alongside the master’s.
Additional Considerations
- Academic focus; practicum arranged separately: the program emphasizes online academic training, while fieldwork/practicum experiences for professional goals are independently organized by the student.
- Online cost transparency: the official Purdue Online Tuition and Fees table publishes the per-credit cost for this concentration (to be verified each cycle).
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Program-Specific: The official page indicates that the master’s helps meet the degree and coursework components required in the ABA career pathway. (Additional requirements should be reviewed according to the candidate’s goals).
Accelerated ABA Programs in Indiana
In Indiana, the most notable accelerated program not only allows students to shorten their study time with a design that can be completed in 12 to 18 months, but also, its online format makes it easier to manage time and balance daily life. Below are more relevant details.
Purdue University
- West Lafayette, IN
- Online
Program:
Accelerated Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Modality: Online
Length: 36 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $750 per credit hour for all students. With a total of 36 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $27,000. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses. (Estimated data; for further information, please contact Office of Graduate Studies)
Program Overview
An accelerated pathway for Purdue–West Lafayette undergraduates who want to complete the master’s degree with one additional year after finishing their bachelor’s. Admission takes place during the third year (junior year), after which undergraduate and graduate courses are combined to move continuously toward the M.S.Ed. in ABA. The model allows students to remain immersed on campus with College of Education faculty and benefit from Indiana’s partner school network, connecting coursework with real-world state contexts.
Key Highlights
- Early and clear eligibility: requires a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and application during junior year, with calendar and requirements defined by the College of Education.
- Seamless academic continuity: by overlapping undergraduate and graduate courses, students remain on the same campus, with the same mentors and resources, accelerating the transition to graduate-level study.
Additional Considerations
- Practicum or fieldwork details are coordinated with academic advising according to each student’s goals.
- Bridge from undergraduate level: the ABA Learner Specialty/Pathway within the bachelor’s program helps start required coursework and eases entry into the 4+1 route.
Accreditation
- Program-Specific: VCS/ABAI status is not explicitly mentioned; the department should be consulted to verify course alignment and any additional professional requirements.
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
ABA Certificate Programs in Indiana
In Indiana, graduate certificates in ABA serve as a practical, compact pathway for professionals who already hold a university degree and want to advance without committing to a full master’s. What sets them apart in the state is their direct connection to the field: programs are often linked with school districts, early intervention agencies (First Steps), pediatric clinics, and autism service providers, ensuring that the practicum is arranged with BCBA supervision in the student’s own real-world contexts.
What makes them stand out in Indiana:
- Stackable format: many certificates can later be integrated into a master’s program in the same field, preserving coursework and allowing students to continue along the professional path without starting over.
- Local employment focus: small cohorts, evening/weekend schedules, and partnerships with state employers help teachers, therapists, and behavior technicians strengthen their clinical or school-based roles while completing the program.
- Regulatory and coverage alignment: the state’s autism insurance mandate and current professional licensing for behavior analysts ensure that certificate-level competencies translate directly into job opportunities in schools and community services.
Application beyond the classroom: in addition to clinical and educational work, several certificates include experiences transferable to case management, team coordination, and process improvement in health and human service organizations.
Indiana University South Bend
- South Bend, IN
- On-Campus
Program:
Certificate in Behavior Modification
Length: 12 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $273 per credit hour for in-state residents and $653.98 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 12 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $3,281.76 for in-state students and $7,847.76 for out-of-state students. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
Grounded in practical training in behavior modification across schools, health, and organizational settings. The curriculum includes key courses such as Functional Analysis of Behavior, Abnormal Psychology, Psychology of Learning, and Behavior Modification, and is designed to meet the academic requirements for BCaBA® exam eligibility. Upon completion, students submit a portfolio documenting performance in each course.
Key Highlights
- Supervised practice is an external requirement managed individually by each student.
- Portfolio requirement: the certificate concludes with a portfolio evaluated by program coordinators, demonstrating competencies achieved in each class.
Additional Considerations
- Admission: at least 26 prior college credits, minimum GPA of 2.2, and competencies in English (ENG-W 131) and Math (MATH-M 111) with a grade of C or higher; also C or better in PSY-P 103/106. Requires enrollment form and meeting with program director.
- PSY-P 324 (Abnormal Psychology) may be transferred; all other courses must be completed at IUSB. Minimum grade of C in each course is required for certificate credit.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) – Indiana University.
- Program-Specific: Coursework approved by BACB for BCaBA®; ABAI accreditation not specified.
Online ABA Certificate Programs in Indiana
The online option is fully viable from the state. Online certification programs in Indiana combine rigorous academic training with technological tools that enrich the learning experience.
In addition, the use of virtual platforms provides access to digital libraries, specialized forums, and live sessions for case studies. Thus, even remotely, students benefit from a dynamic and collaborative environment that effectively prepares them to meet certification requirements.
Purdue University Fort Wayne
- Fort Wayne, IN
- On-Campus
Program:
Behavior Analysis and Techniques Certificate
GRE Required: no
Length: 18 credit hours
Tuition: $287 per credit hour for in-state residents and $622.43 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 18 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $5,171.22 for in-state students and $11,203.74 for out-of-state students. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
Designed to train behavior technicians, this program is grounded in the principles of behavior analysis, behavior change, and data collection. The catalog notes that the practicum can help prepare students to take the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) exam.
Key Highlights
- Solid training in behavior disorders and ethics, plus applied intervention skills in a supervised setting.
- Direct curricular connection to real-world practice: includes PSY 48500 – Issues and Fieldwork in Applied Behavior Analysis as a credit-bearing practicum option.
Additional Considerations
- Provides the fieldwork hours required for the RBT exam under the supervision of a BCBA.
- Can be stacked with PFW’s B.A./B.S. in Psychology programs to create an early career pathway in behavioral support services.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) — PFW is part of the Purdue system.
- Program-Specific: ABAI accreditation is not indicated for this certificate; its focus is technical (RBT) at the undergraduate level.
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- Online
Program:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Length: 15 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $442 per credit hour for in-state residents and $661 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 15 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $6,630 for in-state students and $9,915 for out-of-state students. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
A 100% online certificate designed for professionals seeking a short, focused credential in ABA. It can be completed independently or “stacked” within a master’s program to strengthen a graduate profile. The official page highlights its applied training in behavior analysis and notes that it allows students to demonstrate a concentration without completing a full master’s degree.
Key Highlights
- Useful for advancing academically without duplicating courses.
- Ball State consistently ranks nationally in distance education by U.S. News & World Report, underscoring the quality of its online offerings.
Additional Considerations
- The supervised experience hours required for professional pathways are managed independently by the student; the university provides guidance and a field experience course to support this process.
- Flexible use: when completed as a standalone block, the certificate provides an official ABA concentration and, if desired, credits can later be transferred into one of the university’s graduate programs.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Program-Specific: Ball State states that its graduate-level ABA training includes an ABAI-verified course sequence; applicants should confirm with admissions how this applies to the specific certificate pathway.
Purdue University
- West Lafayette, IN
- Online
Program:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $750 per credit hour for all students. With a total of 21 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $15,750. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
This certificate is designed for teachers and school-based professionals who want to apply ABA in classrooms and educational services. The curriculum focuses on designing intervention plans and collecting and analyzing student data. Its online format allows participants to progress without interrupting their workday, culminating in applied evidence that demonstrates skills ready to be implemented in schools and community programs.
Key Highlights
- Purdue Online operates with three terms per year, each divided into two 8-week modules, supporting steady progress and frequent start dates.
- Practical, focused design: a cohesive course sequence that prioritizes applications in school and service settings, with no campus visits required.
Additional Considerations
- Practicum/supervision experiences required for professional goals must be arranged independently by the student outside of the certificate.
- Cost transparency: Purdue publishes per-credit tuition tables for online certificates in the College of Education; figures are updated annually.
Accreditation
- Program-Specific: The certificate page does not explicitly indicate ABAI/VCS verification status; students are advised to confirm the current standing with the department.
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Indiana University Bloomington
- Bloomington, IN
- Online
Program:
Preparing Educators of Students with Autism (PESA) Certificate
Modality: Online
Length: 12 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $539 per credit hour for in-state residents and $639,43 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 12 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $6,472 for in-state students and $7,673 for out-of-state students. Does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview
A fully online certificate that focuses on autism in the school context, with courses on social communication, diagnostic assessment, and understanding behavior. PESA is designed for teachers, school psychologists, and counselors who want to translate evidence into inclusive classroom practices; courses may be taken individually or as a block to earn the certificate.
Key Highlights
- Practical training in diagnostic assessment: the Autism Assessment course uses standardized tools such as ADOS, providing direct training in their administration.
- Immediate application in the student’s environment: EDUC-K 634 requires access to an autistic individual or a practicum site to collect observational data during the semester.
Additional Considerations
- Rolling admission and 8–13 week classes, convenient for aligning with the school calendar.
- Does not grant a teaching license or degree; may count as electives in IU graduate programs or toward a minor in Special Education. Graduate students from the School of Education may opt into the certificate without reapplying.
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- Program-Specific: ABAI accreditation not specified; this is an autism specialization certificate (not an ABA certificate).
BCBA Legislation in Indiana
Indiana regulates practice through a state license for Behavior Analysts (BA) and Assistant Behavior Analysts (ABA), managed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency via the Behavior Analyst Licensing Board. As of May 2025, license applications are open, with requirements including national certification (BACB®), background checks, and periodic renewals.
In terms of coverage, Indiana has one of the oldest autism insurance mandates in the country (effective since 2001). The law requires state-regulated plans to cover treatment for ASD, including ABA when medically necessary; it also applies to individual policy offerings. In parallel, Indiana Medicaid publishes and updates specific ABA guidelines (IHCP bulletins and state plan amendments), outlining clinical and operational criteria for service delivery and billing.
BCBA Demand in Indiana
Demand for BCBAs in Indiana is steady, with the highest concentration in the Indianapolis area and growth in regions such as Fort Wayne and other regional hubs. Opportunities include school districts, pediatric and autism clinics, hospitals, and Medicaid-funded programs, with particular interest in professionals skilled in severe behavior management, team coordination, and interagency collaboration.
Regarding salaries, recent estimates place the state average around $84K–$86K per year, with comparable averages in Indianapolis and higher peaks among specialized employers. Indeed reports approximately $82.8K per year statewide, while ZipRecruiter lists $84.8K per year; at the city level, Indianapolis averages around $85K annually and Fort Wayne about $88K annually. These variations reflect experience, provider type, and region. With active licensure, insurance mandates, and Medicaid updates in place, the market shows stable growth projections.
ABA and BCBA Programs in Indiana
| Degree Title | University Name | Program Length | Program Cost | ABAI Recognition | GRE Required | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.A. in Psychology (ABA Track) | Ball State University | 8 (4 years) | ~$335 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Muncie | IN |
| M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis | Ball State University | 5-6 | ~$437 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Muncie | IN |
| Graduate Certificate in ABA | Ball State University | 2-3 | ~$437 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Muncie | IN |
| M.S. in Psychology (ABA Specialization) | Purdue University Global | 5-6 | ~$420 per credit | VCS Approved | No | Online (Based in West Lafayette) | IN |
| Graduate Certificate in ABA | Purdue University Global | 2-3 | ~$420 per credit | VCS Approved | No | Online (Based in West Lafayette) | IN |
