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Applied Behavior Analysis M.S.

The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis focuses on training students in the philosophy of radical behaviorism, the basic experimental underpinnings of the field of ABA, and the design and implementation of ABA interventions in research and practice. This program is designed to prepare students to become behavior analysts who are eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination®, thereby meeting national workplace demands for behavior analysts with the BCBA credential. (The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® has verified the following course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify.)  

The program is offered in a blended format.

Program Details

  • Requires 38 SH for completion
  • Requires a grade of “B” or better in all ABA coursework
  • Requires completion of Thesis Capstone courses

Program Learning Outcomes

PLO1. Students will be able to demonstrate competence in current professional ethical standards as they relate to both research and practice.

PLO2. Students will be able to demonstrate fluency in the concepts and principles of behavior analysis as outlined by the current BACB Foundational Knowledge List.

PLO3. Students will be able to design, apply, and analyze behavior analytic measurement and research methodologies as dictated by current best practices in behavior analytic literature.

PLO4. Students will be able to design, apply, and evaluate behavior analytic interventions as dictated by current best practices in behavior analytic literature.

PLO5. Students will be able to demonstrate competence in the philosophy of behaviorism and history of both the experimental and applied analysis of behavior.

PLO6. Students will be able to design and conduct behavior analytic research as dictated by current best practices in behavior analytic literature.

PLO7. Students will be able to evaluate and analyze basic, translational, and applied research. 

Admission Requirements

In addition to the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Graduate Admissions Requirements, applicants must:

  • Submit a written statement of academic and professional goals 
  • Submit a minimum of two professional letters of recommendation, addressing topics/questions as established and periodically revised by faculty. Letters of recommendation must be written by individuals who know the candidate from an academic or professional perspective and are able to comment on the candidate's capacity for undertaking graduate studies.
  • Undergo faculty review

Required Courses

Gateway Courses

ABA 500Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis

3
ABA 501Measurement and Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis

4

Program Core Courses

ABA 510Skills Assessment and Intervention

4
ABA 511Functional Assessment and Intervention

4
ABA 512Verbal Behavior

2
ABA 515Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis

3
ABA 516Radical Behaviorism

3
ABA 517Experimental Analysis of Behavior

3
ABA 520Supervision and Training in Applied Behavior Analysis

3

Capstone Courses

ABA 599AThesis in Applied Behavior Analysis I

2
ABA 599BThesis in Applied Behavior Analysis II

1
ABA 599CThesis in Applied Behavior Analysis III

1
ABA 599DThesis in Applied Behavior Analysis IV

2

Electives

Choose 3 semester hours from the list of courses listed below:

ABA 595Special Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis

1 TO 3
ECE 510Child, Family and Community

3
LAP 520Biological Bases of Behavior

3
LAP 526Psychology of Organizational Leadership

3
OBD 551Diversity and Inclusion in the Organizational Culture

3
SPE 547Assistive Technology for the Universal Design Classroom

3
SPY 506Interventions in Schools with Multicultural Students

3
SPY 510Family, School, Community Partnerships

3

Note: Students may select other CPSA/NCE courses with the approval of Program Chair or designate.