Applied Behavior Analysis MS
Major: Applied Behavior Analysis
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 46.5
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 findings have enabled behavior analysts to make significant contributions to the advancement of individualized and highly-effective approaches in education and behavioral health fields.
The Master of Science program in applied behavior analysis will prepare its graduates to become clinical and educational leaders who use individualized and evidence-based behavioral principles and techniques to support and improve outcomes for people across a variety of settings and needs. Graduates from this program will be highly successful candidates for employers searching for knowledgeable and skilled clinicians and leaders in behavior analytic settings. Interested graduates will be prepared to transition to doctoral programs in applied behavior analysis and related fields.
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.
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 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 |
| Select one of the following concentration options: | 9.0 | |
| Option 1: Autism Spectrum Disorders Concentration | ||
| (select 3 of the following) | ||
| Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | ||
| Characteristics & Methods: Autism | ||
| Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism | ||
| Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders | ||
| Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders | ||
| Option 2: Social Emotional and Behavior Wellness | ||
| (select 3 of the following) | ||
| 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 | ||
| Option 3: Advanced Topics in ABA | ||
| An Analysis of Verbal Behavior | ||
| Therapeutic Approaches Using Principles of Behavior Analysis | ||
| Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis | ||
| Capstone Courses | 6.0 | |
| Capstone in ABA I | ||
| Capstone in ABA II | ||
| Total Credits | 46.5 | |
Sample Plan of Study
MS Applied Behavior Analysis with Advanced Topics in ABA Concentration Plan of Study
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ABA 630 | 4.5 | ABA 633 | 4.5 | ABA 634 | 4.5 | ABA 631 | 4.5 |
| ABA 632 | 4.5 | ABA 640 | 3.0 | ABA 635 | 4.5 | ABA 636 | 4.5 |
| 9 | 7.5 | 9 | 9 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | ||||
| ABA 641 | 3.0 | ABA 642 | 3.0 | ||||
| ABA 780 | 3.0 | ABA 781 | 3.0 | ||||
| 6 | 6 | ||||||
| Total Credits 46.5 | |||||||
MS Applied Behavior Analysis with Social Emotional and Behavioral Wellness Concentration Plan of Study
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ABA 630 | 4.5 | ABA 633 | 4.5 | ABA 634 | 4.5 | ABA 631 | 4.5 |
| ABA 632 | 4.5 | ABA 636 | 4.5 | ABA 635 | 4.5 | EDEX 580, 581, 582, or 583 | 3.0 |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.5 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | ||||
| EDEX 580, 581, 582, or 583 | 3.0 | EDEX 580, 581, 582, or 583 | 3.0 | ||||
| ABA 780 | 3.0 | ABA 781 | 3.0 | ||||
| 6 | 6 | ||||||
| Total Credits 46.5 | |||||||
MS Applied Behavior Analysis with Autism Concentration Plan of Study
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ABA 630 | 4.5 | ABA 633 | 4.5 | ABA 634 | 4.5 | ABA 631 | 4.5 |
| ABA 632 | 4.5 | EDEX 555, 556, 558, 560, or 562 | 3.0 | ABA 635 | 4.5 | ABA 636 | 4.5 |
| 9 | 7.5 | 9 | 9 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | ||||
| EDEX 555, 556, 558, 560, or 562 | 3.0 | EDEX 555, 556, 558, 560, or 562 | 3.0 | ||||
| ABA 780 | 3.0 | ABA 781 | 3.0 | ||||
| 6 | 6 | ||||||
| Total Credits 46.5 | |||||||
