Last updated: March 9, 2026

Affordable ABA Programs in Utah (2026)

Utah punches above its weight in ABA education — three public universities offer BCBA-eligible programs, the BLS ranks Utah as the second-highest paying state for behavioral health counselors, and licensing costs just $120. Here's everything you need to know.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

Affordable ABA Programs in Utah (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Utah State University offers a 36-credit online M.S. in Special Education with BCBA coursework at just $488/credit (~$17,568 total) — with an ABAI-verified course sequence and one of the strongest ABA research traditions in the Intermountain West.
  • Utah Valley University delivers a 37-credit face-to-face M.Ed. in ABA with ABAI-verified coursework and integrated practicum (1,500 hours over 5 semesters) — the most hands-on option in Utah.
  • The University of Utah provides a 32-credit fully online M.Ed. in Special Education (ABA) — offering the U of U brand with asynchronous delivery through UOnline.
  • Utah licenses behavior analysts through DOPL at just $120 — with licensure by endorsement available for out-of-state practitioners.
  • The BLS ranks Utah as the second-highest paying state for behavioral health counselors — with Logan, Salt Lake City, and Ogden among the top-paying metros nationally and BCBA-specific salaries reaching $70,000–$90,000.

Utah has three strong public university ABA programs, each targeting different student needs. Utah State University in Logan offers the most affordable option — a 36-credit online M.S. at $488/credit (approximately $17,568 total) with an ABAI-verified course sequence. USU's Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling has a well-established ABA research tradition, and the online format makes it accessible to students anywhere.

Utah Valley University in Orem takes the most hands-on approach — its 37-credit face-to-face M.Ed. includes integrated practicum across 5 semesters (18–20 hours per week), building all 1,500 supervised experience hours into the degree itself. This is ideal for students who want structured, in-person clinical training from day one.

The University of Utah rounds out the options with a 32-credit fully online M.Ed. through UOnline — carrying the state's most recognized university brand with maximum scheduling flexibility. Utah's licensing through DOPL is straightforward at $120, and the state's status as one of the highest-paying for behavioral health professionals makes it an attractive place to build an ABA career.

Utah State, UVU & University of Utah: Three Public ABA Programs

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
Utah State University — M.S. in Special Education with BCBA Coursework (Online) $488/credit (~$17,568 total, 36 credits) Fully online 3 years ABAI-Verified; BACB-Aligned
Utah Valley University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Face-to-Face) $450–$550/credit (~$16,650–$20,350 total, 37 credits) Face-to-face (Orem campus) 2.5 years (including 5 semesters of practicum) ABAI-Verified; BACB-Aligned
University of Utah — Online M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA (UOnline) $500–$600/credit (~$16,000–$19,200 total, 32 credits) Fully online (asynchronous) 2 years BACB-Aligned

Utah State University — M.S. in Special Education with BCBA Coursework (Online)

Logan (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$488/credit (~$17,568 total, 36 credits)

Out-of-State

$518/credit (~$18,648 total)

Format

Fully online

Full-Time

3 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)

Concentrations

Special Education — Applied Behavior Analysis coursework, behavioral intervention, research methodology

  • Most affordable option in Utah — $488/credit online with minimal in-state vs. out-of-state differential ($30)
  • ABAI-verified course sequence ensures BCBA exam eligibility through the new attestation system
  • USU's SPERC department has a strong behavior analysis research tradition in the Intermountain West
  • Fully online — complete from anywhere while working full-time
  • 36-credit program covers all BACB coursework requirements
  • Fall-only admission — apply by January 15 for faculty-specific placements or March 15 general deadline
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Utah Valley University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Face-to-Face)

Orem

In-State Tuition

$450–$550/credit (~$16,650–$20,350 total, 37 credits)

Out-of-State

$800–$950/credit (~$29,600–$35,150 total)

Format

Face-to-face (Orem campus)

Full-Time

2.5 years (including 5 semesters of practicum)

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours integrated across 5 semesters (18–20 hours/week for 16 weeks each)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — autism spectrum disorders, neurodevelopmental disabilities, integrated practicum

  • Most hands-on program in Utah — 1,500 practicum hours integrated directly into the degree across 5 semesters
  • 37-credit ABAI-verified curriculum with 30 credits of coursework + 7 credits of supervised practicum
  • Face-to-face instruction from Autism Studies faculty — no screen between you and your professors
  • UVU's School of Education — student-focused teaching university known for practical career preparation
  • Located in Utah County's Provo-Orem metro — growing ABA job market along the Wasatch Front
  • Strong autism and neurodevelopmental disability focus aligns with highest-demand ABA populations
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

University of Utah — Online M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA (UOnline)

Salt Lake City (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$500–$600/credit (~$16,000–$19,200 total, 32 credits)

Out-of-State

$500–$600/credit (~$16,000–$19,200 total)

Format

Fully online (asynchronous)

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)

Concentrations

Special Education — Applied Behavior Analysis, behavioral principles, ethical professional practice

  • University of Utah brand — the state's flagship research university and most nationally recognized name
  • Fully asynchronous online delivery through UOnline — maximum flexibility
  • Most efficient program in Utah at 32 credits — complete all BACB requirements in the fewest credit hours
  • Qualifies for U of U employee reduced tuition benefit — valuable for healthcare system employees
  • Department of Special Education's BCBA endorsement specialization adds a school-based credential option
  • Located administratively in Salt Lake City — direct connections to the state's largest ABA job market
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Utah DOPL Behavior Analyst License ($120)

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Issued by: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)

  • Current BCBA certification from the BACB in good standing
  • Master's degree in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field
  • Application fee: $120
  • Criminal background check
  • Licensure by endorsement available for behavior analysts currently licensed in another state
  • Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst credential also available for BCaBA holders

Renewal

Licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years. Biennial renewal with continuing education requirements per BACB standards. Maintain BCBA certification in good standing.

Visit Licensing Board →

Utah's Second-Highest BCBA Pay in the Country

BLS Median

$66,560

Entry Level

$40,000–$48,000

Experienced

$70,000–$90,000 (BCBA-certified, Salt Lake City metro)

Top Earners

$95,000–$120,000+ (clinical directors, private practice)

Utah stands out nationally — the BLS ranks it as the second-highest paying state for behavioral health counselors, and Logan, Salt Lake City, and Ogden are all among the highest-paying metros in the country for this occupation. The median of approximately $66,560 for the broader category is well above the national median. BCBA-certified professionals in the Salt Lake City metro typically earn $70,000–$90,000, with Utah's relatively moderate cost of living (compared to coastal cities) making these salaries particularly strong. Utah has no state income tax on the first portion of income, further boosting effective take-home pay.

ABA Jobs Along the Wasatch Front & Beyond

BLS Employment

3,850

Projected Growth

16.8% forecasted growth in Utah; 19% nationally through 2034

Top Employers

University of Utah Health, Intermountain Health, Utah Behavior Services, Chrysalis, Peak Behavioral Solutions

Utah's ABA job market is concentrated along the Wasatch Front — the corridor stretching from Ogden through Salt Lake City to Provo. University of Utah Health and Intermountain Health are the state's two largest healthcare systems and both employ behavior analysts in clinical and research settings. Specialized ABA providers like Utah Behavior Services and Chrysalis serve the autism therapy market. Utah's young, growing population and above-average autism diagnosis advocacy create consistent demand for new BCBAs. Logan — home to Utah State University — has a notably strong behavioral health employment concentration per capita.

Frequently Asked Questions

Utah State University at $488/credit (~$17,568 total for 36 credits) is the most affordable option. The University of Utah is close at $500–$600/credit for 32 credits (~$16,000–$19,200). UVU is the most affordable in-person option for Utah residents at approximately $450–$550/credit.
USU's 3-year timeline reflects its structure as a fully online M.S. designed for working professionals. Students take fewer credits per semester to maintain work-life balance. The trade-off is a longer completion time, but the fully online format and flat tuition rate mean you can work full-time throughout. If you want faster completion, the University of Utah's 32-credit online program aims for 2 years.
Yes — UVU's 37-credit M.Ed. includes 7 credits (5 semesters) of supervised practicum where you accrue 18–20 hours per week at an approved site. By graduation, you'll have completed the full 1,500 supervised experience hours required for BCBA exam eligibility. This is the most structured clinical training option in Utah — you don't need to arrange your own supervision.
The BLS ranks Utah second nationally for behavioral health counselor compensation, with Logan, Salt Lake City, and Ogden all in the top-paying metros. Several factors contribute: Utah's growing population drives demand, the state's strong healthcare infrastructure (University of Utah Health, Intermountain Health) creates well-paying institutional roles, and Utah's relative shortage of BCBAs compared to demand pushes compensation up. Combined with moderate cost of living, these salaries offer excellent purchasing power.
Yes — Utah DOPL offers licensure by endorsement for behavior analysts currently licensed in another state. You'll still need to submit your BCBA certification documentation, complete a background check, and pay the $120 application fee, but the process is designed to be straightforward for credentialed out-of-state practitioners.