Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Behavior Analysis

Launch Your Career in a Growing Field

JCU’s innovative M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis program is designed to exceed the gold standard in graduate-level training for this emerging discipline. The program brings together an in-depth and diversified academic curriculum and real-world experience to prepare students to seek professional certification. It also positions them to enter a wide range of careers—from working with individuals with autism, to education, counseling, and roles across a range of industries including organizational behavior management and public health.

Prepare for Certification

The program prepares students to apply for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)* and as a Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA).

A Marketable Combination of Knowledge and Experience

Students enrolled in the program build a strong foundation in the science of behaviorism through coursework, real-world experience, and experiential learning—excellent preparation for a highly employable career.

_{*BCBA Certification extends to the United States (US), Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom (UK). International applicants can refer to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board website for resources about behavior analysis standards internationally.}

Work with a Variety of Populations

Large companies to increase employee satisfaction and retention
Athletes to improve overall performance on the field
Teachers to increase classroom management practices and success of all students
Clients seeking support with health and wellness routines
Government agencies working in the criminal justice field
Individuals with autism to increase socially significant behaviors and independence

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
This program has no set submission deadline. Applications are considered on a rolling basis upon completion. Admission decisions will be made based on space in the program.
No GRE Required

Free Application
Official Transcript(s)
2 Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Interview
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
No GRE Required

Tuition is charged at the College of Arts and Sciences rate
- Fieldwork courses are charged at a higher rate.
Degree-seeking students eligible for federal student loans. For information about the loan process, contact Student Enrollment and Financial Services at (216) 397-4248.
A limited number of graduate assistantships provide a tuition waiver for up to 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend. Students are expected to spend 20 hours per week working for the department.

A Growing Field

According to the Behavior Analysis Certification Board, demand for Behavior Analysts has increased by 5,582% since 2010.

In Demand in Ohio

The number of Behavior Analyst job postings has grown 97% since 2020.

A Career with High Earning Potential

Behavior Analysts can earn as much as $145,000 a year.

Prepare for a Career in Behavior Analysis

JCU’s M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis program is a 39 credit hour program delivered using a mix of in-person and synchronous online instruction. Students will also have the opportunity to earn all 1,500 fieldwork hours required for licensure under the supervision of community partners and university faculty. Students also have the option to work closely with faculty on a research project and a written thesis. Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available.

The Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis program aims to create professional behavior analysts who embody the Jesuit value of caring for the whole person. The program strives to provide rigorous instruction of behavior analytic principles and concepts to ensure our students engage in high quality and person centered services. The program strives to offer a broad range of experiences that prepare students to develop strong competencies in all areas of behavior analytics. We encourage our students to develop a strong identity as a behavior analyst rooted in values aligned with becoming leaders in the field.

The Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis program values the ethical and moral application of behavior analytic principles to all clients we serve. In alignment with our mission our values include

Walking alongside our clients in the behavior change process
Supporting socially valid behavior change
Supporting the development of self-determination skills
Providing assent based services
Care for all direct and indirect consumers of our services
Listening to and supporting the voices of the consumers of our services

Through required supervised fieldwork, students gain invaluable experience working in healthcare facilities, outpatient clinics, or other settings related to behavior change.

“The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis program represents an opportunity to earn a marketable degree in a rapidly growing field, while also fulfilling a critical community need for more practitioners.”

—Dr. Maria Helton, Applied Behavior Analysis Program Director, BCBA, COBA

The M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares students to:

Measure and analyze dimensions of behavior
Design and implement appropriate and ethical behavior change procedures
Apply the principles of behavior change in applied business, counseling, and education settings
Deepen cross-disciplinary communication skills through inter-professional collaboration and working in multidisciplinary teams

Through faculty relationships, supervised fieldwork, and study alongside students from Northeast Ohio and beyond, you can build your network and connect to potential opportunities for employment and professional development.

Curriculum Highlights

PS 5123 Research Methods in Behavior Analysis

Focuses on how to develop, conduct, and critically evaluate an experiment in experimental or applied behavior analysis. Emphasizes single-subject research design and participatory action research methods, introducing the major experimental designs used in behavior analysis, experimental logic and control, and the design and evaluation of the graphical and statistical analysis of data.

PS 5421 Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Behavior Analysis

Introduces core ethical principles, the history of ethics in behavior analysis, and the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) in 2020—the Code of Ethics that has been adopted by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

PS 5422 Staff Training & Supervision

Provides the knowledge and skills to serve in the roles of mentor, trainer, and supervisor, with an emphasis on inclusive, collaborative, and reflective approaches to supervision grounded in conceptually sound and culturally responsive supervision practices that foster the growth of others.