Autism Spectrum Disorder
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Make a difference in the lives of children and adults, helping them understand their behavior with an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Spectrum Disorder specialization from Capella University. You’ll have access to courses that teach how to help individuals and their families better communicate with each other, improve social skills and discover their highest potential. This program is designed to prepare you to bring positive change in home, clinical, community and agency settings.
Coursework includes conducting behavioral and skills assessments, developing intervention and support plans, collecting and analyzing data, and supervising and managing.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
At a glance
- Online
- 10 Core courses
- 2 Specialization courses
- 60 Total credits, no transfer (0 max transfer)
Reduce your tuition by $2,500*
*Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your master's degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore Autism Spectrum Disorder courses
- This degree requires a total of 60 program credits
- You’ll need to complete ten core courses and two specialization courses
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program, Autism Spectrum Disorder specialization, combines foundational knowledge of major competency areas in the behavior analytic field with specialized knowledge in autism spectrum disorder.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Identify symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder
- Communicate autism spectrum disorder diagnosis criteria
- Evaluate frequently used treatment options related to the treatment of symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder
- Evaluate assessment methods used to evaluate treatment options related to autism spectrum disorder
- Critically evaluate cultural humility and compassion in communication, assessment, and programming regarding autism spectrum disorder
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 quarter
- $525 per credit
- $160 resource kit
- 60 total quarter credits
- 0 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella 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.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: NY.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
Professionally aligned, ABAI Verified
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified this seven-course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.
See all BCBA exam pass-rate data.*
*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.
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program 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
- Admission application – no application fee required
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.
State enrollment restrictions
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: NY.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
How Does Clinical Psychology Differ from Non-Clinical Psychology?
Learn how licensure, education methods, and workplaces differ in clinical vs. non-clinical psychology.
Financing Guide
We can help you understand education financing, review your options, and explore ways to save on your degree.
Helping Professions Guide
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.
What can you do with an MS in ABA Autism Spectrum Disorder degree?
Earning an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Spectrum Disorder specialization from Capella University can help prepare you to reach both 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 Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Spectrum Disorder specialization.
Job titles to explore*
- ABA program manager
- ABA supervisor
- Applied behavior analyst
- Behavior consultant
- Behavior intervention specialist
- Behavior interventionist
- Behavior specialist
- Behavior support specialist
- Board certified behavior analyst
Employment settings to explore*
- Child and youth services
- Child care services
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Home healthcare services
- Other individual and family services
- Residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities
- Services for the elderly and persons with disabilities
- All other outpatient care centers
*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.