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Behavior Analysis in Education
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Transform the lives of those dealing with autism spectrum disorder and related intellectual differences. The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Education specialization teaches leading-edge skills to work in public and private K-12 schools and universities. You’ll access coursework that teaches how to train and support teachers and other staff, conduct assessments of students and develop behavior interventions and support plans. Individuals who already have teaching or school psychology licensure could potentially use this specialization to increase their level within the school system and add to their skill sets.
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 Applied Behavior Analysis courses
- This degree requires a total of 60 program credits
- You’ll need to complete ten core courses and two specialization courses
Show all descriptions
PSY7710
Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis
5 quarter credits
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 weigh risks and benefits associated with the implementation of behavior change procedures. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent registration in PSY5260 or PSY7708.
5 quarter credits
PSY7711
Measurement and Research in Applied Behavior Analysis
5 quarter credits
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. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY5260 or PSY7708 or PSY7701 and PSY7702; PSY7710 or PSY7703 and PSY7704; completion of or concurrent registration in PSY5280 or PSY7709 or PSY7705 and PSY7706.
5 quarter credits
PSY6319
Behavior Analysts as Consultants
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners assess best practices for consulting in schools. Learners evaluate school-based consultative approaches and the laws and regulations related to the implementation of applied behavior analysis in schools. Learners investigate how to approach this consultation while maintaining compassionate and welcoming practices. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY7306. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
PSY7306
Education and Teaching in Applied Behavior Analysis
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners evaluate the theories of behavior analysis and how they influence teaching and educational programs. Learners synthesize research related to teaching skills in the field of behavior analysis and explore how they will use principles from theory and research to inform their teaching. For MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and PhD in Behavior Analysis learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: MS in Applied Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY7711.
5 quarter credits
PSY7724
Organizational Behavior Management: Supervision and Management in Applied Behavior Analysis
5 quarter credits
Learners apply evidenced-based supervision practices to the supervision of behavior-analytic programs. Learners develop skills in how to apply behavior change procedures. Learners apply Skinners analysis of verbal behavior to create behavior change programs to address verbal behavior. Prerequisite(s): PSY7712; completion of or concurrent registration in PSY7713 or PSY7701, PSY7702, PSY7703, PSY7704, PSY7705 and PSY7706. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program, Behavior Analysis in Education specialization, combines foundational knowledge of major competency areas in the behavior analytic field with specialized knowledge for practicing ABA in educational settings.
The curriculum focuses on ethical and professional conduct; behavior analysis concepts, principles, research methods; teaching strategies using behavior-analysis, and the implementation of ABA techniques in educational settings.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Identify basic concepts and principles of ABA that inform teaching practices in educational settings
- Apply research-based teaching techniques in the ABA field
- Evaluate research-based techniques used in school settings to promote independence for learners needing extra support
- Evaluate collaborative approaches to ABA in educational settings
- Critically evaluate cultural humility and compassion in communication, assessment, and interventions in educational settings.
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
- $510 per credit
- $160 resource kit
- 60 total quarter credits
- 0 max transfer credits
$30,600
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 27 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your time and cost will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
“No additional credits” may reflect your tuition amount if you transfer no credits and intend to practice in a state for which no additional credits are recommended for state licensure. “Additional credits” may reflect your tuition amount if you transfer no credits and reside in a state for which additional coursework may be necessary for state licensure requirements. It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for state licensure or certification, including total credit requirements, in the state or territory for which you intend to practice. 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.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50–$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
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. Learn more about financing your education.
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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.
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What can you do with an MS in ABA Behavior Analysis in Education degree?
An MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Education specialization 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 ABA, Behavior Analysis in Education specialization.
Job titles to explore*
- ABA program manager
- Behavior case manager
- Behavior consultant
- Behavior intervention specialist
- Behavior interventionist
- Behavior specialist
- Behavior specialist consultant
- Board certified behavior analyst
- Program manager
Employment settings to explore*
- Child care services
- Educational support services
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Other individual and family services
- Residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities
- Vocational rehabilitation services
*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.