Master’s degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Nebraska are part of a behavioral health system coordinated by the Department of Health and Human Services and its Division of Behavioral Health. These agencies develop initiatives to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services, working closely with academic programs that prepare new professionals.
The Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) also plays a key role by offering mentoring, recruitment activities, and support for undergraduate and graduate students interested in behavioral health careers.
Within this context, ABA master’s programs in Nebraska combine theoretical coursework with supervised practice that promotes interaction with faculty. The curricula aim to ensure high-quality training and preparation for students and graduates to work in schools, clinics, and other community services.
Quick Facts
● ABAI/VCS-Aligned Programs in Nebraska: 2
● Fully Online ABA Master’s Programs: 1
● Average Program Length: 2 years
● Tuition Range (per unit): $337 – $1,055
Online ABA Masters Programs in Nebraska
In Nebraska, online master’s programs in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are designed to help students progress in a dynamic and well-structured virtual environment. Courses are typically organized into multi-week modules and combine asynchronous materials with live sessions where cases are discussed, and students interact directly with faculty and cohort peers.
This approach allows theoretical learning to be complemented by supervised practice, which is arranged in the student’s place of residence. In this way, online training connects immediately with professional realities in schools, clinics, or community services, ensuring that each student develops competencies directly applicable to their own context.
University of Nebraska at Kearney
- Kearney, Nebraska
- 36 hours
- Online
Modality: Online
GRE Required: Yes (GRE or Professional Biography required)
Program: Master of Arts in Education in Special Education – Behavioral Intervention
Specialist (BIS) emphasis
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $337 per credit hour (residents); $476 per credit hour (non-residents).
Program Overview
UNK offers a Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis in Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS), focused on applying behavioral analysis strategies in school settings. Students learn to work with learners who present autism, emotional disorders, or behavioral challenges. The BIS emphasis also provides access to an additional certification in Special Education – Behavior, expanding employability within the educational system.
Key Highlights
- Designed for teachers who want to integrate ABA into educational settings while obtaining an additional certification
- Specialized courses in social skills training, functional assessment, and behavioral intervention plans
Additional Considerations
- Requires prior teaching certification and compliance with GPA criteria
- Accepts either GRE or, alternatively, a Professional Biography for admission
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Program-Specific: ABAI accreditation not specified
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in Nebraska
Accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is a mark of excellence that ensures a program meets international standards in training, research, and supervised practice.
In Nebraska, although the accredited offerings are limited, programs with a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI guarantee that students receive the academic preparation required to move forward toward professional certification.
University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Time
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid (on-campus & online)
GRE Required: Not specified
Program: Master of Science (MS) in Applied Behavior Analysis
Length: 51–54 credit hours (approx. 2 years, full-time)
Tuition: $627 per credit hour (same rate for residents and non-residents).
Program Overview
This master’s program combines the academic strength of the University of Nebraska Omaha with the intensive clinical training of the Munroe-Meyer Institute (UNMC), a leading center for services for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. The curriculum balances instruction in conceptual analysis, applied research, and advanced intervention techniques. In addition, the program includes a capstone project focused on applying behavioral science in both clinical and educational settings.
Key Highlights
- Opportunity to complete more than 1,500 hours of supervised practical experience in clinical and school environments
- Direct collaboration between UNMC and UNO, providing access to resources from two campuses and a faculty recognized in the field of ABA
Additional Considerations
- Full-time program with small cohorts that promote ongoing interaction with faculty
- Access to specialized facilities at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, regionally recognized for its services in autism and developmental disabilities
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
ABA Certificate Programs in Nebraska
A direct option for those who already hold a master’s degree in psychology, education, or another related discipline and want to complete the coursework required for BCBA® certification, or who prefer this alternative instead of pursuing a full master’s degree. These certificates are typically shorter in duration and less costly than a full graduate program, making them an efficient pathway for professional advancement. In addition, their academic structure specifically covers the Verified Course Sequence (VCS), ensuring that students acquire the necessary competencies in assessment, intervention, and professional ethics as applied to behavior analysis.
University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO)
Omaha, Nebraska
Modality: Online & On Campus
GRE Required: Not specified
Program: Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Length: 21 credit hours
Tuition: $365 per credit hour (in-state); approx. $1,055 per credit hour (out-of-state).
Program Overview
UNO offers a graduate certificate in ABA distinguished by its integration with the Munroe-Meyer Institute, ensuring that students gain exposure to a nationally recognized clinical ecosystem. In addition to academic training, the program encourages participation in applied research projects and community initiatives addressing autism, developmental disabilities, and behavioral health.
Key Highlights
- Flexible certificate that can be completed independently or as part of UNO’s MS program
- Access to projects and networks with partner institutions
Additional Considerations
- Open to professionals with a prior master’s degree and related experience
- Curriculum updated in line with the BACB® Fifth Edition Task List
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
Online ABA Certificate Programs in Nebraska
These programs are organized in small cohorts, with defined schedules and platforms that combine asynchronous materials with live virtual seminars. Supervised practice—an essential requirement for certification—can be arranged within the student’s own community, ensuring a strong link between academic training and professional experience. In this way, online ABA certificates provide not only accessibility but also close faculty support and opportunities for peer collaboration, even at a distance.
University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK)
Kearney, Nebraska
Modality: Online
GRE Required: Not specified
Program: Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS)
Length: 18 credit hours
Tuition: $337 per credit hour (residents); $476 per credit hour (non-residents).
Program Overview
UNK offers a Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Intervention Specialist (BIS), designed for educators seeking to strengthen their ability to respond to challenging behaviors in the classroom. The curriculum covers functional assessment, positive support strategies, and more. With a particular emphasis on working with students with autism as well as emotional or behavioral disorders, this credential serves as a supplement to teaching certification and allows educators to apply ABA principles directly in school settings.
Key Highlights
- Certificate aligned with the educational field, ideal for teachers pursuing specialization in behavior
- Courses covering social skills training and behavioral support planning
Additional Considerations
- Can be complemented with UNK’s Master’s in Special Education to expand training
- Recognized as a supplement for the Behavior Intervention Specialist endorsement in Nebraska
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Program-Specific: ABAI accreditation not specified
BCBA Legislation in Nebraska
Nebraska does not have a state-specific license for behavior analysts; instead, professional practice is guided by the national certification issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®). To work as a BCBA® or BCaBA® in the state, professionals must complete the required graduate-level education, supervised fieldwork, and pass the national exam.
Insurance coverage for autism services is a key element in Nebraska’s framework. Since 2014, legislation (LB254 and subsequent amendments) has required private insurers to cover ABA therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Medicaid programs in Nebraska also recognize ABA as a medically necessary service, creating broader access for families.
Oversight of behavioral health services comes through the Division of Behavioral Health within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which establishes service standards and promotes evidence-based interventions. This framework ensures that ABA is integrated into the state’s larger behavioral health strategy, even without a separate licensing board.
BCBA Demand in Nebraska
The demand for certified behavior analysts in Nebraska has risen steadily, especially in urban centers like Omaha and Lincoln, where autism clinics, hospitals, and school districts are key employers. Rural areas face greater provider shortages, leading to increased opportunities for BCBAs willing to serve underserved communities.
As for salaries:
- ZipRecruiter lists the average annual salary for BCBAs in Nebraska at about $79,800/year (~$38/hour).
- Indeed reports averages closer to $83,500/year, with higher ranges surpassing $95,000 in metropolitan areas or specialized autism service providers.
BCBA roles in Nebraska span across early intervention programs, special education services, private clinics, and state-funded initiatives. With the state’s focus on expanding behavioral health capacity, employment prospects for certified professionals remain strong and are expected to grow further in the coming years.
ABA and BCBA Programs in Nebraska
| Degree Title | University Name | Program Length | Program Cost | ABAI Recognition | GRE Required | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Nebraska Omaha | 5-6 | ~$365 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Omaha | NE |
| Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Nebraska Medical Center | Varies | ~$500 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited | Yes | Omaha | NE |
| Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis | University of Nebraska Omaha | 2-3 | ~$365 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Omaha | NE |
