Applied Behavior Analysis, MS

The field of Applied Behavior Analysis is the application of the science of behavior to understand and improve human behavior. Our goal is to create a socially significant change in behavior that improves the lives of our clients. 

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (MS in ABA) is an on-campus degree program that will train graduate students to provide behavior analytic services to individuals with challenging behavior and/or skill deficits. These services are provided through direct care, consultation, support, and training to teachers, staff, parents, and clients. The MS in ABA provides opportunities for graduate students to work within schools, homes, clinics, or related settings with individuals with or at-risk for disabilities (Birth - 21 years of age). 

 

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, special education, social work, communication disorders, or a closely related field. 

2. Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average or a minimum of 3.25 graduate grade point average. 

3. Applicants must secure three (3) letters of recommendations with one related to academic performance (e.g., from professor, advisor) and two related to the applicant’s work with children and youth (e.g., from practicum supervisor, research supervisor). 

4. Applicants must submit an updated CV (or resume) overviewing their education and experiences. 

5. Applicants must submit a writing sample of a scholarly paper (e.g., research paper, literature review completed in APA formatting). 

6. Applicants must submit a personal statement describing previous experiences that led to this career goal. 

7. Applicants must participate in an interview with program faculty. 

8. Upon acceptance, applicants must satisfactorily pass a criminal background check (due to the nature of the work performed by behavior analysts). 

Applications are due December 15 for a Fall start. 

 

Degree Requirements

The M.S. in ABA degree is a 42-credit hour program.  

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has accepted courses within the MS in ABA program as a verified course sequence. In addition, students in the MS in ABA program will receive required supervision within the practicum setting. The verified course sequence and practicum/supervision requirements will prepare those who complete the MS in ABA to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. More information regarding the BCBA examination and requirements can be found at www.bacb.com. 

Core classes include: 

• EDS 601 CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS  
• EDS 603 BEHAVIORAL CONSULTATION AND SUPERVISION   
• EDS 605 ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF SOCIAL AND ADAPTIVE BEHAVIORS  
• EDS 612 ADVANCED PRACTICUM: SPECIAL EDUCATION  
• EDS 617 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS FOR BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS  
• EDS 618 ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF PROBLEM BEHAVIOR   
• EDS 630 ADVANCED METHODS FOR TEACHING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES  
• EDS 633 SINGLE CASE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  
• EDS 660 CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER  
• EDS 661 ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS WITH ASD  
• EDS 768 RESIDENCE CREDIT FOR THE MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM   

 

https://education.uky.edu/edsrc/eds/degrees-programs/aba/