Last updated: March 9, 2026

Accredited ABA Programs in Michigan (2026)

Michigan is home to Western Michigan University's legendary behavior analysis department — one of the oldest and most respected in the country — plus strong programs at Michigan State, Wayne State, and UM-Dearborn. Here's everything you need to know about BCBA preparation, licensure, and salaries in Michigan.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

Accredited ABA Programs in Michigan (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Western Michigan University is a pillar of the behavior analysis field — its ABAI-accredited M.A. program renewed full accreditation in 2025 for seven years, making it the most established ABA program in the state.
  • Michigan State University offers a hybrid M.A. in ABA & Autism Spectrum Disorders (30 credits, $933/credit) — combining online coursework with evening on-campus sessions in East Lansing for students who want face-to-face learning without giving up their day jobs.
  • Wayne State University delivers a fully online M.S. in ABA focused on autism treatment across 40 credit hours in five consecutive semesters — with flat tuition regardless of residency.
  • Michigan requires state licensure through LARA (Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts) on top of BACB certification — with unique requirements including 2 hours of implicit bias training and a one-time human trafficking identification course.
  • BCBA-certified behavior analysts in Michigan earn a median of approximately $79,000–$86,000 across salary sources, with healthcare settings topping out at $87,000+ median — solid earnings given Michigan's affordable cost of living.

Michigan has an outsized legacy in behavior analysis. Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo has been training behavior analysts for decades and holds full ABAI accreditation renewed in 2025 for seven years — its M.A. and Ph.D. programs are widely regarded as among the most rigorous in the country.

For students who can't relocate to Kalamazoo, Michigan offers strong alternatives. Michigan State's hybrid M.A. blends online coursework with evening on-campus sessions, Wayne State in Detroit offers a fully online 40-credit M.S., and UM-Dearborn provides a 36-credit program with the University of Michigan name and research infrastructure.

All practicing behavior analysts in Michigan must hold licensure through LARA's Board of Behavior Analysts, which requires BCBA certification plus unique state mandates including implicit bias training and human trafficking awareness. These additional requirements reflect Michigan's emphasis on culturally responsive practice.

ABAI-Accredited & Top ABA Degrees in Michigan

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
Western Michigan University — M.A. in Behavior Analysis $667/credit (~$30,015 total, 45 credits) On-campus 2 years ABAI-Accredited (renewed 2025, 7 years); BACB-Aligned
Michigan State University — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis & ASD (Hybrid) $933/credit (~$27,990 total, 30 credits) Hybrid (online + evening on-campus) 2–2.5 years BACB-Aligned
Wayne State University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) $796/credit (~$31,840 total, 40 credits) Fully online 5 consecutive semesters (~20 months) BACB-Aligned
University of Michigan-Dearborn — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis $909/credit (~$32,724 total, 36 credits) On-campus (full- or part-time) 2 years BACB-Aligned; pursuing ABAI Tiered Model recognition

Western Michigan University — M.A. in Behavior Analysis

Kalamazoo

In-State Tuition

$667/credit (~$30,015 total, 45 credits)

Out-of-State

$1,270/credit (~$57,150 total)

Format

On-campus

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours

Concentrations

Behavior Analysis — developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance abuse, education, organizational behavior

  • Full ABAI accreditation renewed in 2025 for seven years — the strongest accreditation outcome possible
  • One of the oldest and most respected behavior analysis programs in the country
  • Department of Psychology houses both M.A. and Ph.D. programs — research depth is unmatched in Michigan
  • Training covers a wide range of applications: developmental disabilities, mental health, substance abuse, organizational behavior
  • ABAI-verified course sequence ensures seamless BCBA exam eligibility
  • Application deadline: January 15 for fall admission — plan early
Visit Program Website → GRE: Required · Min GPA: 3.0

Michigan State University — M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis & ASD (Hybrid)

East Lansing (Hybrid)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$933/credit (~$27,990 total, 30 credits)

Out-of-State

$933/credit (~$27,990 total)

Format

Hybrid (online + evening on-campus)

Full-Time

2–2.5 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Spectrum Disorders — autism-focused clinical training

  • Hybrid format: most coursework online, with on-campus evening sessions in East Lansing
  • Autism spectrum disorders specialization — targeted training for the highest-demand ABA population
  • 30-credit program — fewer credits than WMU while meeting all BACB coursework requirements
  • Small cohort format with individualized mentorship from BCBA-credentialed faculty
  • MSU's College of Education ranks among the top 25 nationally — strong institutional reputation
  • Flat tuition rate regardless of residency — $933/credit for all students
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Wayne State University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)

Detroit (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$796/credit (~$31,840 total, 40 credits)

Out-of-State

$796/credit (~$31,840 total)

Format

Fully online

Full-Time

5 consecutive semesters (~20 months)

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — autism treatment, behavioral assessment, intervention design

  • Fully online with flat tuition regardless of residency — accessible to students nationwide
  • Structured 5-semester format — cohort-based for consistent pacing and peer support
  • Focus on autism treatment aligns with the highest-demand area of ABA practice
  • Wayne State's Detroit location connects online students to urban clinical placement options
  • 40-credit program includes extensive practicum preparation beyond minimum BACB requirements
  • R1 research university — access to Wayne State's behavioral research infrastructure
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

University of Michigan-Dearborn — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis

Dearborn

In-State Tuition

$909/credit (~$32,724 total, 36 credits)

Out-of-State

$1,640/credit (~$59,040 total)

Format

On-campus (full- or part-time)

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — BCBA preparation, behavioral assessment, intervention

  • University of Michigan name and research infrastructure at a more accessible price point
  • Actively pursuing ABAI Tiered Model of Education recognition — program quality on the rise
  • 36-credit program — efficient path to BCBA eligibility
  • Full- or part-time enrollment options accommodate working professionals
  • Located in Dearborn — close to Detroit's diverse ABA employer network
  • Starting 2025-26, restructured tuition provides consistent per-credit rates across all graduate programs
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Michigan LBA Licensure Through LARA

Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)

Issued by: Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts (under LARA — Licensing and Regulatory Affairs)

  • Current, valid BCBA certification from the BACB (or BCaBA for assistant level)
  • Proof of certification submitted directly from BACB to LARA by email or mail
  • Demonstration of English language proficiency (typically met through English-taught graduate program)
  • 2 hours of implicit bias training completed within 5 years preceding licensure
  • Application through LARA's MiPLUS online licensing system
  • Criminal background check

Renewal

Biennial renewal. Continuing education requirements per BACB standards. One-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking required (starting with 2023 renewal cycle and all renewals thereafter).

Visit Licensing Board →

BCBA & Behavior Analyst Earnings in Michigan

BLS Median

$56,230

Entry Level

$40,000–$50,000

Experienced

$75,000–$90,000 (BCBA-certified, Detroit/Grand Rapids metros)

Top Earners

$95,000–$120,000+ (clinical directors, healthcare settings)

The BLS median for the broader behavioral health counselor category in Michigan is approximately $56,230, but BCBA-specific salaries are significantly higher. Multiple salary sources report Michigan BCBA medians of $79,000–$86,000, with the healthcare industry paying a median of $87,000+. Michigan's affordable cost of living — particularly compared to coastal states — means these salaries translate to strong purchasing power. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor are the primary metro markets for ABA positions.

ABA Careers in Detroit, Grand Rapids & Across Michigan

BLS Employment

11,870

Projected Growth

19% nationally through 2034

Top Employers

Hopebridge, Behavioral Innovations, BSCI (Behavioral Services of Central Illinois), Centria Autism, Trumpet Behavioral Health, Beaumont Health

Michigan's ABA job market is concentrated in the Detroit metro area but growing across the state. Centria Autism, headquartered in Michigan, is one of the largest ABA providers in the country and a major local employer. National providers like Hopebridge have expanded aggressively into Michigan, and health systems like Beaumont Health employ BCBAs in integrated care settings. Michigan's insurance mandate for autism coverage ensures steady demand for ABA services, and the state's emphasis on culturally responsive practice (reflected in the implicit bias training requirement) makes Michigan-trained BCBAs well-prepared for diverse clinical populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

WMU's 45-credit M.A. is more credits than Michigan State (30) or UM-Dearborn (36), but you're getting full ABAI accreditation — the gold standard. WMU's program was renewed for the maximum seven years in 2025, and its decades-long reputation in behavior analysis gives graduates a credential recognized nationwide. If you're planning a research career or doctoral study, WMU's depth is particularly valuable. For students primarily seeking BCBA certification with a shorter timeline, MSU or Wayne State may be more efficient.
Michigan requires two additional trainings that most states don't: 2 hours of implicit bias training (within 5 years before licensure) and a one-time human trafficking identification course (required for renewal). Both reflect Michigan's emphasis on culturally responsive and ethically aware practice. The license itself is issued through LARA's MiPLUS system and requires active BCBA certification.
Wayne State University offers a fully online M.S. in ABA (40 credits, flat tuition). Michigan State is hybrid with most coursework online and some evening on-campus sessions. Western Michigan and UM-Dearborn are on-campus only. All programs require in-person supervised fieldwork hours (1,500+) regardless of coursework format.
Michigan BCBA salaries ($79,000–$86,000 median) are competitive with Ohio ($65,000–$80,000) and slightly below Illinois ($75,000–$95,000 in Chicago). However, Michigan's cost of living is substantially lower than Illinois, making the real purchasing power comparable. Detroit and Grand Rapids offer the strongest salary markets within the state.
Michigan State's M.A. in ABA & Autism Spectrum Disorders is explicitly focused on autism populations. Wayne State's online program also emphasizes autism treatment. WMU covers autism but within a broader behavioral analysis framework that includes developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and organizational behavior.