Best Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis Degrees

Many applied behavior analysis master's programs will consider applicants with the minimum of a bachelor's degree in any subject. Because of the structure of ABA master's programs, students can enter into study with no prior training or knowledge in ABA or psychology. The most common undergraduate degree for this field is psychology, but students from the other social sciences, humanities, and physical sciences can undertake study as well. Some knowledge of basic psychology, such as an introduction to psychology course, may be helpful to students hoping to pursue a master's in ABA.

Study at the master's-level generally requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, and applied behavior analysis programs are no different. Applicants typically need to submit official transcripts from all institutions attended where credits were earned. In addition to transcripts, students may need to submit one or more of the following items:

• Letters of recommendation: universities usually ask for between 1-3 letters. These can be from current or former professors and/or work supervisors. References from friends or family are generally not accepted.
• Personal statement or statement of purpose: this short essay details a student's motivation for applying as well as their future personal and/or career goals.
• Application fee: applying typically costs less than $100 and is non-refundable.

Universities may ask for a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

Anyone interested in human behavior and the mechanisms behind enacting positive change may benefit from pursuing a degree in applied behavior analysis. Professionals in this field generally enjoy working with people, especially children. Individuals hoping to enter the field of behavior analysis should generally be patient and observant. They will need to be excellent problem-solvers in order to develop treatment plans specific to individual client needs. As the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities rises, more practitioners will be needed. This will likely lead to an increase in employment and job creation in the field.

Choosing a master's degree program in applied behavior analysis may seem like an overwhelming task given the sheer amount available. Students may want to look at a few points of interest to help them in their decision-making. Some important aspects include:

• Program delivery: there are both online and on-campus options available to students. Students studying on campus may prefer face-to-face guidance from their instructors and interactions with peers.
• Location: students may choose to commute to a university or relocate temporarily or permanently to another state. Residency can affect the cost of education.
• Cost: Private schools generally cost more than public universities. Additionally, in-state tuition at public universities will carry a more affordable price tag than out-of-state tuition.

Universities as a whole are or aren't accredited, and the same goes for individual fields of study. Students should be sure their university is regionally or nationally accredited. They should also attend an applied behavior analysis master's program that offers the verified course sequence (VCS) approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The ABAI approves course sequences but also accredits entire degree programs. The accreditation process ensures that students receive a quality education through excellence in curriculum teaching and the resources available.

Accreditation benefits the student not just because it guarantees high-level instruction. After completing ABAI-approved coursework, students will be able to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.

Students pursuing a master's in applied behavior analysis will take a number of different behavioral science courses. These classes will explore the theory and practice of behavior analysis. Students will learn how to be ethical and competent professionals by examining the nuances of the field and how to best serve their clients. Practicum hours will allow students to apply knowledge learned in class to real-world scenarios working hands-on with children and adults. A final capstone or thesis project may be required depending on the program.

Behavioral Analysis Foundational Courses

Foundational courses taught in applied behavior analysis master's programs generally follow a set sequence that is required to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. These cover the basics of what behavior analysis is, how it works, and how to do it. Students will also learn about ethical concerns raised by ABA and how to avoid breaching ethical and legal boundaries set in the field. Courses in the approved course sequence include:

• Core concepts in applied behavior analysis
• Ethical considerations
• Radical behaviorism
• Behavioral assessment
• Measurement and experimental design
• Practicum/fieldwork

In order to take the BCBA exam, students must complete all coursework as well as a practicum or fieldwork component. This practical experience requires hands-on, supervised work in the field.

Behavioral Analysis Specialist & Elective Courses

It is rare that ABA master's programs offer elective courses as they generally follow a set curriculum, the verified course sequence, laid out by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. The verified course sequence is approved as meeting the standards to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. Students may be given the choice of their final assessment. Some programs offer a thesis and capstone track. If available, students can choose the track that best aligns with their interests and future goals.

Licensure & Certification in Behavioral Analysis

While not all states currently require behavior analysts to be certified, individual employers may ask for candidates who have met the educational requirements and passed the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. Currently, 31 states require board certification.

To become eligible to sit for the BCBA exam, students need to complete a master's degree in applied behavior analysis. The university must be accredited and the program's courses must be approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). They must also complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork. Fieldwork must be carried out at a site approved by a student's program.

Graduates of degree programs in applied behavior analysis can pursue further study at the doctoral level. Opportunities in teaching, research, and practice await those with a doctorate in behavior analysis. Degrees at this level are most commonly awarded as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) but can also come in the form of a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). Some Doctor of Education (EdD) programs have concentrations in applied behavior analysis. Depending on the doctorate program, students may be eligible to sit for the Doctoral-Level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) exam.

Students who want to add to their skillset can also pursue graduate certificate programs, such an online behavioral psychology certificate program.

While a master's degree in applied behavior analysis can lead to work with children, teens, and adults with autism, it can also be used to enter a variety of other fields. The education and training gained from a degree in behavioral sciences can be applied to:

• General and special education
• Addictions and mental health counseling
• Animal behavior
• Speech and language therapy
• Organizational management

Graduates may work as behavioral scientists, applied behavior analysis therapists, animal behaviorists, and more. Some may wish to work as freelance consultants and open their own businesses. Practitioners in this field work in both the private and public sectors.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Behavioral Analysis

Individuals who graduate with a master's in applied behavior analysis and become certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) have an overwhelmingly positive job outlook. According to a 2019 study by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), demand for BCBAs increased by 127% between 2017 and 2018. In a 12 month period ranging from April 2018 to March 2019, there were 19,563 job postings for BCBAs across the U.S.

For educators who wish to work with children in a K-12 setting, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment in the special education field will grow by 3%. This projected growth will add approximately 14,300 jobs to the labor market.

How to Become a Behavior Analyst

Behavior analysts work with children and adults to understand patterns of behavior and how to change them. They conduct functional behavior analyses in order to outline treatment goals. Behavior analysts may work in school or community settings with individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities or in mental health treatment centers with people with addiction. They may work as part of an organization or work independently as a consultant. They may also perform the work of an applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist in order to train technicians who will work directly with clients.

Behavior analysts have a minimum of a master's degree in applied behavior analysis. Before taking the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam, they must also complete a minimum of 1,500 supervised practicum hours working with individuals directly.

According to PayScale.com as of March 2021, the average yearly salary for BCBAs was $62951. This wage is likely to vary across the U.S. based on location and years of experience.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with children and teens with developmental, learning, or other disabilities in a K-12 setting. Special education teachers can be found in both public and private schools. These teachers are responsible for working with children with special needs and develop individual education plans that best serve their specific needs. They collaborate with other teachers in mainstream classrooms as well as parents to help kids in special education reach their goals.

To become a special education teacher, students will need at least a bachelor's degree in education or special education. They must then gain state licensure in the state where they plan to teach. Teachers who pursue a master's degree in applied behavior analysis will likely be better equipped to provide tailored programming and therapy to children in their classes. They may see pay increases and/or promotions after earning a graduate degree.

The BLS states that in May 2019, special education teachers earned a median annual income of $61,040.

Graduate students pursuing a master's in applied behavior analysis have several options available to them when it comes to paying for their education. The most common source of financial aid comes from the U.S. government in the form of federal financial aid. Student loans can be borrowed by students who intend to enroll in an accredited, degree-granting program in the U.S. and overseas. To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form located online.

Scholarships and grants provide students with the opportunity to fund their education without the obligation to repay. Students demonstrating financial need can be awarded grants. Scholarships, however, are available to all students regardless of need.

Scholarships may be offered by universities, private organizations, or public sources. One such scholarship available to students pledging to work in Minnesota after graduation is the Applied Behavioral Analysis Scholarship Program offered by the Autism Recovery Foundation. Eligible students will be enrolled in or admitted to a university with a Behavior Analyst Certification Board-approved course sequence. Applications are accepted for fall and spring. Successful master's-level applicants will be awarded $1,000.