ABA Programs at Montana State University Billings

Montana State University Billings leads the way in specialized education for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The university runs excellent ABA programs that create qualified professionals in this growing field.

MSU Billings’ core offering is a Master of Science in Special Education with an Advanced Studies Option focused on applied behavior analysis. Students who have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution can join this program to boost their ABA knowledge without getting a special education endorsement on their teaching license. The well-laid-out curriculum gives students the expertise they need to become behavior analysts.

Future students should think about their existing knowledge base. Some background in applied behavior analysis, psychology, or special education will help students succeed in the program. This foundation will give a better understanding of the advanced content in the coursework.

MSU Billings’ ABA programs stand out because of their official recognition. The degree program has a Verified Course Sequence approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. The Professional Practice track is also a BACB University Intensive Practicum.

Professionals who already have a qualifying Master’s Degree in education, psychology, or applied behavior analysis can earn a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at MSU Billings. This path works well for those who want to boost their credentials without completing another full degree.

These programs offer detailed coursework that covers content from the 5th Edition Task List and includes 315 hours of study across 7 courses. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need to succeed.

The university maintains strict standards. Students must have a cleared Criminal Background Report on file with the College of Education Licensure Office for all courses in the Verified Course Sequence and University Intensive Practicum. This requirement shows the professional responsibility that comes with becoming a behavior analyst.

MSU Billings’ students develop essential skills during their studies. They learn professional ethics, evidence-based practices, and understand why continuous learning matters in this field. The program creates competent professionals ready to make an impact in applied behavior analysis.

What ABA programs does Montana State University Billings offer?

MSU Billings has two different ABA program paths. Both programs are placed on moratorium as of April 24, 2024. The university won’t accept new students, but these programs will stay accredited through December 31, 2026.

The first option is the Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies with an Applied Behavior Analysis Emphasis. This 39-credit program helps students with a bachelor’s degree advance their studies in applied behavior analysis. Students can complete this program without getting special education endorsement on their educator license. The program structure has a professional core (6 credits) and professional specialization (33 credits). Students learn everything in ABA principles and practices.

The second path is the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate. This 24-credit program works well if you have a qualifying Master’s degree in education, psychology, or applied behavior analysis. Students can learn behavior analysis principles without committing to a full degree program.

These programs share several key features:

• They have a Verified Course Sequence approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International
• The Professional Practice track serves as a BACB University Intensive Practicum
• Students complete 315 hours of study across 7 courses covering content from the 5th Edition Task List
• Students need to get criminal background reports by submitting fingerprints to the Licensure Office

Graduates of either program can:

• Show the knowledge, skills, and mindset of an applied behavior analyst
• Follow their profession’s ethical codes
• Use evidence-based applied behavior analysis practices
• Value continuous learning in their field

Both programs share many course requirements. The Master’s program has courses in research, ethics, applied behavior analysis, assessment, supervision, data-based instruction, and radical behaviorism concepts. Students also learn about teaching students with emotional/behavioral disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Master’s students must complete a seminar and 6-credit thesis.

The Certificate program follows a two-year schedule with specific courses each semester. The Master’s program allows students to get only one “C” grade in their coursework.

After finishing either program, graduates can take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst professional exam. MSUBillings’ Applied Behavior program meets all educational requirements for BCBA certification.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital marker of quality for graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis. The Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies: Applied Behavior Analysis at Montana State University Billings proudly holds accreditation from the Association For Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). This recognition verifies that the program meets high academic and professional standards needed to prepare students in the field.

The program will keep its accreditation status through December 31, 2026, even though it was placed on moratorium starting April 24, 2024. This happened after the ABAI Accreditation Board voted in 2025 to extend the program’s accreditation throughout its moratorium period. Students who are already enrolled can finish their studies under an accredited program, despite the enrollment suspension.

MSU Billings has earned several institutional accreditations that further verify its academic quality. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) has accredited the university to ensure it meets high standards of educational excellence. On top of that, it holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for its special education teacher preparation programs, including the Master of Science in Special Education degree.

These accreditations directly benefit student outcomes. Students who complete MSU Billings’ Applied Behavior program meet the educational requirements needed to apply for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. All the same, students should know that BCBA certification requires more than just completing the degree before they can get their license.

The ABAI Accreditation Board works to set and implement standards for behavior analysis educational programs. MSU Billings’ program lines up with current field requirements through this accreditation process. ABAI recognizes the program’s mission to prepare skilled behavior analysts from different backgrounds who can apply simple principles from behavioral analysis that match radical behaviorism.

Students who want to research ABA programs should think about accreditation status to evaluate program quality and career prospects. MSU Billings’ ongoing accreditation, even during its moratorium period, shows the program’s strong academic standards.

Tuition

Your choice of an ABA program largely depends on how you’ll pay for your education. MSU Billings has different tuition options based on where you live, how many courses you take, and whether you study on campus or online.

MSU Billings sets different tuition rates for graduate students in ABA programs. Montana residents who take 9 or more credits on campus pay $8,280 per semester. The rates go down with fewer credits: $6,320 for 7-8 credits, $4,720 for 5-6 credits, and $2,840 for 1-4 credits.

Students from outside Montana pay more. Non-resident graduate students are charged $22,210 per semester for 9+ credits on campus. Students from Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states pay less – $11,070 per semester for the same number of credits.

Online courses often cost less. Montana residents who take only online courses pay $7,710 for 9+ credits per semester. Non-residents save money with online courses too, paying $14,160 per semester instead of the on-campus rate. Each online course has an extra $30 per credit fee, up to $360 total.

MSU Billings offers economical solutions compared to other Montana schools. Montana residents save about $5,059 each year compared to other 4-year universities in the state. These savings add up to $20,236 over four years. Out-of-state students save $11,574 yearly, totaling $46,296 for a four-year program.

The university has tuition waiver programs for these eligible graduate students:

• Veterans
• American Indians
• Faculty and staff
• Advanced honor students
• Athletes
• War orphans
• Dependents of firefighters and police officers killed in duty

Students must keep a 3.00 cumulative GPA while taking at least nine credits to keep their tuition waivers after the first semester. Their supervisors, unit chairs, and/or deans must also be happy with their work.

Remember that tuition waivers only cover tuition and registration fees, not other required fees. These waivers might affect how much you can borrow in loans since they’re part of your financial aid package.

Rates might change as they need approval from the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education. You should contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to get the latest information about tuition and fees.

Admissions

Montana State University Billings offers ABA programs with specific admission criteria that will give a path to student success. Each program pathway has distinct requirements.

Students must hold a Master’s degree in Education, Psychology, or Applied Behavior Analysis to enter the Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis program. This background knowledge serves as the foundation for specialized ABA studies.

The Master of Science in Special Education Advanced Studies with ABA Emphasis demands these requirements:

• 0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Current resume or CV
• Statement of purpose outlining professional goals (one page maximum in narrative format, not bulleted)
• Two academic or professional letters of recommendation
• Criminal background report submitted to the College of Education Licensure Officer

The program does not accept recommendations from family members, friends, doctors, or clergy. This rule helps maintain an objective evaluation process.

Students who have earned a Master’s degree from an accredited institution don’t need to submit GRE scores. The 3.0 GPA standard determines GRE requirements for other applicants.

Academic excellence remains crucial after admission. Students can only use 400-level courses or above toward their degree. The Master’s program allows all but one of these courses to have a grade of “C”.

The Master of Science in Special Education Generalist track requires students to pass a PRAXIS exam in special education for program completion and endorsement.

Most programs use rolling admissions, though waitlists may apply. ABA fall cohort applications should reach by the second Monday in April.

Your application package must include official transcripts from all previous institutions (except MSU campuses).

The program department usually decides on admission within 1-2 weeks after receiving your complete application with all materials.

What sets MSU Billings apart?

Montana’s geographical features have left their mark on how MSU Billings approaches ABA education. The university leads the way in distance education to help students spread across the nation’s fourth-largest state by area. Mountains, forests, ranches, and harsh winters make travel challenging for many students.

The program’s design puts accessibility first. Students can complete the ABA program entirely online without fixed login times, thanks to its asynchronous format. This flexibility extends to the BACB intensive practicum. Students can choose between remote supervision from university’s BCBA adjunct faculty or traditional face-to-face options if they’re local.

MSU Billings stands out for its cost-effectiveness. The university earned the title of “most affordable” among Montana’s Best Online Colleges in 2019. The program’s WICHE eligibility status makes it unique. Students from 14 western states and territories can pay resident tuition rates, which cuts graduate credit costs by half.

The university excels at practical application. Its ABA program focuses on creating meaningful behavioral changes that benefit people everywhere. This philosophy has led to the creation of the Institute for Neurodiversity and Applied Behavior Analysis. The institute helps children with autism spectrum disorders and other behavioral disabilities through direct care and telehealth support.

The program’s size allows for meaningful connections. Faculty members know their students personally and help them create capstone projects that match their career goals. These relationships often continue well after graduation. The program also stays deeply involved with behavior analysis practice and research. Its faculty members have founded and led the Montana Association for Behavior Analysis state chapter.

Next steps

Want to study ABA at Montana State University Billings? Here’s what you need to know about the application process to get started on your path to success.

Submit your application materials by April 15. The ABA fall cohort applications should reach by the second Monday in April to get priority review. The university accepts applications on a rolling basis until the program fills up or about a month before the semester starts.

You’ll need to submit these documents:

1. A personal statement in your application letter that explains your career goals and how this degree aligns with them
2. Official transcripts from every institution you attended
3. Your current vita or resume
4. Three recommendation letters from people who can vouch for your academic abilities (no family, friends, doctors, or clergy)
5. A criminal background report for the College of Education Licensure Office

Note that you must have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. You also need to submit GRE scores unless you already have a Master’s degree from an accredited institution.

After acceptance, you’ll get an academic advisor. Schedule a meeting with them right away. You’ll create your DegreeWorks Plan together during your first semester to map out your path to graduation.

The certificate program requires you to have a qualifying Master’s degree in education, psychology, or applied behavior analysis. After completing the program, you can take the national behavior analyst exam.

Need help with your application? The Graduate Studies office is ready to provide tailored guidance.