In recent years, New Jersey has formalized its requirements for behavior therapists. In 2020, the Applied Behavior Analyst Licensing Act was signed into law. This act required licensure for behavior analysts in New Jersey. Since then, the state ABA Licensure Board was created in 2021 which oversees the regulations and licenses for behavior therapists. Licensing regulations were published in 2024 and behavior analysts are included into the criminal background check bill which is also on the governor’s desk in 2024.
Demand for BCBAs in New Jersey
Recently, there was a decrease in demand for ABA therapists in New Jersey. The demand for BCBAs decreased between 2022 and 2023, from 3,027 in 2022 to 2,800 in 2023. This is not aligned with the national trend; the nationwide demand for BCBA certified therapists has increased every year since 2010, with a 14% increase between 2022 and 2023.
According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary for a BCBA in New Jersey is $98,707 ($47/hour). The salary does vary from market to market. The average salary in Weehawken is $103,791 and the average salary in Princeton is $100,117.
Featured ABA Programs Accepting New Jersey Applicants
Master’s Programs in New Jersey To Become a BCBA
In New Jersey, the State Behavior Analyst Licensing Act and State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners (licensure board) oversees regulations and BCBA certification. The BCBA credential is required for ABA therapists in New Jersey.
Licensed behavior therapists in New Jersey must:
- earn a master’s level credential and complete the verified course sequence that includes mandatory BCBA coursework,
- pass the BCBA examination,
- complete 1,000 practicum hours and 750 intensive practicum hours or gain 1,500 hours of independent fieldwork.
The verified course sequence is the set of courses, typically seven courses of 21 credit hours, that are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International that prepares students to take the BCBA certification exam. The coursework ensures that all BCBA certified therapists have the same knowledge and skills. Universities may offer the set of courses in isolation, or part of a broader degree.
Students seeking to earn their BCBA credential have a variety of options in New Jersey. Two universities, Felician University and Monmouth University, provide an online master’s. Two universities, Georgian Court University and Rider University, provide a hybrid option. Five universities, Monmouth University, Kean University, Rowan University, Rutgers University, and Seton Hall University, provide a graduate certificate for students who have already earned a master’s and want to complete the verified course sequence. And, five universities, Caldwell University, Kean University, Rowan University, Rutgers University, and Seton Hall University, provide on campus master’s programs. Programs are provided through either the Special Education or Psychology Department, depending on the university.
Online ABA Master’s Program in New Jersey
An online ABA Master’s program provides flexibility and the ability to learn the content necessary to become a BCBA while managing a job and family. In New Jersey, Felician University and Monmouth University offer online master’s programs.
Felician University
- Rutherford, NJ
- Time
- 36 credit hours
Program:
Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies
Modality: Online
Length: 36 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $725 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
This program consists of two phases. In the first phase, students take a 24 credit hours, including the verified course sequence and a 6 credit practicum experience over two semesters. Classes are evening and online. Then, students complete 12 credit hours in additional professional opportunities, such as supervision. The focus is on the student’s area of interest.
Monmouth University
- West Long Branch, NJ
- 39 credit hours
- Online
Program:
Master’s of Science in Education, Special Education Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 39 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $34,080 full tuition (15 credit hours)
Program Overview:
The M.S.Ed in Special Education combines the verified course sequence with additional coursework in autism to prepare students to sit for the BCBA exam with additional expertise in working with children and adults with autism.
Hybrid Master’s ABA Program in New Jersey
Hybrid programs combine online and on campus learning experiences. There are two hybrid master’s programs in New Jersey, Georgia Court University and Rider University.
Georgian Court University
- Lakewood, NJ
- 39 credit hours, 2 years
- Hybrid
Program:
Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 39 credit hours, 2 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $985 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
The MABA includes the verified course sequence and fieldwork. Students can engage in fieldwork at regional mental and behavioral health facilities. Students select one track within the program: generalist, autism specialist, or school specialist. The 39 hours of coursework includes 10 required courses and 3 elective courses.
Rider University
- Lawrenceville, NJ
- Not stated
- Hybrid
Program:
Master’s in Applied Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid
Length: Not stated
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,000 per credit hour in person, $1070 per credit hour online, not including fees
Program Overview:
In the Master’s in Applied Psychology program, students can choose to complete courses online or in person. They take one seven-week course at a time to complete the verified course sequence and additional credits.
Graduate Certificate ABA Program in New Jersey
There are five graduate certification programs in New Jersey. Monmouth University, Kean University, Rowan University, Rutgers University, and Seton Hall University all provide the verified course sequence as a graduate certification option.
Monmouth University
- West Long Branch, NJ
- 21 credit hours
- Online
Program:
Graduate Certificate
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $6,816 for 3 credit hours; $47,712 for 21 credit hours
Program Overview:
The M.S.Ed in Special Education combines the autism curriculum with the verified course sequence. This program is designed for students who already hold a master’s degree in an education, psychology or a related field.
Kean University
- Union, NJ
- 21 credit hours
- On campus
Program:
Graduate Certificate: Applied Behavior Analysis: Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Modality: On campus
Length: 21 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $868.41 per credit hour for in-state students, $1,043.27 per credit hour for out-of-state students, not including fees
Program Overview:
The graduate certificate is an option for students who already hold a master’s degree and would like to earn the BCBA certificate. The graduate certificate provides the verified course sequence. Students will need to complete the fieldwork elsewhere.
Rowan University
- Glassboro, NJ
- 24 credit hours
- On campus
Program:
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 24 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $838.85 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
The C.A.G.S. in ABA provides the verified course sequence. It is for students who have already completed a master’s degree in psychology, education or a related field. Students can complete a thesis or non-thesis track.
Rutgers University
- Camden, NJ
- Online
Program:
Graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,218 per credit hour for in-state students, $1,845 per credit hour for out-of-state students, not including fees
Seton Hall University
- South Orange, NJ
- Not listed
- On campus
Program:
Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Not listed
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,520 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
The certificate in ABA prepares students to work with individuals with disabilities, including autism and behavior disabilities. Students complete the verified course sequence. This program is for students who already hold a master’s degree in a relevant field or who are enrolled in a graduate program in education or psychology. Students are also encouraged to engage in research under the mentorship of a faculty member in one of the campus research labs.
Featured ABA Programs Accepting New Jersey Applicants
On Campus Master’s in ABA Programs in New Jersey
On campus master’s programs provide more direct experiences with professors and peers. These programs also provide options to be involved in research projects and work in applied settings. They may also provide supervised fieldwork. These programs are good options for students who want to interact directly with faculty, and who want access to campus learning activities including research opportunities. In New Jersey, five universities provide on campus master’s programs, Caldwell University, Kean University, Rowan University, Rutgers University (two on campus programs), and Seton Hall University.
Caldwell University
- Caldwell, NJ
- Not listed
- On campus
Program:
Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: Not listed
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $785 per credit hour, not including fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The MA in ABA provides the verified course sequence and additional coursework. Students complete coursework in ABA, and design and conduct research that could be published in peer reviewed journals. Students can engage in research and fieldwork at the Caldwell University Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.
Kean University
- Union, NJ
- 39 credit hours (30 hours of content and 9 hours of research)
- On campus
Program:
Masters of Arts in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Modality: On campus
Length: 39 credit hours (30 hours of content and 9 hours of research)
GRE Required: No
Program Overview:
The Masters of Arts in Special Education with a focus on ABA is designed for students who are not certified teachers (though teachers may apply) and would like to become BCBA certified. The focus is on using evidence-based practices to teach people with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. Students complete coursework and a thesis.
Rowan University
- Glassboro, NJ
- 33 semester hours
- On campus
Program:
Master’s of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 33 semester hours
Tuition: $838.85 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
The M. A. in ABA is designed for working students. Classes are held at night and can be completed in four semesters and two summers for full-time students. There are no thesis or research requirements.
Rutgers University
- New Brunswick, NJ
- 36 credit hours, two years
- On campus
Program:
Master’s of Education, Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 36 credit hours, two years
GRE Required: No
Program Overview:
The Ed.M. in Special Education with ABA sequence provides preparation in special education along with six out of the seven courses in the verified course sequence. (The seventh course and fieldwork must be completed to pass the BCBA exam and are not provided by the Ed.M. program). The program is focused on teaching teachers who want to apply ABA techniques to address behavior and instructional needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities. The Rutgers program also includes a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
Rutgers University
- Camden, NJ
- 42 credit hours
- On campus
Program:
Master of Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 42 credit hours
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $930 per credit hour for in-state students, $1,471 per credit hour for out-of-state students, not including fees
Program Overview:
The Master of Applied Behavior Analysis program in the Department of Applied and Professional Psychology focuses on building foundational and application skills. The program is also focused on social justice, diversity, and serving those who have been underserved. The program prepares students to become ABA therapists or to pursue doctoral work in behavior analysis. Students may have experiences in the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center, a Rutgers center that provides support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families and schools, or the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. Students can choose the MABA or a Masters in Psychology with an ABA concentration.
Seton Hall University
- South Orange, NJ
- 42 credit hours, two years of full-time study
- On campus
Program:
Master’s of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 42 credit hours, two years of full-time study
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $838.85 per credit hour, not including fees
Program Overview:
The M.A. in ABA is housed in the department of Educational studies within the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media. Students complete the verified course sequence. Students take 30 academic credits, six hours of fieldwork credit, and six research thesis credits. Students work with a faculty mentor to complete a research thesis that is worthy of professional journal publication. Students complete some fieldwork within the fieldwork that is arranged by Seton Hall, and complete the rest of the required fieldwork outside of the program. Courses are taught in the evenings. Students are admitted into a small cohort that moves through the coursework together.
No GRE Required ABA Programs in New Jersey
None of the programs in New Jersey have a GRE requirement for admission. The admission requirements vary from program to program, with some requiring a minimum GPA for admission, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
ABAI Accredited ABA Programs in New Jersey
Caldwell University is ABAI accredited. Other programs provide the Verified Course Sequence to prepare students to pass the BCBA exam.
Affordable ABA Programs in New Jersey
An affordable option in New Jersey is the online Master’s degree through Felician University. Tuition is $725 per credit hour (not including fees) and the online format limits fees and expenses. The total cost of any ABA graduate program will depend on the total coursework, expenses and fees.
Accelerated ABA Programs in New Jersey
The best option for an accelerated path to a BCBA in New Jersey is a graduate certificate from Monmouth University or Kean University. Both provide the verified course sequence without additional coursework.
