ABA Programs in Nevada (2027)
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.
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.
- The degree is only half of it. Nevada employers hire on the BCBA credential. A master's from a Nevada program makes you eligible to sit the exam; it does not confer certification. You still need supervised fieldwork hours and a passing BACB exam result before you can bill independently. Read up on the BCBA certification path before you compare tuition.
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.
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UNR's Pioneering Program & UNLV's Budget-Friendly ABA Track
All 3 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Nevada, Reno — M.S. in Behavior Analysis (On-Campus) | $293/credit (~$10,841 total, 37 credits) | On-campus | |
| 2 | University of Nevada, Reno — M.S. in Behavior Analysis (Online) | $572/credit (~$21,164 total, 37 credits) | Fully online | |
| 3 | UNLV — M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Track | $344/credit (~$12,384 total, 36 credits) | On-campus |
University of Nevada, Reno — M.S. in Behavior Analysis (On-Campus)
In-State
$293/credit (~$10,841 total, 37 credits)
Out-of-State
$644/credit (~$23,828 total)
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (practicum integrated)
Concentrations
- 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
University of Nevada, Reno — M.S. in Behavior Analysis (Online)
In-State
$572/credit (~$21,164 total, 37 credits)
Out-of-State
$572/credit (~$21,164 total, flat rate)
Length
20 months (5 semesters)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)
Concentrations
- 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
UNLV — M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Track
In-State
$344/credit (~$12,384 total, 36 credits)
Out-of-State
$723/credit (~$26,028 total)
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- 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
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.
BCBA Earnings in Las Vegas & Reno (Plus No State Income Tax)
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
Sources
- ABAI — Accredited Programs Directory
- BACB — Certificant Data and Exam Pass Rates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024
- Nevada Applied Behavior Analysis Board
- University of Nevada, Reno — M.S. in Behavior Analysis
- NCES College Navigator — U.S. Department of Education