Best ABA Programs in Massachusetts (2026)
The top accredited Applied Behavior Analysis programs in Massachusetts — the birthplace of modern behavior analysis — with tuition, ABAI accreditation, BCBA certification paths, LABA licensure requirements, and behavior analyst salary data for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts has 15+ ABA master's programs, including Simmons University — the first master's program in New England to earn ABAI accreditation, with a 78% online BCBA pass rate (2024) versus the 54% national average.
- Public university options are remarkably affordable: Westfield State costs approximately $553/credit (~$19,908 total), and UMass Lowell charges $600/credit (~$23,400 total) for its ABA and Autism Studies program.
- Massachusetts requires Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) status through the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health. BCBA certification is required, plus a mandatory domestic and sexual violence training course before application.
- Massachusetts is the intellectual birthplace of behavior analysis — B.F. Skinner developed operant conditioning at Harvard, and the New England Center for Children (NECC) pioneered ABA-based autism treatment. This legacy means deep institutional expertise and an established professional community.
- Behavior analysts in Massachusetts earn a BLS median of $59,030 under the broader category, but BCBA-specific salaries average $85,000–$111,000+ according to employer data — among the highest in the nation.
Massachusetts holds a unique position in the world of Applied Behavior Analysis: it's where the science was born. B.F. Skinner developed the foundational principles of operant conditioning at Harvard University, and the state's New England Center for Children (NECC) was among the first organizations to apply behavioral science to autism treatment at scale. This legacy means Massachusetts has deeper institutional expertise, more established ABA programs, and a more mature professional community than almost any other state.
For students looking at ABA master's programs in Massachusetts, the options range from ABAI-accredited programs at Simmons University and Salem State University to affordable public university options at Westfield State, UMass Lowell, and UMass Dartmouth. Northeastern University — which created one of the nation's first ABA master's degrees in 1976 — now offers a fully online program. The Boston metro area alone has more ABA programs within commuting distance than most entire states.
For ABA bachelor's programs in Massachusetts, dedicated undergraduate degrees in ABA are less common, but several universities offer psychology bachelor's degrees with ABA coursework and certificate add-ons that prepare students for BCaBA certification or graduate ABA study.
Best ABA Programs in Massachusetts — Accredited Master's & Bachelor's Degrees
All 9 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simmons University — M.S. in Behavior Analysis | ~$1,100/credit (42 credits online; 40 credits on-campus) | On-campus or fully online | |
| 2 | Salem State University — M.S. in Behavior Analysis | $689/credit (~$24,804 total in-state, 36 credits) | On-campus | |
| 3 | Northeastern University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | $1,200/credit (~$36,000 total, 30 credits) | Fully online | |
| 4 | Westfield State University — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis | $553/credit (~$19,908 total, 36 credits) | On-campus | |
| 5 | UMass Lowell — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies | $600/credit (~$23,400 total, 39 credits) | On-campus and online options | |
| 6 | William James College — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis | $1,045/credit (private, flat rate) | On-campus and online | |
| 7 | Endicott College — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | $643/credit + $1,000 ABA tool fee (~$26,720 total, 40 credits) | On-campus | |
| 8 | Bay Path University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis | $648/credit (private, flat rate) | Fully online | |
| 9 | Assumption University — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis | ~$900/credit (private) | On-campus |
Simmons University — M.S. in Behavior Analysis
In-State
~$1,100/credit (42 credits online; 40 credits on-campus)
Out-of-State
~$1,100/credit (42 credits online; 40 credits on-campus)
Length
2 years (40–42 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- First master's program in New England to earn ABAI accreditation — gold standard
- 78% online first-time BCBA exam pass rate (2024) — far above the 54% national average
- Both on-campus (Boston, thesis required) and fully online delivery options
- On-campus program: 40 credits with thesis research; Online: 42 credits
- Faculty includes internationally recognized behavior analysis researchers
- Located in the Fenway area of Boston — heart of Massachusetts' academic community
Salem State University — M.S. in Behavior Analysis
In-State
$689/credit (~$24,804 total in-state, 36 credits)
Out-of-State
$1,244/credit (~$44,784 total, 36 credits)
Length
2 years (36 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- ABAI-accredited program recognized as one of the 20 best ABA master's in the U.S.
- Exceptional return on investment among ABAI-accredited programs — affordable public university
- 36-credit program — fewer credits than many competitors, reducing total cost and time
- North Shore location 30 minutes from Boston with strong local ABA employer connections
- DegreeChoices.com ranks it among the top ABA programs nationally for ROI
- Small cohort model with dedicated faculty mentorship
Northeastern University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
$1,200/credit (~$36,000 total, 30 credits)
Out-of-State
$1,200/credit (~$36,000 total, 30 credits)
Length
20 months (30 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (optional additional 4 credits for supervision)
Concentrations
- One of the first ABA master's programs in the nation — created in 1976, fully online since 2013
- 30-credit program completable in 20 months — efficient and focused
- Optional 4 additional credits for supervised experience through Northeastern
- Northeastern's strong employer reputation and professional network
- Lifespan approach — training spans children through adults across diverse settings
- Flat tuition regardless of residency — $36,000 total
Westfield State University — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
$553/credit (~$19,908 total, 36 credits)
Out-of-State
~$900/credit (~$32,400 total)
Length
2 years (36 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- Most affordable ABA master's in Massachusetts for in-state students — ~$19,908 total
- 36-credit program — streamlined curriculum focused on BCBA preparation
- Fifth-year program option for Westfield State undergrads — seamless bachelor's-to-master's pipeline
- Western Massachusetts location with lower cost of living than Greater Boston
- Small program with personalized attention and close faculty relationships
- Public university affordability with strong practitioner-focused training
UMass Lowell — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies
In-State
$600/credit (~$23,400 total, 39 credits)
Out-of-State
~$1,100/credit (~$42,900 total)
Length
2 years (39 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- Unique dual focus on ABA and autism studies — broader than standard ABA-only curricula
- Part of the UMass system — recognized research university brand
- Both on-campus and online delivery options for flexibility
- 39-credit program with comprehensive coverage of assessment, intervention, and research methods
- Lowell campus is 30 miles northwest of Boston — affordable alternative to Boston-based programs
- Strong connections to Massachusetts ABA providers for practicum placements
William James College — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
$1,045/credit (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$1,045/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
1–2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- $10,000 ABA Positive Outcomes Scholarship available to all applicants — significant cost reduction
- Specialized psychology graduate school — all programs are behavioral and mental health focused
- Located in Newton, just minutes from downtown Boston
- Both on-campus and online delivery options
- Certificate program also available for professionals who need BCBA coursework only
- Strong clinical training emphasis with practicum placements across Greater Boston
Endicott College — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
$643/credit + $1,000 ABA tool fee (~$26,720 total, 40 credits)
Out-of-State
$643/credit + $1,000 ABA tool fee (~$26,720 total)
Length
2 years (40 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- Five unique concentration options — more specialization choices than any other Massachusetts program
- OBM (Organizational Behavior Management) concentration — rare specialization for corporate/consulting careers
- On-campus, fully online, and hybrid delivery — maximum flexibility
- Beverly location on the North Shore — 25 miles from Boston
- Institute for Applied Behavioral Science houses all ABA programs under one roof
- Also offers M.Ed. programs combining Special Education with ABA certification
Bay Path University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
$648/credit (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$648/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
2 years (48 credits)
Field Hours
2,000 supervised fieldwork hours (102+ hours of supervision included)
Concentrations
- 83% first-time BCBA exam pass rate — well above the 54% national average
- Integrated supervision: 102+ hours of qualified supervision included in program — no need to find your own supervisor
- 2,000 fieldwork hours built into the program — exceeds the minimum 1,500 requirement
- Three start dates per year (January, May, September) — flexible enrollment
- Fully online with all supervision coordinated through the program
- Recognized among the best online ABA master's programs nationally
Assumption University — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
~$900/credit (private)
Out-of-State
~$900/credit (private)
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- Meets BCBA Pathway 1 requirements — the most direct route to certification
- Worcester location — second-largest city in New England with strong ABA employer network
- Small private university with personalized mentorship and small class sizes
- Graduates eligible to sit for BCBA exam immediately upon completion
- Central Massachusetts location between Boston and Springfield
Massachusetts Behavior Analyst Licensure Requirements (LABA)
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions (BRAMHHSP)
Massachusetts requires behavior analysts to hold a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) credential through the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions (BRAMHHSP). The board uses the BACB's BCBA exam as the examination requirement — there is no separate Massachusetts state exam.
A unique Massachusetts requirement: you must complete a board-approved training course in domestic and sexual violence before applying for licensure. This free online training is an additional step beyond what most states require. Applications are submitted through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health eLicensing System.
Massachusetts also offers licensure at the assistant level (Licensed Assistant Applied Behavior Analyst) for individuals with BCaBA certification. Both license types are governed by 262 CMR 10.00, which outlines all requirements for practice, continuing education, and professional conduct.
Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst
Independent practice of applied behavior analysis — assessment, treatment design, supervision
Hours
1,500
Duration
Associate
Exam: BCBA Exam (BACB) — no separate Massachusetts exam
Licensed Assistant Applied Behavior Analyst
Practice of ABA under LABA supervision — implement and monitor treatment plans
Hours
1,000
Duration
Associate
Exam: BCaBA Exam (BACB) — no separate Massachusetts exam
Massachusetts does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states. If you hold active BCBA certification, you can apply for a Massachusetts LABA license through the BRAMHHSP. There is no separate state exam, but you must complete the mandatory domestic and sexual violence training course (free, available online) before applying. Processing times vary — plan accordingly if relocating to Massachusetts for employment.
Behavior Analyst Salary in Massachusetts
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Massachusetts offers some of the highest BCBA salaries in the nation, particularly in the Greater Boston area. The BLS May 2024 data below shows the broader behavioral health counselor category near the national median, but BCBA-specific salaries in Massachusetts are significantly higher — averaging $85,000–$111,000+ according to employer-reported data. Massachusetts does have a 5% flat state income tax, which is moderate compared to neighboring states.
Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselors (incl. Behavior Analysts)
National median: $59,190
Top metro: $60,780 (Boston-Cambridge-Newton)
BCBA-Certified Professionals (employer-reported)
National median: $78,000
Top metro: $111,570 (Greater Boston)
RBT / Behavior Technicians (employer-reported)
National median: $37,800
Massachusetts ABA Job Market and Workforce Demand
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Massachusetts has one of the deepest and most established ABA professional communities in the country, rooted in the state's foundational role in the development of behavior analysis as a science and clinical discipline. The New England Center for Children (NECC), founded in 1975, pioneered ABA-based autism treatment and remains one of the largest and most respected ABA organizations nationally. The Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavior Analysis (MassABA) serves as the professional organization for the state's behavior analyst community.
The Greater Boston metro area has a particularly dense concentration of ABA employers, including NECC, May Institute, Melmark New England, Advocates, Autism Spectrum Therapies, Trumpet Behavioral Health, and numerous school districts and hospital systems that employ behavior analysts. Worcester, Springfield, and the Western Massachusetts corridor also have growing ABA employer networks.
Massachusetts's insurance mandate requires coverage for ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder, creating sustained demand for credentialed providers. The state's high concentration of universities producing ABA graduates is partially offset by the equally high demand, meaning the job market remains strong for qualified BCBAs — particularly in community-based and school settings.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Behavior analysts at public school districts, NECC, May Institute, and other nonprofit ABA providers in Massachusetts qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments.
Massachusetts State Loan Repayment Program — Massachusetts offers loan repayment assistance for mental health professionals working in underserved areas, which may include behavior analysts depending on placement.
Public University Affordability — Westfield State (~$19,908 total) and UMass Lowell (~$23,400 total) offer in-state rates that significantly reduce the need for loans compared to private university options.
William James College ABA Scholarship — All applicants are automatically considered for a $10,000 Positive Outcomes Scholarship, which can substantially reduce program costs.
How to Choose the Best ABA Program in Massachusetts
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Massachusetts has one of the highest concentrations of ABA programs in the country, particularly in the Greater Boston area. Your choice depends on accreditation priorities, format preferences, budget, and career goals.
If you want the best-accredited ABA program in Massachusetts: Simmons University and Salem State University both hold full ABAI accreditation. Simmons offers both on-campus (thesis track) and fully online options; Salem State is on-campus with strong ROI recognition.
If you want the cheapest ABA master's in Massachusetts: Westfield State is the most affordable at ~$19,908 total for in-state students (36 credits at $553/credit). UMass Lowell (~$23,400) and Salem State (~$24,804 in-state) are also competitive.
If you want an online ABA master's in Massachusetts: Simmons (ABAI-accredited, 42 credits online), Northeastern ($36,000 total, 30 credits), Bay Path (83% BCBA pass rate, fully online with integrated supervision), and UMass Lowell all offer online delivery.
If you want the highest BCBA pass rate: Bay Path leads at 83% first-time pass rate. Simmons online is 78%. Both are significantly above the 54% national average. Bay Path includes 102+ hours of supervision in the program — a unique advantage.
If you want the most specialization options: Endicott College offers five distinct concentrations (Autism, Mental Health, OBM, Severe Disabilities, Special Education) — more than any other Massachusetts program.
If you're in Greater Boston: Simmons, Northeastern, William James College (Newton), Endicott (Beverly), and Salem State (Salem) are all within commuting distance. Choose based on accreditation level, format, and budget.
If you're in Western Massachusetts: Westfield State (most affordable) and Bay Path University (online with high pass rate) serve the Springfield/Pioneer Valley corridor.
If you want the fastest program: Northeastern's 30-credit online M.S. can be completed in 20 months. Simmons and William James College also offer accelerated timelines.
Related Pages
Best Online ABA Programs
National ranking of the top online ABA master's programs
BCBA Career Guide
What BCBAs actually do day-to-day
BCBA Salary Data
Salary data by state, experience, and employer type
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ABA Programs by State
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Sources
- ABAI — Verified Course Sequence Directory
- BACB — Verified Course Sequences
- BACB — Certificant Data and Exam Pass Rates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024
- BACB — U.S. Licensure of Behavior Analysts by State
- Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions
- 262 CMR 10.00 — Requirements for Licensure as an Applied Behavior Analyst
- NCES College Navigator — U.S. Department of Education