Last updated: March 9, 2026

ABA Programs in Nevada (2026)

The University of Nevada, Reno is one of the pioneering ABA programs in American higher education — now with ABAI accreditation, an online option, and the Global Institute for Behavior Analysis. UNLV adds a Las Vegas-based alternative. Here's what each offers and what licensure requires.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

ABA Programs in Nevada (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • The University of Nevada, Reno holds ABAI accreditation (renewed for 7 years in 2021) — one of the pioneering ABA programs in the country, offering a 37-credit M.S. at $293/credit for residents on campus.
  • UNR also offers a fully online M.S. in Behavior Analysis at $572/credit (~$21,164 total) through its Global Institute — completable in 20 months with no GRE required.
  • UNLV provides an M.Ed. in Special Education with ABA Track at just $344/credit for residents (~$12,384 total for 36 credits) — the cheapest option for Southern Nevada students.
  • Nevada's ABA Board requires a 40-question jurisprudence exam plus mandatory continuing education in suicide prevention (2 hours) and cultural competency/DEI (6 hours) per renewal.
  • Las Vegas's explosive population growth has created one of the fastest-growing ABA job markets in the West — BCBA-certified professionals earn $62,000–$82,000 with Nevada's no state income tax boosting take-home pay.

Nevada's ABA education is anchored by one of the field's historic programs. The University of Nevada, Reno has been training behavior analysts for decades and holds ABAI accreditation with a 7-year renewal granted in 2021. The on-campus M.S. at $293/credit for residents is remarkably affordable, and UNR's Global Institute for Behavior Analysis now offers a fully online version at $572/credit — completable in 20 months with BCBA exam preparation built in.

UNLV in Las Vegas offers a 36-credit M.Ed. in Special Education with an ABA Track at $344/credit for in-state students — the most affordable option for Southern Nevada residents. While it lacks UNR's ABAI accreditation and ABA-specific heritage, the UNLV program meets BACB requirements and benefits from proximity to Las Vegas's rapidly growing ABA job market.

Nevada's licensing through the ABA Board is more demanding than many states. Beyond BCBA certification, applicants must pass a 40-question jurisprudence exam on Nevada ABA laws, and renewals require continuing education in both suicide prevention (2 hours) and cultural competency/DEI (6 hours). The Board took over from the Aging and Disability Services Division in 2021, establishing a dedicated regulatory body for the profession.

UNR's Pioneering Program & UNLV's Budget-Friendly ABA Track

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
University of Nevada, Reno — M.S. in Behavior Analysis (On-Campus) $293/credit (~$10,841 total, 37 credits) On-campus 2 years ABAI-Accredited (7-year renewal, 2021); BACB-Aligned
University of Nevada, Reno — M.S. in Behavior Analysis (Online) $572/credit (~$21,164 total, 37 credits) Fully online (100%) 20 months (5 semesters) ABAI Pre-Approved Curriculum; BACB-Aligned
UNLV — M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Track $344/credit (~$12,384 total, 36 credits) On-campus 2 years BACB-Aligned

University of Nevada, Reno — M.S. in Behavior Analysis (On-Campus)

Reno

In-State Tuition

$293/credit (~$10,841 total, 37 credits)

Out-of-State

$644/credit (~$23,828 total)

Format

On-campus

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (practicum integrated)

Concentrations

Behavior Analysis — autism, verbal behavior, public health, organizational behavior management

  • One of the pioneering ABA programs in the country — decades of behavior analysis research and training
  • ABAI accreditation renewed for 7 years in 2021 — strongest credential available
  • In-state tuition of $293/credit puts total cost around $10,841 — among the cheapest accredited programs nationally
  • 37-credit curriculum covers autism, verbal behavior, public health, and organizational behavior management
  • Home to the Global Institute for Behavior Analysis — extends UNR's reach nationally and internationally
  • No GRE required — admissions focused on academic preparation and research interests
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

University of Nevada, Reno — M.S. in Behavior Analysis (Online)

Reno (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$572/credit (~$21,164 total, 37 credits)

Out-of-State

$572/credit (~$21,164 total, flat rate)

Format

Fully online (100%)

Full-Time

20 months (5 semesters)

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)

Concentrations

Behavior Analysis — BCBA certification preparation, research training, practical training coordination

  • Backed by UNR's pioneering ABA legacy — same department, online delivery
  • Flat $572/credit regardless of residency — ~$21,164 total, competitive nationally
  • Completable in just 20 months (5 semesters) — one of the fastest online ABA programs
  • Curriculum pre-approved by ABAI — meets BCBA coursework requirements through the attestation system
  • Includes BCBA exam preparation and practical training coordination
  • Global Institute for Behavior Analysis manages the online program — dedicated online infrastructure
  • No GRE required
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

UNLV — M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Track

Las Vegas

In-State Tuition

$344/credit (~$12,384 total, 36 credits)

Out-of-State

$723/credit (~$26,028 total)

Format

On-campus

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours

Concentrations

Special Education — Applied Behavior Analysis Track, behavioral intervention, autism, BCBA preparation

  • Cheapest ABA option in Nevada — $344/credit for in-state students, ~$12,384 total
  • Located in Las Vegas — direct access to Southern Nevada's rapidly growing ABA job market
  • Lower GPA requirement (2.75) than most ABA programs — more accessible entry
  • M.Ed. in Special Education framework — strong preparation for school-based ABA careers
  • 36-credit program meets all BACB requirements
  • No GRE required — streamlined admissions process
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.75

Nevada ABA Board — Jurisprudence Exam & DEI Requirements

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Issued by: Nevada Applied Behavior Analysis Board

  • Current BCBA certification from the BACB in good standing
  • Master's degree in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field
  • Pass the Nevada Jurisprudence Exam — 40 multiple-choice questions, completed online in one hour
  • Application through the Nevada ABA Board online platform
  • Background check
  • The Nevada ABA Board took over regulation from Aging and Disability Services in 2021

Renewal

Biennial renewal (odd-numbered years). Must complete at least 2 hours of instruction on evidence-based suicide prevention and awareness, plus at least 6 hours of instruction on cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Maintain BCBA certification in good standing.

Visit Licensing Board →

BCBA Earnings in Las Vegas & Reno (Plus No State Income Tax)

BLS Median

$54,370

Entry Level

$38,000–$45,000

Experienced

$62,000–$82,000 (BCBA-certified, Las Vegas metro)

Top Earners

$88,000–$110,000+ (clinical directors, multi-site supervisors)

Nevada's BLS median of approximately $54,370 for the broader behavioral health counselor category is near the national average. BCBA-certified professionals in the Las Vegas metro typically earn $62,000–$82,000, with Reno salaries running slightly lower. The critical advantage: Nevada has no state income tax, which effectively adds 5–10% to your take-home pay compared to most states. A $70,000 BCBA salary in Las Vegas with no state income tax is equivalent to approximately $77,000–$80,000 in a state with average income tax rates. Las Vegas's cost of living has risen but remains below California and most coastal cities.

Las Vegas's Booming ABA Job Market

BLS Employment

3,210

Projected Growth

19% nationally through 2034; Nevada growth likely higher due to population boom

Top Employers

Nevada Autism Center, Positive Behavior Supports Corporation, The ABBA Group, Renown Health (Reno), Clark County School District

Las Vegas's explosive population growth — the metro has been one of the fastest-growing in the country for a decade — has created proportional demand for ABA services. Clark County School District alone is the 5th-largest school district in the nation and employs behavior analysts in special education settings. Nevada Autism Center and Positive Behavior Supports Corporation are dedicated ABA providers with multiple Southern Nevada locations. Reno's market is smaller but benefits from UNR's research pipeline and Renown Health's clinical operations. The Nevada ABA Board's DEI and suicide prevention CE requirements reflect the state's diverse population and commitment to culturally responsive practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can be in Reno, the on-campus program is the clear winner: ABAI-accredited, $293/credit for residents (~$10,841 total), and integrated practicum experience. The online program at $572/credit ($21,164 total) is better if you can't relocate, need to work full-time, or live outside Nevada. Both carry the UNR behavior analysis brand.
The Nevada ABA Board's jurisprudence exam is 40 multiple-choice questions completed online in one hour. It covers Nevada-specific ABA laws under NRS 437 and Board regulations. Most candidates who study the statutes pass without difficulty — it's a knowledge check, not a gatekeeping exam.
Nevada's renewal requirements include 6 hours of cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion instruction — reflecting the state's highly diverse population (Las Vegas in particular has significant Latino, Asian, and Black communities). The Board views culturally responsive ABA practice as essential for effective service delivery across Nevada's demographic landscape.
UNLV's program meets BACB requirements and is significantly cheaper ($344/credit vs. UNR's $293 on-campus or $572 online). However, UNR holds ABAI accreditation and is one of the most established ABA programs in the country — that heritage and credential carry real weight. Choose UNLV if you're in Las Vegas, want the cheapest path, or prefer a special education framework. Choose UNR if you want the strongest credential and research heritage.
Significantly. Nevada's zero state income tax means every dollar of your salary stays in your pocket — unlike California (up to 13.3%), Oregon (up to 9.9%), or Arizona (2.5%). A BCBA earning $70,000 in Las Vegas takes home roughly $3,500–$7,000 more per year than the same salary in most neighboring states. Combined with lower housing costs than California, Nevada offers strong real compensation for behavior analysts.