Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Special Education and Child Development with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is designed for those seeking to advance their expertise in special education and ABA, and fulfill the degree and coursework required to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The program includes coursework that will meet the BCBA Pathway 2 Eligibility and aligns with the 6th Edition coursework requirements set by The Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Program Highlights

• 100% Online Coursework: Enjoy the flexibility of completing your 33-credit hour program entirely online. Most courses are offered in a live synchronous format, providing real-time interactions between instructors and students to foster a supportive learning community.
• Specialized Instruction: Courses are tailored to discuss strategies and concepts specifically for supporting individuals with disabilities in various settings such as schools, clinics, homes, and communities.
• Professional Faculty: Learn from distinguished faculty members who are either board certified behavior analysts or have extensive training and experience in applied behavior analysis.

Program Details

Delivery

The program is delivered online, consisting of 33 credit hours. Admissions are accepted for Spring, Summer, and Fall terms.

Courses

The majority of coursework is offered via synchronous instructional formats. Synchronous online learning involves live, online teaching in recurring weekly time slots. The program generally can be completed between 6 to 7 semesters, depending on the admit term.

• Introductory Research Course (3 credit hours)
  • RSCH 6101: Research Methods (3)
• Introductory Concentration Courses (6 credit hours)
  • SPED 5200: Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
  • SPED 5300: Lifespan Development for Exceptional Individuals (3)
• Core Courses (15 credit hours)
  • SPED 5201: Science and Philosophy in Behavior Analysis (3)
  • SPED 5202: Supervision and Consultation in Behavior Analytic Programming (3)
  • SPED 5203: Ethics, Compliance, and Professionalism in Behavior Analysis (3)
  • SPED 6225: Behavior Analytic Intervention in Communication (3)
  • SPED 6502: Behavioral Assessment (3)
• Research Courses (9 credit hours)
  • RSCH 7113: Single-Case Research (3)
  • SPED 6692: Research Proposal (2)
  • SPED 6693: Research Implementation (2)
  • SPED 6694: Research Dissemination and Leadership (2)

Admissions & Requirements

• Complete the Graduate School Admission Application.
• A bachelors degree from a university accredited by a US Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditor, in special education, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• All previous work beyond high school documenting an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale).
• Copies of unofficial transcripts from all academic coursework beyond high school.
• Official agency reports of satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test score (30th percentile or above).
• At least 6 months of documented experience working with individuals with exceptionalities.
• Three recommendations from professional educators and/or supervisors familiar with the applicants personal and professional qualifications.
• A copy of resume, listing the applicants professional experience.
• A statement of purpose of no more than two pages describing the applicants experience and objective in undertaking graduate study in applied behavior analysis.

Application Deadlines

• August 1 (fall)
• December 1 (spring)
• May 1 (summer first half term)
• June 15 (summer second half term)

Tuition

• NC Resident: $309.59 per credit hour
• Non-Resident: $1,186.59 per credit hour

Career Outlook

UNC Charlotte alumni who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts serve in various settings such as autism clinics, school districts, or having their own clinical or consulting practices. The estimated average annual salary for UNC Charlotte graduates who are Board Certified Behavior Analysts is $72,400.

Why UNC Charlotte?

• Flexible Learning: Study from the comfort of your home or office with our fully online program.
• Interactive Community: Participate in synchronous classes that promote a collaborative learning environment, offering support and problem-solving opportunities with peers and instructors.
• Career-Ready Skills: Develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to become an effective behavior analyst, improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.