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Applied Behavior Analysis, MS

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Applied Behavior Analysis

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Student Handbook

Shape behaviors and help improve people's quality of life. You'll benefit from a supportive learning environment, gaining the skills and clinical experience needed to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® and pursue state licensure.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Applied Behavior Analysis

The Master of Science program in applied behavior analysis is a full-time, two-year program 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.

Graduates develop skills with a primary focus on three areas delineated by the certification board: foundational behavior-analytic skills, client-centered responsibilities and the accumulation of essential knowledge.

Within this program, students are immersed in the intricacies of behavior-analytic principles such as positive reinforcement, shaping and communication training. They gain a strong foundation in effecting positive behavior change, addressing behavioral excesses and deficiencies, and challenging behaviors through evidence-based interventions.

This advanced degree program places an emphasis on the ethical conduct of applied behavior analysis, preparing students to navigate the field with integrity. Students also have the opportunity to enhance their communication and leadership skills while training others on applied behavior analysis.

Mastery of behavioral measurement techniques is central to this program. Students learn to collect and interpret data effectively and develop proficiency in understanding experimental designs to uncover relationships among measurements, relevant variables and behavior.


Transportation for Practicum

Your Practical Field Experience is an integral part of the MSABA program, and completing these hours is a requirement to be eligible to sit for the BCBA Exam. The program will help with your Practicum Placement, which can be in any part of the Phoenix metropolitan valley. Depending upon the Practicum Placement location, individuals relying upon public transportation may spend considerable time traveling to and from the placement location.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 45 credit hours including the required applied project course (PSB 593)

Required Core (27 credit hours)
PSB 501 Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
PSB 510 Basic Principles of Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3)
PSB 511 Advanced Research Methods (3)
PSB 520 Ethical Issues and Professional Standards in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
PSB 530 Behavioral Observation and Functional Assessment (3)
PSB 540 Development of Applied Behavioral Intervention Programs (3)
PSB 563 Basic Principles of Organizational Behavior Management (3)
PSB 573 Advanced Principles of Learning and Analysis of Behavior (3)
PSB 578 Applied Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disorders (3)

Electives or Research (4 credit hours)
PSB 591 Seminar (2)
PSB 598 Special Topics (2)

Other Requirements (9 credit hours)
PSB 580 Practicum (5)
PSB 583 Fieldwork (4)

Culminating Experience (5 credit hours)
PSB 593 Applied Project (5)

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, human development, sociology or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of purpose form
  4. curriculum vitae or resume
  5. two letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The MS in applied behavior analysis program requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90 with Speaking and Writing portions in high "Fair" to "Good" range (22--30), or a PTE score of 62 or higher. IELTS scores must be 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in the speaking and writing portions.

The application is completed online through the ASU Admission Services website. Applicants should upload their unofficial transcripts to the application before submitting.

It is strongly recommended that applicants download and print the MS in applied behavior analysis admission checklist from the Department of Psychology website to ensure completion of the application process and inclusion of all the required supplemental forms.

The statement of purpose form should describe professional and academic aspirations.

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from professionals or faculty members who can speak to the applicant's abilities.


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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
May 15th
Final
Session A/C
In Person
February 1st
Priority


Learning Outcomes

  • Design behavioral assessments in course projects.
  • Develop an organizational behavior management (OBM) project and intervention.
  • Evaluate data to determine treatment efficacy in course projects.

Career Opportunities

With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices, graduates have obtained the essential knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to pursue state licensure and establish themselves as proficient Board-Certified Behavior Analysts®. This program prepares students for highly sought-after roles within the human services sector, and upon graduation, students are well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers such as:

  • assistant clinical director
  • behavior specialist
  • clinical director

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/727-4561


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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