M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis

About the Program

The purpose of the Master of Arts (MA) degree program in Applied Behavior Analysis is to allow students to complete the necessary coursework and graduate degree requirements for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst™ (BCBA). The BCBA™ is a national credential granted by The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.®

Curriculum

Program Code: MA- APPLBEH / Major Code: G222
The M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis degree program requires the completion of 36 semester hours (s.h.) and is structured into five broad domains: 9 credits in Fundamental Behavior Analytic Knowledge and Skill; 9 credits of understanding populations and contexts; 6 credits of supervised experience; 6 credits of research; and 6 credits of electives. It is designed for working students (i.e., evening classes) and can be completed in 4 semesters for full-time students. There is no thesis requirement.

Coursework (Program Semester Hours: 36)
The courses listed here are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the CGCE section tally.

Required Courses: 36 s.h.

Course Number Course Title Semester Hours
I. Fundamental Behavioral Analytic Knowledge and Skill (9 s.h.)
PSY 02500 Basic Principles of Behavior 3
PSY 02610 Applied Behavior Analysis 3
PSY 02620 Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis 3
II. Understanding Populations & Contexts (6 s.h.)
PSY 03624 Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence 3
SELN 10590 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders 3
Or PSY 02661 Special Topics in ABA 3
III. Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (12 s.h.)
PSY 02520 Assessments and Interventions for Social Skills and Relationships in Children 3
PSY 02670 Ethics and Legal Issues in ABA 3
PSY 02661 Special Topics in ABA 3
PSY 02680 Advanced Practice in ABA 3
IV. Experience (3 s.h.)
PSY 01660 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 3
V. Research (6 s.h.)
PSY 02510 Research Methods in Behavior Analysis 3
PSY 02660 Research Project in ABA 3

Admissions Requirements

The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for this program. There may be additional action or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below a representative from the CGCE Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or indicating any missing items.

  • CGCE Graduate Application Form (pdf)
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning in a field such as psychology, education, or related discipline is highly recommended)
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Current professional resume showing experience in the field
  • Statement of Professional Objectives
  • Two letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant's experience in behavior analysis and human service delivery (While the official Recommendation Form is required, an actual letter from the recommender is preferred)
  • A recommended undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Interview (Applicants will be contacted directly by the Faculty Admissions Committee regarding the interview. The interview can be in person or via telephone.)
  • On-site writing sample (conducted during interview)

Start Dates & Application Deadlines

Below is a list of anticipated start dates. The start dates indicated are based on the university calendar or the CGCE schedule. Your actual first day of class will depend on the course sequence which will be provided by a CGCE Enrollment Advisor once you have matriculated in the program.

Entry Term & Module Start Date(s) Application Deadline(s)
Summer 2013 05/13/2013 02/15/2013
Fall 2013 Late Aug./Early Sept. 02/15/2013

Tuition & Costs

$630 tuition + $141.90 in fees = $771.90
(this rate applies to academic year 2012/2013 and is subject to change)

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