The landscape of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in North Carolina has undergone dramatic shifts in recent decades. Historically, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) could not practice in North Carolina without the supervision of a licensed psychologist. In 2012 and 2013, House Bill 498 was enacted that permitted BCBAs to provide services and bill insurance companies, as long as they did not claim to be licensed psychologists. But, in 2021, Governor Roy Cooper signed SB103 that established the NC Behavior Analyst Licensure Board (NCBALB). The NCBALB issues professional licenses to BCBAs in NC. With this governing board, BCBAs can practice independent of a licensed psychologist. This move came after a decade of advocacy, and was a step towards professionalizing the field of Applied Behavior Analysis as a practice-oriented profession focused on delivering services.
Currently, the NCBALB oversees licensure, and the North Carolina Association for Behavior Analysis (NC-ABA) advocates for legislation that would expand the scope of BCBAs and improve access to ABA therapy in North Carolina.
Demand for BCBAs in North Carolina
As a state, North Carolina demonstrates increasing demands for BCBA therapists. Demand for BCBAs is increasing; from 2022-2023, there was a 73.3% increase in demand for BCBAs, from 1,279 in 2022 to 2,390 in 2023.
According to Zip Recruiter, as of September 2024, the average salary in North Carolina for a BCBA certified ABA therapist is $77,022 ($37/hour). Some markets pay more. For example, in Charlotte, an urban area, an ABA therapist makes an average of $91,908 per year.
Master’s Programs in North Carolina To Become a BCBA
The requirements to be an BCBA in North Carolina are stringent. The state requires a graduate degree in behavior analysis, education, or psychology, and a BCBA certification. There is only one in-person option to earn the BCBA certification in the state, so accredited online programs are a popular option.
Individuals must apply to the NCBALB with documentation showing that they have meet the criteria:
- they are professional and demonstrate professional and moral standards,
- they have not engaged in any practice that would be grounds for a denial, revocation or suspension of a license,
- they do not have a criminal record,
- they have not committed fraud.
In addition, applicants must:
- be at least 18 years old,
- have passed the BCBA examination,
- have an active status with the NCBAB as a BCBA.
Two University of North Carolina campuses offer ABA Master’s programs, the University of North Carolina Charlotte campus and the Wilmington campus. Between the two campuses, there are online and in-person options, and programs that are incorporated into a broader special education master’s program or one option for students who want to earn a BCBA certificate in isolation. Both programs are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and meet the requirements to prepare students to pass the BCBA exam. These programs combine a mix of coursework led by exports in the field and clinical or field experiences. Some programs also include a research component.
Northeastern University also offers a Master’s in ABA program through its campus in Charlotte, This is a hybrid program that combines online instruction with face-to-face interactions at key points in the program.
A major distinction between the three programs is where the courses are housed. At UNC Charlotte, the coursework is provided through the Department of Special Education and Child Development. At UNC Wilmington, the coursework is provided through the Department of Psychology. Students who want to apply ABA therapy within the education settings may prefer to study ABA therapy along with other courses in education, while students who are interested in research or clinical work may focus on psychology.
Students in North Carolina may also attend a national online ABA master’s program if neither of the in-state options are amenable.
Online ABA Master’s Program in North Carolina
Online ABA Master’s programs provide flexibility and the ability to learn the content necessary to become a BCBA while managing a job and family. In North Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has two online options-a master’s in education in special education with an ABA concentration or a graduate certificate in ABA for students who either have or are pursuing a master’s at another institution but want to earn the BCBA as well. Students who choose either of these options have access to the professors and network at the UNC Charlotte graduate school and the online community cultivated by the university.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- 33 hours
- Online
Program:
M. Ed. in Special Education and Child Development, concentration in Applied Behavior analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 33 credit hours
Tuition: $256.11per credit hour for students, $1091.35 per credit hour for out-of-state students, does not include fees and expenses
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The M.Ed. with a concentration in ABA is designed for people who want a master’s degree in special education, and want to incorporate the coursework requirements to become a BCBA into their studies. Because the coursework is integrated into the study of special education, participants learn about how concepts and strategies support individuals with disabilities in various settings, including school and community. Participants take a set of courses that align with the BCBA certification. The majority of courses are “live” synchronous instruction with real-time interactions between professors and students and a learning community cultivated online. Applicants should note that the ABA certificate does not qualify participants for a teaching license. Within coursework, participants will also learn research skills and engage in personal research projects. In particular, students complete a capstone project that involves showcasing research and ABA skills while working with their advisors. The UNC Charlotte Special Education program is ranked in the top 20 special education programs in the U.S.
Hybrid Master’s ABA Program in North Carolina
Northeastern University’s Charlotte campus offers a Master’s in Science in ABA. This option supports students who want the flexibility of studying online with some in person interaction with faculty and peers.
Northeastern University
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- 20 months + 6 semester
- Hybrid + Online + In person
Program:
Master’s in Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Hybrid, online and in person
Length: 20 months of full-time coursework (6 semester hours per fall, spring, and summer semester session)
Tuition: $31,200 for the full program, not including expenses and fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
Northeastern University’s program is a combination of online and in person coursework. This university, based out of Massachusetts, has a satellite campus in Charlotte, NC. Students work independently for most of the semester with in person instruction at various points in the program. The coursework consists of eight core courses required to become a BCBA and three advanced clinical procedure and research courses. Northeastern University’s program also includes a study of behavior analysis principles in contexts like sustainability, gerontology, and health. Students can add additionall coursework in supervision.
Graduate Certificate ABA Program in North Carolina
A graduate certificate is a way to earn a BCBA certification while earning a Master’s in another field, such as psychology or special education. In North Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers this option. The Graduate Certificate includes the seven courses required by ABAI to sit for the BCBA licensure exam. It does not include the capstone research project or other coursework within the university.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- 21 hours
- Online
Program:
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: Online
Length: 21 credit hours
Tuition: $256.11per credit hour for students, $1091.35 per credit hour for out-of-state students, does not include fees and expenses
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis is for students who have a master’s degree or are earning a master’s degree through another program and who want to become a BCBA. This program prepares students through coursework to sit for the BCBA exam, though students will also need to demonstrate completion of a master’s degree and supervised fieldwork to become a BCBA.
On Campus Master’s in ABA Programs in North Carolina
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. These are good options for students who want to interact directly with faculty, and who want to experience learning on campus. At the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the ABA coursework is incorporated into graduate coursework in psychology.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- 2.5 years
- Campus
Program:
Master’s of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Modality: On campus
Length: 2.5 years
Tuition: $5,278 annual tuition for in-state students, $21,369 annual tuition for out-of-state students, not including expenses and fees
Accreditation: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
Program Overview:
The goal of the UNCW program is to train ABA therapists who are effective practitioners, researchers, or teachers. The coursework includes the seven courses required for a BCBA, courses in research, and a 6-month internship. Cohorts in the UNCW programs are small, typically five to seven students per year. Each student works with a faculty member to complete the coursework, research practicum, applied practicum, and empirical thesis.
No GRE Required ABA Programs in North Carolina
The programs at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Northeastern University do not require the GRE for application or admission.
ABAI Accredited ABA Programs in North Carolina
All of the programs in North Carolina are ABAI accredited and include the coursework required to prepare students to pass the BCBA exam.
Affordable ABA Programs in North Carolina
The most affordable option in North Carolina is Northeastern University’s hybrid Master’s in Science. Tuition for the program costs $31,200 total, not including expenses and fees.
Accelerated ABA Programs in North Carolina
The best option for an accelerated path to a BCBA is University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Graduate Certificate in ABA. This option provides the core coursework required to earn the BCBA without additional research or clinical coursework. Students do need to have or be working towards a master’s degree at another university, however.
