Program Overview

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Social Work, M.S.W. and Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S. Dual Degree

The Social Work, M.S.W. and Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S. dual degree program at Saint Louis University is a unique opportunity for students to earn two graduate degrees in five semesters. This program combines the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (M.S. in ABA), preparing students for careers in social work and applied behavior analysis.

Overview

The dual degree program is designed for students interested in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, particularly those from marginalized populations. Graduates of this program will be able to sit for both the licensing exam in social work and the certification exam in behavior analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Assess relevant behavior analysis literature and scholarly contributions
• Apply behavioral theories, practices, policies, and research methodologies
• Address problems in broader contexts using knowledge from applied behavior analysis
• Articulate applied behavior analysis explanations and arguments to a disciplinary or professional audience
• Demonstrate scholarly and professional integrity (ethics) in behavior analysis

Requirements

The M.S.W. program requires 48 credits, while the M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis requires 36 credit hours. Students in the dual degree program will complete all necessary requirements for both degrees and certifications/licenses. Some courses (up to 20 credit hours) will be taught to fulfill the requirements for both degrees.

Admission Requirements

To be accepted into the dual degree program, students must apply to both the M.S.W. and M.S. in ABA programs separately and meet the requirements of both programs. Admission standards include an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest.

Program Requirements

The dual degree program requires a minimum of 64 credit hours to complete. Students will complete all necessary requirements for both degrees and certifications/licenses. Some courses will be taught to fulfill the requirements for both degrees.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses. Any course with a letter grade B- or below will have to be retaken.

Roadmaps

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-season plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.

Research Track (On Campus, Full-time)

• Year One:
  • Fall: SWRK 5750, ABA 5746, ABA 5774, ABA 5820, ABA 5826
  • Spring: SWRK 5725, SWRK 5819, SWRK 5821, ABA 5747, ABA 5748
  • Summer: SWRK 5733, SWRK 5820, SWRK 5842, ABA 5775, ABA 5001
• Year Two:
  • Fall: SWRK 5702, SWRK 5751, SWRK 5843, ABA 5002, ABA 5990
  • Spring: SWRK 5707, SWRK 5736, SWRK 5762, ABA 5118, ABA 5749
  • Summer: ABA 5990

Clinical Track (Distance Learning, Full-time)

• Year One:
  • Fall: SWRK 5750, ABA 5746, ABA 5774, ABA 5820, ABA 5826
  • Spring: SWRK 5725, SWRK 5819, SWRK 5821, ABA 5747, ABA 5748
  • Summer: SWRK 5733, SWRK 5820, SWRK 5842, ABA 5775, ABA 5001
• Year Two:
  • Fall: SWRK 5702, SWRK 5751, SWRK 5843, ABA 5002, ABA 5115
  • Spring: SWRK 5707, SWRK 5736, SWRK 5762, ABA 5118, ABA 5749

Accreditation

The social work bachelor's and master's programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The applied behavior analysis program is a Verified Course Sequence (VCS), and students who graduate from the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program will have completed all requirements necessary to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.

Financial Aid

Financial aid resources are available to assist students in financing their graduate education. These resources include:

• FAFSA and other resources
• Scholarships
• Fellowships
• Graduate assistantships and internships

Conclusion

The Social Work, M.S.W. and Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S. dual degree program at Saint Louis University is a unique opportunity for students to earn two graduate degrees in five semesters. This program combines the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (M.S. in ABA), preparing students for careers in social work and applied behavior analysis.