Program Overview

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Online M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis at SEMO prepares students to become skilled behavior analysts through a comprehensive curriculum focused on theoretical foundations, ethical practice, and practical applications. ABA techniques are applied in schools, clinics, and workplaces to promote positive behavior change.

Degree Type

• Master's Degree

Program Type

• Graduate

Location

• Online

College

• Education, Health & Human Studies

Department

• Psychology & Counseling

What Can You Do with an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis?

Earning a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis opens doors to impactful careers, helping individuals with behavioral challenges, such as autism, improve their skills and quality of life. Behavior analysts assess, analyze, and modify behavior using evidence-based strategies to create personalized treatment plans. With the growing demand for ABA professionals, job opportunities are abundant in schools, clinics, hospitals, and community organizations.

Career Opportunities

• Counselor
• Psychological Assistant
• Special Education Assistant
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Social Work

Applied Behavior Analysis Curriculum

The program has a cohort model, so students will take classes with the same group of students throughout both years, helping to build a life-long behavior analytic community. Students may apply for admission for Summer or Fall; however, only electives are available during the first summer semester. ABA classes always begin in the fall.

Curriculum Checklist (42 hours)

• AB531 Basic Principles in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
• AB532 Methods for Studying the Behavior of Individuals (3)
• AB533 ABA I: Skill Acquisition and Assessment (3)
• AB534 ABA II: Function Based Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behavior (3)
• AB535 Principles in Psychopharmacology (3)
• AB537 Behavioral Consultation & Management (3)
• AB601 Conceptual Topics in Behavior Analysis (3)
• AB603 Ethics, Disciplinary Systems, and Professionalism in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
• AB605 Research & Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis – I (6)
• AB607 Research & Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis – II (6)
• AB608 Research & Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis – III (3)
• GR698 Masters' Final Project (0)

Electives

Choose one course:

• CE614 Family/School Partnerships in Early Childhood (3)
• CF520 Professional Ethics and Practice (3)
• CF602 Trauma-Informed Care (3)
• DS618 Environmental Design for Human Services (3)
• ED535 The Trauma-Informed Professional (3)
• EX507 Family and Child with Exceptionalities (3)
• EX555 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (3)
• EX601 Educational Assessment Techniques (3)
• EX693 Special Education and the Law (3)
• PY555 Health Psychology (3)

Admission Requirements

Admission is considered only for the summer and fall semesters. In addition to the criteria established for general admission to graduate studies, applicants must have:

1. An undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale or 6 hours of graduate-level coursework with a 3.0 equivalent in each course
2. Letter of intent addressing preparation for graduate study, ability to succeed at the graduate level and professional goals and objectives
3. Two letters of recommendation
4. Identification of potential site to obtain supervised experience

International applicants must also have a minimum IELTS Academic score of 7.0, TOEFL iBT score of 95, PTE Academic score of 64 or Duolingo English score of 125.

Supervised Experience

Individuals seeking to sit for the BCBA certification exam after January 1, 2022 must complete either 2000 hours of Supervised Fieldwork or 1500 hours of Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork. Supervision by SEMO Faculty is limited. Potential students should contact the SEMO Applied Behavior Analysis Program Coordinator prior to beginning the program if they do not have access to a qualified ABA Supervisor locally.

Accelerated Master's Degree Program

The accelerated Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis degree program allows undergraduate students to take classes in their senior year that count for both undergraduate credit and graduate credit. Students majoring in Education, Psychology, Child Development, Communication Disorders, or working towards an Autism Studies Certificate could benefit from this opportunity.

Program Requirements

• Junior Standing with at least 75 credit hours completed
• Limit of 12 hours (500 level)
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

Related Programs

• Online M.A. in Educational Leadership
• Online: Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate

College of Education, Health & Human Studies

This degree is housed within the College of Education, Health & Human Studies. The College prepares students for lifelong careers. We boast programs that train students in problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, organization, and adaptability. Skills employers value, so we prepare you for basically any career field.