Master in Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the science of human behavior derived from the basic principles of behavior.  Behavior analysts systematically apply those principles to improve socially significant behavior to a meaningful degree while taking data to ensure that changes in behavior are due to their interventions.

The primary purpose of the master's program is to prepare students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts. As such the focus of the program is on course work and applied experiences. Students will complete 30 hours of BACB approved course work and 9 hours of practicum. Although practica are typically performed in the second year, students are encouraged and often required through class assignments to begin applying the information learned in class to real-life situations. Throughout the program, students' behavioral skills are shaped through in-class interactions with their peers and instructors, through faculty supervision of applied experiences, and by working closely with experienced behavior analysts in the area. Upon graduation students will be well prepared to take the BACB certification exam and begin a career as a behavior analyst.

The master's program typically admits 18 to 20 students per year and receives around 45 applications. The average GRE (verbal and quantitative) of the most recent entering class was 1000 and the average GPA was 3.7. Most students had prior experience applying the principles of applied behavior analysis in a real-world setting.