Last updated: March 7, 2026

Best ABA Programs in Oregon (2026)

Every Applied Behavior Analysis program in Oregon — bachelor's through master's — with tuition, accreditation status, certification paths, LBA licensure requirements, and behavior analyst salary data for 2026.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

Best ABA Programs in Oregon (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon has 4 ABA programs across bachelor's and master's levels: the University of Oregon's online M.S., Oregon Tech's M.S. (the state's first ABA master's), Portland State's M.S. in Special Ed with ABA, and Oregon Tech's undergraduate BCaBA course sequence.
  • Oregon's autism insurance mandate (SB 365, 2013) requires all health plans to cover ABA therapy, driving sustained demand — the state projects 27.4% employment growth for behavior analysts from 2022 to 2032, well above the national average.
  • The Behavior Analysis Regulatory Board (BARB) licenses three credential levels: LBA (master's + BCBA), LABA (bachelor's + BCaBA), and Registered Behavior Analysis Interventionist (high school + 40-hour training).
  • Behavior analysts in Oregon earn a median of $69,660 under the BLS category — 17.7% above the national median. Top earners in Salem and Eugene exceed $108,000, and the Bend metro leads at $82,380 median.
  • Portland State University charges all students Oregon resident tuition rates ($526/credit) regardless of where they live, making it one of the most affordable ABAI-verified ABA master's programs in the country at ~$23,670 total.

Oregon is a growing market for behavior analysts, powered by a strong autism insurance mandate and above-average salaries. Since SB 365 passed in 2013 requiring health plans to cover ABA therapy, the demand for credentialed providers has steadily increased — state projections show 27.4% employment growth through 2032, translating to roughly 900 new ABA job openings per year across the state.

For students looking at ABA bachelor's programs in Oregon, Oregon Tech is the primary option with its BCaBA-aligned course sequence embedded in the Applied Psychology B.S. For ABA master's programs in Oregon, you have three strong options: the University of Oregon's fully online M.S. (~$25,900 total), Oregon Tech's M.S. with dual-campus delivery via Zoom (~$25,600 in-state), and Portland State's M.S. with a 25+ year track record in behavior analysis (~$23,670 total at in-state rates for everyone).

All three master's programs prepare graduates for BCBA certification and Oregon LBA licensure. The state's Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (ORABA) provides continuing education, networking, and legislative advocacy for the profession.

ABA Programs in Oregon — Bachelor's & Master's Degrees

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
University of Oregon — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) ~$518/credit (~$25,878 total) Fully online (synchronous + asynchronous) ~1.5 years (47 credits) BACB Pathway 2 Aligned
Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) — M.S. in ABA $427/credit (~$25,620 total) Dual-campus (Klamath Falls + Portland-Metro) with Zoom option for all students ~2 years (60 credits) ABAI-Verified VCS; BACB Pathway 2 Aligned
Portland State University — M.S. in Special Education (ABA Concentration) $526/credit (~$23,670 total) Fully online ~2.5 years (45 credits, 7 terms) ABAI-Verified VCS (5th Edition); BACB Pathway 2 Aligned
Oregon Tech — B.S. in Applied Psychology (BCaBA Course Sequence) ~$280/credit (undergraduate) Dual-campus (Klamath Falls + Portland-Metro) with Zoom option 4 years (B.S. degree with embedded 5-course ABA sequence) ABAI-Verified Undergraduate VCS; Regionally Accredited (NWCCU)

University of Oregon — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)

Eugene (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

~$518/credit (~$25,878 total)

Out-of-State

~$518/credit (~$25,878 total)

Format

Fully online (synchronous + asynchronous)

Full-Time

~1.5 years (47 credits)

Field Hours

1,500 supervised fieldwork hours (arranged locally by student)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — clinician-researcher model, autism intervention, developmental disabilities

  • Fully online delivery with cohort-based model — start together in fall each year
  • Flat tuition rate regardless of residency at ~$518/credit (~$25,878 total for 47 credits)
  • Clinician-researcher model prepares graduates for both clinical practice and applied research
  • Partner fieldwork sites include BHCOE-accredited providers for quality supervision
  • 71 applicants, 41 admitted, 16 degrees conferred in 2025 — selective but accessible
  • Up to 15 graduate transfer credits accepted, reducing time to completion
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0 (median admitted GPA: 3.47)

Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) — M.S. in ABA

Klamath Falls / Portland-Metro

In-State Tuition

$427/credit (~$25,620 total)

Out-of-State

$717/credit (~$43,020 total)

Format

Dual-campus (Klamath Falls + Portland-Metro) with Zoom option for all students

Full-Time

~2 years (60 credits)

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — seven-course BCBA sequence, clinical skills, supervision practice

  • Oregon's first master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • ABAI-verified course sequence — strongest accreditation standing among Oregon ABA programs
  • All courses available via Zoom regardless of campus location
  • On-campus ABA clinic in Klamath Falls for hands-on clinical training
  • Graduate assistantships with tuition assistance and stipends available on Klamath Falls campus
  • Three-term clinical skills sequence plus dedicated supervision coursework
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Portland State University — M.S. in Special Education (ABA Concentration)

Portland

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$526/credit (~$23,670 total)

Out-of-State

$526/credit (in-state rates for ALL students)

Format

Fully online

Full-Time

~2.5 years (45 credits, 7 terms)

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours

Concentrations

Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis — positive behavior support, early intervention, intensive needs

  • Most affordable ABA master's in Oregon — ALL students pay in-state rate of $526/credit (~$23,670 total)
  • ABAI-verified 5th Edition VCS — meets all BACB coursework requirements
  • 25+ years of experience training behavior analysis and positive behavior support specialists
  • Fully online delivery designed for working professionals
  • Embedded in College of Education with strong ties to Oregon school districts
  • Dual focus on ABA and special education opens doors in both clinical and school-based settings
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Oregon Tech — B.S. in Applied Psychology (BCaBA Course Sequence)

Klamath Falls / Portland-Metro

In-State Tuition

~$280/credit (undergraduate)

Out-of-State

~$540/credit (undergraduate)

Format

Dual-campus (Klamath Falls + Portland-Metro) with Zoom option

Full-Time

4 years (B.S. degree with embedded 5-course ABA sequence)

Field Hours

Supervised experience required for BCaBA exam eligibility

Concentrations

Applied Psychology with BCaBA certification pathway — ethics, behavior modification, performance management

  • Only undergraduate ABA-specific course sequence in Oregon — ABAI-verified for BCaBA exam eligibility
  • Five-course sequence embedded within the Applied Psychology B.S. degree
  • Courses available via Zoom from either Klamath Falls or Portland-Metro campus
  • Prepares graduates for Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA) credential in Oregon
  • Natural feeder into Oregon Tech's M.S. in ABA for students pursuing BCBA certification
  • Affordable public university tuition — well under $30,000 total for in-state students
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.5

Behavior Analyst Licensure Requirements in Oregon

Oregon regulates behavior analysts through the Behavior Analysis Regulatory Board (BARB), established under SB 365 in 2013 alongside the state's autism insurance mandate. Oregon recognizes three credential levels that map directly to BACB certifications. The LBA is the full-practice credential for master's-level BCBAs. The LABA allows bachelor's-level BCaBAs to practice under LBA supervision. The Registered Behavior Analysis Interventionist is the entry-level paraprofessional credential.

Oregon requires BACB certification as a prerequisite for LBA and LABA licensure — you cannot apply without current BCBA or BCaBA certification in good standing. The application process involves submitting proof of certification, passing a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and paying the application and license fees.

License Full Name Supervised Hours Exam
LBA Licensed Behavior Analyst 1,500 hrs BCBA Exam (via BACB, required before applying)
LABA Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst 1,000 hrs BCaBA Exam (via BACB, required before applying)
RBAI Registered Behavior Analysis Interventionist N/A (associate level) Competency evaluation within 40-hour training program

Oregon does not offer formal reciprocity, but the licensure pathway is straightforward for out-of-state behavior analysts who hold current BACB certification. Since Oregon requires BCBA or BCaBA certification as a prerequisite, your national certification satisfies the education and exam requirements. You'll need to submit proof of BACB certification, two forms of government-issued ID, pass a fingerprint-based background check, and pay the $150 application fee plus $200 license fee (LBA). If you hold a license in another state, you'll also submit an affidavit of licensure from that state. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks through the Health Licensing Office.

Licensing Board

Oregon Health Authority — Behavior Analysis Regulatory Board (BARB)

Phone: 503-378-8667

Board Website → Verify a License →

Behavior Analyst Salary in Oregon

Oregon behavior analysts earn well above the national average, though the state's 8–9% income tax offsets some of that advantage compared to no-income-tax states like Washington. The BLS May 2024 data below uses the "substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors" category (SOC 21-1018), which includes behavior analysts. The Bend metro surprisingly leads the state in median pay, followed by Salem and Portland.

Occupation State Median National Median Premium Top Metro
Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselors (incl. Behavior Analysts) $69,660 $59,190 +17.7% $82,380 (Bend)
Portland-Salem Metro Area (BLS) $71,530 $59,190 +20.8% $71,530 (Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro)
RBT / Behavior Technicians (employer-reported) $40,500 $37,800 +7.1% $42,800 (Portland Metro)

Oregon ABA Job Market and Workforce Demand

Oregon's ABA job market has grown steadily since the 2013 autism insurance mandate (SB 365) required all state-regulated health plans to cover ABA therapy. State employment projections show 27.4% growth in behavior analyst positions from 2022 to 2032 — significantly above the national average of ~19% — translating to approximately 900 new ABA job openings per year statewide.

The Portland metro area accounts for the majority of ABA positions (3,640+ jobs in the broader BLS category), but demand extends to Salem, Eugene, Bend, Medford, and rural communities across the state. Major ABA employers in Oregon include ABA Connect, Trumpet Behavioral Health, Hopebridge, Pacific ABA, and several Oregon school districts that employ behavior analysts in special education departments. Regional developmental disability programs funded through Oregon DHS also hire LBAs and LABAs.

The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (ORABA) serves as the state professional organization, hosting continuing education events, advocating for the profession at the legislature, and connecting practitioners across the state.

Loan Repayment and Scholarship Programs

  • Oregon Health Care Provider Incentive Program — Loan repayment awards for licensed health professionals (including LBAs) who serve in designated shortage areas.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Behavior analysts at public schools, state agencies, and nonprofit ABA providers in Oregon qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments.
  • Oregon Tech Graduate Assistantships — Tuition assistance and stipends available for M.S. ABA students on the Klamath Falls campus.

How to Choose an ABA Program in Oregon

Oregon has four ABA programs, so the decision is manageable. The biggest factors are whether you need a bachelor's or master's, whether you want online or in-person, and how much you can pay.

  • If you're pursuing a bachelor's in ABA in Oregon: Oregon Tech's B.S. in Applied Psychology is the only undergraduate option with an ABAI-verified BCaBA course sequence. Available via Zoom from either the Klamath Falls or Portland-Metro campus.
  • If you want the most affordable ABA master's: Portland State University charges ALL students the in-state rate of $526/credit (~$23,670 total for 45 credits), making it the cheapest option regardless of where you live. It's also fully online with ABAI-verified VCS status.
  • If you want a fully online ABA master's: Both the University of Oregon (~$518/credit, 47 credits) and Portland State (~$526/credit, 45 credits) offer fully online programs. UO completes in ~1.5 years, PSU in ~2.5 years. UO uses a cohort model with synchronous + asynchronous delivery.
  • If you want the strongest accreditation standing: Oregon Tech holds ABAI-verified VCS status and was Oregon's first ABA master's program. Portland State also holds ABAI-verified VCS status (5th Edition). Both provide the most streamlined path to BCBA certification.
  • If you're in southern Oregon: Oregon Tech's Klamath Falls campus is the only in-person ABA program outside the Portland-Eugene corridor, with an on-campus ABA clinic and graduate assistantships.
  • If you want to work in schools: Portland State's ABA concentration is embedded in a Special Education M.S., giving you dual preparation for both clinical ABA and school-based behavior support roles — a real advantage in Oregon's growing school-based ABA market.

Related Pages

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Frequently Asked Questions

Oregon has 4 ABA programs. At the master's level: the University of Oregon offers a fully online M.S. in ABA (~1.5 years), Oregon Tech has an M.S. in ABA via dual-campus plus Zoom (~2 years), and Portland State University offers an M.S. in Special Education with ABA concentration (~2.5 years, fully online). At the bachelor's level, Oregon Tech offers the only undergraduate BCaBA course sequence in the state, embedded within its B.S. in Applied Psychology.
Oregon requires state licensure to practice ABA through the Behavior Analysis Regulatory Board (BARB). The Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) requires current BCBA certification, which in turn requires a master's degree and 1,500 supervised hours. The Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA) requires current BCaBA certification and a bachelor's degree. The Registered Behavior Analysis Interventionist requires a high school diploma, 40 hours of ABA training, and a competency evaluation. You must hold BACB certification before applying for LBA or LABA licensure in Oregon.
Portland State University is the most affordable at $526 per credit for ALL students regardless of residency, with a total program cost of approximately $23,670 for 45 credits. Oregon Tech is comparable for in-state students at $427/credit (~$25,620 for 60 credits), but charges $717/credit for out-of-state students. The University of Oregon charges ~$518/credit for all students (~$25,878 for 47 credits). If you're an Oregon resident, Oregon Tech is cheapest per credit; if you're out-of-state, Portland State offers the best value.
Yes. The University of Oregon's M.S. in ABA is fully online with synchronous and asynchronous components, completable in about 1.5 years. Portland State's M.S. in Special Education with ABA concentration is also fully online, taking about 2.5 years. Oregon Tech's M.S. in ABA offers all courses via Zoom, though the program is technically campus-based. All programs require 1,500 hours of in-person supervised fieldwork at an approved site near you.
Under the BLS category that includes behavior analysts, the Oregon statewide median is $69,660 — 17.7% above the national median of $59,190. The Bend metro leads at $82,380, followed by Salem at $74,810 and Portland at $71,530. Top earners in Salem and Eugene exceed $108,000 annually. Note that Oregon has an 8–9% state income tax, which reduces take-home pay compared to neighboring Washington (no income tax) — a $70,000 salary in Oregon yields roughly the same take-home as a $64,000 salary in Washington.
Yes. Oregon established the Behavior Analysis Regulatory Board (BARB) through SB 365 in 2013, and you must hold a state license or registration to practice ABA in Oregon. The LBA (Licensed Behavior Analyst) allows independent practice and requires BCBA certification. The LABA (Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst) allows practice under LBA supervision and requires BCaBA certification. The Registered Behavior Analysis Interventionist is the entry-level credential for paraprofessionals.
Excellent. Oregon projects 27.4% employment growth for behavior analyst positions from 2022 to 2032, well above the national average of about 19%. That translates to roughly 900 new ABA job openings per year. Oregon's 2013 autism insurance mandate (SB 365) requires health plans to cover ABA therapy, creating sustained demand. The Portland metro has 3,640+ jobs in the broader BLS category, but demand is strong in Salem, Eugene, Bend, and Medford as well.
Both states have strong ABA programs and robust job markets. Oregon has slightly higher median salaries ($69,660 vs $64,220 under BLS), but Washington has no state income tax, which can offset that difference in take-home pay. Oregon's projected job growth (27.4%) is higher than Washington's. Program-wise, Portland State offers the cheapest master's (~$23,670 for everyone), while UW's online program is more expensive (~$33,000) but has ABAI Tier 2A recognition. If you plan to practice in one state, studying there builds your local professional network and simplifies licensure.