Applied Behavior Analysis, Master of Science (0508)
Program Coordinator
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Master of Science Program is a 40 to 46 hour graduate program designed to prepare students for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) current test content outline to prepare them for the board-certified behavior analysis (BCBA) examination. This program includes supervised clinical fieldwork in alignment with the BACB requirements. This program prepares students to work with individuals with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities in schools, communities, or clinical settings.
Program Admission
Program admission is based upon a faculty examination of an application file and interview. Applicants must include:
- Official undergraduate transcripts indicating successful completion of undergraduate degree from an accredited university
- A minimum of 12 hours in education, psychology, or related field is preferred
- Minimum cumulative GPA for 3.0
- Three letters of recommendation speaking to the applicant’s professional demeanor, ethical practice, and alignment with this program
- Personal statement outlining applicant’s professional interests, career goals, and expectations from participation in the program if selected
- Resume or curriculum vita
- Criminal background check
- ABA program application
Graduate Studies Admission
Please refer to the admission section of this catalog for Graduate Studies admission requirements.
Program Requirements (40-46 hours)
The applied behavior analysis program prepares candidates as practitioners in the field of applied behavior analysis with a specific training emphasis on individuals with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Clinical placements are required through the program. Students must successfully complete a final semester-long clinical placement and capstone at the end of their program. Criminal background checks are required as are any placement-specific requirements to work in clinical placements (e.g., background checks, vaccinations, or health screenings). Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the ABA coursework sequence. Graduates will have met the required coursework requirements for the Behavior Certified Behavior Analyst certification examination. This program includes Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)-aligned clinical supervised fieldwork. Graduates who successfully complete the program, earn a passing score on the BCBA certification examination, and complete ABAI-approved supervised fieldwork are eligible to apply as a board-certified behavior analyst.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ABA 501 | Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 502 | Assessment in ABA | 3 |
| ABA 503 | ABA Seminar 1 | 3 |
| ABA 504 | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | 3 |
| ABA 505 | Intervention in ABA | 3 |
| ABA 506 | ABA Seminar 2 | 3 |
| ABA 507 | Organizational Behavior Management in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 508 | ABA Seminar 3 | 1 |
| ABA 509 | Ethics for Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 510 | Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| ABA 511 | ABA Seminar 4 | 3 |
| ABA 512 | Applied Behavior Analysis Capstone | 1-3 |
| or ABA 514 | ABA Independent Study | |
| ABA 513 | ABA Clinical Practicum | 6 |
| or ABA 514 | ABA Independent Study | |
| Total Hours | 40 | |