Last updated: March 9, 2026

ABA Programs in Maryland (2026)

Maryland offers something no other state can match: UMBC's ABAI-accredited ABA program runs in direct partnership with the Kennedy Krieger Institute — one of the world's leading centers for behavioral psychology. Plus Johns Hopkins, Mount St. Mary's, and D.C.-adjacent salary advantages.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle

ABA Programs in Maryland (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • UMBC's M.A. in Human Services Psychology (ABA track) is the crown jewel — an ABAI-accredited program run jointly with the Kennedy Krieger Institute, where many classes are taught on-site at Kennedy Krieger's Baltimore facility.
  • Johns Hopkins University offers a post-master's ABA certificate — ideal for educators and clinicians who already hold a graduate degree and want to add BCBA credentials with a Hopkins name behind it.
  • Mount St. Mary's University delivers a 42-credit MSABA at $720/credit (~$30,240 total) — available both on-campus in Frederick and synchronously online via Zoom, following the BACB 6th Edition curriculum.
  • Maryland has licensed behavior analysts since 2015 through the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists — one of the more established regulatory frameworks, requiring BCBA/BCBA-D certification, a criminal background check, and 40 hours of CE every two years.
  • Maryland's D.C.-adjacent location means behavior analysts can access both Baltimore and Washington D.C. job markets — BCBA-certified professionals in the D.C.–Baltimore corridor typically earn $75,000–$100,000+.

Maryland's ABA landscape revolves around one extraordinary partnership: UMBC's Department of Psychology and the Kennedy Krieger Institute's Department of Behavioral Psychology co-run the state's premier ABA program. It's ABAI-accredited, and students take classes directly at Kennedy Krieger's Baltimore campus — providing clinical exposure to one of the most respected behavioral health institutions in the world.

For professionals who already have a graduate degree, Johns Hopkins offers a post-master's ABA certificate that carries enormous brand cachet. And Mount St. Mary's University in Frederick provides a more affordable full master's option with online delivery via Zoom.

Maryland was ahead of the curve on licensure, establishing its Licensed Behavior Analyst credential in 2015. The Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists handles licensing, requiring BCBA certification, 40 hours of biennial CE, and a $301 renewal fee. The state's position between Baltimore and D.C. gives graduates access to two major metropolitan job markets simultaneously.

Maryland ABA Programs — Kennedy Krieger, Johns Hopkins & More

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
UMBC — M.A. in Human Services Psychology, ABA Track (with Kennedy Krieger Institute) $760/credit (~$16,344/year) On-campus (late afternoon weekday classes, many at Kennedy Krieger) 2 years ABAI-Accredited; BACB-Aligned
Mount St. Mary's University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online/On-Campus) $720/credit (~$30,240 total, 42 credits) On-campus (Frederick) or synchronous online via Zoom 2 years ABAI-Verified (6th Edition); BACB-Aligned
Johns Hopkins University — Post-Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis ~$1,200/credit On-campus / hybrid 1–2 years (certificate) BACB-Aligned

UMBC — M.A. in Human Services Psychology, ABA Track (with Kennedy Krieger Institute)

Baltimore (classes at UMBC and Kennedy Krieger)

In-State Tuition

$760/credit (~$16,344/year)

Out-of-State

$1,196/credit (~$25,920/year)

Format

On-campus (late afternoon weekday classes, many at Kennedy Krieger)

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (practicum and intervention sequences)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — behavioral psychology, developmental disabilities, autism, clinical intervention

  • ABAI-accredited — the only fully accredited ABA program in Maryland
  • Run jointly with the Kennedy Krieger Institute — classes taught on-site at one of the world's leading behavioral health centers
  • Program includes 4 practicum and intervention sequence courses providing intensive clinical training
  • Late afternoon weekday classes (starting 4:30–5:30 PM) accommodate working professionals
  • No GRE required — application deadline January 1 for fall admission
  • Kennedy Krieger affiliation provides unmatched clinical exposure and research opportunities
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Mount St. Mary's University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online/On-Campus)

Frederick (also Online via Zoom)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$720/credit (~$30,240 total, 42 credits)

Out-of-State

$720/credit (~$30,240 total)

Format

On-campus (Frederick) or synchronous online via Zoom

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

6 credits of supervised fieldwork (part of 42-credit program)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — BACB 6th Edition curriculum, practicum, capstone research

  • Flat $720/credit regardless of residency — $30,240 total for the full 42-credit program
  • Dual delivery: attend in person at the Frederick campus or synchronously online via Zoom
  • ABAI-verified curriculum follows BACB 6th Edition standards — future-proofed for 2026+ certification
  • 42-credit program includes 36 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of supervised fieldwork
  • Capstone research project develops both clinical and analytical skills
  • No additional fees beyond tuition — transparent, predictable costs
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Johns Hopkins University — Post-Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

Baltimore

In-State Tuition

~$1,200/credit

Out-of-State

~$1,200/credit

Format

On-campus / hybrid

Full-Time

1–2 years (certificate)

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — for educators and clinicians with existing graduate degrees

  • Johns Hopkins brand — one of the most recognized university names in the world
  • Designed for professionals who already hold a master's degree or doctorate
  • School of Education certificate provides BCBA coursework without a second master's
  • Access to Hopkins' vast research and clinical network in Baltimore
  • Ideal for teachers, psychologists, or counselors adding BCBA to existing credentials
  • Competitive advantage in the job market — Hopkins credential stands out on a resume
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Maryland LBA License (Established 2015)

Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)

Issued by: Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

  • Current BCBA or BCBA-D certification from the BACB in good standing
  • Master's degree or higher from an accredited behavior analysis educational program
  • Criminal history records check (CHRC) — must be completed before submitting application
  • Application through the Maryland Department of Health
  • Maryland began licensing behavior analysts in 2015 — one of the more established state frameworks

Renewal

Biennial renewal with $301 fee. Must maintain BCBA/BCBA-D certification in good standing. 40 hours of continuing education required every two years.

Visit Licensing Board →

Behavior Analyst Pay in Baltimore & the D.C. Corridor

BLS Median

$50,270

Entry Level

$38,000–$47,000

Experienced

$75,000–$100,000 (BCBA-certified, Baltimore/D.C. corridor)

Top Earners

$105,000–$130,000+ (Kennedy Krieger, Johns Hopkins, clinical directors)

Maryland's BLS median of ~$50,270 for the broader behavioral health counselor category understates what BCBA-certified professionals actually earn. The Baltimore–D.C. corridor creates a dual-metro salary advantage, with BCBA professionals typically earning $75,000–$100,000. BCBAs at institutions like Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins can earn even more, and clinical directors in private practice regularly exceed $120,000. Maryland's proximity to both Baltimore and D.C. means graduates can choose between two distinct job markets without relocating.

ABA Employment in Maryland's Dual-Metro Market

BLS Employment

10,430

Projected Growth

19% nationally through 2034

Top Employers

Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins Health System, Behavioral Framework, Ivymount School, Sheppard Pratt

Maryland's ABA job market is dominated by the Baltimore–Washington corridor. Kennedy Krieger Institute is the state's signature ABA employer, conducting cutting-edge behavioral research while providing clinical services. Johns Hopkins Health System, Sheppard Pratt, and Ivymount School also employ behavior analysts in diverse settings. Montgomery and Prince George's counties (D.C. suburbs) have seen rapid growth in ABA service providers, and Maryland-licensed BCBAs can easily access D.C. and Northern Virginia positions. The state's mature licensing framework (since 2015) provides a stable regulatory environment for practitioners.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's one of the few ABA programs in the country co-run with a world-class clinical institution. UMBC's ABA track is ABAI-accredited and many classes are taught directly at Kennedy Krieger Institute's Baltimore facility, giving students clinical exposure that most programs can't replicate. The practicum and intervention sequences provide extensive hands-on training with diverse behavioral populations.
If you already hold a master's degree or doctorate, yes. Johns Hopkins offers a post-master's ABA certificate, and Mount St. Mary's also offers a post-master's certificate option. Both provide the BACB-required coursework without requiring a second master's degree. You'll still need to complete supervised fieldwork hours and pass the BCBA exam.
Maryland has been licensing behavior analysts since 2015 — longer than most states. The Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists handles licensing, requiring BCBA/BCBA-D certification, a background check, and 40 hours of biennial continuing education. The $301 renewal fee is on the higher end compared to other states.
Not automatically — D.C. and Virginia have their own licensing requirements. However, all three jurisdictions require BCBA certification as the foundation, so the coursework and fieldwork you complete in Maryland transfers. You'll need to apply separately for D.C. or Virginia licensure, but the process is straightforward for BCBA holders. Many Maryland-based BCBAs hold licenses in multiple jurisdictions.
Mount St. Mary's is the better choice if you need online flexibility or can't attend late-afternoon classes in Baltimore. At $720/credit, it's also more affordable than UMBC's out-of-state rate. However, UMBC's Kennedy Krieger partnership provides clinical training that's nearly impossible to replicate elsewhere. If you can attend in person and want the strongest clinical preparation, UMBC is the clear pick.