Applied Behavior Analysis, MS

Special Education |View/Print PDF

For further information: SpecialEdGrad@southernct.edu

The M.S. in ABA prepares students to meet the coursework requirements to sit for the exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Professionals with certification in ABA are highly sought after in many fields including education, special education, and business.

There are three ABA program options – a Master of Science, a Sixth Year Diploma Program, and a Certificate Program. All programs prepare students to take and pass the BCBA exam and to use ABA in applied settings, such as with individuals with or without disabilities in educational or therapeutic environments. The ABA courses will be particularly relevant for special educators, school psychologists, and other educational professionals. Supervised Independent Fieldwork is available as a program option.

Verified Course Sequence (VCS) first time pass rate data for the BCBA exam can be found at the BACB website here. Please note pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.

APPLICATON DEADLINE

One month before the start of new cohort.
*New cohorts begin every 3 semesters (not including summer).

The ABA program currently runs on a cohort system (subject to change), with a new cohort beginning every
3 semesters (i.e., Spring 2021, Fall 2022, Spring 2024, etc.). Therefore, applications will be due on the 15th
of the month prior to the cohort start date: December 15th for Spring start and August 15th for Fall start.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Special Education department to verify next cohort start dates,
application time line and more information regarding the application process.

All Master ’s degrees in special education require 30 credits, as well as a culminating
experience. Some graduate courses may require field experiences. Courses should not be taken
without an adviser’s approval.

ADMISSION AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

 

Applied Behavior Analysis, MS - 30 Credits


Verified Course Sequence (21 credits)
SED 641 - Ethics and Professional Conduct
SED 642 - Organizational Behavior Management and Supervision
SED 689 - Philosophical Underpinnings of ABA
SED 690 - Principles of ABA
SED 691 - Single Subject Research Methods
SED 692 - Advanced ABA
SED 693 - Assessment in ABA
SED 694 - Intervension in ABA

Other Required Courses (6 credits)
SED 514 - Transition within Disability Services
SED 531 - Research in Special Education 

Elective (3 credits)
One 500-level elective (3 credits)
The elective may be chosen from special education or a related course with advisor approval, but may not be a course applied to a previous degree. The course may be any graduate level course in the College of Arts an Sciences, College of Education, or College of Health and Human Services.  
- or - 
SED 695 (1 credit) 
To be taken once per-semester, across three semesters (for a total of 3 credits). SED 695 is an option for those who would like Southern to provide support for BACB required supervision. At this time, the student must arrange the location of supervision, where they are employed for 30+ hours per week (e.g., at the school where they currently work).

Capstone
Comprehensive exam in Applied Behavioral Analysis is required. See the Special Education department website for information on study sessions and exam schedule.