Academic Programs Catalog

The Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder is designed to prepare students to effectively implement the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and become experts in autism intervention in schools, clinics, or homes.  The program provides the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and skills for implementing effective autism interventions based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.

The program offers the graduate-level course work required to be eligible for taking the national examination for certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board in accordance with governing bodies in behavior analysis.  The program does not include the supervised fieldwork component required for certification eligibility.  Students are responsible for securing an appropriate fieldwork site with credentialed supervision and completing their fieldwork independent of the program.  Students desiring a program that includes supervised fieldwork should consider the Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis.

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

Admission

An applicant to the Master of Arts Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder program must:

1. Submit both departmental and University application forms.
2. Submit three letters of recommendation from professionals knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic potential to pursue graduate study and competence or potential to implement Applied Behavior Analysis with people with autism.  It is highly recommended that at least one letter comes from a current or former professor.
3. Submit a statement of professional goals that clearly describe the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the master’s degree and the goals the degree will help them attain.

Applicants are reviewed by faculty who look for indicators of a high probability of success.  The following factors are significant in determining admission to the Master of Arts Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder:

1. A grade-point average of 3.00 or higher in the last two years of undergraduate and graduate courses.
2. Experience working with children and youth with disabilities in a school or other educational setting.
3. Professional goals that are consistent with the objectives of the degree program.
4. A test of English proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language.

Admission to the program is competitive and subject to space and availability.  Not all students who meet the above requirements will be admitted.  Students will be admitted only during the Fall semester. Applications must be submitted by February 1st.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder

The program is available under Plan B (without thesis) and online only. Students must complete a total of 30 credits from the following:

1.	All of the following courses (27 credits):
	CEP	843	Autism Spectrum Disorders: Characteristics and Educational Implications						3
	CEP	844	Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers						3
	CEP	845	Autism Spectrum Disorders: Assessment and Intervention						3
	CEP	846	Autism Spectrum Disorders: Advanced Topics						3
	CEP	848	Supervision in Applied Behavior Analysis						3
	CEP	851	Concepts and Principles in Applied Behavior Analysis						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.	Complete 3 additional credits in courses approved by the student’s academic advisor.
3.	Completion of a final evaluation.