Skip to Main Content

APBA.MS - MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

Download as PDF

MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

Developed in response to the increasing demand for teachers and practitioners trained in best practices for the education and treatment of individuals with autism and related disabilities, the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis gives working professionals the skills to fill this void. Through a combination of coursework and supervised practical experiences, students completing this program will earn a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and meet the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) requirements for taking the exam to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts.

Program Structure

All students will be assigned doctoral-level, Board Certified Behavior Analysts as advisors upon admission to the program. Advisors and students will work collaboratively on the students’ professional development. Students are expected to complete 37 total credit hours with 21 credit hours dedicated to core coursework designed to meet the BACB requirements, six credit hours of elective coursework, and 10 hours of practicum. Each student must complete and successfully defend a research thesis. 

Students will be expected to enroll in four credit hours in each term to stay on pace to complete the master’s program in three years.

Degree Requirements

Core courses (21 hours)

PSY 501

Principles of Behavior Analysis

3 cr.

PSY 503

Behavioral Interventions

3 cr.

PSY 505

Methods of Evaluation

3 cr.

PSY 506

Evidence-based Teaching

3 cr.

PSY 507

Theoretical Foundations

3 cr.

PSY 509

Ethics and Professional Issues

3 cr.

PSY 515

Personnel Management and Supervision

3 cr.

Subtotal: 21

Elective courses (Six hours)

PSY 502

Behavioral Assessment

3 cr.

PSY 504

Autism and Related Disabilities

3 cr.

PSY 508

Verbal Behavior

3 cr.

PSY 590

Special Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 cr.

Subtotal: 6

Practica (10 hours)

PSY 519-528

Supervised Practicum in ABA

1 cr.

Subtotal: 10

Total Credit Hours: 37

Admissions

Candidates need to have earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and must have earned at least a 3.000 cumulative grade point average in their bachelor’s program.