Last updated: March 9, 2026

ABA Programs in Montana (2026)

Montana's only in-state ABA master's program — MSU Billings' formerly ABAI-accredited degree — has been on moratorium since April 2024. Here's what that means for aspiring BCBAs in Big Sky Country, how licensure works through the Board of Psychologists, and which online programs fill the gap.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

ABA Programs in Montana (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Montana State University Billings' M.S. in Special Education with ABA emphasis has been on moratorium since April 24, 2024 — the program is not enrolling new students and no timeline for resuming has been announced.
  • Before the moratorium, MSU Billings held ABAI accreditation — one of only about 20 accredited ABA master's programs worldwide — making its closure a significant loss for the state.
  • Montana requires behavior analyst licensure through the Board of Psychologists — with BCBA certification, background check, and annual renewal by December 31 with 10 CEUs per year (including 1 hour of ethics).
  • With no active in-state program, Montana residents must pursue online ABA master's degrees from accredited out-of-state universities — affordable options include MSU ($558/credit), UCO ($292/credit), and USU ($488/credit).
  • Montana's estimated BLS median of approximately $52,000 for behavioral health counselors is below the national average — but the state's low cost of living and acute rural shortages create strong demand.

Montana State University Billings' ABA program was a genuine standout — the M.S. in Special Education with an Advanced Studies Option in Applied Behavior Analysis held ABAI accreditation, placing it among roughly 20 accredited ABA master's programs worldwide. The program was placed on moratorium effective April 24, 2024, and both the master's degree and the graduate certificate in ABA have suspended enrollment. No timeline for resuming has been publicly announced.

This leaves Montana without an active in-state ABA graduate program. Aspiring BCBAs in the state now rely entirely on online programs from accredited out-of-state universities. Strong options include Mississippi State ($558/credit with in-state rates for everyone), the University of Central Oklahoma ($292/credit), Utah State ($488/credit), and Marshall University ($378/credit). All accept Montana students and allow fieldwork to be completed at local supervised sites.

Montana does require behavior analyst licensure, administered by the Board of Psychologists under the Department of Labor and Industry. The license requires BCBA certification, a background check with fingerprints, and a $450 application fee. Uniquely among states, Montana requires annual renewal by December 31 — not biennial — with 10 continuing education credits per year including at least 1 hour of ethics.

MSU Billings on Moratorium — What Happened & What's Next

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
Montana State University Billings — M.S. in Special Education, ABA Emphasis (ON MORATORIUM) Program not enrolling — contact MSU Billings for updates On moratorium — not accepting students Program not enrolling Formerly ABAI-Accredited; BACB-Aligned (program on moratorium since April 2024)

Montana State University Billings — M.S. in Special Education, ABA Emphasis (ON MORATORIUM)

Billings

In-State Tuition

Program not enrolling — contact MSU Billings for updates

Out-of-State

Program not enrolling — contact MSU Billings for updates

Format

On moratorium — not accepting students

Full-Time

Program not enrolling

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (when program was active)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — behavioral assessment, intervention, ethical practice, special education applications (when active)

  • ON MORATORIUM since April 24, 2024 — not enrolling new students
  • Previously held ABAI accreditation — one of ~20 accredited ABA master's programs worldwide
  • College of Education — Department of Educational Theory and Practice
  • Graduate certificate in ABA also on moratorium
  • Contact MSU Billings admissions (406-657-2888) for updates on program status
  • When active, was Montana's only in-state ABA graduate program
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Board of Psychologists License — Annual Renewal with 10 CEUs

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Issued by: Montana Board of Psychologists — Department of Labor and Industry

  • Current BCBA certification from the BACB in good standing
  • Master's degree with coursework consistent with BACB requirements
  • Completed application to the Board of Psychologists with $450 application fee
  • Fingerprint-based criminal background check
  • Attestation to professional and ethical requirements recognized by the BACB
  • Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst credential available for BCaBA holders ($200 application fee)
  • Montana regulates behavior analysts under the Board of Psychologists (MCA Title 37, Chapter 17)

Renewal

Annual renewal by December 31 — all Montana behavior analyst licenses expire each year. Must maintain BACB certification in active status. 10 continuing education credits required per calendar year, including at least 1 hour of ethics. Late renewal incurs an additional $200 fee (total $400 for assistant behavior analysts).

Visit Licensing Board →

Behavior Analyst Pay in Billings, Missoula & Rural Montana

BLS Median

$52,000

Entry Level

$34,000–$42,000

Experienced

$50,000–$68,000 (BCBA-certified, Billings and Missoula)

Top Earners

$72,000–$92,000+ (clinical directors, telehealth serving rural areas, private practice)

Montana's estimated BLS median of approximately $52,000 for the broader behavioral health counselor category is below the national average of $59,190. However, Montana has one of the lowest costs of living in the country — particularly outside the Bozeman area — which substantially increases purchasing power. Billings is the largest city and drives the most ABA positions. Missoula and Great Falls have smaller but growing markets. Bozeman's rapid population growth is creating new demand. Rural Montana faces acute behavioral health shortages, and BCBAs willing to serve remote communities through telehealth or in-person services command premium rates and may access loan repayment programs.

ABA in Big Sky Country: Rural Shortages & Telehealth Growth

BLS Employment

1,650

Projected Growth

19% nationally through 2034; Montana growth likely higher due to workforce shortage and population growth

Top Employers

Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare, Community Medical Center (Missoula), Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, school districts

Montana's ABA workforce is small and stretched across the fourth-largest state by area. Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare (now SCL Health) are the largest healthcare employers in eastern Montana. Community Medical Center serves the Missoula area. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services employs behavioral health professionals statewide. School districts increasingly seek BCBAs for behavioral support roles — particularly in larger districts like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls. The state's enormous rural areas face severe behavioral health shortages. Telehealth is transforming ABA access in communities that are hours from the nearest BCBA. The loss of MSU Billings' program exacerbates recruitment challenges, as the state no longer produces locally trained BCBAs — making recruitment from out-of-state or online program graduates essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSU Billings has not publicly detailed the specific reasons for the moratorium, which took effect April 24, 2024. Both the M.S. in Special Education with ABA emphasis and the graduate certificate were suspended simultaneously. This is significant because MSU Billings held ABAI accreditation — a distinction shared by roughly 20 ABA master's programs worldwide. Contact MSU Billings admissions at 406-657-2888 or [email protected] for the latest updates on if and when the program will resume.
With no active in-state program, online options are the primary path. Cost-effective programs include Mississippi State ($558/credit, in-state for everyone), UCO ($292/credit), Utah State ($488/credit), and Marshall University ($378/credit online). All accept Montana students and allow fieldwork at local supervised sites. Consider whether you want ABAI accreditation (which narrows the field but strengthens credentials) or the most affordable option. Montana's Board of Psychologists accepts BCBA certification from any qualifying program.
Most states with behavior analyst licensure use biennial (every two years) renewal cycles. Montana is unusual in requiring annual renewal by December 31 through the Board of Psychologists. You need 10 CEUs per calendar year (including 1 hour of ethics) — compared to the BACB's 32 CEUs per two-year cycle. This means Montana's CE requirements (20 per two years) are less than the BACB's 32, but the annual deadline creates more frequent administrative requirements.
If you're providing ABA services to Montana clients, you need a Montana behavior analyst license regardless of your physical location. Montana's Board of Psychologists regulates the practice of behavior analysis within the state. If you're a Montana-licensed BCBA, telehealth is an increasingly viable way to serve rural communities — many Montana communities are hours from the nearest in-person BCBA, making telehealth a critical access tool.
Montana has genuine advantages despite the MSU Billings moratorium. The state's acute behavioral health shortages mean less competition and strong demand. Cost of living is low, so even moderate BCBA salaries go further. Rural positions may offer signing bonuses, loan repayment, and other recruitment incentives. Bozeman's rapid growth is creating new ABA demand in a desirable location. And Montana's Board of Psychologists provides formal state licensure — giving Montana BCBAs a professional framework that some neighboring states lack.