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.
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.
- Program availability is uneven across state lines. If you are willing to commute beyond Utah or study online, the accredited option that fits your budget and start date may sit elsewhere. Browse ABA programs state by state.
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.
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Utah State, UVU & University of Utah: Three Public ABA Programs
All 3 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah State University — M.S. in Special Education with BCBA Coursework (Online) | $488/credit (~$17,568 total, 36 credits) | Fully online | |
| 2 | 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 | |
| 3 | University of Utah — Online M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA (UOnline) | $500–$600/credit (~$16,000–$19,200 total, 32 credits) | Fully online |
Utah State University — M.S. in Special Education with BCBA Coursework (Online)
In-State
$488/credit (~$17,568 total, 36 credits)
Out-of-State
$518/credit (~$18,648 total)
Length
3 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)
Concentrations
- 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
Utah Valley University — M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Face-to-Face)
In-State
$450–$550/credit (~$16,650–$20,350 total, 37 credits)
Out-of-State
$800–$950/credit (~$29,600–$35,150 total)
Length
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
- 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
University of Utah — Online M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA (UOnline)
In-State
$500–$600/credit (~$16,000–$19,200 total, 32 credits)
Out-of-State
$500–$600/credit (~$16,000–$19,200 total)
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)
Concentrations
- 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
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.
Utah's Second-Highest BCBA Pay in the Country
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
Sources
- ABAI — Verified Course Sequence Directory
- BACB — Certificant Data and Exam Pass Rates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024
- Utah DOPL — Behavior Analyst Licensure
- Utah State University — M.S. with BCBA Coursework
- NCES College Navigator — U.S. Department of Education