MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program will teach you to be an exceptional behavior analyst who has the skills to improve quality of life for people with behavioral challenges, including children and adults with developmental needs. In our program, you will learn the conceptual foundations of ABA and how these behavioral principles are applied to improve behavior. Central to this program is a collaboration with the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, which serves as the primary practicum site to give you an exceptional experiential learning opportunity working with individuals with developmental needs. We place a heavy emphasis on face-to-face contact.
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. has approved the course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify. (Please note: Pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.)
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.
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
- 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
- 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 below.