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.
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
All 7 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington — M.Ed. (On-Campus) | $20,736/year (~$620/credit) | On-campus | |
| 2 | University of Washington — M.Ed. (Online) | $589/credit (same for all students) | Synchronous online | |
| 3 | Central Washington University — M.S. in ABA | ~$401/credit | On-campus with clinical practicum | |
| 4 | Whitworth University — M.A. in ABA | $675/credit (private, flat rate) | On-campus | |
| 5 | Gonzaga University — Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Analysis | ~$780/credit (private, flat rate) | Face-to-face on campus | |
| 6 | Gonzaga University — B.Ed. in Special Education & ABA | ~$1,775/credit (private) | On-campus with field placements | |
| 7 | Seattle Central College — BAS in Applied Behavioral Science | ~$95/credit + fees (community college rates) | Evening hybrid |
University of Washington — M.Ed. (On-Campus)
In-State
$20,736/year (~$620/credit)
Out-of-State
$37,464/year (~$1,120/credit)
Length
2 years (67 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised fieldwork hours (practicum + internship)
Concentrations
- 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
University of Washington — M.Ed. (Online)
In-State
$589/credit (same for all students)
Out-of-State
$589/credit (same for all students)
Length
2–3 years (56–62 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised fieldwork hours (student arranges local site)
Concentrations
- 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
Central Washington University — M.S. in ABA
In-State
~$401/credit
Out-of-State
~$901/credit
Length
2 years (~49 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- 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
Whitworth University — M.A. in ABA
In-State
$675/credit (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$675/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
~2 years (37–46 credits)
Field Hours
750-hour internship at Northwest Autism Center
Concentrations
- 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
Gonzaga University — Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Analysis
In-State
~$780/credit (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
~$780/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
15 months
Field Hours
Supervised experience arranged through program partnerships
Concentrations
- 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
Gonzaga University — B.Ed. in Special Education & ABA
In-State
~$1,775/credit (private)
Out-of-State
~$1,775/credit (private)
Length
4 years (120+ credits)
Field Hours
90–270 hours practicum (EDSE 495, 3–9 credits)
Concentrations
- 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
Seattle Central College — BAS in Applied Behavioral Science
In-State
~$95/credit + fees (community college rates)
Out-of-State
~$350/credit + fees (out-of-state waiver available)
Length
6 quarters (~2 years for upper division)
Field Hours
2 required advanced field placements/internships
Concentrations
- 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
Behavior Analyst Licensure Requirements in Washington
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) — Applied Behavior Analysis Program
360-236-4700
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.
Licensed Behavior Analyst
Independent practice of applied behavior analysis, including assessment, treatment design, supervision of LABAs and CBTs
Hours
1,500
Duration
Associate
Exam: BCBA Exam (via BACB)
Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst
Practice of ABA under supervision of an LBA — may implement and monitor treatment plans, collect data, train caregivers
Hours
1,000
Duration
Associate
Exam: BCaBA Exam (via BACB)
Certified Behavior Technician
Paraprofessional implementing treatment plans under close supervision — no independent design or supervisory responsibilities
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: 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 abaapplication@doh.wa.gov with questions about out-of-state applications.
Behavior Analyst Salary in Washington State
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
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.
Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselors (incl. Behavior Analysts)
National median: $59,190
Top metro: $65,290 (Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue)
BCBA-Certified Professionals (employer-reported)
National median: $78,000
Top metro: $96,000 (Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue)
RBT / Behavior Technicians
National median: $37,800
Top metro: $45,200 (Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue)
Washington ABA Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
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 & 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
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
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.
Related Pages
Best Online ABA Programs
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BCBA Career Guide
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BCBA Salary Data
Salary data by state, experience, and employer type
Best Online Counseling Programs
If you're considering counseling as an alternative path
Best Online Master's in Psychology
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ABA Programs by State
Browse ABA programs in all 50 states
Sources
- ABAI — Verified Course Sequence Directory
- BACB — Verified Course Sequences
- Washington DOH — Applied Behavior Analysis Licensing Requirements
- BACB — Certificant Data and Exam Pass Rates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024
- BACB — U.S. Licensure of Behavior Analysts by State
- Washington Association for Behavior Analysis (WashABA)
- NCES College Navigator — U.S. Department of Education