In a state where much of the population lives in rural areas, training professionals in behavior analysis is especially important to expand access to quality services.
The Behavioral Health Office of the DHHR promotes models of integrated care, early intervention, and evidence-based treatments, and ABA master’s programs contribute to this effort by preparing specialists capable of addressing diverse needs across educational, clinical, and community settings.
Students not only receive academic training but also participate in supervised practice within school districts, local agencies, and Medicaid-funded services—settings that directly connect learning with the everyday realities of the state. This approach makes West Virginia a training environment where every step of preparation has an immediate impact on the community.
Quick Facts
- ABAI/VCS-aligned programs in West Virginia: 3
- Programs with optional GRE: 1
- Average program length: 33–36 credit hours
- Tuition range (per credit): $461 – $1,725
Online ABA Programs That Meet West Virginia BCBA Requirements
Masters Programs in West Virginia to Become a BCBA
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) is the credential that validates the academic and practical preparation of professionals in behavior analysis, and it is recognized across educational, clinical, and community settings. In West Virginia, the path toward certification follows the guidelines of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and is organized into three main steps:
- Complete a graduate-level master’s degree that includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS).
- Accumulate the required supervised fieldwork hours under the guidance of a certified BCBA.
- Sit for and pass the national certification exam administered at Pearson VUE testing centers in the state.
For more information, prospective candidates are encouraged to consult the most recent requirements on the official BACB website and review state-level policies on licensure and service coverage through the DHHR Office of Behavioral Health, which oversees much of the professional practice in West Virginia.
ABAI Accredited Masters Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia offers master’s programs accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), the international organization that evaluates and recognizes programs of excellence in behavior analysis. This accreditation ensures training aligned with international standards in academic quality, supervised practice, and applied research, providing students with a solid and widely recognized preparation in the professional field.
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, West Virginia
- 36 hours
- Campus
Modality: On Campus
GRE Required: yes
Program: Master of Science (MS) in Psychology – Behavior Analysis
Length: 36 credit hours
Tuition: $682 per credit hour (in-state); $1,725 (out-of-state).
Program Overview:
Recognized as one of the foundational programs in behavior analysis in the U.S., WVU’s master’s program combines training in both experimental and applied behavior analysis. In addition to coursework and a thesis, students engage in research projects that often result in publications and presentations at national conferences, further strengthening WVU’s academic reputation in the field.
Key Highlights
- Faculty with extensive research backgrounds, including contributions to classic ABA literature
- Opportunities for co-authorship on publications and presentations at professional conferences
Additional Considerations
- Access to specialized research facilities for both animal and human behavior
- Full-time program that fosters intensive immersion and daily contact with WVU’s academic ABA community
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Program-Specific: Accredited by ABAI
No GRE Required ABA Masters Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia offers ABA master’s programs that do not require the GRE as part of the admission process. Instead, universities place greater value on applicants’ academic preparation, professional experience, and potential in the field.
This decision makes these programs more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, ranging from education to behavioral health, allowing them to showcase their competencies without the barriers of a standardized exam. At the same time, these programs uphold the rigorous academic standards and supervised practice requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), ensuring that graduates meet all criteria for BCBA® certification.
By removing the GRE requirement, West Virginia not only broadens access but also reinforces its commitment to inclusive training tailored to the professional realities of those working in educational and community settings.
Marshall University
- Huntington, West Virginia
- 33 hours
- Campus
Modality: On Campus
GRE Required: no
Program: Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Behavior Analysis
Length: 33 credit hours
Tuition: $497 per credit hour (in-state); $1,117 per credit hour (out-of-state)
Program Overview
Noted for its practical orientation in both education and clinical settings, the Master of Arts provides direct experiences in local schools, hospitals, and community agencies throughout West Virginia. The curriculum combines academic coursework with a strong supervised practicum component, ensuring immediate application of skills. The university also maintains partnerships with autism support centers, giving students access to real practice environments.
Key Highlights
- Professional focus with supervised practicum placements in schools and hospitals across the region
- Curriculum specifically designed to prepare students for the BCBA® exam and to meet state licensure requirements
Additional Considerations
- Personalized advising to tailor the curriculum to each student’s professional goals
- Small cohorts that foster mentorship and close learning relationships with faculty
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Program-Specific: Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by ABAI
ABA Certificate Programs in West Virginia
In addition to its master’s programs, West Virginia offers graduate certificates in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an option designed to meet the growing demand for behavioral health specialists in the state. These programs are particularly appealing to individuals who already hold an advanced degree in psychology, education, or counseling and wish to gain specific competencies without committing to a full master’s program.
West Virginia University
- Morgantown, West Virginia
- 15 hours
- Campus
Modality: On Campus
GRE Required: not applicable
Program: Undergraduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis
Length: 15 credit hours
Tuition: $461 per credit hour (in-state); $1,255 per credit hour (out-of-state)
Program Overview
WVU’s undergraduate certificate in ABA is housed within the Department of Psychology, known for training influential figures in the discipline since the 1970s. This program allows undergraduate students to explore behavior analysis through a blend of theoretical courses and hands-on experiences that extend beyond the classroom, including work in animal behavior laboratories and community-based projects. In addition to opening the door to advanced studies, it provides students with the opportunity to apply basic behavioral principles to social and educational challenges in the region.
Key Highlights
- One of the few undergraduate ABA certificates accredited in the U.S., with approval confirmed by ABAI through 2030
- Opportunities to engage in basic and applied research projects that enrich students’ early academic experience
Additional Considerations
- Compatible with various undergraduate majors, allowing psychology, education, and other students to add a behavioral focus to their studies
- Earned credits may be transferred or used as prerequisites to accelerate admission into WVU’s MS in Behavior Analysis
Accreditation
- Institutional: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Program-Specific: Accredited by ABAI (valid through 2030)
BCBA Legislation in West Virginia
In West Virginia, behavior analysts practice under the national standards established by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®). The state does not have a separate licensing board for BCBAs, but regulation of behavioral health services falls under the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Office of Behavioral Health.
Insurance coverage plays a critical role: under state law, private insurers and Medicaid are required to cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when services are deemed medically necessary. Coverage applies to treatment provided by or under the supervision of a nationally certified BCBA®, ensuring that families across both urban and rural areas of the state can access evidence-based interventions.
BCBA Demand in West Virginia
The demand for BCBAs in West Virginia continues to increase, particularly in rural and underserved regions, where access to behavioral health services remains limited. Employment opportunities are concentrated in public schools, community health centers, autism service providers, and Medicaid-funded programs that emphasize early intervention and integrated care.
As for salaries:
- ZipRecruiter reports an average BCBA salary in West Virginia of about $77,200 per year ($37/hour).
- Indeed places the average closer to $81,000 annually, with top salaries exceeding $95,000 in specialized autism clinics and hospital settings.
BCBA roles in West Virginia reflect the state’s investment in expanding behavioral health capacity, with strong opportunities in education, healthcare, and community-based services. With growing recognition of ABA as a key intervention, job prospects are expected to remain favorable in the coming years.
