Last updated: March 6, 2026

Best ABA Programs in Washington State (2026)

Every Applied Behavior Analysis program in Washington — bachelor's through master's — with tuition, accreditation status, certification paths, licensure requirements, and behavior analyst salary data for 2026.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

Best ABA Programs in Washington State (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Washington has 7 ABA programs across bachelor's and master's levels, including the University of Washington's ABAI Tier 2A-recognized M.Ed. — one of the strongest ABA programs on the West Coast.
  • Bachelor's-level options include Gonzaga's B.Ed. in Special Education & ABA (BCaBA-aligned) and Seattle Central College's BAS in Applied Behavioral Science, the first applied behavioral science bachelor's in the region.
  • The Washington DOH issues three ABA credentials: LBA (Licensed Behavior Analyst, master's + BCBA), LABA (Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst, bachelor's + BCaBA), and CBT (Certified Behavior Technician, RBT equivalent).
  • Behavior analysts in Washington earn a median of $64,220 under the BLS category, but BCBA-certified professionals in the Seattle metro routinely earn $85,000–$100,000+ according to employer-reported data — and Washington has no state income tax.
  • Starting January 2026, the BACB handles coursework verification directly through a new attestation system, replacing the ABAI VCS process. Programs with ABAI accreditation or recognition provide the most streamlined path to certification.

Washington is a strong state for behavior analysts at every career stage. Demand for ABA services — particularly for autism spectrum interventions — continues to outpace the supply of credentialed professionals across the state, and Washington's licensure framework provides clear pathways at the bachelor's (LABA), master's (LBA), and paraprofessional (CBT) levels.

If you're exploring ABA programs in Washington, you have options ranging from Gonzaga's undergraduate special education and behavior analysis degree in Spokane to the University of Washington's nationally recognized graduate program in Seattle. Several programs can be completed online or in hybrid formats, and UW's online M.Ed. charges the same $589/credit regardless of residency — making it accessible to students across the state and beyond.

This guide covers every ABA program in Washington at both the bachelor's and master's level, plus the licensure requirements, salary data, and workforce context you need to make an informed decision. Whether you're aiming for BCaBA certification after a bachelor's or BCBA certification after a master's, we break down what each program offers and how it maps to your career goals.

ABA Programs in Washington State

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
University of Washington — M.Ed. (On-Campus) $20,736/year (~$620/credit) On-campus, field-based (Tues/Wed/Thu afternoons) 2 years (67 credits) ABAI Tier 2A Recognized; BACB-Aligned
University of Washington — M.Ed. (Online) $589/credit (same for all students) Synchronous online (Tues/Wed/Thu at 5 PM PST) + local fieldwork 2–3 years (56–62 credits) ABAI Tier 2A Recognized; BACB-Aligned
Central Washington University — M.S. in ABA ~$401/credit On-campus with clinical practicum 2 years (~49 credits) BACB-Aligned
Whitworth University — M.A. in ABA $675/credit (private, flat rate) On-campus, late afternoon/evening classes ~2 years (37–46 credits) ABAI-Verified; BACB-Approved
Gonzaga University — Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Analysis ~$780/credit (private, flat rate) Face-to-face on campus 15 months ABAI-Verified (5th Edition VCS); BACB-Approved
Gonzaga University — B.Ed. in Special Education & ABA ~$1,775/credit (private) On-campus with field placements 4 years (120+ credits) Regionally Accredited (NWCCU); BCaBA-Aligned Coursework
Seattle Central College — BAS in Applied Behavioral Science ~$95/credit + fees (community college rates) Evening hybrid (Zoom + 1 required in-person session per course) 6 quarters (~2 years for upper division) Regionally Accredited (NWCCU)

University of Washington — M.Ed. (On-Campus)

Seattle

In-State Tuition

$20,736/year (~$620/credit)

Out-of-State

$37,464/year (~$1,120/credit)

Format

On-campus, field-based (Tues/Wed/Thu afternoons)

Full-Time

2 years (67 credits)

Field Hours

1,500 supervised fieldwork hours (practicum + internship)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — autism intervention, developmental disabilities, school-based practice

  • ABAI Tier 2A recognition — the highest recognition level for non-accredited programs
  • 74% first-time BCBA exam pass rate (2023–2024), above the national average of ~58–62%
  • Clinical partnerships with Haring Center for Inclusive Education, UW Autism Center, and Seattle Children's Autism Center
  • ABA General Scholarship (up to $8,000) and Fieldwork Scholarship (up to $6,000) available
  • Cohort model with ~20 students per year; 41 enrolled, 17 graduated in 2023–24
  • Faculty-led research in autism intervention, cultural responsiveness, and single-case design
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

University of Washington — M.Ed. (Online)

Seattle (Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$589/credit (same for all students)

Out-of-State

$589/credit (same for all students)

Format

Synchronous online (Tues/Wed/Thu at 5 PM PST) + local fieldwork

Full-Time

2–3 years (56–62 credits)

Field Hours

1,500 supervised fieldwork hours (student arranges local site)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — same curriculum as on-campus track

  • Same ABAI Tier 2A-recognized curriculum as the on-campus program
  • Flat $589/credit rate regardless of residency — total cost ~$33,000–$36,500
  • Rolling admissions with final deadline of May 1
  • Optional UW supervision package: 75 hours group + 75 hours individual with UW-affiliated BCBA
  • ABA Online Fieldwork Scholarship up to $6,000 ($1,000/quarter during practicum)
  • Flexible 2- or 3-year pacing for students balancing work and school
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Central Washington University — M.S. in ABA

Ellensburg

In-State Tuition

~$401/credit

Out-of-State

~$901/credit

Format

On-campus with clinical practicum

Full-Time

2 years (~49 credits)

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — autism, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury

  • Most affordable master's-level ABA program in Washington for residents (~$19,600 total in-state)
  • Practice-oriented curriculum from the first quarter — not theory-heavy
  • Graduate assistantships available with tuition waiver and stipend
  • Focus areas include autism spectrum interventions, TBI, and intellectual disabilities
  • Small program with close faculty mentorship and hands-on clinical training
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Whitworth University — M.A. in ABA

Spokane

In-State Tuition

$675/credit (private, flat rate)

Out-of-State

$675/credit (private, flat rate)

Format

On-campus, late afternoon/evening classes

Full-Time

~2 years (37–46 credits)

Field Hours

750-hour internship at Northwest Autism Center

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — neurodevelopmental disabilities, evidence-based treatment

  • ABAI-verified coursework — strongest accreditation standing among Spokane-area ABA programs
  • Small cohorts of 10–15 students with individualized faculty mentorship
  • Built-in 750-hour internship at the on-site Northwest Autism Center
  • Evening/late afternoon class schedule designed for working professionals
  • Total program cost ~$25,000–$31,000 depending on supervision track
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Gonzaga University — Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Analysis

Spokane

In-State Tuition

~$780/credit (private, flat rate)

Out-of-State

~$780/credit (private, flat rate)

Format

Face-to-face on campus

Full-Time

15 months

Field Hours

Supervised experience arranged through program partnerships

Concentrations

Verified Course Sequence for BCBA exam eligibility

  • ABAI-verified 5th Edition VCS — satisfies all BACB coursework requirements for BCBA exam
  • Can be completed in as little as 15 months
  • Practicum experience in public/private schools and behavior analytic clinics
  • Accelerated pathway available for Gonzaga undergrads starting in senior year
  • Spokane-area clinical partnerships for supervised fieldwork
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Gonzaga University — B.Ed. in Special Education & ABA

Spokane

In-State Tuition

~$1,775/credit (private)

Out-of-State

~$1,775/credit (private)

Format

On-campus with field placements

Full-Time

4 years (120+ credits)

Field Hours

90–270 hours practicum (EDSE 495, 3–9 credits)

Concentrations

Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis emphasis

  • Only dedicated undergraduate ABA degree at a 4-year university in Washington
  • BCaBA-aligned coursework prepares graduates for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst exam
  • Experiential learning from day one — field placements in schools and behavior clinics
  • Accelerated 4+1 pathway lets seniors begin the graduate VCS for BCBA certification
  • Prepares graduates for both special education teaching and behavior analysis careers
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.75

Seattle Central College — BAS in Applied Behavioral Science

Seattle

In-State Tuition

~$95/credit + fees (community college rates)

Out-of-State

~$350/credit + fees (out-of-state waiver available)

Format

Evening hybrid (Zoom + 1 required in-person session per course)

Full-Time

6 quarters (~2 years for upper division)

Field Hours

2 required advanced field placements/internships

Concentrations

Applied Behavioral Science — social services, mental health, child welfare, policy advocacy

  • Most affordable bachelor's pathway into behavioral science in Washington — community college tuition rates
  • First BAS in Applied Behavioral Science in the Pacific Northwest (established 2009)
  • Evening hybrid format with classes one day per week (6–8:20 PM via Zoom)
  • Designed for working professionals with associate degrees in human services, early childhood, or related fields
  • Cohort model with 20–30 students and doctorate-level faculty
  • Out-of-state tuition waiver available for qualifying students
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.0

Behavior Analyst Licensure Requirements in Washington

Washington licenses behavior analysts under RCW 18.380, with three credential levels that map directly to BACB certifications. The LBA (Licensed Behavior Analyst) is the full-practice credential requiring a master's degree and BCBA certification. The LABA (Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst) lets bachelor's-level BCaBA holders practice under LBA supervision. The CBT (Certified Behavior Technician) is the entry-level credential for paraprofessionals implementing treatment plans.

Washington's licensure law means you must hold a state credential to practice ABA in Washington — BACB certification alone is not sufficient. The good news: if you hold current BACB certification (BCBA, BCaBA, or RBT), the DOH application process is straightforward since your national certification satisfies the education and exam requirements.

License Full Name Supervised Hours Exam
LBA Licensed Behavior Analyst 1,500 hrs BCBA Exam (via BACB)
LABA Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst 1,000 hrs BCaBA Exam (via BACB)
CBT Certified Behavior Technician N/A (associate level) RBT Exam (via BACB) or DOH-approved competency evaluation

Washington does not offer formal reciprocity for out-of-state behavior analyst licenses. However, if you hold current BACB certification (BCBA or BCaBA) in good standing, the DOH application is essentially a credential verification — your national certification satisfies the education, supervised experience, and exam requirements. You'll need to submit proof of BACB certification, pass a background check, and pay the application fee. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Contact [email protected] with questions about out-of-state applications.

Licensing Board

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) — Applied Behavior Analysis Program

Phone: 360-236-4700

Board Website → Verify a License →

Behavior Analyst Salary in Washington State

Washington behavior analysts earn well above national averages, and the state's zero income tax means your take-home pay is significantly higher than equivalent salaries in Oregon (8–9% income tax) or California (9–13%). The BLS May 2024 data below uses the broader "substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors" category (SOC 21-1018), which includes behavior analysts. Employer-reported BCBA-specific salaries in Washington typically run $85,000–$100,000+, particularly in the Seattle metro and for professionals in supervisory or clinical director roles.

Occupation State Median National Median Premium Top Metro
Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselors (incl. Behavior Analysts) $64,220 $59,190 +8.5% $65,290 (Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue)
BCBA-Certified Professionals (employer-reported) $88,850 $78,000 +13.9% $96,000 (Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue)
RBT / Behavior Technicians $42,500 $37,800 +12.4% $45,200 (Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue)

This state has no income tax, making take-home pay higher than these numbers suggest.

Washington ABA Job Market and Workforce

Demand for behavior analysts in Washington far exceeds supply, driven primarily by autism spectrum diagnosis rates and insurance mandate expansion. Washington's autism insurance mandate (RCW 48.43.135) requires all health plans to cover ABA therapy for autism, creating sustained demand for credentialed providers across the state.

The Washington Association for Behavior Analysis (WashABA) serves as the state's professional organization, connecting practitioners, hosting continuing education events, and advocating for the profession at the legislative level.

Major ABA employers in Washington include Trumpet Behavioral Health, Intercare Therapy, Hopebridge, Verbal Beginnings, Positive Behavior Supports Corp, and the Seattle Children's Autism Center. School districts across the state — particularly in the Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane metros — also employ behavior analysts in special education departments. The BLS projects 19% growth in behavioral health roles through 2034, well above the average for all occupations.

Loan Repayment and Scholarship Programs

  • Washington Health Corps — Up to $75,000 in loan repayment for licensed health professionals (including LBAs) who serve at approved sites in critical shortage areas for 3 years.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Behavior analysts at public schools, state agencies, and nonprofit ABA providers all qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments.
  • UW ABA Scholarships — The University of Washington offers up to $8,000 (General Scholarship) and $6,000 (Fieldwork Scholarship) for admitted M.Ed. ABA students based on need and merit.

How to Choose an ABA Program in Washington

Washington has a manageable number of ABA programs, so the decision comes down to where you are in your career, whether you need a bachelor's or master's, and how much flexibility you need in your schedule.

  • If you're starting from scratch with no degree: Gonzaga's B.Ed. in Special Education & ABA is the only dedicated undergraduate ABA degree at a 4-year university in Washington. It prepares you for BCaBA certification and includes an accelerated 4+1 pathway to the graduate VCS for BCBA eligibility.
  • If you have an associate degree and want to work in behavioral health: Seattle Central College's BAS in Applied Behavioral Science is the most affordable bachelor's pathway, with evening hybrid classes designed for working adults. Note: this program is broader behavioral science, not specifically BACB-aligned.
  • If you want the strongest ABA master's program: UW Seattle's on-campus M.Ed. has ABAI Tier 2A recognition, a 74% BCBA pass rate, and clinical partnerships with Seattle Children's and the UW Autism Center.
  • If you need an online master's: UW's online M.Ed. offers the same ABAI-recognized curriculum at a flat $589/credit regardless of residency. You'll arrange fieldwork locally and attend synchronous classes at 5 PM PST.
  • If you're on a tight budget: Central Washington University's M.S. in ABA is the cheapest master's option for Washington residents at ~$401/credit (~$19,600 total), with graduate assistantships that include tuition waivers.
  • If you're in the Spokane area: Whitworth's M.A. in ABA has ABAI-verified coursework, small cohorts of 10–15, and a built-in 750-hour internship at the Northwest Autism Center. Gonzaga's graduate VCS is another strong Spokane option for students who already have a master's and just need the BCBA coursework.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Washington has 7 ABA programs spanning bachelor's and master's levels. At the master's level, UW offers both an on-campus and online M.Ed. (both ABAI Tier 2A recognized), Central Washington University has an M.S. in ABA, Whitworth University offers an ABAI-verified M.A. in ABA, and Gonzaga has a graduate certificate VCS. At the bachelor's level, Gonzaga offers a B.Ed. in Special Education & ABA (BCaBA-aligned), and Seattle Central College has a BAS in Applied Behavioral Science.
Washington requires state licensure to practice ABA under RCW 18.380. The Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) requires a master's degree, 225 hours of graduate-level ABA coursework, 1,500 supervised experience hours, and a passing BCBA exam score. The Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA) requires a bachelor's degree, 135 hours of ABA coursework, supervised experience, and the BCaBA exam. The Certified Behavior Technician (CBT) requires a high school diploma, a 40-hour training program, and the RBT exam. If you hold current BACB certification, the DOH application is straightforward since your certification satisfies most requirements.
At the master's level, Central Washington University is the most affordable at approximately $401 per credit for in-state students, with a total program cost around $19,600. Graduate assistantships with tuition waivers are also available. UW's online M.Ed. charges a flat $589/credit regardless of residency (~$33,000–$36,500 total), making it the best value for out-of-state students. At the bachelor's level, Seattle Central College's BAS program charges community college tuition rates (~$95/credit for in-state students), making it the cheapest bachelor's pathway into behavioral science in Washington.
Yes. The University of Washington's online M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis offers synchronous classes at 5 PM PST and charges a flat $589/credit regardless of where you live. The program holds the same ABAI Tier 2A recognition as the on-campus version. You'll still need to complete 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork in person at an approved site near you, but the academic coursework is fully online. UW also offers an optional supervision package with UW-affiliated BCBAs for students who need help arranging supervision.
Under the broader BLS category that includes behavior analysts, the Washington state median is $64,220 (national: $59,190). However, BCBA-certified professionals in Washington typically earn significantly more. Employer-reported data shows average BCBA salaries of $85,000–$100,000+ in Washington, with the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro at the higher end. Clinical directors and BCBAs in private practice can earn above $110,000. Washington also has no state income tax, so your take-home pay is meaningfully higher than the same salary in neighboring Oregon or California.
The ABAI Verified Course Sequence (VCS) system ended on December 31, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, the BACB handles coursework verification directly through a new Pathway 2 Course Attestation System. Programs with full ABAI accreditation provide the most streamlined path to certification. Programs that previously held VCS status (like Whitworth and Gonzaga) will transition to the new system. If you're enrolling in 2026, confirm with your program that they've completed the transition to ensure your coursework will be accepted for BCBA or BCaBA exam eligibility.
BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) requires a master's degree and allows independent practice — you can design treatment plans, supervise others, and bill insurance directly. BCaBA (Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst) requires a bachelor's degree and works under BCBA supervision — you can implement and monitor treatment plans but can't practice independently. In Washington, BCBA maps to the LBA license and BCaBA maps to the LABA license. Most professionals aim for BCBA as the terminal credential, but BCaBA is a meaningful entry point that lets you start working in the field while pursuing a master's degree.
Not necessarily. UW requires a bachelor's degree from any accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA, plus at least one year of ABA experience. Central Washington, Whitworth, and Gonzaga have similar requirements — a bachelor's in any field is typically accepted as long as you can demonstrate relevant experience and academic preparation. That said, backgrounds in psychology, education, or special education are most common, and some prerequisite coursework in research methods or statistics may be expected.