Program Overview

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Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science

The Department of Applied Behavioral Science offers a curriculum through which students learn how to examine and address problems of social importance across the lifespan. Students receive training in the application of behavioral science to improve the human condition through prevention and intervention. The department’s master’s program in applied behavioral science satisfies coursework requirements for Board Certification in Behavior Analysis and, in most states, licensure as a behavior analyst.

Admission to Graduate Studies

• All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
• Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
• English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required.

Admission to the M.A. Program

For admission in the fall semester, eligibility criteria for admission to the M.A. program follow Graduate Studies’ admission policy. To be considered for admission to graduate status in the program, a student must hold a bachelor’s degree. Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements.

Application Process

1. On the application's "Program Information page," select "Social and Behavioral Sciences" from the Academic Area of Interest.
2. Under "Academic Program," search for "Behavioral Psychology (PhD)” if applying to the doctoral program or “Applied Behavioral Science (MA)” if applying to the MA program.

• Personal statement
• Vita
• 3 letters of Recommendation
• GRE (optional, but recommended)
• Copies of official transcripts
• List of faculty members with whom the prospective student is interested in working

M.A. in Applied Behavioral Science Degree Requirements

The master’s program trains highly competent scientist-practitioners in applied behavioral science. It requires course work on the basic principles and conceptual foundations of behavioral science and its research methods but emphasizes course work and training in applied and intervention research.

Core Courses

• ABSC 735: Within Subjects Research Methodology and Direct Observation (3)
• ABSC 746: Introduction to Behavioral Science (3)
• ABSC 799: Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3)
• ABSC 800: Conceptual Foundations of Applied Behavioral Science (3)
• ABSC 841: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Applied Behavioral Science (3)
• ABSC 861: Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
• Applied Behavioral Analysis II (3)
• Select one of the following courses:
  • ABSC 788: Designing Early Education Environments
  • ABSC 802: Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities
  • ABSC 805: Functional Behavioral Assessment
  • ABSC 961: Advanced Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • ABSC 890: Seminar in
  • ABSC 893: Special Topics in
• Research or Intervention Practicum (3)
• Select one of the following courses:
  • ABSC 870: Practicum I in Behavioral Psychology
  • ABSC 871: Practicum I in Behavior Analysis
  • ABSC 872: Practicum I in
  • ABSC 875: Practicum in Community Health Promotion
  • ABSC 876: Practicum in Community Development
• Thesis Hours: ABSC 899: Master's Thesis in Applied Behavioral Science (6)

Total Hours

Total Hours: 30

M.A. in Applied Behavioral Science Degree Requirements (Online)

The online master’s program trains highly competent scientist-practitioners in applied behavioral science. It requires course work on the basic principles and conceptual foundations of behavioral science and its research methods but emphasizes course work and training in applied and intervention research.

Required Courses

1. ABSC 850: Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
2. ABSC 851: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Applied Behavioral Science (3)
3. ABSC 852: Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities (3)
4. ABSC 853: Behavioral Assessment (3)
5. ABSC 854: Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3)
6. ABSC 770: Within Subjects Research Methodology and Direct Observation (3)
7. ABSC 771: Introduction to Applied Behavioral Science (3)
8. ABSC 772: Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis (3)
9. ABSC 773: Applied Behavior Analysis in Complex Organizations (3)

Practicum Hours

• ABSC 871 or ABSC 872: Research or Intervention Practicum (6)

Portfolio

Students will build a portfolio through the program. The portfolio will consist of a number of products the students will have created completing the various requirements embedded within the courses.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students will be able to:

• understand legal and ethical guidelines and professional standards as pertinent to behavior research and practice.
• interpret behavior in terms of the core concepts and principles of behavior analysis.
• understand the importance of social validity and broader cultural significance of behavior science.
• demonstrate scholarship in the context of basic, applied, or conceptual analysis of behavior.