ABA Programs Offered at University of North Texas

The University of North Texas (UNT) serves is essential to education and research in one of Texas’s most densely populated regions. Founded in 1890 as a private teacher’s college, UNT came under state control in 1899 and became the University of North Texas in 1901. The institution now educates more than 31,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students through eleven colleges, two schools, and one academy, offering over 100 majors.

UNT holds a unique position in behavior analysis education. The university’s Department of Behavior Analysis stands as the nation’s first independent department and created the first undergraduate degree in this discipline. The university also hosts the Texas Association for Behavior Analysis headquarters, leading behavioral science advancement throughout the state.

The department aims to achieve three main goals: it offers nationally recognized learning opportunities, contributes to the discipline through research, and creates behavioral solutions for social issues locally and globally. This integrated approach helps graduates build both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed in the field.

UNT’s excellence in behavior analysis education earned recognition from the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis for its leadership in teaching, service, and scholarship. Students learn applied behavior analysis literature, behavior change techniques, management principles, and data collection methods.

Nationally recognized experts make up the faculty. They have published extensively in refereed journals and presented their research at prestigious conferences. UNT maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 26:1, and most classes range between twenty and forty-nine students. This structure creates an ideal balance of personal attention and shared learning opportunities.

The US News and World Report places UNT in the second tier of National Universities, showing its dedication to academic excellence and research. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges provides regional accreditation, while professional organizations accredit specific psychology and behavior analysis programs.

UNT’s behavior analysis programs will give you a strong foundation to work with individuals with autism, study animal behavior, or develop behavioral interventions in different settings. These programs pave the way for a successful career in this growing field.

What ABA programs does University of North Texas offer?

UNT offers a detailed suite of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs that help students at different educational stages reach their career goals. Each program gives students the foundational knowledge and practical skills they need to work effectively as behavior analysts.

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis helps students enter the field. This four-year, 120-credit hour program runs on campus. Students learn how environmental factors affect behavior, techniques to change behavior, and ways to improve lives through applied principles. The program has an Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Verified Course Sequence that gives students the coursework they need to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst.

Students with existing degrees can take UNT’s Graduate Academic Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. This online program needs 24 credit hours and takes 1-2 years. The program runs every semester—including summer—so students can start any term and move at their own pace. Students can take one to three classes each semester based on their schedule.

The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis stands as UNT’s highest-level program in this field. Students can complete this professional practice degree online through asynchronous courses that run every semester. You can finish the program in 1-2 years while keeping your job.

Both graduate programs teach:

• Core behavior analysis science and principles
• Methods for detailed assessment
• Evidence-based interventions using single-subject research
• Making culturally-responsive and ethical decisions
• Behavioral practices for Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Training staff in behavioral practice

The Association for Behavior Analysis International confirms these courses meet all requirements to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination. The core team includes experts in their fields who help students throughout their educational experience.

Graduates work in organizations of all types, from helping children with autism to supporting employees in companies, patients in healthcare, and students in schools. They become Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Behavior Health Specialists, Early Intervention Specialists, Educational Consultants, and Clinical Directors.

It’s worth mentioning that students must get their supervision hours—another certification requirement—outside these programs.

Accreditation

Quality education in behavior analysis programs uses accreditation as a key measure. The University of North Texas has earned several prestigious accreditations that show its dedication to academic excellence.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board renewed full accreditation for UNT’s MS in Behavior Analysis program in 2023. This recognition will continue through December 31, 2028. The Board found that the program meets strict standards and needs only minor improvements during this time. UNT made history as the first behavior analysis program in the United States to receive ABAI accreditation, a difference it proudly maintains today.

Students pursuing Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification will find ABAI accreditation valuable. Since January 1, 2022, all ABAI-accredited programs meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) degree and coursework requirements through Pathway 1 for BCBA and BCaBA certification applications. Graduates can now avoid certification obstacles through this optimized pathway.

Programs go through strict review against time-tested standards during initial accreditation and renewal periods. The full picture looks at curriculum content, faculty qualifications, program resources, and student outcomes. All this scrutiny will give accredited programs the highest educational standards.

UNT also maintains broader institutional recognition. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has granted the university regional accreditation. UNT can award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees because of this credential.

UNT’s Department of Behavior Analysis works with a three-part mission that matches ABAI’s accreditation standards. The department provides nationally recognized learning opportunities, contributes to the discipline through applied and basic research, and develops behavioral solutions for social problems at local, national, and international levels.

Prospective students should consider accreditation status carefully when choosing ABA programs. UNT’s multiple accreditations prove its steadfast dedication to excellent educational standards in behavior analysis. This ensures graduates get training that meets industry requirements and prepares them well for professional certification.

Tuition

Students planning to pursue ABA education at University of North Texas should plan their finances carefully. The program’s tuition varies depending on where you live, what type of program you choose, and how many credit hours you take each semester.

Texas residents who want to earn their Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis can expect to pay around $13,900 per academic year in tuition and fees. This cost is competitive when compared to other specialized graduate programs. International students will need to budget more, with yearly tuition and fees reaching about $14,630.

The university’s fee structure has several components:

• Statutory Tuition: $50 per credit hour for Texas residents and $455-$460 per credit hour for non-residents
• Board Designated Tuition: $227.79 per credit hour for graduate students
• Board Authorized Tuition: An additional $50 per credit hour specifically for graduate programs
• Board Designated Graduate Tuition: $25 per credit hour supplemental fee

Students in the behavior analysis graduate program need to budget for these mandatory university fees:

• Student Service Fee ($13.41 per credit hour)
• Learning Support Fee ($36 per credit hour)
• Medical Services Fee ($66.85 for fall/spring semesters)
• Recreation Facility Fee ($85.78 for fall/spring semesters)
• Transportation Fee ($3.50 per credit hour)
• Student Union Fee ($167 for fall/spring semesters)
• International Education Fee ($4 for fall/spring semesters)
• Intercollegiate Athletics Fee ($17.85 per credit hour)

Students taking online courses pay an extra $35 per credit hour, with a cap of $315 per semester. This affects ABA program students who complete their studies online.

The total cost goes beyond just tuition. Texas residents who live off-campus and take 9 hours per semester should expect to spend about $26,774 annually. This amount covers living expenses, books, supplies, and transportation along with tuition.

Students can get detailed cost estimates using UNT’s Tuition Estimator tool on the university website. The tool shows current costs based on your credit hours, residency status, and program fees.

The Toulouse Graduate School at UNT helps students with various funding options. Students can receive fellowships, scholarships, grants, and awards that range from $500 per semester to $34,000 yearly, including health benefits. Academic departments also offer competitive scholarships and employment stipends to help with educational costs.

Admissions

The admission process to UNT’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs reviews candidates based on their academic background and professional experience. Students can submit their applications throughout the year, with specific deadlines for each semester:

• Fall semester: June 15
• Spring semester: October 15
• Summer semester: March 31

First-time undergraduate students need to submit their official high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores. The non-refundable application fee is $75 for those who apply by the priority date and increases to $90 for late applicants.

The MA in Applied Behavior Analysis program features a competitive and integrated admission process. Candidates need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. New requirements starting Spring 2026 specify a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or a 3.25 GPA in graduate work. The program does not require GRE scores from ABA program applicants.

Successful candidates usually have:

• A 3.5 overall GPA
• A year or more of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis or related fields
• A clear plan to receive BCBA supervision
• Strong written communication skills

UNT’s GradCAS system requires these application documents:

1. Resume or curriculum vitae
2. Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3. Departmental application form (via Qualtrics)
4. Personal statement (500-600 words) describing your educational background, professional experience, and interest in behavior analysis
5. Supervision plan (300 words) outlining how you will get required fieldwork hours

References play a vital part in the application process. Your references will receive forms directly from UNT faculty after you submit all materials.

Students should start their applications well before the deadlines. Late or incomplete applications mean paying additional fees and reapplying for future semesters. UNT currently serves nearly 44,000 students in various programs. The online ABA courses offer flexibility that lets students take one to three courses per semester based on their schedules.

What sets University of North Texas apart?

UNT’s behavior analysis programs Theshowcase trailblazing excellence that sets them apart in many ways. The university serves nearly [47,000 students] and stands as a top choice to prepare for careers in Texas.

UNT’s reputation in this field stems from its rich history. The university created the nation’s first stand-alone Department of Behavior Analysis and launched the first undergraduate degree in behavior analysis. Master’s program became the first to earn the prestigious BAAB-ABAI accreditation. The campus houses the Texas Association for Behavior Analysis headquarters, which strengthens its position as a leader.

Strong research programs make UNT different from other institutions. The university runs several specialized research groups:

• Behavior Analysis Online Research Group
• Behavior Analysis Resource Center
• Behavior Research Laboratory
• Easter Seals North Texas Autism Treatment Program Research Group

Nationally recognized experts make up UNT’s faculty. They have published extensively in refereed journals and presented at major conferences. Their expertise helps many UNT academic programs rank among the nation’s top 100.

Students at UNT get great value and campus experience. The university gives substantial financial aid to make education affordable. UNT has earned recognition as one of the nation’s safest college campuses by Alarms.org for four straight years. U.S. News & World Report ranks UNT as a top college where students graduate with minimal debt.

Denton, ranked as the 7th best college town by 247WallSt.com, provides students with an ideal setting for their studies. The vibrant community and UNT’s status as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution create a safe and enjoyable environment.

These qualities have helped UNT earn a spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Top Colleges for 16 consecutive years.

Next steps

Want to start your ABA career at UNT? Your path needs careful planning and quick action.

UNT’s ABA programs accept applications throughout the year with these semester deadlines: June 15 for fall, October 15 for spring, and March 31 for summer. Starting your application early will boost your chances of admission. Make sure all materials, including reference letters, arrive before the deadlines.

Your application starts with UNT’s GradCAS (Centralized Application System). You’ll need to upload these essential documents:

• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions
• Personal statement (500-600 words) about your background and professional goals
• Supervision plan (300 words) that shows how you’ll get required fieldwork hours

The next step is completing the Departmental Application Form through Qualtrics. UNT will reach out to your references with recommendation forms. Submit your reference information early to give enough time before application deadlines.

After completing the program, you can take the national Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) exam once you finish your supervised fieldwork. It’s worth mentioning that you’ll need to get supervision hours outside the program.

Students planning to work outside Texas should check their state’s licensure requirements. BCBA certification meets Texas Licensed Behavior Analysts requirements, but requirements vary by a lot between states.

You can get more details about UNT’s ABA programs directly through the university’s website. Join the community of 44,000 students who chose UNT for their education.