Applied Behavior Analysis MS
Major: Applied Behavior Analysis
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 42.2814
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-3031
About the Program
Behavior analysis is a widely accepted and empirically validated approach to the investigation and improvement of behaviors with environmental determinants. Extensive research has established proven methods which have developed the technology called applied behavior analysis. Together with client-focused clinical approaches, these methods have enabled behavior analysts to make significant contributions and advancements in the education and behavioral health fields.
The Master of Science program in applied behavior analysis will prepare its graduates to become knowledgeable and compassionate clinical and educational leaders who use individualized and evidence-based behavioral techniques to support and improve outcomes for people across a variety of settings and needs. Graduates from this program will be highly qualified candidates for employers searching for skilled clinicians and leaders in behavioral health and educational settings. Additionally, interested graduates will be prepared to transition to doctoral programs in applied behavior analysis and related fields.
The core Applied Behavior Analysis course sequence is currently verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). While the VCS designation will be discontinued by ABAI in December 2025 the program will continue to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) coursework content requirements for eligibility under Pathway 2 using the attestation process. For eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®, applicants will still have to meet the fieldwork and supervision requirements set forth by the BACB.
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
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Resume
The admissions committee will evaluate the applicant’s potential and commitment to succeed in graduate study. The applicant’s potential to contribute to the overall quality of the program of study will also be considered.
Interviews, in person or by phone, may be conducted by the admissions committee with those applicants who meet Graduate Admissions' standard admissions criteria.
Decisions will be made using dates corresponding to the regular university schedule for rolling admissions in Graduate Admissions.
The online program admits students both in the Fall and Spring Terms, while the online/weekend residency program only admits students in the Fall Term.
Degree Requirements
| Requirements | ||
| Core Applied Behavior Analysis Courses | ||
| ABA 630 | Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change | 4.5 |
| ABA 632 | Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis | 4.5 |
| ABA 633 | Behavioral Interventions | 4.5 |
| ABA 635 | Ethical Considerations and Professional Conduct | 4.5 |
| ABA 636 | Applications of Fundamental Elements of Behavior Analysis | 4.5 |
| ABA 637 | Behaviorism: History, Theory and Philosophy | 4.5 |
| ABA 638 | Foundational Principles of Behavior Analysis | 4.5 |
| ABA 731 | Research Methods and Practice | 4.5 |
| Capstone Courses | 9.0 | |
| Capstone in ABA I | ||
| Capstone in ABA II | ||
| Total Credits | 45.0 | |
Sample Plan of Study
MS Applied Behavior Analysis Full-Time Plan of Study
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ABA 630 | 4.5 | ABA 633 | 4.5 | ABA 635 | 4.5 | ABA 636 | 4.5 |
| ABA 632 | 4.5 | ABA 637 | 4.5 | ABA 638 | 4.5 | ABA 731 | 4.5 |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | ||||
| ABA 780 | 4.5 | ABA 781 | 4.5 | ||||
| 4.5 | 4.5 | ||||||
| Total Credits 45 | |||||||
MS Applied Behavior Analysis Part-Time Plan of Study
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ABA 630 | 4.5 | ABA 637 | 4.5 | ABA 632 | 4.5 | ABA 633 | 4.5 |
| 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ABA 638 | 4.5 | ABA 636 | 4.5 | ABA 635 | 4.5 | ABA 731 | 4.5 |
| 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | ||||
| ABA 780 | 4.5 | ABA 781 | 4.5 | ||||
| 4.5 | 4.5 | ||||||
| Total Credits 45 | |||||||
Program Level Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to:
- Design appropriate measurement systems, schedules of observation, and data displays.
- Conduct thorough behavioral assessments that consider all potential environmental variables and rule out other medical or biological variables.
- Analyze and interpret assessments and other outcome data and provide data-based recommendations.
- Construct behavioral interventions based on assessment results and the best available scientific evidence that also addresses the diverse and unique preferences and needs of the learners and their support systems.
- Practice within one's limits of professional competence in applied behavior analysis, and seek consultation, supervision, and training, or make referrals as necessary.
- Demonstrate awareness and a willingness to adhere to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.
- Identify and reflect on gaps in the behavioral literature and be able to conceptualize, develop, and conduct a capstone project that is experimentally sound, socially-valid, and addresses all the dimensions of ABA.