Applied Behavior Analysis MS

Major: Applied Behavior Analysis
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 46.5
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 42.2814
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code:
19-3031

About the Program

Behavior analysis is a widely accepted and empirically validated approach to the investigation and improvement of behaviors with environmental determinants. Extensive research has established proven methods which have developed the technology called applied behavior analysis. Together with client-focused clinical approaches, these findings have enabled behavior analysts to make significant contributions to the advancement of individualized and highly-effective approaches in education and behavioral health fields.

The Master of Science program in applied behavior analysis will prepare its graduates to become clinical and educational leaders who use individualized and evidence-based behavioral principles and techniques to support and improve outcomes for people across a variety of settings and needs. Graduates from this program will be highly successful candidates for employers searching for knowledgeable and skilled clinicians and leaders in behavior analytic settings. Interested graduates will be prepared to transition to doctoral programs in applied behavior analysis and related fields.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the core Applied Behavior Analysis course sequence as meeting the 5th edition task list coursework requirements, content hours, and faculty standards. For eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®, applicants will have to meet additional experience and supervision requirements set forth by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please visit the School of Education's website. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the program will follow the university standards for admission to graduate study. Prospective students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered for admission (graduate degree GPAs will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA).

In addition, prospective students are required to submit the following:

  • Completed application form
  • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal essay
  • Resume

The admissions committee will evaluate the applicant’s potential and commitment to succeed in graduate study. The applicant’s potential to contribute to the overall quality of the program of study will also be considered.

Interviews, in person or by phone, may be conducted by the admissions committee with those applicants who meet Graduate Admissions' standard admissions criteria.

Decisions will be made using dates corresponding to the regular university schedule for rolling admissions in Graduate Admissions.

The online program admits students both in the Fall and Spring Terms, while the online/weekend residency program only admits students in the Fall Term.

Degree Requirements

Requirements
Core Applied Behavior Analysis Courses
ABA 630Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change4.5
ABA 631Measurement and Experimental Design4.5
ABA 632Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis4.5
ABA 633Behavioral Interventions4.5
ABA 634Consultation, Systems Change and Supervision4.5
ABA 635Ethical Considerations and Professional Conduct4.5
ABA 636Applications of Fundamental Elements of Behavior Analysis4.5
Select one of the following concentration options:9.0
Option 1: Autism Spectrum Disorders Concentration
(select 3 of the following)
Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Characteristics & Methods: Autism
Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism
Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Option 2: Social Emotional and Behavior Wellness
(select 3 of the following)
Social Emotional Wellness and Evidence-Based Preventative School Practices
Understanding Social Emotional Disorders
Evidence-Based School Interventions and Trauma Informed Education/Care
Collaboration and Community Based Practices to Promote Social Emotion Wellness
Option 3: Advanced Topics in ABA
An Analysis of Verbal Behavior
Therapeutic Approaches Using Principles of Behavior Analysis
Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis
Capstone Courses6.0
Capstone in ABA I
Capstone in ABA II
Total Credits46.5

Sample Plan of Study

MS Applied Behavior Analysis with Advanced Topics in ABA Concentration Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ABA 6304.5ABA 6334.5ABA 6344.5ABA 6314.5
ABA 6324.5ABA 6403.0ABA 6354.5ABA 6364.5
 9 7.5 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCredits  
ABA 6413.0ABA 6423.0  
ABA 7803.0ABA 7813.0  
 6 6  
Total Credits 46.5

MS Applied Behavior Analysis with Social Emotional and Behavioral Wellness Concentration Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ABA 6304.5ABA 6334.5ABA 6344.5ABA 6314.5
ABA 6324.5ABA 6364.5ABA 6354.5EDEX 580, 581, 582, or 5833.0
 9 9 9 7.5
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCredits  
EDEX 580, 581, 582, or 5833.0EDEX 580, 581, 582, or 5833.0  
ABA 7803.0ABA 7813.0  
 6 6  
Total Credits 46.5

MS Applied Behavior Analysis with Autism Concentration Plan of Study 

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
ABA 6304.5ABA 6334.5ABA 6344.5ABA 6314.5
ABA 6324.5EDEX 555, 556, 558, 560, or 5623.0ABA 6354.5ABA 6364.5
 9 7.5 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCredits  
EDEX 555, 556, 558, 560, or 5623.0EDEX 555, 556, 558, 560, or 5623.0  
ABA 7803.0ABA 7813.0  
 6 6  
Total Credits 46.5

Applied Behavior Analysis MS Faculty

James Connell, PhD (Louisiana State University) Founding Clinical Core Director and Research Fellow, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. Associate Professor. Identifying the variables that influence adult behavior change in community settings; autism intervention; widespread dissemination of evidence-based interventions in school and community settings.
Amanda Lannie, PhD (Syracuse University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Applied behavior analysis and special education; School-based consultation; system-wide interventions as a mechanism for delivery supports to all students; Designing effective and efficient interventions for students with emotional/behavioral disorders.
Bridget Sweeney Blakely, PhD (Temple University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Consultation; Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS); Response to Intervention (Rtl); Systems-level change; performance feedback
Christina Vorndran, PhD (Louisiana State University) Program Director, Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education. Clinical Professor. Designing effective and efficient community-based interventions, Severe behavior disorders, Functional behavior assessment
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