Applied Behavior Analysis M.S.

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.

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 their bachelor's degree.
 

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 a 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 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 developed 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.

At a Glance