The in-state offering of master’s programs directly focused on ABA is limited. Montana has a history of training in special education with an emphasis on behavior analysis, but local options are scarce and sometimes subject to moratoriums. For this reason, many residents complete their academic preparation through online programs or those in neighboring states, which allows them to meet the Verified Course Sequence (VCS) requirements and arrange practicum experiences in clinical and educational centers within Montana.
Quick Facts:
- ABAI/VCS-Aligned Programs in Montana: 1
- Fully Online ABA Master’s Programs: 1
- Average Program Length: 2–3 years
- Tuition Range (per unit): $309 – $703
Masters Programs in Montana to Become a BCBA
If you are seeking BCBA® certification in Montana, the pathway includes:
- Graduate degree: holding a master’s degree in a related field
- Verified Course Sequence (VCS): completing the approved course sequence
- Supervised practice: fulfilling the required hours under the guidance of a BCBA
- National exam: passing the assessment administered by the BACB at Pearson VUE centers available in Montana
Academic training can be completed either locally or online, while practical experience is typically arranged in schools, private clinics, or community services supported by Medicaid.
Online ABA Masters Programs in Montana
The online modality has become the most common pathway for Montana residents to pursue a master’s in ABA. The state has few notable programs in this area, but the option mentioned below is particularly significant because it is offered online, providing a valuable opportunity for those who wish to study without leaving Montana. These programs allow students to complete the course sequence remotely, often in 8- to 10-week blocks, with live seminars or asynchronous activities.
Montana State University Billings
- Billings, Montana
- 39 hours
- Online
Program:
MA in Advanced Studies with emphasis in ABA
Modality: Online (with supervised practicum)
Length: 39 credits
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: For online-only students, estimated tuition and fees are around USD $7,100 per semester (12+ credits), totaling approximately USD $14,200 per year.
Program Overview:
Offered through the Department of Educational Theory & Practice, the M.S. in Special Education with an emphasis in ABA incorporates areas rarely found at the master’s level—such as Learning & Experimental Analysis of Behavior and Conceptual Issues in Radical Behaviorism. Clinical training is organized around a seminar and thesis; in the professional track, it includes an intensive university practicum authorized by the BACB.
Key Highlights
- Affordable option in the Montana–Wyoming region
- Management/OBM component, useful for clinical and leadership roles
Additional Considerations
- Seats for non-resident students are limited
- Wyoming residents may access WRGP tuition rates (up to 150% of in-state) for approved MSU Billings programs
Accreditation
- Institutional: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Program-Specific: ABAI — Accredited (M.S. in Special Education, Advanced Studies, ABA Emphasis)
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in Montana
The accreditation granted by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) represents a mark of quality in graduate training in Applied Behavior Analysis. This recognition ensures that programs meet high academic and professional standards, providing students with preparation aligned with current demands in the field.
In Montana, there are no master’s programs with full ABAI accreditation. However, Montana State University Billings offers graduate training with a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) that fulfills the academic requirements for certification.
No GRE Required ABA Masters Programs in Montana
A growing trend is the elimination of the GRE requirement in accessible ABA programs. Instead, greater emphasis is placed on prior academic performance and professional experience.
Purdue University Global — Online (accessible from Montana)
- 45 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (MS in ABA)
Modality: Online
Length: 45 credit hours (9 courses of 10 weeks each)
GRE Required: no
Tuition: No specific data available online, although Purdue Global typically emphasizes flexible access and competitive pricing.
Program Overview:
Purdue University Global offers a master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis that combines 10-week courses with an online model integrating live classes and asynchronous resources. This structure allows students to progress at their own pace while still maintaining direct interaction with faculty. The program stands out for its practical focus on solving behavioral problems in educational, clinical, and organizational contexts, and culminates in an applied project that connects theory with the student’s professional experience.
Key Highlights
- Partnerships with more than 350 organizations for completing supervised fieldwork hours
- Option to arrange practicum at the student’s workplace
Additional Considerations
- Possibility of completing the degree in approximately one year with a full course load
- Access to tutoring, writing resources, online library, and career advising at no additional cost
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) — Purdue Global is accredited as an independent institution within the Purdue system
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI for BCBA® exam preparation
Montana’s Most Affordable ABA Masters Programs
Pursuing a master’s in ABA does not have to mean a high cost. In Montana, although the offerings are limited, there are nearby online programs that stand out for providing solid academic training with more affordable tuition than in many other states, allowing students to advance in their careers without taking on an excessive financial burden.
Columbus State University — Online (accessible from Montana)
- 30 hours
- Online
Program:
M.Ed. in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Modality: 100% online
Length: 30 credit hours
GRE Required: no
Tuition: $309 per credit (in-state online); $858 per credit for out-of-state students (fees not included)
Program Overview:
The master’s in Special Education with a concentration in ABA at Columbus State University is offered through the College of Education & Health Professions and stands out as the first program in Georgia to offer a fully online Verified Course Sequence (VCS). Its focus is strongly connected to the school setting, integrating ABA principles with special education frameworks and K-12 legislation. Academic leadership is provided by a BCBA-D, ensuring that the curriculum remains closely aligned with current professional demands in research and applied practice.
Key Highlights
- Courses organized in eight-week modules
- Opportunity to participate in applied practice projects linked to partner schools in the region, providing experience beyond theoretical coursework
Additional Considerations
- Access to CSU’s digital library and online academic tutoring system, resources that support students throughout the program
- The university maintains regional agreements that allow residents of neighboring states to obtain reduced tuition through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)
Accreditation
- Institutional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
Accelerated Montana ABA Masters Programs
Programs located near the state of Montana are considered accessible for residents and allow completion of the curriculum in a reduced period of 12 to 18 months, thanks to intensive modular structures and flexible academic loads.
Ball State University — Online (accessible from Montana)
- 30 hours
- Online
Program:
M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis with Emphasis in Autism
Modality: 100% online, with courses available in 8 or 16-week formats
Length: 30 credit hours
GRE Required: no
Tuition: Under $16,000 for residents of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio; under $23,000 for out-of-state students
Program Overview:
Ball State University offers an M.A. in ABA with an emphasis in autism through its Teachers College, being the first university in Indiana to provide this specialization fully online. Its modular structure allows students to progress in just a few semesters, and the curriculum includes up to three additional courses focused exclusively on autism, enriching the professional profile beyond the standard VCS sequence.
Key Highlights
- Small classes (maximum of 25 students per course), fostering personalized faculty attention and academic support
- The program is backed by a high BCBA exam pass rate among graduates and is one of the largest ABA programs in the country with a focus on effective outcomes
Additional Considerations
- Students may begin by earning a graduate certificate in ABA or autism, then stack credits from both to accelerate progress toward the full degree
- Federal personnel (employees, spouses, retirees) may access reduced tuition through the Federal Academic Alliance—a significant advantage for those residing outside Indiana
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) — Ball State has held institutional accreditation since 1925
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI; also approved by QABA for preparation toward other professional exams (ABAT, QASP-S, QBA)
ABA Certificate Programs in Montana
In Montana, graduate certificates in ABA stand out for including courses that go beyond the purely technical, incorporating areas such as experimental analysis of behavior and organizational management. This gives students a broader perspective that can be applied in diverse contexts, from clinical work to team supervision.
Montana State University Billings — Online Certificate
- 21 hours
- Online
Program:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (VCS)
Modality: 100% online
Length: 21 credits
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $703/credit
Program Overview:
The MSU Billings plan includes courses such as Conceptual Issues in Radical Behaviorism and Supervision and Organizational Behavior Management, focusing on philosophical foundations and advanced implementation techniques. A prior master’s degree in education, psychology, or ABA is required, and students are allowed to complete supervised practice within Montana.
Key Highlights
- The certificate can be completed in a relatively short period (around 18 months)
- May be taken as non-degree-seeking, without enrolling in a full program; allows professionals to add the VCS sequence flexibly
Additional Considerations
- Requires a clean criminal background report submitted to the Licensure Office before starting; this reinforces professional orientation and legal compliance
- Provides eligibility to sit for the national BCBA exam
Accreditation
- Institutional: not specified
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by BACB / ABAI, in accordance with the 5th Edition Task List
Online ABA Certificate Programs in Montana
The online certificate options available to Montana residents are notable for their fully remote structure combined with the flexibility of arranging local practicum experiences. The format is often organized in small cohorts with defined calendars, fostering peer support and close faculty oversight. This ensures that even in an online environment, students experience a personalized and well-guided academic journey.
University of Colorado Denver — Online (accessible from Montana)
- 21 hours
- Online
Program:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Modality: 100% online
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: $557 per credit (estimated total $11,700; based on published cost model)
Program Overview:
This certificate serves as an academic bridge to the M.A. in Special Education with a concentration in ABA, incorporating the supervised practicum component into its academic structure. The program emphasizes methods based on individual strengths.
Key Highlights
- Instructors are BCBA-certified — all courses are designed and taught by BCBA professionals
- Credits earned through the certificate can be directly transferred if the student later decides to pursue the M.A. in ABA at CU Denver
Additional Considerations
- Flexible cohorts: typically start each semester, with no need to wait for specific admission dates
- Integrated approach: suitable for complementing a prior master’s degree or for professionals seeking to advance into the field of behavior analysis without completing a full master’s program
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), through the general accreditation of the University of Colorado Denver
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI/BACB to meet BCBA exam requirements
Clemson University — Online Certificate (accessible from Montana)
- 7 courses
- Online
Program:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Modality: 100% online
Length: 7 courses
GRE Required: not specified
Tuition: Approx. $10,600 annually for residents, and $22,050 for out-of-state students
Program Overview:
The Clemson University Center for Behavior Analysis (CBA) offers a professional certificate that ensures students progress together in a cohort, fostering collaboration and building a strong professional network—even for those arranging supervised practice locally, such as in Montana.
Key Highlights
- Instruction is organized in a closed-cohort model
- Includes a final review course focused on BCBA preparation, designed to consolidate learning and specifically prepare students for the certification exam
Additional Considerations
- Supervised practice can be arranged locally, allowing Montana residents to fulfill this requirement without relocating to South Carolina
- The program is aligned with a global and humanitarian vision of behavior, supported by the approach of the Clemson Center for Behavior Analysis
Accreditation
- Institutional: not specified (but Clemson University is regionally accredited by SACSCOC)
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI/BACB, through the Clemson Center for Behavior Analysis (CBA)
BCBA Legislation in Montana
In Montana, there is no state licensing system specific to behavior analysts. The fundamental requirement is national BCBA® certification granted by the BACB. However, the state requires that clinical practice comply with current mental health regulations and insurance policies, which recognize coverage of ABA therapy for ASD under certain plans.
BCBA Demand in Montana
The demand for BCBAs in Montana has grown steadily, particularly in Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman. According to Indeed and ZipRecruiter, salaries average between $77,000 and $92,000 annually, with variations depending on city, employer, and experience. Private clinics, school districts, and Medicaid-funded support programs represent the main employment settings.
