MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

Introduction

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the study of human behavior. ABA has been developed for the past 75 years and has hundreds of researchers studying human behavior across a variety of settings. While ABA is often associated with autism, it has been successfully used across many populations including teaching children and adults with developmental disabilities, improving workplace performance and safety, and working with individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Students in our ABA program will learn why people do what they do and how to change behavior to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

This degree is offered by AU New England. We are not currently enrolling students for this program. 

Program Overview

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program offers students the opportunity to learn how to make a positive difference in individual’s lives. Earning your Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Antioch University New England will help you gain the skills to:

• Work with adults and children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Individuals with a passion in this area, work with individuals to teach them how to communicate, interact with others, succeed in school, and live independently
• Consult with businesses to help improve employee performance and create a high quality work environment
• Work with individuals with socio/emotional disorders, anxiety, addictions and head injuries.
• Work in a variety of settings such as clinics, schools, homes, day treatment centers, residential facilities, and community integrated living arrangements
• Teach courses at a college or university

Specialized courses are taught in each of these areas, in addition to the foundational courses offered, to allow students to have a more focused scope of study in areas they are most interested in!

Courses are taught by faculty members in an interactive format, which provides flexibility for students to only come to campus once per month on the weekends, and opportunities to build a community with other individuals in the program. Students also have the opportunity to engage in supervised practice hours in a variety of settings. The ABA Program at AUNE offers practicum placements for students to earn BCBA supervision.

Upon completion of the Master’s Degree, students will have completed the necessary coursework to sit for the national exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®). The BCBA credential is nationally recognized as the highest standard in the field. Our program is a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board and our students work with a variety of children and adults in all of the above-referenced populations and are well-respected professionals throughout New England and beyond.

This program accommodates working professionals. Classes start in late August with a series of weekends, once a month. Students may enter the program with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. Learn more about the educational requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Program Delivery:

• Designed for individuals who already have an earned Bachelor’s Degree
• Weekend schedule with monthly classes – convenient for working professionals
• Practicum Opportunities with BCBA Supervision
• Starts in late August
• Designed to meet the educational requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®

The Antioch University ABA Program had a first-time pass rate of 92% on the BCBA exam in 2017, as compared to the national average first-time pass rate of 65%.

Degree Requirements

Program Length

This 33-credit degree program can be completed in seven semesters. The program offers a 750-hour intensive practicum as part of the experiential requirement.

Course Sequence

Fall I (6 credits)

• Ethical Considerations in Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
• Concepts & Principles of Behavior Analysis (3 credits)

Spring I (6 credits)

• Behavioral Assessment (3 credits)
• Performance Management and Supervision (3 credits)

Summer I (3 credits)

• Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change (3 credits)

Fall II (6 credits)

• Research Methods in Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
• Radical Behaviorism: Philosophical Underpinnings (3 credits)

Spring II (6 credits)

• Applied Behavior Analysis: Extended Applications (3 credits)
• Behavior Analytic Procedures and Interventions (3 credits)

Summer II (3 credits)

• Practicum I (3 credits)

Fall III (3 credits)

• Practicum II (3 credits)

Total Educational Requirements 33 credits

The coursework sequence has been verified to meet the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify.

Practicum

The Applied Behavior Analysis Program provides a variety of quality, intensive, hands-on training experiences for students at local schools and agencies. These practicum placements provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice the various roles of a behavior analyst while working closely with an assigned university supervisor and a mentoring professional from their individual placement site. The supervision provided meets the standards determined by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB).