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Applied Behavior Analysis
Master of Science in Psychology
You can bring positive change to the lives of people with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual disabilities. The Master of Science in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University equips you with leading-edge skills to help patients of all ages better understand their behavior, improve social skills, and discover their highest potential. This program’s course sequence fulfills the academic requirements needed to qualify for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential, and incorporates the BDS CBA Learning Module Series to help you prepare for the exam.
Classes start February 7
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a Glance
- 100% online
- 4 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 1 Integrative project
- 58 Total credits (15 max transfer)
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$21,285–$28,710*
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$495 per credit, 58 total quarter credits, 15 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
83%
of psychology master's degree alumni agree their education was designed around the needs of working professionals.*
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2020-2021
| PSY7708 |
Basic Foundations in Applied Behavior Analysis
In this course, learners gain an understanding of the basic foundations, philosophy, and concepts underlying the science of behavior analysis. Learners differentiate between therapeutic approaches that are behavior-analytic and those that are not. Learners acquire knowledge of the basic principles and analyze behavior and environmental events surrounding the occurrence of behavior. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY7710 * |
Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis
In this course, learners gain knowledge about the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. Learners practice navigating ethical dilemmas commonly encountered in the practice of behavior analysis. Learners gain perspective on how to weight risks and benefits associated with the implementation of behavior change procedures. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7709. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY7711 * |
Measurement and Research in Applied Behavior Analysis
In this course, learners gain knowledge on measurement, data display, and experimental methods commonly used in applied behavior analysis. Learners distinguish the different types of measurement that may be used and determine the conditions under which certain types should be used. Learners gain knowledge about single-subject design as well as different types of research methods used in behavior analysis. Prerequisite(s): PSY7708, PSY7709, completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7710. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY7713 * |
Behavior Analytic Interventions
In this course, learners apply techniques of behavior change to behaviors of social significance. Learners gain knowledge on how to design behavior change systems given results of behavior assessments. Learners also gain knowledge on how to design these systems to ensure continued maintenance and generalization of skills. PSY7713 must be taken the quarter immediately following PSY7712. Prerequisite(s): PSY7711, PSY7712. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY7714 * |
Supervision and Management in Applied Behavior Analysis
In this course, learners apply evidenced-based supervision practices to the supervision of behavior-analytic programs. Learners gain knowledge on how to apply behavior change procedures. Learners apply Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior to create behavior change programs to address verbal behavior. Prerequisite(s): PSY7712, completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7713. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
The Master of Science in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis combines advanced psychology coursework with foundational knowledge in the behavior analysis field. The curriculum is focused on behavior analysis concepts, applied behavior analysis techniques, ethical and professional conduct, and advanced research methodologies.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply principles and standards of ethical conduct in psychology and behavior analysis
- Communicate concepts and principles of behavior analysis to a high professional standard
- Apply techniques of behavioral measurement, including data analysis, to display and interpret behavioral data as it applies to the behavior analysis field
- Evaluate interventions and treatment designs using research-based theories and findings from the field of applied behavior analysis
- Use behavioral assessment methods to design intervention strategies and outcomes
- Implement principles of applied behavior analysis to modify behavior, as well as develop and monitor systems support for behavior change
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis.
Job titles to explore
- Behavior analyst
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Clinical supervisor
- Clinical manager
- Program director
Employment settings to explore
- Individual and family services
- Offices of other health practitioners
- Insurance carriers
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
- Hospital
- K–12 public or private school
- Land-based or online college or university
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Professionally aligned, ABAI Verified. Applied Behavior Analysis International© has verified this seven-course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.
*Pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state. Here are some resources to help you start your research:
How to Start and Grow an Applied Behavior Analysis Career
If you’re interested in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), there are several ways to get your career off the ground.
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