Last updated: March 9, 2026

ABA Programs in Wyoming (2026)

Wyoming has no in-state ABA program — the least populated state in the country relies entirely on online programs from other states. But brand-new behavior analyst licensure through HB0110 (effective 2023) signals growing demand, and Wyoming's frontier communities offer unique ABA career opportunities for those willing to serve remote populations.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

ABA Programs in Wyoming (2026)

Key Takeaways

  • Wyoming has no in-state ABA master's program — aspiring BCBAs must enroll in online programs from accredited out-of-state universities.
  • Wyoming enacted behavior analyst licensure in 2022 (HB0110) through the Board of Psychology, effective January 30, 2023 — one of the newest licensing frameworks in the country.
  • The license requires BCBA certification, a fingerprint-based background check, and approximately $300 in initial fees — with licensure by endorsement available for those licensed in other states.
  • Affordable online ABA master's programs for Wyoming residents include Mississippi State ($558/credit), UCO ($292/credit), Utah State ($488/credit), and UND ($553/credit) — all accept students from any state.
  • Wyoming's estimated BLS median of approximately $50,000 for behavioral health counselors is below the national average — but the state's zero income tax and very low cost of living significantly boost purchasing power.

Wyoming is the least populated state in the country — roughly 580,000 people spread across the ninth-largest state by area. That population density makes it impractical for local universities to sustain a graduate ABA program, and none currently exists. The University of Wyoming, the state's only four-year public university, does not offer an ABA master's degree or certificate.

Wyoming residents pursuing BCBA certification rely entirely on online programs from accredited out-of-state universities. Strong options include Mississippi State ($558/credit with in-state rates for everyone), the University of Central Oklahoma ($292/credit — the cheapest standalone ABA master's in the region), Utah State ($488/credit, geographically nearby), and the University of North Dakota ($553/credit, also in the western region). All of these programs allow fieldwork to be completed at local Wyoming sites under qualified supervision.

The most significant recent development for Wyoming ABA is HB0110, which established behavior analyst licensure through the Board of Psychology effective January 30, 2023. This makes Wyoming one of the newest states to regulate the profession. The license requires BCBA certification, a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and approximately $300 in fees. Rules implementing the law became effective October 2, 2025, completing the regulatory framework.

No In-State Programs — Best Online Options for Wyoming Residents

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
Mississippi State University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online, Recommended) $558/credit (~$22,320 total, 40 credits — in-state rate for ALL students) Fully online 2 years BACB-Aligned
University of Central Oklahoma — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online) $292/credit (~$10,512 total, 36 credits) Fully online 1.5–2 years ABAI-Approved; BACB-Aligned

Mississippi State University — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online, Recommended)

Starkville, MS (Fully Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$558/credit (~$22,320 total, 40 credits — in-state rate for ALL students)

Out-of-State

$558/credit (~$22,320 total — same rate for all)

Format

Fully online

Full-Time

2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed at local Wyoming sites)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — behavioral assessment, intervention, ethical practice, autism spectrum disorders

  • In-state tuition rate for ALL students regardless of where you live — $558/credit
  • Fully online with no residency or campus visit requirements
  • One of the most affordable ABA master's programs nationally
  • Strong fit for Wyoming residents — complete coursework online, fieldwork at local sites
  • Well-established program with track record of BCBA exam preparation
  • 40-credit program with comprehensive coverage of BACB task list
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

University of Central Oklahoma — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)

Edmond, OK (Fully Online)

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$292/credit (~$10,512 total, 36 credits)

Out-of-State

$292/credit (~$10,512 total — same rate for all online students)

Format

Fully online

Full-Time

1.5–2 years

Field Hours

1,500 supervised experience hours (completed at local Wyoming sites)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis — ABAI-approved curriculum, behavioral assessment, intervention design, ethical practice

  • Cheapest standalone ABA master's degree available to Wyoming residents — ~$10,512 total
  • ABAI-approved program — strong accreditation credential
  • Flat $292/credit rate for all online students regardless of state
  • Fully online with no residency requirements
  • Shorter 36-credit program — lean and efficient path to BCBA eligibility
  • BCBA fieldwork completed at approved Wyoming sites
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Brand-New HB0110 Licensing Through the Board of Psychology

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Issued by: Wyoming Board of Psychology

  • Current BCBA certification from the BACB — verified by the Board directly with the certifying entity
  • Master's degree in behavior analysis, psychology, or a related field with BACB-approved coursework
  • Fingerprint-based criminal background check
  • Application to the Board of Psychology with approximately $300 in fees
  • Wyoming enacted behavior analyst licensing through HB0110 in 2022, effective January 30, 2023
  • Implementing rules became effective October 2, 2025, completing the regulatory framework
  • Licensed under Title 33, Chapter 27 of Wyoming Statutes (Psychology and Behavior Analysts)
  • Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst credential available for BCaBA holders
  • Licensure by endorsement available for applicants licensed in other states

Renewal

Renewal through the Board of Psychology on a regular cycle. Must maintain BACB certification in active status and meet continuing education requirements. Contact the Board of Psychology for specific renewal fees and cycle dates as the program is still establishing operational details.

Visit Licensing Board →

BCBA Pay in Cheyenne, Casper & Wyoming's Frontier Communities

BLS Median

$50,000

Entry Level

$33,000–$40,000

Experienced

$48,000–$65,000 (BCBA-certified, Cheyenne and Casper)

Top Earners

$70,000–$90,000+ (clinical directors, private practice, telehealth across multiple rural communities)

Wyoming's estimated BLS median of approximately $50,000 for the broader behavioral health counselor category is below the national average of $59,190. However, Wyoming has no state income tax — one of only seven states with this advantage — which effectively adds 5–8% to take-home pay compared to most other states. Combined with a cost of living below the national average (particularly outside of Jackson Hole and Teton County), BCBA purchasing power in Wyoming is stronger than the nominal salary suggests. Cheyenne (the state capital, near the Colorado border) and Casper are the largest ABA job markets. Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, has a small but steady market. Rural and frontier communities face severe behavioral health shortages.

ABA in the Cowboy State: Frontier Practice & Telehealth

BLS Employment

810

Projected Growth

19% nationally through 2034; Wyoming growth likely higher from an extremely low base

Top Employers

Wyoming Department of Health, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Wyoming Behavioral Institute, Central Wyoming Counseling Center, school districts (Laramie County SD #1, Natrona County SD)

Wyoming has the smallest behavioral health workforce of any state — roughly 810 employed behavioral health counselors. The entire state has fewer behavioral health professionals than most individual metro areas. This extreme shortage creates genuine opportunity for BCBAs: less competition, strong demand, and employers willing to offer incentives. The Wyoming Department of Health oversees behavioral health services statewide. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is the largest hospital. The Wyoming Behavioral Institute in Casper provides psychiatric and behavioral health services. Central Wyoming Counseling Center serves the Casper area. Telehealth is critical for serving Wyoming's vast rural expanses — the average population density is about 5.8 people per square mile, second only to Alaska. BCBAs who embrace telehealth-based practice models can serve clients across the entire state from a single base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Population economics. Wyoming has roughly 580,000 residents — fewer people than many individual cities. The University of Wyoming is the state's only four-year public university, and the demand for an ABA master's program isn't sufficient to justify dedicated faculty and resources. Online programs from larger universities fill this gap effectively — students can complete ABA coursework from anywhere in Wyoming while completing fieldwork at local sites under qualified supervision.
HB0110 was signed into law in 2022 and took effect January 30, 2023, making Wyoming one of the newest states to license behavior analysts. The implementing rules became effective October 2, 2025. The Board of Psychology administers the program under Title 33, Chapter 27 of Wyoming Statutes. This is good news for Wyoming BCBAs — formal licensing provides professional recognition, title protection, and a regulatory framework that supports insurance reimbursement.
The best choice depends on your priorities. For the lowest cost: UCO at $292/credit (~$10,512 total) with ABAI approval. For in-state pricing regardless of location: Mississippi State at $558/credit (~$22,320 total). For geographic proximity: Utah State at $488/credit or UND at $553/credit. All accept Wyoming students, require no campus visits, and allow fieldwork at local Wyoming sites. Check whether each program's accreditation status meets Wyoming Board of Psychology requirements.
Wyoming has no state income tax — joining Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington. A BCBA earning $60,000 in Wyoming takes home roughly $3,000–$5,000 more per year than the same salary in states with 5–7% income tax. This tax advantage partially compensates for Wyoming's below-average nominal salaries. BCBAs near the Colorado border (Cheyenne) can potentially access Colorado-area positions while maintaining Wyoming residency and its tax benefit.
Rural Wyoming ABA practice is defined by geography. Some communities are hours from the nearest BCBA — making telehealth not just convenient but essential. BCBAs serving rural Wyoming families may cover enormous geographic territories, conduct sessions via video, and collaborate with local schools and health clinics that serve as the only professional resources in remote communities. The trade-offs: fewer colleagues, limited practicum supervision options, and professional isolation. The benefits: strong demand, minimal competition, close community relationships, and the satisfaction of serving populations with genuinely unmet behavioral health needs.