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Applied Behavior Analysis Ed.S.

The Ed.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis, as a post-Master’s degree, is designed for training individuals who already hold a Master’s or higher degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Language Pathology, Rehabilitation Sciences, or other related fields. As such, it allows individuals with a master’s degree to broaden their knowledge base to become eligible to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Examination® and earn an advanced post-master’s credential. (The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® has verified the following course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify). The Ed.S. program provides training in the basic concepts and principles of ABA and the design and implementation of ABA interventions in practice. Students who enroll in the Practicum Track will be required to complete an Intensive Practicum training experience, meeting experience standards as dictated by the BACB®. 

The program is offered in a blended format.

In addition to the College of Professional Studies and Advancement Graduate Admissions Requirements, applicants must:

  • Have a master's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Speech Language Pathology, Rehabilitation Sciences, or other related fields. 
  • Submit a written statement of academic and professional goals as follows:
    • Please describe the reasons for applying to the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). What are your career goals, and how would this program of study help you realize these goals? How is this field of study related to your previous graduate training in Education or Psychology? Please limit your response to no more than 500 words (two double-spaced pages or less).
  • Submit a multi-question essay responding to the questions established and periodically revised by the faculty. This essay is intended to assess the student's writing skills, critical thinking skills, and their understanding of applied behavior analysis. (Note, this essay is used for assessment purposes only and accuracy of responses on this essay will not impact admission considerations).
  • Submit a minimum of two professional letters of recommendation, addressing topics/questions as established and periodically revised by faculty. Letters of recommendation must be written by individuals who know the candidate from an academic or professional perspective and are able to comment on the candidate's capacity for undertaking graduate studies.
  • Undergo faculty review

Program Details:

  • Requires 27-38 SH for completion
  • Requires a grade of “B” or better in all coursework
  • Requires completion of Practicum Track for candidates interested in certification 

Required Courses

Gateway Courses

ABA 500Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis

3
ABA 501Measurement and Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis

4

Program Core Courses

ABA 515Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis

3
ABA 516Radical Behaviorism

3
ABA 610Skills Assessment and Intervention

4
ABA 611Functional Assessment and Intervention

4
ABA 620Supervision and Training in Applied Behavior Analysis

3

Doctoral Electives

Choose 3 semester hours from the list of courses listed below:

ABA 695Special Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis

1 TO 3
DEE 604Social and Political Implications of Assessment

3
DEE 605History of Disability and Education

3
DEE 690Seminar: Special Topics in Disability and Equity in Education

1 TO 12
EDL 630Understanding and Using Educational Research

3

Note: Students may select other CPSA/NCE courses with the approval of Program Chair or designate. 

Practicum Track - 11 SH

ABA 590Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis

2
ABA 690Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis

3

Note: ABA 690 must be taken for a total of 9 semester hours.