In Nevada, pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) means becoming part of a landscape where behavioral health is an expanding state priority. Agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) promote programs aimed at expanding autism services, strengthening supports for individuals with developmental disabilities, and ensuring evidence-based behavioral interventions.
The programs are often linked with school districts, private clinics, and health agencies, which makes it possible for supervised practice to take place in settings of immediate application. In addition, instruction is supported by professionals actively involved in public and community health initiatives, enriching the learning experience with field-based perspectives.
Quick Facts
● ABAI/VCS-Aligned Programs in Nevada: 2
● Fully Online ABA Master’s Programs: 1
● Average Program Length: ~2 years (20–24 months, depending on the modality).
● Tuition Range (per unit): $293 – $723
Online ABA Programs That Meet Nevada’s BCBA Licensure Requirement
Masters Programs in Nevada to Become a BCBA
To obtain the BCBA® credential in Nevada, it is necessary to:
- Hold a graduate degree in ABA, psychology, education, or another related discipline.
- Complete a Verified Course Sequence (VCS)
- Fulfill the required supervised practice hours under the guidance of a certified BCBA.
- Pass the national exam administered by the BACB at Pearson VUE testing centers.
Master’s programs in the state emphasize behavioral assessment, intervention design, ethical decision-making, and data analysis. Supervised practice is usually organized locally, combining rigorous academic training with practical application.
Online ABA Masters Programs in Nevada
In Nevada, online ABA master’s programs are designed to provide a dynamic academic experience that goes beyond traditional distance education. Courses are typically structured in eight- to ten-week blocks, where asynchronous study is complemented by live seminars that allow for real case analysis and direct feedback from faculty.
A distinctive feature is the incorporation of virtual spaces for clinical simulation and data analysis, which bring practice closer to everyday professional work and strengthen the connection between theory and application. In this way, students not only progress through academic content but also prepare to face real-world challenges in the behavioral field directly within the virtual environment.
University of Nevada, Reno
- Reno, Nevada
- 37 hours
- Online
Modality: Online
GRE Required: no
Program: Master of Science (MS) in Behavior Analysis
Length: 37 credit hours (approx. 20 months, full-time)
Tuition: $572 per credit hour; estimated total $21,164 (excluding additional fees).
Program Overview
The online format at the University of Nevada, Reno stands out for its collaboration with the Global Institute for Behavior Analysis, allowing students to complete a fully online program without losing connection to research and supervised practice. The curriculum offers two professional practicum routes (intensive fieldwork or supervised fieldwork) to accumulate more than half of the required hours during the master’s program. Its accelerated format makes it possible to finish in less than two years, a competitive advantage for those seeking to advance quickly toward BCBA® certification.
Key Highlights
- Accelerated option that allows the program to be completed in 20 months
- Flexibility to choose between intensive fieldwork (1,500 hours) or supervised fieldwork (2,000 hours)
Additional Considerations
- Practicum experiences integrated into the curriculum to facilitate hour completion
- International student community fostering collaborative networks beyond the state of Nevada
Accreditation
- Institutional: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Program-Specific: Accredited by ABAI; Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in Nevada
Accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) ensures that master’s programs in Nevada meet international standards in the training of behavior analysts. These programs stand out for offering documented supervision under international criteria, access to practical competency assessments, and the opportunity to participate in ethics review committees and applied research projects connected to the state.
Thanks to this accreditation, students not only fulfill the academic requirements for BCBA® certification but also receive formal recognition that validates the quality of their training with employers and professional organizations, both in Nevada and abroad.
University of Nevada, Reno
- Reno, Nevada
- 36 hours
- Campus
Modality: On Campus
GRE Required: Yes
Program: Master of Science (MS) in Behavior Analysis
Length: 36 credit hours (approx. 2 years)
Tuition: $293 per credit hour (in-state); $644 (out-of-state).
Program Overview
The University of Nevada, Reno is recognized as one of the pioneering ABA programs in the United States. The master’s degree combines advanced research training with applied instruction in areas such as autism, verbal behavior, public health, and organizational behavior management (OBM). In addition, it requires the completion of a thesis, strengthening preparation for doctoral studies and for leading innovative projects in the field of behavior analysis.
Key Highlights
- More than 30 years of tradition training behavior analysts nationally and internationally
- Access to collaborative research projects that have influenced public policy and community services
Additional Considerations
- Students can engage with the Behavior Analysis Program’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities and other affiliated labs in Reno
- Opportunities to participate in international conferences and academic networks organized directly by the department
Accreditation
- Institutional: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Program-Specific: Accredited by ABAI; Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
No GRE Required ABA Masters Programs in Nevada
Accessing graduate study in Nevada is now more straightforward thanks to ABA master’s programs that no longer require the GRE for admission. This change responds to the need to attract professionals with real-world experience in the field, prioritizing more meaningful qualifications than a standardized test.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- 36 hours
- Campus
Modality: On Campus
GRE Required: no
Program: Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis Track
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $344 per credit hour (in-state); $723 (out-of-state).
Program Overview
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Track as part of its Master’s in Special Education. This concentration serves as a specialized pathway that integrates advanced coursework and supervised practice in ABA, designed to meet professional certification requirements and address the needs of students with diverse behavioral and learning challenges.
The program is particularly appealing to teachers and education professionals, as it combines rigorous academic training with practical experiences in schools and agencies across the Las Vegas area.
Key Highlights
- Customizable curriculum based on certification or licensure goals
- Practicum opportunities in collaboration with Nevada school districts and community services
Additional Considerations
- Admission does not require the GRE, though a statement of intent and GPA evaluation are required
- Optional internships or fieldwork that may be necessary for specific state licensure requirements
Accreditation
- Institutional: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
Accelerated Nevada ABA Masters Programs
In Nevada, there are alternatives that allow students to complete a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in less time than the traditional format. Some programs shorten the duration to approximately 20 months through intensive schedules, continuous enrollment, and the inclusion of summer courses.One example is the online master’s program offered by the University of Nevada, Reno, which can be completed in as little as 20 months.
BCBA Legislation in Nevada
Nevada regulates the practice of behavior analysis primarily through national certification rather than a state-specific licensing board. To practice as a BCBA® or BCaBA® in Nevada, professionals must:
- Obtain certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
- Comply with state regulations governing behavioral health and clinical practice.
The state recognizes ABA services as part of autism treatment under insurance mandates. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 689A.0435 and related provisions) require health insurance providers to cover ABA therapy for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Coverage applies to medically necessary treatment when provided by or under the supervision of a certified professional. These mandates align with Nevada’s broader efforts to strengthen behavioral health services through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH).
BCBA Demand in Nevada
The demand for BCBAs in Nevada continues to grow, fueled by expanded insurance coverage for autism services and statewide initiatives to improve behavioral health. Employment opportunities are concentrated in urban centers such as Las Vegas and Reno, but there is also increasing need in rural areas where access to services is limited.
As for salaries:
- ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $89,327 (~$42.95/hour).
- Indeed lists averages closer to $87,000 annually, with higher ranges exceeding $100,000 at specialized autism centers, clinics, and school districts.
BCBA roles in Nevada span across schools, hospitals, private practices, home-based care, and state-funded programs. With the state’s ongoing commitment to expanding developmental and behavioral services, job growth for certified professionals is expected to remain strong.
ABA and BCBA Programs in Nevada
| Degree Title | University Name | Program Length | Program Cost | ABAI Recognition | GRE Required | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.S. in Psychology (ABA Specialization) | University of Nevada, Reno | 5-6 | ~$285 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited & VCS Approved | No | Reno | NV |
| Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis | University of Nevada, Reno | Varies | ~$285 per credit (in-state) | ABAI Accredited | Yes | Reno | NV |
| Graduate Certificate in ABA | University of Nevada, Reno | 2-3 | ~$285 per credit (in-state) | VCS Approved | No | Reno | NV |
