ABA Programs in Virginia (2027)
Virginia's ABA landscape offers something most states can't: affordable online programs at schools like Mary Baldwin ($495/credit), proximity to the Washington D.C. job market, and one of the highest employer concentrations for behavioral health professionals in the country.
Key Takeaways
- Mary Baldwin University stands out as the value pick — a fully online M.S. in ABA at $495/credit (36 credits, ~$17,820 total), with ABAI-verified coursework and fieldwork built into the program.
- Shenandoah University offers the fastest path at just 16 months for its 33-credit online M.S. — though at $1,040/credit, it trades affordability for speed.
- James Madison University delivers the best in-state value for on-campus learners — $540/credit for a hybrid M.Ed. that combines ABA with special education expertise across 45 credits.
- Virginia licenses behavior analysts through the Board of Medicine, requiring BCBA certification, 32 hours of biennial CE (including 4 in ethics), and as of 2023, 1 hour of human trafficking awareness training.
- With 15,720 employed in the BLS behavioral health category — the 5th-highest concentration in the nation — Virginia's D.C.-adjacent Northern Virginia corridor drives some of the strongest ABA hiring in the Mid-Atlantic.
- The degree is only half of it. Virginia employers hire on the BCBA credential. A master's from a Virginia program makes you eligible to sit the exam; it does not confer certification. You still need supervised fieldwork hours and a passing BACB exam result before you can bill independently. Read up on the BCBA certification path before you compare tuition.
Virginia's ABA programs cater heavily to working professionals, with most options available fully online or in hybrid formats. Mary Baldwin University is the affordability standout at $495/credit for a 36-credit online M.S. — one of the cheapest ABA programs on the East Coast. Shenandoah University appeals to students who prioritize speed, offering a 16-month completion timeline.
For students who prefer some face-to-face instruction, James Madison University runs a hybrid M.Ed. at $540/credit for Virginia residents, and UVA offers an M.Ed. in Special Education with an ABA emphasis that carries the prestige of a top-10 public university. Graduate certificate options at George Mason and Old Dominion serve professionals who already have a master's degree and just need BCBA coursework.
Virginia's biggest advantage may be geographic. Northern Virginia sits directly across the Potomac from Washington D.C., giving graduates access to one of the densest behavioral health employment corridors in the country. The state ranks 5th nationally for concentration of behavioral health professionals, and BCBA-certified analysts in the D.C. metro regularly command $80,000–$100,000+.
Looking for a specific metro?
See ABA programs by city for metro-level guides with local employers and salary data.
Best Value ABA Programs in Virginia — Online & Hybrid Options
All 4 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mary Baldwin University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) | $495/credit (~$17,820 total, 36 credits) | Fully online | |
| 2 | Shenandoah University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) | $1,040/credit (~$34,320 total, 33 credits) | Fully online | |
| 3 | James Madison University — M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Concentration (Hybrid) | $540/credit (~$24,300 total, 45 credits) | Hybrid | |
| 4 | University of Virginia — M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Emphasis | ~$800/credit | On-campus |
Mary Baldwin University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)
In-State
$495/credit (~$17,820 total, 36 credits)
Out-of-State
$495/credit (~$17,820 total)
Length
24 months
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (fieldwork built into program structure)
Concentrations
- Cheapest ABA master's in Virginia — $495/credit flat rate regardless of residency
- Total program cost of approximately $17,820 makes it one of the most affordable in the country
- ABAI-verified coursework — meets all BACB exam eligibility requirements
- Fully online with fieldwork opportunities integrated into the program structure
- 36-credit program completable in 24 months — solid pacing for working professionals
- No GRE required — streamlined admissions process
Shenandoah University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)
In-State
$1,040/credit (~$34,320 total, 33 credits)
Out-of-State
$1,040/credit (~$34,320 total)
Length
16 months (4 semesters)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (completed separately)
Concentrations
- Fastest ABA program in Virginia — completable in just 16 months across 4 semesters
- 33-credit structure: 21 credits core ABAI-verified, 6 elective, 6 capstone
- Fully online with payment plans available (5 monthly payments fall, 4 spring)
- Ideal for career changers or professionals who want BCBA eligibility as quickly as possible
- Shenandoah's location in Winchester provides proximity to the D.C./NoVA job market
- Post-graduate certificate option also available for students with existing master's degrees
James Madison University — M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Concentration (Hybrid)
In-State
$540/credit (~$24,300 total, 45 credits)
Out-of-State
$1,231/credit (~$55,395 total)
Length
2–3 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- Best in-state value for Virginia residents who want some face-to-face instruction — $540/credit
- M.Ed. framework provides dual credentials in special education and ABA
- Hybrid format accommodates working professionals with both online and on-campus components
- JMU's College of Education is consistently ranked among the top in Virginia
- 45-credit program — more credits than online-only options but deeper preparation
- Harrisonburg location offers lower cost of living than Northern Virginia while still within the state
University of Virginia — M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA Emphasis
In-State
~$800/credit
Out-of-State
~$1,500/credit
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- UVA's School of Education and Human Development is consistently ranked in the top 25 nationally
- M.Ed. satisfies both BCBA and BCaBA coursework requirements per revised BACB standards
- Prestigious R1 research university — strongest brand name among Virginia ABA programs
- Charlottesville offers a quality college-town lifestyle with moderate cost of living
- Access to UVA's interdisciplinary research in developmental psychology and special education
- ABA certificate option available for students seeking BCBA coursework without a full degree
Virginia LBA License: Board of Medicine Requirements
Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)
Issued by: Virginia Board of Medicine (Department of Health Professions)
- Current BCBA certification from the BACB
- Master's degree in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field
- Completion of 1,500–2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork
- Application through the Virginia Board of Medicine with required fees
- Criminal background check
- Proof of BACB certification submitted with application
Renewal
Biennial renewal in odd-numbered years during birth month. 32 hours of continuing education per renewal period (4 hours must cover ethics). As of October 2023, 1 hour of human trafficking CE is required for 2024 and 2025 renewal cycles.
What BCBAs Earn in Virginia (D.C. Metro vs. Statewide)
Northern Virginia, Richmond & the D.C. Corridor ABA Market
BLS Employment
15,720
Projected Growth
19% nationally through 2034
Top Employers
Trumpet Behavioral Health, Hopebridge, Inova Health System, Virginia Institute of Autism, Grafton Integrated Health Network
Sources
- ABAI — Verified Course Sequence Directory
- BACB — Certificant Data and Exam Pass Rates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024
- Virginia Board of Medicine — Behavior Analyst Licensure
- Virginia Association for Behavior Analysis — Licensure Info
- NCES College Navigator — U.S. Department of Education