Last updated: March 9, 2026

ABA Programs in Vermont (2026)

Vermont may be one of the smallest states, but its ABA regulatory framework is among the most thoughtful — Act 38 established full professional licensure in 2015 with endorsement for BCBA holders. Northern Vermont University provides the Green Mountain State's graduate ABA training, with above-average pay that reflects New England's strong behavioral health infrastructure.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

ABA Programs in Vermont (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Northern Vermont University offers a 36-credit MEd with an ABA concentration at $629/credit for residents (~$22,644 total) — Vermont's primary BCBA preparation program.
  • NVU also provides a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in ABA — designed for professionals who already hold a master's degree and need BCBA-qualifying ABA coursework.
  • Vermont enacted full professional licensure through Act 38 in 2015 — the Office of Professional Regulation licenses both behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts under Title 26, Chapter 95.
  • BCBA holders receive licensure by endorsement — no separate state exam required, $115 application fee, streamlined process through the OPR.
  • Vermont's BLS median of $60,410 for behavioral health counselors is slightly above the national average — with Burlington-area positions commanding top pay in the state.

Northern Vermont University is the state's primary provider of graduate ABA education. The MEd with an ABA concentration requires 36 credits and prepares graduates for BCBA certification. At $629/credit for in-state students (approximately $22,644 total) and $916/credit for out-of-state students, it's priced in the middle range for New England programs. NVU also offers a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in ABA — a focused credential for professionals who already hold a master's degree in behavioral sciences, education, or a related field and need the ABA coursework for BCBA eligibility.

Vermont's regulatory approach stands out for its clarity. Act 38, enacted in 2015, established full professional licensure for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts under Title 26, Chapter 95. The Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) under the Secretary of State administers the program, with the Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners providing oversight. The licensure framework accepts BCBA certification by endorsement — no separate state exam required — making the path from BCBA certification to Vermont licensure straightforward. The $115 application fee is among the lowest in New England.

Vermont's small population means a limited ABA job market, but the state's strong behavioral health infrastructure and proximity to the Boston metro area provide options. Burlington is the primary market, with Montpelier and other communities offering scattered positions. Many Vermont BCBAs serve clients across the state via telehealth or work cross-border in New Hampshire or Massachusetts for additional opportunities.

NVU's MEd ABA Concentration & CAGS for Career Changers

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
Northern Vermont University — MEd with ABA Concentration $629/credit (~$22,644 total, 36 credits) On-campus and online options 2–3 years BACB-Aligned
Northern Vermont University — Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in ABA $629/credit (contact NVU for total credit requirements) On-campus and online options 1–2 years BACB-Aligned

Northern Vermont University — MEd with ABA Concentration

Johnson/Lyndon

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$629/credit (~$22,644 total, 36 credits)

Out-of-State

$916/credit (~$32,976 total)

Format

On-campus and online options

Full-Time

2–3 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed at approved sites)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — behavioral assessment, intervention design, ethical practice, behavioral strategies across professional settings

  • Vermont's primary graduate ABA program — MEd with dedicated ABA concentration
  • Prepares graduates for BCBA certification examination
  • ABA concentration provides skills applicable across education, clinical, and community settings
  • CAGS option available for professionals who already hold a qualifying master's degree
  • NVU campuses in Johnson and Lyndon — small-community setting in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom
  • No GRE required — accessible admissions for working professionals
  • Contact NVU Online ([email protected]) for online delivery details
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Northern Vermont University — Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in ABA

Johnson/Lyndon

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$629/credit (contact NVU for total credit requirements)

Out-of-State

$916/credit

Format

On-campus and online options

Full-Time

1–2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed at approved sites)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — BCBA-qualifying coursework for professionals with existing master's degrees

  • Designed for career changers who already hold a master's degree in a related field
  • Provides BCBA-qualifying ABA coursework without repeating a full master's program
  • Faster and more affordable than a second master's degree
  • Same ABA faculty and coursework as the full MEd concentration
  • Ideal for educators, psychologists, counselors, or SLPs adding BCBA credentials
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Act 38 — Vermont's Clear-Cut OPR Licensing Framework

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Issued by: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) — Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners

  • Master's or doctoral degree from an ABAI-accredited program or a program approved by the OPR Director
  • Current BCBA certification from the BACB — licensure by endorsement, no separate state exam
  • Minimum 1,500 hours of supervised experience in applied behavior analysis over at least one year
  • Application to the OPR with $115 application fee
  • Vermont enacted behavior analyst licensure through Act 38 in 2015
  • Licensed under Title 26, Chapter 95 of Vermont Statutes
  • Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst credential available for BCaBA holders
  • Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners (six members, governor-appointed) provides regulatory oversight

Renewal

Biennial renewal through the Office of Professional Regulation. Must maintain BACB certification in active status and meet continuing education requirements aligned with BACB standards (32 CEUs per two-year cycle). Application for renewal available online through the Secretary of State's office.

Visit Licensing Board →

BCBA Pay in Burlington, Montpelier & Across the Green Mountains

BLS Median

$60,410

Entry Level

$37,000–$45,000

Experienced

$58,000–$76,000 (BCBA-certified, Burlington-South Burlington metro)

Top Earners

$80,000–$100,000+ (clinical directors, private practice, cross-border positions)

Vermont's BLS median of $60,410 for behavioral health counselors is slightly above the national average of $59,190. The Burlington-South Burlington metro — Vermont's largest population center — drives the highest ABA salaries. Vermont's cost of living is above the national average (particularly housing in the Burlington area and ski towns), which partially offsets the salary premium. BCBAs in southern Vermont can access the greater Boston job market via Interstate 91, and those near the New Hampshire border can work in a state with no income tax. Vermont's strong behavioral health culture — the state has historically invested heavily in community mental health — creates consistent demand despite the small population.

Behavioral Health Careers in New England's Green Mountain State

BLS Employment

2,070

Projected Growth

19% nationally through 2034

Top Employers

University of Vermont Medical Center, Howard Center, Washington County Mental Health Services, Northeastern Family Institute of Vermont, school districts (Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland)

Vermont's behavioral health workforce is surprisingly robust relative to its population of roughly 650,000. The state has one of the highest rates of behavioral health counselors per capita in the country — reflecting Vermont's long history of investing in community mental health services. The University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington is the state's largest employer and academic medical center. The Howard Center provides comprehensive behavioral health services in Chittenden County. Washington County Mental Health Services serves central Vermont. Vermont's designated agency system — a network of community mental health centers serving every region — provides steady ABA employment opportunities statewide. Telehealth is important for serving Vermont's rural communities, particularly in the Northeast Kingdom and southern mountain regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study) is designed for professionals who already hold a qualifying master's degree — in education, psychology, counseling, speech-language pathology, or a related field — and need only the ABA coursework for BCBA eligibility. If you don't have a master's degree, you need the full MEd. The CAGS is faster, cheaper, and avoids redundant coursework. It's ideal for career changers adding BCBA credentials to an existing professional foundation.
If you hold current BCBA certification from the BACB, Vermont grants licensure by endorsement — no separate state exam required. You submit an application to the Office of Professional Regulation with a $115 fee, proof of BCBA certification, evidence of your master's degree, and documentation of 1,500 supervised experience hours. The process is straightforward compared to states that require additional exams or extensive documentation beyond BACB credentials.
New Hampshire doesn't require state licensure — so Vermont BCBAs can practice there with BCBA certification alone. Massachusetts requires licensure through the Board of Registration of Allied Health Professionals, which requires a separate application. Many Vermont BCBAs, particularly those in southern Vermont or near the New Hampshire border, hold credentials that allow cross-border practice — expanding their client base beyond Vermont's small population.
Vermont operates a statewide network of designated community mental health agencies — one serving each region of the state. These agencies provide comprehensive behavioral health services, including ABA and behavioral intervention programs. For BCBAs, this system provides steady employment opportunities across the state, not just in Burlington. Agencies like Howard Center, Washington County Mental Health, and others hire BCBAs for both clinical and supervisory roles.
Vermont requires a degree from an ABAI-accredited program or one approved by the OPR Director. If your online program holds ABAI accreditation, you're in the clear. For non-accredited programs, the OPR Director reviews coursework for equivalency. Starting in 2026, the BACB's new coursework attestation system replaces the old VCS process — so ensure your program meets current BACB standards. Vermont's licensure by endorsement means your BCBA certification itself serves as strong evidence of program quality.