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Applied Behavior Analysis, MS

Practical Education that Builds Skills to Succeed

  • 30 total credits
  • Graduates eligible for BCBA exam

Our master's degree in applied behavior analysis is designed for individuals who are seeking to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBA®). Students accepted into the program will acquire the knowledge and competencies to design and deliver effective behavioral interventions across a variety of populations and settings, with a focus on individuals with autism as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What Makes Us Unique?

Personal attention. The university’s expert faculty is made up of skillful educators with Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) credentials who pride themselves in their teaching, research and service. Students will be able to work closely with a faculty mentor who will assist with personalized academic planning throughout the program.

A center focused on excellence. Students have access to the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence. The centers offer a comprehensive approach to the identification and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for children, adults, and families. The centers enhance undergraduate and graduate training opportunities in ASD-related fields to create a highly skilled talent pool for the region.

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  • Duration 2 to 3 years
  • Cost per Credit $920
  • Credit Hours 36

Program Benefits

  • Program has approval as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) through the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). (5th Edition Task List)
  • Choose elective courses to study positive behavior intervention, early intervention, autism spectrum-related disorders in children and adolescents, and other topics
  • Learn from highly-qualified faculty who are Ph.D level Board Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA-D) with extensive experience in a variety of client populations 

Comprehensive, Hands-on Coursework

With our master's in applied behavior analysis, you'll be prepared to meet any professional challenge because of our research-based and faculty-driven approach. The curriculum is crafted to provide an all-encompassing learning experience. Through the combination of case studies, research reviews, recorded lectures, active response and other items, students participate in hybrid coursework. As students matriculate, they encounter a mix of research-based and specialty-focused courses, with electives that students choose to align with their interests and goals.

In addition to classroom-based didactic and thesis/capstone courses, students complete a supervised fieldwork experience to apply behavior analytic principles, clinical services and research they’ve learned in the classroom. The program’s small size allows students to build relationships with faculty, staff and fellow students, creating a more intimate learning experience for everyone involved.

Earning your master’s degree in applied behavioral analysis will make you eligible for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)’s exam, the final step to becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.®

Career Outlook: Growing Need for Behavior Analysts

According to statistics from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, demand for behavior analysts grew by 23% from 2021-2022.1 This growth is consistent with the years of positive demand growth since 2010. 

By earning a master's in applied behavior analysis, you can prepare yourself for a career helping others. You'll gain the knowledge necessary to pass BACB exams and skills to thrive in career opportunities in the industry with the online master’s in applied behavior analysis. Behavioral analysts work for hospitals, private practices and other organizations, finding behavioral patterns and solving problems for clients and their families.

CAREER OUTLOOK

A Curriculum Framed to Promote Professional Success

The program consists of 36 credits, including a 6-credit thesis or capstone course. You'll explore topics such as Early Intervention, ASD Related Disorders in Children and Adolescents, and Positive Behavior Intervention to build the skills you need.

Students will engage in coursework that will provide the educational knowledge required for eligibility to apply for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB®).

CURRICULUM

Program Outcomes: What You’ll Learn

After graduating from the program, students are equipped in a variety of areas, including:

The scientific bases of behavioral change
How to serve vulnerable populations by making meaningful changes in socially significant behavior
How to apply skills for improving the human condition
Readiness to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification exam.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the online master’s degree in applied behavior analysis, you’ll need:
Completed Application
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or the equivalent from an international college or university
Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a grading scale of 4.0
Official transcripts from all colleges / universities attended
Professional letters of recommendation
Statement of intent
Required interview with program faculty
ADMISSIONS INFO

Tuition Details

The Applied Behavior Analysis master's program consists of 36 credits and costs $920 per credit hour. 

We strive to provide you with an affordable, high-quality education. That's why we're ranked a Best Value School, Regional Universities in the North, by US News & World Report for 2024.

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Financial Aid

Financial aid options are available to help you pay for your education. A personal financial aid counselor will assist you in identifying and taking full advantage of all opportunities.

FINANCIAL AID DETAILS

Faculty: Mentors Who Can Advance Your Career

The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis faculty are professionals who can provide needed one-on-one mentorship and guidance.

Not only are they highly educated, but they also possess practical experience in applied behavior analysis and related careers. They’ll support you throughout your coursework and as you complete your thesis project.

 

FACULTY AT SCRANTON

Sources:

  1. Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2023). US employment demand for behavior analysts: 2010–2022. Littleton, CO: Author.