MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program will train you to be an exceptional behavior analyst who has the skills to improve quality of life for people with behavioral challenges, including young children and adults with developmental needs. As advocates for diversity and social responsibility, we teach students to engage in culturally responsive service delivery and professional relationships. Through education, research, and community engagement, our mission is to elevate the standards of ABA practice and contribute to the betterment of society.
We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment where students engage in cutting-edge research, evidence-based practices, and hands-on experiences. Our goal is to empower graduates to make meaningful contributions to the lives of individuals and communities through the application of ABA principles.
In our program, you’ll learn the conceptual foundations of ABA and how these behavioral principles are applied to improve behavior. The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI©) has verified the course sequence offered in the University of Missouri’s Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Program and you will be able to apply our coursework to the requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst© examination.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 39 semester credit hours must be completed in fulfillment of degree requirements. Completion of this degree includes completion of a Thesis/Capstone. In addition to the coursework requirement, you will need to meet experience standards. The BACB has two experience categories: (a) supervised fieldwork (2000 hrs) and (b) concentrated supervised fieldwork (1500 hrs). Students in the Master's program will be required to complete concentrated supervised fieldwork at the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
Fieldwork Experience
There are three options for graduate students to obtain fieldwork experience that counts towards licensure.
Option 1. The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment serves as our main research facility and will provide an opportunity to work alongside other researchers as you to develop interventions to treat complex behaviors. At this site, highly qualified ABA providers will provide you with concentrated fieldwork experience, which includes increased supervision compared to other models.
Option 2. The University of Missouri’s Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Program has partnerships with various school districts, clinics, hospitals, and other agencies across the state of Missouri, to provide you with opportunities to work/learn in various settings with a range of individuals from early childhood through adults. At each site, a highly qualified Applied Behavior Analysis provider has been identified and will provide you with supervised fieldwork experience.
Option 3. If you work or plan to work in a school district, alternative school, or care center that does not currently have access to an ABA provider, you are eligible to participate in our Remote Field Practicum. In this experience, you will be assigned to a qualified ABA provider from the University of Missouri. Through this one-on-one support, you will be supported virtually, and your program will be individualized to meet your needs.
Sample Plan of Study
The course sequence can be completed in two years on campus. The following is a sample program.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| SPC_ED 8440 | 3 | SPC_ED 8385 | 3 | SPC_ED 8800 | 2 |
| SPC_ED 8100 | 3 | SPC_ED 8353 | 3 | SPC_ED 8090 | 1 |
| SPC_ED 8800 | 3 | SPC_ED 8800 | 3 | ||
| 9 | 9 | 3 | |||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| SPC_ED 8450 | 3 | SPC_ED 8460 | 3 | ||
| SPC_ED 8500 | 3 | SPC_ED 8305 | 3 | ||
| SPC_ED 8090 | 3 | SPC_ED 8090 | 3 | ||
| 9 | 9 | ||||
| Total Credits: 39 | |||||
Admissions
Deadlines
- First deadline: Due January 15th (For scholarships)
- Second deadline: Due March 30th (For practicum placements)
- Third deadline: June 30th (For admittance to the classes)
Required Application Materials
- Unofficial transcripts of all prior coursework
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation (minimum 2 letters; confidential and sent through the online application system)
- Personal Data Sheet
- Official GRE scores (if applicable)
- Official TOEFL scores (if applicable)
Confirmation Materials (required to finalize admission upon acceptance, sent to the Graduate School):
- Official transcripts
- Any additional required documentation
The Special Education graduate program cannot assure admission to all applicants who meet minimum standards specified for the degree program. Resource constraints do not permit the admission of all qualified applicants. An interview may be required by the admissions committee. Please feel free to submit any other materials that you feel would give a clearer picture of your qualifications. A committee of faculty reviews the credentials of each applicant. It is the responsibility of this committee to exercise professional judgment related to the criteria that applicants must meet in order to be considered for admission to the program.
Conditional acceptance
Conditional acceptance into the program is not provided for those students who wish to pursue English language training in the U.S. prior to starting their graduate studies. Applications submitted will be reviewed for admission into the program as per the criteria noted above.