ABA Programs at University of Houston, Clear Lake

The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) opened its doors in 1971 to meet the growing needs of NASA and local industries. The university’s story began in the early 1960s with educational programs at the Manned Spacecraft Center. Humble Oil’s donation of 50 acres laid the groundwork for what started as the Clear Lake Graduate Center and later became UHCL.

UHCL now boasts a beautiful 524-acre campus nestled in a wildlife and nature preserve right in Clear Lake’s high-tech community. While NASA and related industries were the original focus, the university has grown by a lot and now offers programs in any discipline.

The program’s value comes from its accreditation by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board through December 31, 2032. The ABAI Accreditation Board’s professional assessment found no serious issues, confirming the program meets rigorous standards.

Students in the program receive:

• A solid foundation in behavior analysis through integrated coursework, practicum, and research
• Skills in basic learning principles and their real-world applications
• Special focus on helping people with developmental disabilities
• Essential research skills to advance behavior-analytic technologies

Students who finish both coursework and practicum can take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam and become Licensed Behavior Analysts in Texas. Beyond certification, the program builds a comprehensive foundation in psychology and behavior analysis through hands-on experience in homes, schools, and clinics.

You need a Bachelor’s degree or higher to apply, preferably in psychology, education, or special education.

Every student must complete a major research project before graduating, which shows the program’s steadfast dedication to developing both practitioners and contributors to the field.

What ABA programs does University of Houston, Coffer?

UHCL gives students several ways to become skilled at Applied Behavior Analysis. You can choose a program that matches your education level and career plans.

The Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis program stands at the heart of UHCL’s ABA education. This detailed program combines coursework, hands-on experience, and research. The program’s track record of excellence makes its graduates highly attractive to employers. After graduating, you can take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam or continue your studies in psychology or behavior analysis at the doctoral level. You can also become a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Texas.

UHCL’s Minor in Behavior Analysis works great if you’re just starting out or learning about the field. This program helps you learn about the basic principles that shape human and animal behavior. Many students use this minor as a stepping stone to graduate studies in behavior analysis.

If you already have a master’s degree in Psychology or related fields, the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate might be right for you. This 27-hour program gives you all the coursework and practical experience needed for the BCBA exam. The program accepts new students twice a year – apply by March 1 for fall classes or October 1 for spring classes.

These programs share a strong, detailed curriculum. Students take classes in Experimental Analysis of Behavior, Learning Principles, Conceptual Issues in Behavior Analysis, Behavioral Assessment, Applied Behavior Analysis, Ethics and Professional Issues, and Research Methods in Behavior Analysis. The program also includes specialized training in behavioral interventions and managing personnel.

Hands-on experience makes UHCL’s behavior analysis education unique. Students develop practical skills by working in real clinical settings, mainly at the university’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities or with UHCL’s many local partners. The practical training includes:

• Behavioral Interventions I and II with class meetings plus up to 10 weekly hours of fieldwork in homes, schools, and clinics
• Research and Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis that combines a research project with 20 weekly hours of field experience over two semesters

The Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities serves two purposes. Students complete their practicum requirements while helping the community by working with people on the autism spectrum. The center runs a Speaker Series and a Verbal Behavior Clinic, along with a vocational program where students help clients build job skills.

These programs stand out because they focus strongly on helping people with developmental disabilities. This specialized training prepares graduates to make a real difference in schools, hospitals, clinics, and other places where behavior analysis skills are in growing demand.

Accreditation

Quality and credibility of academic programs depend heavily on accreditation. The Behavior Analysis master’s program at University of Houston-Clear Lake has earned accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board. This recognition shows the program’s steadfast dedication to high educational standards.

The ABAI Accreditation Board renewed the program’s accreditation in 2025 for seven years. They found that the program meets strict standards without major issues. This renewal proves the program continues to excel in behavior analysis education and training.

University of Houston-Clear Lake holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC authorizes UHCL to award degrees from bachelor’s to doctorate level in a variety of academic departments.

The College of Human Sciences and Humanities runs the Behavior Analysis program and maintains other prominent accreditations. These include the Human Factors/Ergonomics Certificate program accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. The college also offers a Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing approval. Additionally, the Bachelor of Social Work program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

Students who choose UHCL’s accredited program can trust that the curriculum stays current with field practices and ethics. They receive solid grounding in behavior analysis theory and practical applications.

Programs with ABAI accreditation typically show high exam passing rates. These results show how accreditation helps create graduates ready for their careers or advanced studies.

Accreditation benefits students in three key ways. The coursework and practicum experiences qualify students for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. Employers trust the qualifications of program graduates. Students can also transfer credits easily if they pursue additional education.

UHCL’s Behavior Analysis program’s accreditation validates its quality compared to non-accredited options. The university’s broader institutional accreditation ensures students receive education meeting recognized standards at both program and university levels.

Tuition

Money plays a vital role in choosing an ABA program. Students need to learn about UHCL’s behavior analysis program costs to plan their educational experience better.

UHCL offers competitive tuition rates to graduate students pursuing an ABA master’s degree. In-state graduate students pay approximately $9,920 annually for tuition and fees (based on 18 credit hours per year). The costs are higher for non-resident graduate students at about $19,352 annually. These amounts cover base tuition and fees, though actual costs depend on your program and course load.

The complete financial picture goes beyond tuition. Total annual costs for graduate students change based on living arrangements. In-state graduate students who live with parents can expect to pay around $22,183, while off-campus students face expenses of approximately $29,452. Non-resident graduate students’ costs increase to $31,615 and $38,884 respectively.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of expenses:

• Books and supplies average $540 annually for graduate students
• Room and board ranges from $7,269 (living with parents) to $14,538 (off-campus)
• Transportation costs are estimated at $1,984 annually
• Personal and miscellaneous expenses typically amount to $2,470

UHCL offers several ways to manage these expenses. Online cost calculators help you estimate expenses based on credit hours, residency status, and program type. On top of that, it’s worth noting that two out of three UHCL students receive some form of financial assistance.

Federal loans serve as a common funding option. Eligible full-time students can borrow up to $20,500. Students must maintain at least half-time enrollment status to qualify for these loans.

The Financial Aid office at UHCL can help you explore all financial aid options. Once accepted, you’ll get access to the university’s e-services account where you can see your tailored financial aid options. While an ABA master’s degree requires substantial investment, UHCL makes education available through various financial support options.

Admissions

Students need careful preparation and attention to deadlines when applying to the ABA program at University of Houston-Clear Lake. The Behavior Analysis M.A. program welcomes applications only for fall enrollment. The priority deadline is January 15. The program reviews applications submitted after this date on a case-by-case basis.

You must complete two key steps in the application process. The first step requires you to apply for admission to UHCL through the university’s Graduate Application Portal. The portal will guide you to select your application cycle, your student type (Domestic or International), your term, “College of Human Sciences and Humanities,” and “Behavior Analysis M.A” as your major.

Your application needs these supporting documents:

• Curriculum Vita: An expanded résumé that shows your education, work experience, relevant coursework, volunteer activities, honors, presentations, and other relevant experiences
• Brief Essay: A statement of purpose (maximum 1,000 words) that explains your motivation to pursue this degree and how it lines up with your career goals
• Two References: Academic faculty and work supervisors who know you well make ideal references—they’ll provide recommendation letters directly through the portal
• Official Transcripts: All institutions you attended must submit these

The program has dropped the GRE requirement for admission. You need a bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in psychology, education, special education, or related fields.

The admissions committee invites selected candidates to campus interviews, usually in February. Applicants learn their admission status by April 15.

The responsibility falls on you to ensure the Office of Admissions receives all materials. A quick login to your account shows your application status.

What sets UH Clear Lake apart?

The ABA program at University of Houston-Clear Lake stands out from other universities with several unique features that go well beyond standard credentials and coursework.

UHCL’s three-year curriculum sets itself apart by going above the minimum standards needed for BCBA certification. Students get a solid foundation through varied clinical experiences. This makes graduates highly sought after by employers throughout the region.

Students have access to many funded practicum opportunities. You’ll work with people of all ages and tackle various behavioral targets. These include severe behavior, verbal behavior, life skills, and vocational skills. The experience spans multiple settings – you’ll work in clinics, homes, and hospitals.

The Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities is the heart of the program and runs 10 different programs. Students benefit from research and clinical work here. The center helps more than 100 families each year who face behavioral challenges related to autism or developmental disabilities.

The program teaches skills that other universities don’t cover well. Many practitioners start working without knowing how to conduct functional analyzes, develop behavior intervention plans, or supervise staff. UHCL makes sure you learn these essential skills.

The campus itself adds to the experience. It sits on 524 acres of wildlife and nature preserve in Clear Lake’s high-tech community. This creates a perfect setting for your learning trip.

The program gives you great value for your money. Two-thirds of students get financial aid, but the real value shows in your career growth. When you combine affordable tuition, quality education, and career growth potential, UHCL gives you an unmatched chance to become a behavior analyst.

Next steps

UHCL’s ABA program welcomes your application. The admission process follows a well-laid-out timeline with specific deadlines. The university accepts applications for fall admission only. The priority deadline is January 15 and the team reviews later applications on a case-by-case basis.

Your journey starts at the UHCL Graduate Application Portal. Select your application cycle, your student type, your term, “College of Human Sciences and Humanities,” and “Behavior Analysis M.A.” as your major. Submit your application and transcripts early to give enough time for processing.

Your portal account needs these key documents:

• An expanded résumé/curriculum vita that shows your education, work experience, relevant coursework, and activities
• A statement of purpose (maximum 1,000 words) that outlines your career goals
• Names and contact information of two references who will write your recommendation letters

Your recommenders will get an email link to submit their letters directly. The university needs official transcripts from all your previous institutions.

The program team reviews applications and invites selected candidates for campus interviews in February. You’ll know your admission status by April 15.