Find answers to common questions about admission requirements, practicum experiences, licensure preparation, tuition and the virtual attendance option for the Master of Science in applied behavior analysis program.
For complete admission requirements and application instructions, visit the MS ABA admission page.
Program format and coursework
The MS ABA program prepares students to become practitioner-scientists capable of providing behavior-analytic services across a range of disorders, populations and treatment settings. However, the majority of graduates from the MS ABA program go on to work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
During practicum training, students are expected to gain experience with more than one type of disorder. Students may request practicum placements focused on a specific population and may complete a capstone project related to a particular disorder with approval from their graduate advisor or mentor.
Students seeking a program focused exclusively on autism spectrum disorder may wish to explore ASU’s online MA in special education (applied behavior analysis) program through the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Master’s degrees in psychology vary widely by university and program focus. Some programs emphasize research preparation for doctoral study, while others focus on applied practice areas such as counseling, school psychology or human factors.
The MS ABA program through ASU’s Department of Psychology focuses specifically on applied behavior analysis, a discipline rooted in the scientific study of learning and behavior.
- Learn more about applied behavior analysis through the BACB website
Students complete coursework in a prescribed sequence across five consecutive semesters: fall, spring, summer, fall and spring.
Limited flexibility exists in the second fall semester for PSB 598: Special Topics courses. Review the MS ABA curriculum sheet on our MS ABA program resources page.
Most classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday and begin either around 8 a.m. or between 4:30 and 5 p.m. Arizona time. Courses typically run approximately three hours.
Summer sessions focus primarily on full-time practicum placement experiences and capstone coursework.
The MS ABA program is an intensive, full-time graduate program that includes classroom instruction and more than 2,000 hours of supervised practicum training.
Because practicum placements often occur during standard business hours in addition to evening coursework, maintaining full-time employment while enrolled may be difficult.
The MS ABA program is not an ASU Online program and does not offer asynchronous online coursework.
Students may participate through ASU Sync, which allows remote attendance during live class sessions. Virtual (ASU Sync) students attend courses synchronously at the same scheduled times as in-person students.
For example, if an in-person class begins at 10 a.m. Arizona time and it is 3 p.m. in your local time zone, you are expected to log in and participate at 3 p.m. your time.
In most cases, preadmission graduate credits from other master’s programs will not transfer into the MS ABA program.
In limited circumstances, students may transfer up to 12 graduate credit hours completed within three years of admission if the coursework was not used toward a previous degree and earned grades of “B” or higher.
The MS ABA program through ASU’s Department of Psychology is designed as a professional degree for students pursuing careers as behavior analysts and licensed practitioners.
Some graduates may later apply to doctoral programs, though the degree is not intended primarily as preparation for doctoral study.
Students must provide proof of the following immunizations or screenings before beginning the program:
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization
- Students participating through ASU Sync are classified as in-person students by the university and are also required to meet the MMR requirement.
- Tuberculosis (TB) screening, as required by practicum partner sites
ASU strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination, though it is not currently required by the university.
Admission and application questions
Common related fields include:
- sociology
- family studies
- social work
- public policy
- special education
- kinesiology
- speech and hearing sciences
- other social and behavioral science fields
Applicants from other academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.
No. The MS ABA program through ASU’s Department of Psychology admits students for fall enrollment only.
Yes. Students completing their bachelor’s degree before the program start date may apply as long as the application deadline has not passed.
Applications are reviewed beginning in February and continue until the cohort is filled or the final deadline is reached.
Practicum and licensure questions
Students attending in person on ASU’s Tempe campus complete a practicum matching process with approved partner sites throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Students utilizing ASU Sync to participate virtually outside the Phoenix area are responsible for identifying a practicum site and supervisor, both of which must be approved by the MS ABA program director.
The MS ABA program includes more than 2,000 hours of supervised practicum experience required for graduation.
Because behavior analyst licensure requirements vary by state, students should review licensure requirements in the state where they intend to practice.
BACB certification eligibility varies by country and may change over time.
Students should review current international certification requirements directly through the BACB website.
Tuition and funding questions
Use ASU’s tuition and cost calculator to estimate tuition and fees based on your residency status and enrollment information.
Students should select:
- Graduate
- Tempe campus
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Applied Behavior Analysis, MS
Summer enrollment is required and may not appear automatically in cost estimates.
Please review the MS ABA financial support and costs page for information about tuition, scholarships, assistantships and financial aid resources.
Teaching assistant positions may be available after departmental funding for doctoral students has been finalized each semester.
ABA students selected for TA positions work up to 10 hours per week and may receive:
- a stipend
- 50% tuition reduction
Program fees and student fees are not waived.
Availability varies by semester and positions are not available during summer sessions.
No. Students participating through ASU Sync are classified as in-person Tempe campus students for tuition purposes and pay the same tuition and program fees as in-person students.
International student questions
International students holding F-1 visas must attend classes in person on ASU’s Tempe campus and are not eligible for the virtual attendance option.
Questions about visa requirements should be directed to the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC).
No. The MS ABA program is not classified as a STEM program.
International applicants should review ASU’s English proficiency requirements for the most current information about testing and alternative qualification methods.
Yes. International students must complete Curricular Practical Training (CPT) approval through the ISSC before beginning practicum training.
The department assists students with the initial CPT process after the first semester begins.
International applicants should review degree equivalency requirements through ASU Graduate Admission Services.
Please review ASU Graduate Admission Services transcript requirements for current translation and evaluation policies.