The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has received international accreditation for its master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Accreditation Board.
This prestigious recognition places UTSA among only 28 accredited ABA programs worldwide, signaling a new milestone in the university's commitment to providing top-tier education for future Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
The UTSA ABA program’s accreditation highlights the quality and rigor of its curriculum, which prepares students to work with individuals who have autism and developmental disabilities, using evidence-based approaches to improve communication, behavior, and social skills.
As the demand for BCBAs grows nationwide—driven by rising autism diagnoses—the need for well-trained professionals is more urgent than ever. Texas alone has the third-highest demand for behavior analysts in the U.S., making this accreditation a timely achievement.
Raising the Bar in Behavior Analysis Education
The UTSA ABA program’s accreditation places it as the third accredited program in Texas and the only one in the South-Central region, helping to meet a critical need for qualified professionals in the field.
“Accreditation speaks to the quality of our program,” said Leslie Neely, associate professor in the UTSA Department of Educational Psychology. “It signals we are among the 28 highest quality programs in the world.”
This recognition also aligns with a recent mandate requiring all BCBA candidates to graduate from an accredited program by 2032, ensuring future professionals meet the highest standards in the field.
Comprehensive Training and Hands-On Experience
UTSA’s ABA program is designed to offer students a well-rounded experience, combining coursework, fieldwork, and research. Students complete required fieldwork hours in diverse settings, such as homes, clinics, and schools, through partnerships with local organizations. This hands-on experience equips graduates to adapt to various environments and client needs.
Students also work closely with faculty and doctoral-level BCBAs on research projects, often resulting in publications. Assistant Professor Marie Kirkpatrick praised the program’s effectiveness, noting, “Our students typically have a job offer with competitive pay before they even graduate and take their boards.”
Supporting Accessibility and Diversity
UTSA is dedicated to making ABA education accessible. “All of our students have been paid for their fieldwork experiences,” noted Hannah MacNaul, assistant professor, adding that the university provides a fieldwork coordinator to support students throughout their placements.
The program’s focus on affordability and mentorship ensures that passionate students are not hindered by financial barriers.
Attracting Top Talent from Across the Globe
With just 28 accredited programs worldwide, UTSA’s ABA program is poised to draw interest from out-of-state and international applicants. Kirkpatrick emphasized that accreditation could help UTSA expand its reach.
“From what we know, other accredited programs receive a good amount of interest from out-of-state applicants, and we’re hoping to see that as well,” said Kirkpatrick.
As UTSA’s ABA program continues to grow, its international accreditation affirms the university’s commitment to advancing the field of behavior analysis and ensuring its graduates are well-prepared to meet the needs of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
