Helping individuals build meaningful skills and improve quality of life requires professionals trained in the science of behavior change. As a student in ASU’s Department of Psychology, you’ll build clinical and behavior-analytic skills through the full-time Master of Science in applied behavior analysis (MS ABA) program on ASU’s Tempe campus or through ASU Sync while preparing for supervised practicum experiences, BCBA certification and state licensure.
Application deadline
Admission to the MS ABA program is available for the fall term only.
Fall 2026 admission cycle
- Application opens: September 1, 2025
- Priority deadline: February 1, 2026
- Final deadline: July 1, 2026
Applications submitted after the priority deadline will continue to be reviewed until the cohort is filled or the final deadline is reached.
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission, you must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework
- Proof of English proficiency if your native language is not English
To graduate from the program, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher across all coursework, including practicum and capstone experiences.
Required application materials
To be considered for admission, you must submit the following supporting materials along with ASU’s graduate application and application fee:
- Statement of purpose
- Complete the department form.
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Unofficial transcripts
- Official transcripts must be submitted to Graduate Admission Services after admission.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Appropriate references may include academic and/or professional contacts. Names and email addresses for recommenders are required as part of the application process.
- English proficiency test scores, if applicable
- International applicants can review degree requirements by country on the ASU Admission website.
- Brief video submission (up to one minute) describing:
- your interest in the field of applied behavior analysis
- your career goals
- how the MS ABA degree aligns with your professional interests
Please email your video submission to: [email protected]
Program details and expectations
You can complete the MS ABA program on campus at ASU’s Tempe campus or through ASU Sync, providing flexibility while completing practicum experiences throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
You will complete coursework across four full-time semesters, including both summer A and B sessions between the first and second year of the program. Practicum experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum to support the development of professional and clinical competencies.
The curriculum is designed to align with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s current test content outline, encompassing 345 classroom hours and 2,000 hours of supervised practicum fieldwork.
The program is designed to support preparation for BCBA certification and applicable state licensure requirements. You are encouraged to review current certification and licensure requirements before applying.
Practicum fieldwork is a required component of the MS ABA program and is necessary if you plan to pursue BCBA certification eligibility.
The Department of Psychology assists with practicum placement opportunities, which may be located throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Depending on placement location, you may spend significant time traveling to and from practicum sites if relying on public transportation.
Transportation availability and scheduling flexibility should be considered when planning for practicum participation.
Next steps after applying
Once your application is submitted, the graduate advising team and program leadership will review your materials to determine whether you meet admission requirements for the program.
If admitted, you will receive an official admission notification with instructions for confirming enrollment and completing next steps through My ASU.
Connect with an advisor
Questions about admission requirements, application materials or practicum expectations? Connect with graduate advising.
For quick questions, email:
[email protected]