Applied Behavior Analysis M.S.
Overview
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) master’s program at Saint Joseph’s University helps professionals develop a deeper understanding of diverse behavioral health needs. Through an online curriculum approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), graduate students will learn how to develop, implement and evaluate quality techniques that result in positive behavioral change in people with exceptionalities.
What Is the Applied Behavior Analysis M.S.?
Saint Joseph’s University’s online ABA master’s degree is designed for individuals with a background in education or the social sciences who are interested in becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). However, anyone with an interest in learning about positive behavioral interventions and support can also benefit from this program.
Our innovative program covers the foundations of behavior analysis, including the principles of learning and behavior, as well as how to purposefully apply these principles in educational, health and business environments.
100% Online ABA Graduate Program
The ABA M.S. at Saint Joseph’s University is fully online, allowing working professionals to complete the coursework required to take the BCBA exam without putting their life on hold. With engaging online learning opportunities and a dedicated faculty, individuals who want to advance in their career track or switch fields can both meet their goals and succeed through this program.
Ways to Study Applied Behavior Analysis
Saint Joseph’s also offers a 24-credit online graduate certificate in ABA — a valuable credential for professionals in the education, criminal justice, mental health services and human resource development fields.
Through Saint Joseph’s 4+1 program, current undergraduate students who are completing a B.S. in Autism Behavioral Studies can also start earning credits towards an M.S. in ABA, allowing them to earn a master’s degree in just five years. Students interested in this option must apply to the graduate program in their junior year and be provisionally accepted before they complete the B.S.
Home of the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support
The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at Saint Joseph’s has numerous training opportunities for those who want to enter the behavioral analysis field. Students who are pursuing a BCBA certification can apply for a competitive supervised internship working with learners in Kinney programs. Students will learn how to complete skill assessments, build data collections, analyze behavior graphs, learn the process behind behavior intervention plans and more.
What Can I Do with an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis?
Behavior analysis is most widely used in therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities. It’s also used to address a variety of cognitive, emotional or behavioral challenges related to addiction, anxiety, eating disorders and learning disorders.
Obtaining a master’s in ABA will allow you to pursue and excel in numerous careers such as:
Board certified behavioral analyst*
Behavioral specialist in school setting
School counselor
Educational consultant
Social worker
Speech-language pathologist
Mobile therapist
Psychologist
Medical professional
*While the ABAI has approved our courses as meeting the education requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA exam, applicants will still need to meet additional field experience requirements outside of the online program to qualify. You can find the most recent eligibility requirements for becoming a BCBA from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
How Will Saint Joseph’s University Enhance My Career in Applied Behavioral Analysis?
As an online ABA student at Saint Joseph’s, you’ll learn how to use data-driven methodologies to effectively analyze and guide positive change in human behavior. Our program, taught by expert faculty, is also unique because it emphasizes Ignatian pedagogical principles with the use of behaviorally-based teaching strategies and opportunities for reflection, including interteaching, interactive practice and guest lectures.
We offer optional supervised fieldwork experience, which is required to apply for BCBA certification. Additionally, one of the BACB members who develop the certification exam questions is an online faculty member at Saint Joseph’s, meaning your behavior analysis education will come directly from the men and women at the cutting edge of this emerging discipline.
Program Director
At a Glance
Degree | Master of Science |
Length | 24 months |
Start Terms | Fall, Spring and Summer |
Format | Online |
Credits | 30 credits |
Full-time | 9 credits per semester (6 credits recommended) |
Part-time | 3 credits or less per semester |
Tuition | $905 per credit |
Average Class Size | 25 students |
Work Experience | Not required for admission but strongly recommended to have experience working with individuals with exceptionalities. |
International students | This program accepts candidates from across the globe. |
Discount Eligibility |
*note - discounts cannot be combined. |
Veterans | Saint Joseph's is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits. |
Related Programs
The online Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certificate program at Saint Joseph's prepares students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam when accompanied with a master's degree. The program curriculum explores both the theoretical and methodological foundations of behavior analysis.
Today, almost every classroom includes a number of students with disabilities -- either physical, educational, emotional, or a combination of all three. Our innovative curriculum is designed to develop and refine competencies in professional educators in order to meet the demands of teaching students with special needs in a variety of school environments, public and private, urban and suburban.
You can also add a concentration, endorsement or certificate to your degree including:
- Autism spectrum disorder specialist endorsement
- Supervisor of special education curriculum
- Teaching deaf and hard of hearing (N-12) certification.
- Social, emotional and behavioral wellness endorsement
- Applied behavior analysis concentration
The Autism Behavioral Studies program at Saint Joseph’s University has a strong focus in behavioral analysis, medical services, health policy, and more. Students interested in the study of autism also have the opportunity to become involved at the University’s Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support.