Last updated: March 9, 2026

Top ABA Programs in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee delivers an unusually wide spectrum of ABA options — from Vanderbilt's Peabody College (the #1 ranked education school in the country) to affordable public university programs at Memphis and Tennessee Tech. Here's what each costs, how they compare, and what behavior analysts earn across the Volunteer State.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

Top ABA Programs in Tennessee (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Vanderbilt Peabody College offers both an in-person M.Ed. in ABA (30–31 credits) with two internships and an online ABA program — carrying the weight of the #1-ranked education school in the U.S. at $2,405/credit.
  • The University of Memphis delivers a 36-credit M.S. in ABA at just $618/credit for residents (~$22,248 total) — a cohort-based evening program completable in 2 years with practicum built in.
  • Tennessee Tech University offers a 33-credit M.A. with ABA concentration in online or hybrid format at $666/credit for residents — a solid mid-price option with flexible delivery.
  • Tennessee licenses behavior analysts through the Department of Health — requiring BCBA certification, two character reference letters from ABA professionals, and a cultural diversity CE requirement.
  • Nashville's booming healthcare economy drives strong BCBA demand — experienced behavior analysts earn $65,000–$85,000 in the Nashville metro, with Vanderbilt Medical Center and affiliated clinics as major employers.

Tennessee's ABA landscape spans the full price-and-prestige spectrum. Vanderbilt's Peabody College — consistently ranked as the #1 school of education in the country — anchors the top end with both in-person and online ABA programs. The in-person M.Ed. includes two internship placements, and Peabody's generous financial aid (97% of students receive scholarship offers) helps offset the $2,405/credit tuition.

For students seeking affordability, the University of Memphis runs a well-regarded 36-credit M.S. in ABA at $618/credit for Tennessee residents, with evening classes and integrated practicum placements. Tennessee Tech in Cookeville provides another affordable option with online and hybrid delivery at $666/credit.

Tennessee's LBA licensing through the Department of Health is straightforward: BCBA certification plus a background check and two character reference letters from ABA professionals. The state also requires cultural diversity continuing education, reflecting a growing emphasis on equitable practice. Nashville's expanding healthcare sector — anchored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and HCA Healthcare — creates particularly strong demand for BCBA-certified professionals.

Vanderbilt, Memphis & Tennessee Tech: ABA Programs Compared

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
Vanderbilt University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Peabody College) $2,405/credit (~$72,150–$74,555 total, 30–31 credits) In-person (also available online as a separate program) 2 years BACB-Aligned; Peabody College #1 Education School (U.S. News)
University of Memphis — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis $618/credit (~$22,248 total, 36 credits) On-campus (evening classes, cohort model) 2 years ABAI-Verified; BACB-Aligned
Tennessee Tech University — M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction, ABA Concentration (Online/Hybrid) $666/credit (~$21,978 total, 33 credits) Online or hybrid 2 years BACB-Aligned

Vanderbilt University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Peabody College)

Nashville

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$2,405/credit (~$72,150–$74,555 total, 30–31 credits)

Out-of-State

$2,405/credit (~$72,150–$74,555 total)

Format

In-person (also available online as a separate program)

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

Two internship placements included in coursework

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — behavioral assessment, intervention design, school-based ABA, two required internships

  • Peabody College is ranked #1 in education nationally — the most prestigious ABA program in Tennessee by a wide margin
  • 97% of admitted students receive scholarship offers, with 86.6% receiving awards of 35% or higher — significantly reducing sticker price
  • In-person M.Ed. includes two required internship placements providing hands-on clinical experience
  • Separate online ABA program available for students who cannot attend in Nashville
  • No application fee for professional master's programs — Peabody removes barriers to entry
  • Access to Vanderbilt Medical Center's research and clinical network in Nashville
  • Specialization track available for school-based ABA applications integrating special education best practices
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

University of Memphis — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis

Memphis

In-State Tuition

$618/credit (~$22,248 total, 36 credits)

Out-of-State

$810/credit (~$29,160 total)

Format

On-campus (evening classes, cohort model)

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

Practicum integrated into curriculum; faculty assist with placement securing

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — behavioral assessment, functional analysis, intervention, practicum placements

  • Affordable public university tuition — $618/credit for Tennessee residents (~$22,248 total)
  • Cohort-based model builds strong peer networks and ensures consistent progression
  • Evening classes designed for working professionals — two classes per semester
  • Practicum placements secured with faculty assistance — graduate immediately eligible for BCBA exam
  • Online tuition available at $612/credit regardless of residency for select courses
  • 36-credit curriculum provides more depth than many 30-credit programs
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Tennessee Tech University — M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction, ABA Concentration (Online/Hybrid)

Cookeville (Online/Hybrid)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$666/credit (~$21,978 total, 33 credits)

Out-of-State

$806/credit (~$26,598 total)

Format

Online or hybrid

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — data-centered instruction, behavior change, BCBA exam preparation

  • Fully online or hybrid delivery — complete from anywhere in Tennessee or out of state
  • Competitive in-state tuition at $666/credit — ~$21,978 total for 33 credits
  • Lower GPA requirement (2.7) than most ABA programs — accessible entry point
  • Part of Tennessee Tech's College of Education — strong educator preparation tradition
  • Also offers an Ed.S. (Education Specialist) track for students wanting a post-master's credential
  • Data-centered approach to instruction and behavior change aligns with evidence-based practice
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.7

Tennessee LBA License Through the Department of Health

Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)

Issued by: Tennessee Department of Health

  • Current BCBA certification from the BACB in good standing
  • Master's degree in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field
  • Two original character reference letters from ABA professionals on letterhead (dated within 12 months)
  • Application through the TN License and Regulatory System (LARS) portal or paper application
  • Criminal background check
  • Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA) credential also available for BCaBA holders

Renewal

Biennial renewal with continuing education per BACB standards. Must complete at least 3 CE hours specifically on cultural diversity. Maintain BCBA certification in good standing.

Visit Licensing Board →

What BCBAs Earn in Nashville, Memphis & Knoxville

BLS Median

$49,380

Entry Level

$36,000–$43,000

Experienced

$65,000–$85,000 (BCBA-certified, Nashville metro)

Top Earners

$90,000–$115,000+ (clinical directors, Vanderbilt-affiliated roles)

Tennessee's BLS median of approximately $49,380 for the broader behavioral health counselor category is below the national average, but Tennessee's significantly lower cost of living — approximately 12–15% below the national average — stretches these salaries further. BCBA-certified professionals in Nashville typically earn $65,000–$85,000, with Memphis and Knoxville salaries running 5–10% lower. Nashville's healthcare economy, anchored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and HCA Healthcare's corporate headquarters, creates premium salary opportunities for behavior analysts in clinical and hospital settings.

Nashville's Healthcare Boom & ABA Career Opportunities

BLS Employment

8,120

Projected Growth

19% nationally through 2034

Top Employers

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare, Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare, Centerstone, Autism Tennessee

Nashville's status as a national healthcare hub — with HCA Healthcare headquartered there and Vanderbilt Medical Center as a premier research institution — gives Tennessee an outsized ABA job market relative to its population. Memphis benefits from Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's behavioral services. Knoxville and Chattanooga have growing ABA markets driven by regional providers and school systems. Autism Tennessee serves as the state's primary advocacy organization and connects BCBAs with family resources statewide.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your financial situation and career goals. Vanderbilt Peabody's sticker price ($2,405/credit) is steep, but 97% of admitted students receive scholarship offers — with 86.6% getting awards of 35% or higher. If you receive a significant scholarship, the net cost becomes much more competitive. The Peabody brand, #1 education school ranking, and Nashville clinical network are genuine career advantages. But if cost is your primary concern, Memphis and Tennessee Tech deliver BCBA-eligible preparation for a fraction of the price.
Yes — Peabody College offers a separate online ABA program with its own courses, schedule, and admissions process. It's distinct from the in-person M.Ed. program. The online option lets you earn a Vanderbilt credential from anywhere, though the in-person program includes two internship placements that the online version does not replicate.
Tennessee's Department of Health requires two original character reference letters from ABA professionals — a more personal verification step than most states require. The state also mandates at least 3 hours of cultural diversity continuing education per renewal cycle, reflecting an emphasis on equitable practice. Applications go through the LARS portal or can be submitted on paper.
For Tennessee residents, the University of Memphis ($618/credit, ~$22,248 total) and Tennessee Tech ($666/credit, ~$21,978 total) are close in price. Tennessee Tech is slightly cheaper overall because it's 33 credits vs. Memphis's 36, but Memphis includes practicum in the curriculum while Tennessee Tech does not.
Very strong. Nashville is one of the largest healthcare economies in the country — HCA Healthcare is headquartered there, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a major research and clinical employer. BCBA demand benefits from this healthcare infrastructure, plus a growing network of autism-specific clinics and school-based positions. Nashville BCBA salaries ($65,000–$85,000) go further than they would in comparably sized cities because Tennessee has no state income tax.