Top Masters Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Georgia Institute of Technology Applied Behavior Analysis program offers a comprehensive educational experience that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Key program highlights

• This program provides students with hands-on experience in clinical and community settings. Students will have the opportunity to work directly with individuals who have disabilities, applying their knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
• The program emphasizes mastering fundamental behavior-analytic skills, including measurement, experimental design, and various principles and procedures for behavioral change. These skills are essential for becoming effective therapists, teachers, and clinical practitioners.
• Students will have the chance to collaborate closely with experienced faculty members who are experts in the field of applied behavior analysis. Their guidance and mentorship will help you excel in your studies and future career.
• The program offers opportunities for practicum internships, allowing students to gain real-world experience. These placements provide valuable hands-on training and help you apply what you've learned in the classroom to actual clinical and community settings.
• The program uses a cohort model, which means students will study alongside a group of peers throughout the program. This fosters lasting professional relationships and provides a supportive learning environment.
• Students will learn essential client-centered responsibilities, such as problem identification, intervention methods, and implementation, as well as management and supervision. These skills are crucial for providing effective support to individuals with disabilities.
• The program covers the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. Ethical standards are a fundamental aspect of practicing applied behavior analysis.
• The program's course sequence is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International and meets the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination.
• For individuals who already hold a master's degree and wish to pursue certification as a behavior analyst, there is a non-degree version of the program.
• Fieldwork experiences are a core component of the program and provide students with supervised experiences that meet the BCBA standards for qualified practical experiences. The faculty collaborates with approved partners and qualified settings to ensure students receive appropriate supervision and hands-on experiences.
• The program typically requires a minimum of 36 semester hours to complete. Program duration may vary based on individual progress and any specific course requirements.

This program offers a holistic and practical approach to applied behavior analysis, preparing students to make a meaningful impact in the field.

The 2-year Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of Georgia is a comprehensive and rigorous course designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the field. Graduates of this program will have the expertise to assess the root causes of behavioral issues, design effective interventions tailored to the client's needs, and employ single-case design methodology to evaluate the outcomes of their interventions.

Upon completion, students will be well-prepared to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Exam and embark on careers in school, clinical, or consultative settings, with a focus on assisting individuals with developmental disabilities.

The curriculum includes a range of courses, such as "Behavioral Methods of Instruction," "Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis," "Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Developmental Disabilities," and "Professional Ethics for Behavior Analysts." This program provides a blend of on-campus coursework and hands-on practicum experiences at various sites, including the UGA Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic and the Center for Autism and Behavior Education Research (CABER) Demonstration Classroom. It is worth noting that this course sequence is verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), facilitating students' eligibility to take the BCBA exam upon graduation.

The Master's program specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis is a comprehensive full-time graduate program tailored to individuals who have already obtained a bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field. The program is ideal for those who are looking to further their education and training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and potentially pursue professional certification in this field. The program consists of 42 credits and commences each Fall semester, following a structured format that spans five consecutive semesters for completion.

Classroom-based courses are conducted in a face-to-face, traditional didactic format, offering a structured learning experience. Students enrolled in this program gain practical experience through supervised clinical work within University of Miami-based ABA training clinics. Each practicum course requires students to commit 15 hours per week to supervised clinical work. Upon successful completion of this program, students will have met both the instructional coursework and experiential (practicum) requirements mandated to be eligible to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification exam. This credential is highly respected in the field of ABA and opens up numerous career opportunities.

This program provides students with a strong foundation in ABA and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this field. It is designed to be immersive and comprehensive, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to address behavior analysis and related areas professionally. The University of Miami's program follows a rigorous structure and emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience to produce competent and confident behavior analysts.

The Applied Behavior Analysis Program at the University of Washington College of Education offers both on-campus and online options to earn a master's degree in special education and fulfill the Applied Behavior Analysis coursework required to apply for BCBA certification. BCBAs typically work with individuals and caregivers to bring about meaningful behavior changes in settings like homes, clinics, and schools. The on-campus program is a two-year full-time program, including Applied Behavior Analysis coursework and a special education master's degree. It features group practicum experiences and on-campus classes three evenings a week. The online program caters to working professionals and offers interactive online courses, with an option to earn a Master's Degree in Special Education. Some online students can also access supervision packages with university-affiliated BCBAs.

Empire State College offers a comprehensive online program where students can earn a Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Students will receive the same diploma as on-campus students upon graduation. This fully online curriculum is paired with mandatory clinical experiences, ensuring a rigorous yet flexible program. This will prepare students to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and become a New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst.

Key Program Highlights

Live Classes: Students will learn in real time with an instructor leading the class. The online courses closely resemble in-person classes, with active online participation.

Flexibility: Courses follow a semester-based structure, allowing students to complete their coursework at their convenience, tailored around their work and family commitments. No specific log-in times are required.

Expert Faculty: The faculty members who teach the online classes are the same experienced instructors encountered on campus.

Hands-On Learning: Engage in practical field experiences such as internships, clinical placements, and service learning to apply your academic knowledge in the real world.

As part of the program, students will have the opportunity to gain field experience in diverse settings, such as schools, residential facilities, healthcare organizations, or community settings. Students can opt for full or part-time enrollment and can complete the 41-credit program in two years.

The M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of South Carolina comprises 36 credits and spans five semesters. It covers seven 3-credit courses to fulfill the current BACB requirements for 305 graduate-level clock hours in Applied Behavior Analysis and 15 credits of practicum to satisfy the necessary supervision hours.

The University of South Carolina offers a distinct advantage in BCBA training. The program is taught by dedicated faculty members who are committed to students' success. Courses are delivered in a hybrid format, combining online and on-campus sessions, offering the flexibility of online learning with valuable face-to-face interactions. The university's applied behavior analysis faculty is actively engaged in research, providing students with opportunities to participate in these research projects.

The Applied Behavior Analysis master's degree program at Arizona State University (ASU) offers a unique and comprehensive educational experience. This program is distinguished by the combination of classroom instruction and extensive practicum experience, which includes 1,500 hours of hands-on training.

Key highlights are:

• Unique Practicum Experience: ASU's program stands out as the only known ABA graduate program in the U.S. that combines classroom instruction with 1500 hours of practicum experience. This practical training allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
• Networking Opportunities: The intentionally small class sizes foster a close-knit cohort, enabling strong connections with peers. Practicum sites also get to know students, enhancing networking and job potential in the field of applied behavior analysis.
• Strong Foundation in Psychology: Applied behavior analysis is rooted in psychology, and ASU's Department of Psychology offers a program that emphasizes the science of ABA across diverse applications, going beyond school-based contexts.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program requires 45 credit hours spread across four full-time semesters, with additional sessions during the summer between the first and second year. Students work on a capstone project, which involves proposing, initiating, and conducting research. Practicum hours are also completed during the summer.

Overall, ASU's Applied Behavior Analysis master's program provides a well-rounded education and practical experience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to become scientist-practitioners in the field.

The University of Missouri's Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program, offered through the Department of Special Education, is dedicated to preparing exceptional behavior analysts with the expertise to enhance the lives of individuals facing behavioral challenges, including those with developmental needs, across different age groups.

Key Program Features

Conceptual Foundations of ABA: The program delves into the core principles of ABA and their practical applications for behavior improvement.

ABAI Verified: The course sequence in this program has been verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), aligning with the requirements for aspiring Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).

Flexibility: The program offers both in-person and online courses to accommodate diverse learners and address the growing demand for qualified ABA therapists throughout the state of Missouri.

Partnerships: The program has established partnerships with school districts, clinics, hospitals, and various agencies across Missouri. This offers students diverse settings to gain hands-on experience working with individuals from early childhood through adulthood, all under the supervision of experienced ABA providers.

Degree Requirements

To complete the degree, students must fulfill a minimum of 36 semester credit hours, including a Thesis Research Project. Additionally, students must meet experience standards set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which includes either 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork.

This program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills required to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with behavioral challenges, and it prepares them for successful careers as behavior analysts.

The Master of Science in Education program in Applied Behavior Analysis empowers students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply the principles of learning and behavior, fostering significant behavior change. Students become adept at systematically altering behavior by analyzing relevant environmental factors and implementing science-based interventions. Behavior analysts have made substantial contributions in various fields, including improving workforce performance, enhancing public safety initiatives, teaching effective parenting strategies, addressing childhood behavioral issues, refining general and special education approaches, aiding in substance abuse rehabilitation, and more. This program fulfills the educational and coursework prerequisites and partially fulfills the supervised experience requirements for obtaining the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential.

Graduates of the Applied Behavior Analysis MSEd program cater to the increasing demand for individuals trained in applied behavior analysis within social service agencies and educational institutions, particularly in support of individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. This graduate degree also equips educators, clinicians, and other professionals with the knowledge and skills to assess environmental variables influencing behavior, design personalized interventions, and assess intervention effectiveness, enabling data-driven decisions regarding adjustments and continuations.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the seven-course sequence within this MSEd program as meeting the requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst examination. Applicants must meet additional requirements to be eligible for the examination.

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) graduate certificate, consisting of 21 credits, is designed to enhance the professional development of individuals who are responsible for creating, implementing, and overseeing behavioral treatment and verbal behavior training programs in various settings, including schools, private practices, and community agencies. It's important to note that this program does not lead to teacher licensure.

Key Program Details

• Online Option: The program is available in a fully online format with 8-week modules, providing flexibility for students to study at their own pace. However, please note that it is not eligible for the VA Educator Tuition Discount.
• Campus/Blended Option: This format allows for face-to-face interactions with faculty. It is eligible for the VA Educator Tuition Discount and in-state tuition pricing. Certificate-only students in this format can start in the fall or spring.
• Additional 9 Credits for MEd: Students interested in pursuing a Master of Education (MEd) in special education alongside the Applied Behavior Analysis certificate can complete an extra 9 credits of coursework. MEd/ABA students have the flexibility to begin their studies in the spring, summer, or fall.

Program Format

Students have the option to choose between a 100% online, asynchronous format, or a hybrid format. In the hybrid format, Applied Behavior Analysis courses are taken face-to-face at the Fairfax Mason campus, while additional courses for the MEd can be completed online or face-to-face. Face-to-face courses are offered in the afternoon and evening, providing flexibility for working professionals.