Applied Behavior Analysis MS

Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Minimum Required Credits: 30 
Co-op Option(s): None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 42.2814
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-3031

About the Program

The Master’s degree program in Applied Behavior Analysis provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the science and practice of behavior analysis. In this program, students learn the basic concepts, terms, and principles of behaviorism and learn how to conduct behavioral assessments and develop interventions that consider client-specific and environmental variables and incorporate evidence-based best practices. The program emphasizes ethical practice, ensuring graduates understand and adhere to the BACB Ethics Code. Learners build strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively partner with families and interdisciplinary teams. In addition, students demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate research and apply it to practice. Through a capstone experience, students identify problems of practice and design and implement socially-valid and experimentally-sound projects driven by data and the existing literature.

The program offers a flexible online learning environment while fostering meaningful discussion with faculty and peers through engaging and interactive weekly synchronous sessions. Experienced clinicians and researchers serve as faculty to bring real-world expertise into the classroom. A hallmark of the program is its integration of technical and clinical “soft” skills, preparing students to be compassionate, collaborative, and culturally-responsive practitioners who can make sound, data-driven clinical decisions. Students benefit from a dual advising model, receiving mentorship from faculty advisors alongside dedicated professional staff who support academic navigation. The two-course capstone serves as a signature experience, including 90 hours of supervised experiential learning in which students apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems under close faculty guidance.

Graduates of the program are positioned to pursue a variety of post-degree opportunities including clinical practice and post-Master's education. While some graduates choose to continue their studies at the doctoral level in behavior analysis or related disciplines, the program provides all graduates with the coursework requirements to sit for the BCBA examination under Pathway 2. Graduates of the program consistently achieve BCBA exam pass rates above national averages, positioning them for success in clinical, educational, and research settings.

The program distinguishes itself through its high-touch, student-centered model. Weekly live sessions, expert practitioner-instructors, and a dual advising structure create a supportive and rigorous learning environment. The integration of experiential learning, especially the faculty-mentored capstone, ensures that students graduate with both competence and confidence.
 

Additional Information

Admission Requirements

Drexel's standard graduate admissions requirements. 

Degree Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes