Academic Programs Catalog

The Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed for persons who plan to be involved in the delivery of behavioral services and interventions to public consumers.  It provides the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and applied competence in the delivery of behavior analysis to improve the quality of life of consumers in various service settings.

The degree is relevant for persons interested in pursuing careers in behavior analysis that require the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. The program offers graduate-level course work and supervised fieldwork in behavior analysis required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to sit for the national Board Certification exam, which students complete independently. The program develops knowledge and competencies in the administration of behavior analysis beyond an undergraduate or graduate certificate program. It provides students with skills a BCBA requires, such as strong communication, analytical, and scientist-practitioner skills, as well as interpersonal skills that facilitate collaboration with and leadership of professional groups.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

An applicant to the Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis must:

1. submit both departmental and university application forms.
2. submit three letters of recommendation from persons knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic potential to pursue graduate study and competence or potential to deliver applied behavior analysis services.
3. submit a statement of professional goals that clearly describe the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the master’s degree and the goals that the degree will help them attain.
4. have access to high-speed internet and the appropriate technologies.

Applications are reviewed by faculty who look for indications of a high probability of success. The following factors are significant in determining admission to the Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis:

1. A grade-point average of 3.00 or higher in the last two years of undergraduate and all graduate courses.
2. Experience working with children and youth with disabilities in a school or camp or other experience with behavior analysis that is acceptable to the faculty. 
3. Professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the degree program.
4. A test of English language proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language.
5. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.

Admission to the program is competitive and subject to space availability. Not all students who meet the above requirements will be admitted. A student who, in the judgment of the faculty, has not completed the appropriate course work in exceptional children or behavior management may be required to complete such course work in addition to the requirements below. This collateral course work will not count towards degree requirements. Students will be admitted only during fall semester. Applications must be submitted by January 15th.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis

The program is available under Plan A (with thesis). Students must complete a minimum of 38 credits from the following:

1.	All of the following courses (24 credits):
	CEP	845	Autism Spectrum Disorders: Assessment and Intervention						3
	CEP	848	Supervision in Applied Behavior Analysis						3
	CEP	851	Concepts and Principles in Applied Behavior Analysis						3
	CEP	852	Experimental Analysis of Behavior						3
	CEP	853	Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Change						3
	CEP	854	Ethics in Behavior Analysis						3
	CEP	855	Verbal Behavior in Education						3
	CEP	942	Single-case Experimental Designs for Intervention Research						3
2.	Ten credits in the following course to be completed in three enrollments during the student’s first year in the program.
	CEP	894F	Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis						10
3.	The following course (4 credits):
	CEP	899	Master’s Thesis Research						4
4.	Complete a written report commensurate with publication requirements in Applied Behavior Analysis.
5.	Successfully defend the thesis before a faculty committee.