Last updated: March 9, 2026

ABA Programs in Missouri (2026)

Missouri's two University of Missouri system programs — UMSL in St. Louis and Mizzou in Columbia — both pair strong ABA curricula with the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. Here's how they differ, what licensure requires, and where behavior analysts earn the most.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

ABA Programs in Missouri (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • UMSL offers an ABAI-approved 39-credit M.S. in ABA — the only ABAI-approved program in Missouri — featuring 10 credits of practicum, a required thesis, and ~$500/credit for in-state students (~$19,500 total).
  • University of Missouri (Mizzou) delivers a 36-credit M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis at approximately $453/credit online (~$16,308 total) — with access to the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment for clinical placements.
  • Both Missouri programs require a thesis research project — distinguishing them from many ABA programs nationally and producing graduates with stronger research competencies.
  • Missouri licenses behavior analysts through the Division of Professional Registration — with a unique requirement of 2 hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management training for both initial licensure and renewal.
  • The St. Louis and Kansas City metros drive Missouri's ABA job market — BCBA-certified professionals earn $62,000–$80,000 with low Midwest cost of living amplifying purchasing power.

Missouri's ABA education is dominated by the University of Missouri system, with two distinct programs serving different student populations. UMSL's M.S. in ABA is the state's flagship — ABAI-approved with a rigorous 39-credit curriculum that includes 10 credits of practicum experience and a required thesis. It's a two-year program with courses taught by Ph.D. and master's-level BCBAs.

Mizzou's program in Columbia offers a 36-credit M.S. with particular strength in research — also requiring a thesis while providing access to the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, one of the Midwest's premier autism research and clinical facilities. Mizzou's online tuition of approximately $453/credit (flat rate regardless of residency) makes it the more affordable option.

Missouri's licensing framework through the Division of Professional Registration is notable for its suicide prevention training requirement — 2 hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management training for both initial licensure and each biennial renewal. Applications now go through the MOPRO system as of January 2025. Both St. Louis and Kansas City offer strong ABA employment markets with Midwest cost-of-living advantages.

UMSL & Mizzou: Missouri's Two Research-Focused ABA Programs

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
University of Missouri–St. Louis — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis $500/credit (~$19,500 total, 39 credits) On-campus (cohort model) 2 years ABAI-Approved; BACB-Aligned
University of Missouri — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Columbia) $453/credit online (~$16,308 total, 36 credits) Online and on-campus options 2 years BACB-Aligned

University of Missouri–St. Louis — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis

St. Louis

In-State Tuition

$500/credit (~$19,500 total, 39 credits)

Out-of-State

$800–$900/credit (~$31,200–$35,100 total)

Format

On-campus (cohort model)

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

10 credits of practicum experience integrated into the 39-credit program

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — practicum experience, thesis research, behavioral assessment, ethical practice

  • Only ABAI-approved ABA program in Missouri — the gold standard credential
  • 39-credit curriculum includes 10 credits of hands-on practicum and 6 credits of thesis research
  • Courses taught by Ph.D. and master's-level BCBAs with extensive clinical and practical experience
  • Partnerships with the Thompson Center, school districts, clinics, and hospitals across Missouri for fieldwork
  • Cohort-based model ensures consistent peer support and timely graduation
  • Fall-only admission — apply by July 1 (domestic) or May 1 (international)
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

University of Missouri — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Columbia)

Columbia

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$453/credit online (~$16,308 total, 36 credits)

Out-of-State

$453/credit online (~$16,308 total, flat rate)

Format

Online and on-campus options

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

Supervised fieldwork through Thompson Center and partner agencies

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — behavioral research, intervention design, thesis project, Thompson Center clinical access

  • Flat $453/credit online tuition regardless of residency — ~$16,308 total, one of the cheapest options in the Midwest
  • Access to the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment — a premier Midwest autism research facility
  • Required thesis research project develops analytical skills beyond standard ABA programs
  • 36-credit curriculum is slightly more efficient than UMSL's 39 credits while meeting all BACB requirements
  • Mizzou brand recognition — flagship University of Missouri campus
  • Over 70% of graduate students qualify for financial aid with average packages of $20,307/year
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Missouri Behavior Analyst License via MOPRO

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Issued by: Missouri Division of Professional Registration — Behavior Analyst Advisory Board

  • Current BCBA certification from the BACB in good standing
  • Master's degree in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field
  • Fingerprint-based background check
  • 2 hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management training (required since August 2018)
  • Application through MOPRO — Missouri's online licensing system (launched January 2025)
  • Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst credential available for BCaBA holders

Renewal

Biennial renewal. Must maintain BCBA certification and complete at least 2 hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management training each renewal cycle. Continuing education per BACB standards.

Visit Licensing Board →

BCBA Earnings in St. Louis, Kansas City & Columbia

BLS Median

$48,530

Entry Level

$35,000–$42,000

Experienced

$62,000–$80,000 (BCBA-certified, St. Louis and Kansas City metros)

Top Earners

$85,000–$110,000+ (clinical directors, Thompson Center roles, private practice)

Missouri's BLS median of approximately $48,530 for the broader behavioral health counselor category reflects the state's lower overall wage structure — not weak BCBA demand. BCBA-certified professionals in St. Louis and Kansas City typically earn $62,000–$80,000, which goes significantly further in Missouri than equivalent salaries in coastal cities. Missouri's cost of living is approximately 15–20% below the national average, making a $70,000 BCBA salary equivalent to $85,000+ in Chicago or $90,000+ in D.C. in real purchasing power. Columbia salaries tend to be slightly lower but benefit from an extremely low cost of living.

ABA Employment Across Missouri's Two Major Metros

BLS Employment

7,890

Projected Growth

19% nationally through 2034

Top Employers

Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, SSM Health, Mercy Health, Behavior Analysis Center for Autism, Judevine Center for Autism

Missouri's ABA job market splits between its two major metros. St. Louis benefits from SSM Health, Mercy Health, and a network of autism-focused clinics, while Kansas City — straddling the Missouri/Kansas border — provides access to employers in both states. The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment in Columbia is a regional draw for BCBAs interested in research-clinical hybrid roles. The Judevine Center for Autism, based in St. Louis, is one of Missouri's oldest and most established ABA providers. Missouri's suicide prevention CE requirement reflects the state's broader behavioral health focus, and the licensing framework provides a stable environment for career development.

Frequently Asked Questions

UMSL holds ABAI approval and offers a more intensive 39-credit program with 10 practicum credits — ideal if you want the strongest credential and are near St. Louis. Mizzou is 36 credits with flat online tuition at $453/credit regardless of residency — better for out-of-state students or those seeking maximum affordability. Both require a thesis, which is unusual among ABA programs.
Since August 2018, Missouri requires at least 2 hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management training for both initial licensure and each biennial renewal. This requirement recognizes that behavior analysts — particularly those working with individuals with developmental disabilities and autism — may encounter clients at risk. The training ensures BCBAs can recognize warning signs and make appropriate referrals.
The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri is one of the Midwest's premier autism research and clinical facilities. Both UMSL and Mizzou students can access the Thompson Center for practicum placements, giving them clinical exposure to cutting-edge autism assessment and intervention. This partnership distinguishes Missouri's ABA programs from many competitors.
Not automatically. Kansas and Missouri have separate licensing requirements, and you'll need to apply for Kansas licensure independently. However, if you live in the Kansas City metro (which straddles both states), holding licenses in both states significantly expands your job market. Both states require BCBA certification as the foundation, so your coursework and fieldwork transfers — you just need to complete each state's application process.
As of January 2025, all behavior analyst license applications and renewals in Missouri go through MOPRO — the state's new online professional registration system. This replaces the previous application process. You'll create an account, submit your BCBA certification documentation, fingerprint-based background check, and suicide prevention training verification through the portal.