Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.

Program Chair
David A. Wilder, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the applied research branch of the behavioral sciences. It includes the design, implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications to produce changes in behavior that are socially significant. ABA includes the use of direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of the relations between environment and behavior. Based on the findings of descriptive and functional analyses, ABA uses antecedents and consequences to produce practical change. ABA is based on sound scientific principles and has a solid research foundation that proves its effectiveness. ABA is based on the belief that an individual’s behavior is determined by past and current environmental events in conjunction with organic variables such as genetics. Thus, it focuses on explaining behavior in terms of external events (that can be manipulated) rather than internal constructs (that are beyond our control).

Admission Requirements

An applicant should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in which they should have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher. Applicants should submit a statement of objectives, résumé/CV, two letters of recommendation and Graduate Record Examination scores. In addition, official transcripts must be submitted of all undergraduate and graduate courses attempted. All applications should be submitted by February 15 but will be accepted throughout the year. Pre-admission visits to the campus and conferences with faculty and students are strongly encouraged. At the discretion of the admissions committee, any student who is admitted but has not completed one of these courses (basic principles of learning (or conditioning), basic principles of behavior or an introductory course in behavior analysis), may be required to complete the prerequisite before they are able to register for ABA core courses. The prerequisite course is in addition to the credits required for a degree.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 44 semester credit hours is required. Requirements include completing the behavior analysis core curriculum (21 credit hours), practical training (12 credit hours), and either the thesis or capstone option (11 credit hours). All students must pass a final program examination that consists of a multiple-choice examination simulating the Behavior Analyst Certification Board certification examination at the behavior analyst (BCBA) level and covers material from all required behavior analysis courses. The final program examination is administered toward the end of the student’s second spring semester. All courses for a letter grade must be passed with a grade of B or better.