Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education MS
Major: Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 76.5
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 42.2814
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-3031
About the Program
This dual master’s program combines two critical and research-based programs focused on improving educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities. This unique and innovative program will prepare candidates to work in PreK-12 institutions where educators and leaders knowledgeable about special education and skilled in behavior analysis is a growing area of need.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the core applied behavior analysis course sequence as meeting the 5th edition task list coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards. For eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®, applicants will have to meet additional experience and supervision requirements set forth by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.
Special Education courses in the program meet all required state and federal regulations including the Pennsylvania General Standards for Special Education as well as the competencies and standards outlined by the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC). Graduates seeking Pennsylvania special education teaching certification must either have an active Pennsylvania Instructional I or II teaching certificate or select the initial certification concentration to gain eligibility while in the program.
This dual program confers a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education, which provides candidates with increased flexibility and a much sought after skillset. Many courses include a fieldwork component that helps the student apply the skills and content learned in the classroom to real world educational environments.
Additional Information:
For more information about this program, please visit the School of Education's website.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the program will follow the university standards for admission to graduate study. Prospective students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered for admission (graduate degree GPAs will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA).
In addition, prospective students are required to submit the following:
- Completed application form including official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
- Two letters of recommendation—professional or academic
- An essay describing why the applicant is interested in pursuing graduate study in this field
- Resume
An interview, in person or by phone, may be conducted by the admissions committee with those applicants who meet Graduate Admissions' standard admissions criteria.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses | ||
ABA 630 | Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change | 4.5 |
ABA 631 | Measurement and Experimental Design | 4.5 |
ABA 632 | Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis | 4.5 |
ABA 633 | Behavioral Interventions | 4.5 |
ABA 634 | Consultation, Systems Change and Supervision | 4.5 |
ABA 635 | Ethical Considerations and Professional Conduct | 4.5 |
ABA 636 | Applications of Fundamental Elements of Behavior Analysis | 4.5 |
EDEX 536 | Special Education Law and Process | 3.0 |
EDEX 543 | Emotional and Behavioral Support of Individuals with Disabilities | 3.0 |
EDEX 549 | Teaching Individuals with High Incident Disabilities | 3.0 |
EDEX 550 | Teaching Individuals with Low Incident Disabilities | 3.0 |
EDEX 552 | Integrating Technology for Learning & Achievement | 3.0 |
EDEX 555 | Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3.0 |
EDEX 578 | Special Education Practicum PK-12 | 3.0 |
EDEX 588 | Implementing Academic Interventions in Inclusive Educational Environments | 3.0 |
Concentration Options | 21.0-24.0 | |
Initial Certification | ||
Special Education Student Teaching Seminar | ||
Fundamentals of Special Education | ||
Inclusive Practices | ||
Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12 | ||
Adolescent Learners | ||
Typical and Atypical Development in Early Childhood Education | ||
Evaluation of Instruction | ||
Autism Spectrum Disorder | ||
Select 3 of the following courses: | ||
Characteristics & Methods: Autism | ||
Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism | ||
Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders | ||
Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders | ||
Students must also complete the following: | ||
Teaching STEAM in an Inclusive Environment PK-12 | ||
Collaborative Special Education Law and Process | ||
Select 3 of the following courses: | ||
Family, School and Community Engagement in Special Education | ||
Special Education Advocacy | ||
Special Education Dispute Resolution and Skills Training | ||
School Law & Policy in Special Education | ||
Students must also complete the following: | ||
Teaching STEAM in an Inclusive Environment PK-12 | ||
Social Emotional Behavior Wellness | ||
Select 3 of the following courses: | ||
Social Emotional Wellness and Evidence-Based Preventative School Practices | ||
Understanding Social Emotional Disorders | ||
Evidence-Based School Interventions and Trauma Informed Education/Care | ||
Collaboration and Community Based Practices to Promote Social Emotion Wellness | ||
Students must also complete the following: | ||
Teaching STEAM in an Inclusive Environment PK-12 | ||
Students selecting Autism Spectrum Disorders, Social Emotional Behavioral Wellness, or Collaboartive Law and Process Concentration must also complete capstone sequence | ||
Capstone Research | ||
Students have the option to select from one of the Capstone tracks: | ||
Thesis | ||
Thesis Capstone Course I | ||
Thesis Capstone Course II | ||
Practitioner | ||
Practitioner Capstone Course I | ||
Practitioner Capstone Course II | ||
ABA | ||
Capstone in ABA I | ||
Capstone in ABA II | ||
Total Credits | 76.5-79.5 |
Sample Plan of Study
MS in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis with Initial Certification Concentration
First Year | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
EDEX 542 | 3.0 | EDEX 543 | 3.0 | ABA 630 | 4.5 | ABA 631 | 4.5 |
EDEX 544 | 3.0 | EDEX 555 | 3.0 | EDEX 549 | 3.0 | EDEX 536 | 3.0 |
EDEX 568 | 3.0 | ||||||
6 | 9 | 7.5 | 7.5 | ||||
Second Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
ABA 632 | 4.5 | ABA 633 | 4.5 | ABA 635 | 4.5 | EDEX 550 | 3.0 |
ABA 634 | 4.5 | ABA 636 | 4.5 | EDUC 521 | 3.0 | EDUC 522 | 3.0 |
9 | 9 | 7.5 | 6 | ||||
Third Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
EDEX 578 | 3.0 | EDEX 514 | 6.0 | EDEX 552 | 3.0 | ||
EDEX 588 | 3.0 | EDUC 515 | 3.0 | ||||
6 | 6 | 6 | |||||
Total Credits 79.5 |
MS in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis with alternative concentration
First Year | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
EDEX 552 | 3.0 | EDEX 543 | 3.0 | ABA 630 | 4.5 | ABA 631 | 4.5 |
EDEX 575 | 3.0 | EDEX 555 | 3.0 | EDEX 549 | 3.0 | EDEX 536 | 3.0 |
6 | 6 | 7.5 | 7.5 | ||||
Second Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
ABA 632 | 4.5 | ABA 633 | 4.5 | ABA 635 | 4.5 | EDEX 550 | 3.0 |
ABA 634 | 4.5 | ABA 636 | 4.5 | EDEX 588 | 3.0 | EDU 780 | 3.0 |
Concentration Course | 3.0 | ||||||
9 | 9 | 7.5 | 9 | ||||
Third Year | |||||||
Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | ||||
EDEX 578 | 3.0 | EDUP 781, EDUT 781, or ABA 781 | 3.0-4.5 | ||||
EDUP 780, EDUT 780, or ABA 780 | 3.0 | Concentration Course | 3.0 | ||||
Concentration Course | 3.0 | ||||||
9 | 6-7.5 | ||||||
Total Credits 76.5-78 |