In response to the growing demand for behavioral health professionals across Texas and the nation, the University of Houston is expanding its academic offerings in Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, an evidence-based therapy most commonly used to support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

“Our goal is to train highly skilled individuals so they come out of our programs and can provide really effective treatment for our diverse community and our learners with autism and developmental disabilities,” Charlotte Carp, program director and a board-certified behavior analyst, said in an Aug. 14 news release.

The gist

According to the release, the UH College of Education will offer three new ABA-focused programs this fall designed to prepare students and working professionals to enter or advance in the field of behavioral health, including:

• A minor in ABA for undergraduate students
• A Master of Education in Special Populations with a specialization in ABA
• A post-baccalaureate certificate in ABA for professionals with a bachelor’s degree

All programs are available both online and in person at UH’s Katy campus, offering flexibility to meet diverse student needs.

“This is the first time students can complete a full program in ABA at UH,” Carp said. “Our goal is to train highly skilled individuals so they come out of our programs and can provide really effective treatment for our diverse community and our learners with autism and developmental disabilities.”

Zooming out

The timing of this expansion aligns with a significant surge in demand for certified behavior analysts, per the release. In April, Community Impact reported on the rise of ABA centers in Katy, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Cypress, Tomball and Magnolia, where many clinical providers cited staffing demands as public school districts see a rise in autism diagnoses.

The demand is reflected in a 62% increase in the need for board-certified behavior analysts, or BCBA, and a 228% increase for assistant behavior analysts between 2023 and 2024, per the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Texas now ranks third in the nation for demand in the field, per the release

In an April interview with Community Impact, Carp said that through increased exposure in the field and evidence-based practices that sustain the industry, professionals would be more encouraged to go into a long-term career in ABA.

“I think if [professionals] understand why they’re implementing these strategies on the theory side ... they’re more likely to stay in the field,” she said.

Moving forward

UH plans to launch an additional ABA certificate program by fall 2026 for students who already hold a master’s degree, further expanding access to the field, per the release.