Applied Behavior Analysis, M.A.

The M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a 39-credit program that has been approved as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

The program is based upon the scientist-practitioner model.  Students choose from three tracks of study: Generalist, Autism Specialist, or School Specialist.  Students learn about theoretical and conceptual issues related to the science of behavior, as well as practitioner skills necessary to design and deliver effective behavioral interventions across populations and settings. All tracks of study provide training in the philosophy of behaviorism, basic and applied principles, assessment, and intervention strategies, as well as ethical practice in ABA.

Successful completion of the 39-credit program satisfies the education requirement to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA©) examination. Students can work toward satisfying the experience requirement to sit for the BCBA© examination upon entry into the program. For more information about becoming a BCBA©, see the BACB website.

Upon successful completion of the 39 credits, the student will receive an M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis. The student will have acquired knowledge and skills that comprise the BCBA© 5^th Edition Task list. These include:

• Philosophical Underpinnings of ABA
• Concepts and Principles in ABA
• Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation
• Experimental Design
• Ethics
• Behavior Assessment
• Behavior Change Procedures
• Selecting and Implementing Interventions
• Personnel Supervision and Management

Requirements for Admission

Admission is contingent on the outcome of an interview with the program faculty. Candidates will be notified in writing as to their status.

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• An undergraduate major in psychology, special education, education, social work, or similar discipline.
• Applicants with deficiencies may be required to register for appropriate undergraduate course(s) without graduate credit.
• Completed self-managed application packet (see below):

The completed self-managed application packet must include:

• A check or money order for $40 (nonrefundable) made payable to Georgian Court University.
• A completed graduate application form.
• A reasonably complete statement of the applicant’s reasons for undertaking this program of study. An explanation of what factors influenced applicant’s decision and how this program will facilitate attainment of the applicant’s professional goals for the future should be addressed.
• Sealed and signed envelopes containing official transcripts of each undergraduate and graduate institution the applicant has attended. If the official seal has been broken, the transcript is considered to be unofficial and cannot be accepted for use toward the application. Official transcripts electronically transmitted directly from the Office of the Registrar of each institution will be accepted in lieu of a paper copy.
• One (1) letter of recommendation on letterhead and signed (written by college professors, deans, supervisors, or other persons engaged in or familiar with the profession for which applicant wishes to prepare). This can be uploaded or emailed to gps@georgian.edu

Accepted students will receive a health form that must be completed and submitted to the GCU Office of Health Services.

MA in ABA Tracks:  Generalist, Autism Specialist, or School Specialist

Students select one of the following three tracks:  Generalist, Autism Specialist, or School Specialist.  Each track requires 39 credits, composed of 30 credits (10 courses) in required courses and 9 credits (three courses) in elective courses.  Students who earn a grade below a B- in any ABA course will be required to repeat that course. Students who earn two or more grades below a B- will be formally reviewed by program faculty and may be subject to academic dismissal.

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Must take both EDC5304 Assess & Curr Inter for Autism Spec Dis and EDC5305 Intervent & Supports Level 1 Char ASD to earn postgraduate Certificate in Autism Studies from the GCU Department of Education