Online Master of Arts in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis
With Arizona State University’s Master of Arts in special education with a concentration in applied behavior analysis, you’ll learn the principles and foundations of applied behavior analysis and how it can be used to teach new skills and improve human behavior. The courses in this program are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International® and can prepare you to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) exam.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
What is applied behavior analysis?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a systematic and scientifically-based approach to understanding behavior. ABA can be used to teach new skills, enhance performance or reduce challenging behaviors in people of all ages, with or without disabilities. The specific focus of ABA therapy is unique to each person or situation, but the overall goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and promote learning. Applied behavior analysis can be used with any population including children, adults, families and communities. There are also a variety of settings in which ABA is useful such as education, business and health care.
ASU Online's applied behavior analysis degree concentration will teach you the process of ABA while focusing on ethical principles and evidence-based best practices. This includes practicing how to assess behavior, develop personalized therapy plans and use data to track progress. You’ll also discover how people learn and explore theories of behavior change.
How this online master’s prepares you for the BCBA exam
This master’s in applied behavior analysis includes coursework that meets the Association for Behavior Analysis International verified course sequence requirements to qualify to sit for the BCBA exam. You’ll need to meet additional requirements before you can be deemed eligible to take the exam. We offer an optional practicum if you’re seeking to accrue BCBA supervised field experience.
Does this special education master’s prepare me to become an ABA therapist?
This online special education master’s with an ABA concentration teaches you the process of ABA while focusing on ethical principles and evidence-based best practices. This includes practicing how to assess behavior, developing personalized therapy plans and using data to track progress. You’ll also discover how people learn and explore theories of behavior change.
Professional licensure and certification
Our ABA programs include coursework that meets the Association for Behavior Analysis International verified course sequence requirements to qualify to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) exam. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the exam. We offer an optional practicum for students seeking to accrue BCBA supervised field experience.
The authority to practice applied behavior analysis, or use the title of behavior analyst, is granted on a state-by-state basis. Many states require BCBA certification for licensure. However, not all states have enacted legislation to create a regulatory body for ABA licensure and not all states that have licensure require BCBA certification. No Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College ABA program leads to teacher certification. Learn more about professional licensure.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Learn what you can accomplish with a Master of Arts in special education – applied behavior analysis.
ABA graduate program classes
This ABA degree offers verified coursework that meets the requirements for the BCBA exam. This means our curriculum meets the highest standards and teaches empathetic and scientifically proven methods for behavior change. Program courses give you the opportunity to gain practical experience with ABA and get feedback from certified instructors with professional experience in the field.
The jobs an ABA master’s concentration prepares you for
The need for ABA expertise is growing across the country, meaning there are ample career opportunities in the field. A recent report from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board found demand for individuals holding BCBA or BCBA-D certification has increased by 80%.
Graduates with a special education master’s with an ABA concentration can work in education, program management, speech pathology, social work, behavioral consulting and more. For example, in special education ABA is useful in helping students who face learning or behavior challenges such as autism or ADHD. ABA can also be used to improve workplace culture, increase sustainability practices and boost performance in sports. Students in this program aren’t required to earn the BCBA certification and there are many careers where ABA skills are useful, but a BCBA certification isn’t required. This degree doesn’t lead to teacher certification. Potential careers include, but aren’t limited to:
Faculty who connect research with experience
The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Faculty who connect research with experience
The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
How to apply
Applicants to the Master of Arts in special education who want to pursue the applied behavior analysis concentration must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
Earn your ABA degree concentration from a world-class teachers college
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. According to U.S. News & World Report, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is the only U.S. college of education to rank in the top 15 for both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.
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Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
