Louisiana has been expanding its behavioral health services with a strong focus on populations with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) coordinates state programs that include prevention, intervention, crisis care, and community services through Medicaid.
The state’s ABA master’s programs respond directly to these priorities, preparing specialists capable of conducting behavioral assessments, designing intervention plans, and applying evidence-based practices.
Quick Facts
- ABAI/VCS-Aligned Programs in Louisiana: 4
- Fully Online ABA Master’s Programs: 2
- Average Program Length: 2–3 years
- Tuition Range (per unit): $237 – $1,011
Featured ABA Programs Accepting Louisiana Applicants
Masters Programs in Louisiana to Become a BCBA
Becoming a BCBA® in Louisiana requires completing the training established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB): earning a master’s degree with a Verified Course Sequence (VCS), accumulating supervised practice hours, and passing the national exam.
In the state, ABA master’s programs not only provide this complete pathway but also connect students with practice networks linked to hospitals, school districts, and autism specialty centers.
Online ABA Masters Programs in Louisiana
In Louisiana, online ABA master’s programs are designed for professionals already working in education, health, or community services. Courses are typically organized into compact eight- to ten-week modules and include live sessions where clinical and school cases are analyzed, bringing the learning experience closer to day-to-day professional practice.
A distinctive feature is the collaboration with local agencies and school districts, which allows students to arrange their supervised practice without the need to relocate. In this way, those enrolled online not only access a dynamic virtual environment but also apply what they learn in real-world settings.
Nicholls State University
- Thibodaux, Louisiana
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Modality: Online, On Campus, or Hybrid
GRE Required: yes (GRE not required for full-time faculty)
Program: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Concentration in High Incidence Disabilities with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) option
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $237 per credit hour (on campus); $385 per credit hour (online, same rate for in- and out-of-state).
Program Overview
Nicholls State University offers a Master’s in Education with a concentration in High Incidence Disabilities that includes an ABA option, recognized as the only program in Louisiana that combines the academic requirements for BCBA® certification with CABAS© accreditation. The program integrates theory and practice through supervised experiences in schools and service agencies, providing students with more than 1,500 field hours focused on special education and applied behavior analysis.
Key Highlights
- Only program in the U.S. that integrates the CABAS© model within an M.Ed., with practical application in collaborative classrooms
- Direct partnerships with Louisiana school districts, facilitating practicum opportunities in public and special education settings
Additional Considerations
- Students may participate in applied research opportunities in collaboration with faculty in areas such as autism and high-incidence disabilities
- Close academic support, including personalized mentoring from faculty experienced in implementing CABAS© and ABA in educational settings
Accreditation
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in Louisiana
Choosing a master’s program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) means accessing training that is internationally recognized for its academic quality, ethics, and professional practice. In Louisiana, the number of programs with this accreditation is limited, but they stand out for their relevance and strength.
Students who pursue this path follow a curriculum that meets international standards for BCBA® certification from the outset. In addition to the Verified Course Sequence (VCS), these programs include structured supervised practice and guidance from faculty with direct field experience, ensuring that graduates are prepared to work in a wide range of clinical, educational, and community settings.
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online or On Campus
GRE Required: yes (minimum combined score of 285)
Program: Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology – Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Length: 58 credit hours
Tuition: $4,500 per semester (in-state); $5,000 (out-of-state). Estimated total $18,000–$20,000.
Program Overview
The program is supported by the McNeese Autism Program (MAP), which operates with small caseloads and BCBA supervision across all phases of treatment. Graduate interns serve as therapists with intensive training, providing real clinical exposure from the start. Since 2023, the program has also been a BHCOE Academic Program Partner, aligning fieldwork with national standards and facilitating agreements with accredited agencies for high-quality supervised experiences.
Key Highlights
- Opportunity to access Graduate Assistantships with a stipend and 50% tuition reduction; over 80% of ABA students receive this benefit in their first year
- Sequence of 5 supervised practicum courses with at least 2 hours per week of academic and clinical supervision
Additional Considerations
- Three admission periods per year: August, December, and May, offering flexibility for entry
- Admission prerequisites: at least 18 credit hours in psychology (including courses in experimental, abnormal, and social psychology) and 3 credit hours in statistics
Accreditation
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: ABAI accredited for the on-campus program (valid through 2027); the online format is not accredited, but both include a Verified Course Sequence (VCS, 5th Edition)
No GRE Required ABA Masters Programs in Louisiana
In Louisiana, at least one university has chosen to eliminate the GRE as an admission requirement, favoring an approach more focused on the student’s potential. These programs consider academic performance, prior experience, and motivation through recommendations and essays rather than relying on a standardized test.
In addition, this model streamlines the admission process and reduces the costs associated with preparing for or taking the exam, allowing students to focus on their professional training from the very beginning.
Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Shreveport, Louisiana
- Campus
Modality: On Campus
GRE Required: No
Program: Master of Science (MS) in Applied Behavior Analysis
Length: 45 credit hours
Tuition: $526 per credit hour (in-state); $1,011 (out-of-state).
Program Overview
The LSUS master’s program combines a scientist-practitioner model with applied training in behavior analysis and direct access to the Community Counseling and Psychology Clinic, where students can work with clinical populations under supervision. The program also offers practicum placements in agencies and schools in the Shreveport region, broadening exposure to real-world intervention contexts. In addition to preparing students for BCBA® certification, the curriculum is aligned with the requirements for Louisiana state licensure as a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), integrating academic training with professional credentialing pathways recognized both locally and nationally.
Key Highlights
- Opportunity to complete supervised practicum in LSUS’s university clinic with diverse populations
- Curriculum aligned with requirements for obtaining the Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) credential in Louisiana
Additional Considerations
- Opportunities to participate in applied research projects with faculty in areas such as autism and behavioral health
- Small cohorts that promote individualized mentoring and close support throughout the program
Accreditation
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
Louisiana’s Most Affordable ABA Masters Programs
Choosing a master’s program accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) in Louisiana means committing to training that meets international standards. Although the options are limited, those who choose this path gain a solid foundation from day one: a rigorous curriculum, structured supervised practice, and faculty with direct field experience. It is an investment that strengthens employability and provides comprehensive preparation for professional certification.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid (in-person & online)
GRE Required: No
Program: Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $718 per credit hour (approx. total $25,848).
Program Overview
The ABA master’s program at FranU is distinguished by its community and clinical focus, offering students practical training opportunities at partner centers in Baton Rouge. The program includes an optional practicum component that expands professional exposure. While currently under review by ABAI for VCS approval, it already prepares students to accumulate high-quality supervised experience.
Key Highlights
- Active partnerships with centers such as Emerge Center and Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health
- Option to integrate a 16-credit clinical internship that significantly increases fieldwork hours
Additional Considerations
- Access to scholarships and financial aid supporting FranU’s mission of accessible education
- Small cohorts that ensure close mentoring and ethical training aligned with the Franciscan mission of community service
Accreditation
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: Curriculum under review by ABAI for VCS approval; not yet ABAI accredited
Accelerated Louisiana ABA Masters Programs
These programs aim to shorten the training process and allow students to graduate in less time than traditional formats. In Louisiana, although most master’s programs are not explicitly classified as accelerated, the one offered by Nicholls State University can be completed in approximately 18 to 20 months. For more information, this program is described in detail in the section on online master’s programs.
ABA Certificate Programs in Louisiana
If you already hold an advanced degree and are looking for a faster path to BCBA® certification, ABA certificate programs in Louisiana are an ideal option. They offer a compact curriculum that meets the required academic standards without the length or cost of a full master’s degree.
Online ABA Certificate Programs in Louisiana
The ABA certificate programs available online offer a particularly valuable opportunity in Louisiana, where much of the population lives far from major urban centers. The online structure makes it possible to complete coursework remotely while arranging supervised practice within the student’s own community, avoiding unnecessary travel.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU)
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid (primarily on campus, some online courses)
GRE Required: Not specified
Program: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate
Length: 15 credit hours (+ optional 16 credit hours of practicum)
Tuition: Estimated total $14,938
Program Overview
FranU’s ABA certificate integrates academic coursework with the option of an additional block of clinical practicum. The program stands out for its partnerships with health centers and service agencies in Baton Rouge. It also places strong emphasis on professional ethics and applied intervention methodologies, reflecting the mission of a Franciscan university with a deep commitment to community service.
Key Highlights
- Option to complete a 16-credit clinical internship sequence with supervision
- Institutional focus that combines ABA academic training with FranU’s mission of ethical and community service
Additional Considerations
- Certificate designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree and seek academic eligibility toward the BCaBA® credential
- Small cohorts foster a close learning environment with faculty actively engaged in clinical practice
Accreditation
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Online + Campus
Modality: On-campus or 100% online
GRE Required: Not specified
Program: Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Length: 39 credit hours
Tuition: Estimated: $5,703 per year (in-state); $13,740 per year (out-of-state).
Program Overview
The program provides theoretical training with applied practice at the McNeese Autism Program (MAP), a university-based center that delivers ABA services to individuals with developmental disorders. The on-campus modality holds ABAI accreditation, while the online version maintains the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) and expands access for students outside of Louisiana.
Key Highlights
- Direct access to clinical practicum settings with supervision from BCBA faculty
- On-campus modality recognized with ABAI accreditation, adding prestige and international credibility
Additional Considerations
- Option to complete the certificate 100% online for those unable to relocate to Lake Charles
- Curriculum focused on populations with neurodevelopmental challenges (autism, ADHD, and other developmental disorders)
Accreditation
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: ABAI accredited (on-campus); Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI (online)
BCBA Legislation in Louisiana
Louisiana does not have a separate state licensing board for behavior analysts; professional practice is regulated through national certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®). To practice as a BCBA® or BCaBA® in Louisiana, professionals must:
- Obtain certification from the BACB.
- Follow state regulations on behavioral health and insurance coverage.
The state mandates insurance coverage for autism treatment, including ABA therapy, under Louisiana Revised Statutes (La. R.S. 22:1050 and related provisions). Private health insurers are required to provide ABA services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), typically up to age 21, when delivered or supervised by a certified provider. Medicaid in Louisiana also covers ABA as a medically necessary service, extending access to lower-income families. These policies align with the broader mission of the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) within the Louisiana Department of Health, which coordinates statewide prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives.
BCBA Demand in Louisiana
The need for BCBAs in Louisiana continues to expand, especially as insurance mandates and Medicaid coverage increase access to ABA services. Employment is concentrated in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport, but demand is also rising in rural areas where providers remain scarce.
As for salaries:
- ZipRecruiter reports an average BCBA salary in Louisiana of about $82,600 per year (~$39.70/hour).
- Indeed lists averages around $80,000 annually, with higher ranges exceeding $95,000 at autism centers, hospitals, and specialized schools.
BCBA roles in Louisiana span across schools, pediatric clinics, hospitals, and private practices, with additional opportunities in state-funded behavioral health initiatives. With the state’s focus on expanding autism services and strengthening community-based care, the job market for certified analysts is expected to remain strong in the coming years.
ABA and BCBA Programs in Louisiana
| Degree Title | University Name | Program Length | Program Cost | ABAI Recognition | GRE Required | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. in Psychology (ABA Specialization) | Nicholls State University | 5-6 | ~$475 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Thibodaux | LA |
| M.S. in Psychology – ABA Track | McNeese State University | 5-6 | ~$390 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Lake Charles | LA |
| Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis | McNeese State University | 2-3 | ~$390 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Lake Charles | LA |
| M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Louisiana at Monroe | 5-6 | ~$450 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Monroe | LA |
