Mississippi has made significant progress in improving its mental health services through various statewide initiatives and educational programs. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) oversees a comprehensive system that includes state-operated programs, regional community mental health centers and other service agencies, all aimed at providing prevention, treatment and recovery support for mental health and substance use disorders.
Mississippi offers specialized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Master’s programs with statewide behavioral health initiatives. In this way, they seek to provide a cutting-edge, research-based educational service that is effective not only for their graduates, but that positively impacts the entire community in need.
Masters Programs in Mississippi to Become a BCBA
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Master’s degree programs in Mississippi are designed to prepare students for certification as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). These programs meet the course requirements established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Students receive training in behavioral assessment, intervention planning, ethics, and data-based decision making, key areas necessary for professional practice.
Most programs in Mississippi combine academic instruction with practical experience, offering students opportunities to apply evidence-based interventions in real-world settings. These programs often support flexible learning modalities, including online and hybrid formats. While some may follow a traditional two-year pathway, others offer part-time or extended options depending on the student’s pace.
For those seeking BCBA certification, Mississippi offers academically rigorous, practice-oriented graduate programs that serve as a gateway to meaningful jobs in behavior analysis.
Online ABA Masters Programs in Mississippi
Online master’s degree programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) have the distinction of being a flexible and accessible pathway for individuals pursuing careers in behavior analysis. Designed for working professionals and non-traditional students, these programs allow you to achieve a level of academic excellence and scientific soundness.
Curricula typically include courses in behavioral assessment, intervention planning, ethical practices and data-driven decision making, core areas necessary to obtain Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.
Most online programs also offer an asynchronous format, allowing students to engage with course content at their own pace, while some may also include optional synchronous sessions to encourage real-time interaction with instructors and peers. Practical training is often integrated into the curriculum, with guidance to help students coordinate supervised fieldwork in their local communities.
By offering online ABA master’s degree programs, Mississippi is helping to expand access to high-quality training in behavior analysis, especially for residents in rural or underserved areas.
Mississippi State University
- Starkville, Mississippi
- 40 hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Fully Online or On Campus
Length: 40 credit hours
Tuition: $558 per credit hour. With a total of 40 credit hours required, the total program cost is approximately $22,340. This estimate does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
The Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis at Mississippi State University is a program that prepares students for real-world practice as Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). The program follows the scientist-practitioner model and includes face-to-face and online modalities, offering flexibility for working professionals. It is recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS), which means it meets the course requirement for BCBA certification. Students begin as a cohort each fall and typically complete the program in two years. The curriculum includes core courses, specific ABA training, and a minimum of two semesters of internships. With a dedicated faculty and strong community partnerships, the program emphasizes high-quality training, ethical practice, and socially meaningful outcomes across diverse populations.
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in Mississippi
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is recognized for setting rigorous standards in behavior analysis education. ABAI-accredited programs ensure that students receive high-quality instruction, are taught by qualified faculty, and complete a curriculum that prepares them for effective professional practice. Accreditation also supports strong student outcomes and aligns with the standards required for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.
Although ABAI accredited options are currently limited within the state of Mississippi. There are several programs that offer an ABAI-approved Verified Course Sequence (VCS). This verification means that the courses meet the requirements set forth by the BACB and is an essential step for students seeking certification. Below is one of them.
The University of Mississippi
- Oxford, Mississippi
- 30 hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Education in Special Education with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online or On Campus
Length: 30 credit hours
Tuition: $534 for in-state residents and $1,580.00 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 30 credit hours required, the total program cost is approximately $16,020 for in-state students and $47,400.00 for out-of-state students. This estimate does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses.
Program Overview:
The University of Mississippi offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), designed to prepare students for roles as Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). The program includes 21 hours of ABA-specific coursework, 6 hours of internship and a 3-hour research project. The ABAI-accredited Applied Behavior Analysis specialization prepares students to assess, evaluate, and intervene with individuals facing behavioral problems. Focused on both children and adults, it prepares graduates to teach new behaviors and reduce problem behaviors related to developmental, psychological, and medical conditions in and out of educational settings. Modality options include both on-campus and online delivery, offering flexibility for working professionals. Unique features include a focus on ethical practice, supervisory training, and a requirement for 45 hours of advisor-approved field experience. Admissions may require a teaching license or standardized test scores (e.g., Praxis or GRE), depending on the applicant’s background.
ABA Certificate Programs in Mississippi
ABA certificate programs in Mississippi are designed for professionals who already have a master’s degree in a related field, such as psychology, education or counseling, and who are seeking to fulfill the coursework requirements necessary to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). Most programs consist of approximately 21 credit hours and are structured around the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and often recognized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Although these programs do not always include supervised fieldwork, they provide the essential academic preparation required for BCBA eligibility. In Mississippi, these certificate options are especially valuable given the state’s ongoing need to expand its behavioral health workforce.
Online ABA Certificate Programs in Mississippi
Online ABA certificate programs in Mississippi offer a flexible and affordable format for professionals looking to obtain advanced training in Applied Behavior Analysis without relocating or taking a career break.
Delivered through asynchronous or hybrid formats, online ABA certificate programs typically include courses in key areas such as behavioral assessment, ethics, and intervention design. Although supervision hours are not always integrated, many programs provide guidance or resources to help students organize fieldwork independently. The convenience and flexibility of online learning make these programs a good option for Mississippi residents who do not have access to in-person training.
Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, Mississippi
- 21 hours (7 courses)
- Online
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours (7 courses)
Tuition: $558 per credit hour plus a $25.00 instructional support fee per credit hour. With a total of 21 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $12,236. This estimate does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses
Program Overview:
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate program at Mississippi State University is a fully online graduate program designed for professionals who already hold a master’s degree in Education or Psychology. The curriculum consists of seven courses aligned with the 5th edition of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) task list, and is approved as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The program is designed to be completed in two years, beginning in the fall semester. It prepares students for certification as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), equipping them for roles in schools, clinics and private practice settings. All students pay in-state tuition, making the program relatively affordable.
William Carey University
- Hattiesburg, Mississippi
- 18 hours
- Online
Program:
Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate (Minor)
Modality: Online
Length: 18 credit hours
Tuition: $315 per credit hour for in-state residents and $315 for out-of-state residents. With a total of 18 credit hours required, the total program cost is around $5,670. This estimate does not include additional fees, materials, or personal expenses
Program Overview:
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at William Carey University is offered as an undergraduate minor designed to prepare students for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Assistant (BCaBA) exam. The program is ideal for students in education, psychology, nursing, or related fields seeking to support behavioral needs in classroom or clinical settings. It includes six courses covering basic and advanced ABA principles, ethics, research, behavioral assessment, and intervention strategies. The program modality is not specified, nor is it mentioned if it is part of an ABAI-Verified Course Sequence.
