MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
This rigorous 2-years (5-semester) program in Applied Behavior Analysis provides students with didactic instruction and applied experiences so they are able to successfully accomplish the following: (a) assess the environmental causes of individuals’ behavioral excesses and deficits, (b) develop interventions that are functionally related to clients’ behavioral challenges, and (c) use single-case design methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of the behavioral interventions.
Students completing this degree are prepared to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Exam and pursue careers in school, clinical, or consultative settings, serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
Curriculum
Our program trains you to be an evidence-based, client-centered, outcomes focused Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). The program integrates on-campus coursework with rigorous practicum experiences completed in the UGA Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic, the Center for Autism and Behavior Education Research (CABER) Demonstration Classroom, and/or other sites. Our program is a Behavior Analyst Certification Board ® (BACB)-verified course sequence that prepares students to sit for the BCBA exam after graduation.
The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis includes coursework such as:
- Behavioral Methods of Instruction
- Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
- Individual Academic Interventions
- Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Developmental Disabilities
- Individual Psychoeducational Intervention
- Single-Subject Research Methodology
- Professional Ethics for Behavior Analysts
Download Program of Study (Updated 2-year program of study forthcoming)
How to Apply
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start A Graduate School Application
Part 2: Apply to the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Prospective students must have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and met the minimum admissions requirements of the Graduate School for domestic and international applicants. Admission will be based on a portfolio of information, including:
- The graduate application
- Official transcripts
- A personal statement that describes your experiences working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or your knowledge regarding applied behavior analysis as well as why you wish to earn an MS in ABA,
- A minimum of two letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge regarding your ability to work with others and/or your academic skills and motivation to learn
- Resume that highlights any experiences you might have related to ABA
Students who meet all of the following requirements will be eligible to apply for the ABA Master’s Degree Program:
- Professional preparation
Earned, or will have earned, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before the date of enrollment at the University of Georgia. - GPA
Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for all courses taken. - TOEFL
Foreign applicants will also need to score a minimum of 20 points each on the Speaking and Writing sections of the TOEFL, with an overall minimum score of 80. Test scores must be within five years from the date of application.
This program takes a holistic approach to admissions and does not require standardized testing scores be submitted, e.g. no GRE or MAT scores are required.
Deadline to Apply
January 15th
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
The UGA Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic and the Center for Autism and Behavior Education Research (CABER) offer supervised opportunities to apply what you are learning, including interdisciplinary translational research, education, and outreach.
Students in the MS in ABA are also active in the Student Association for Behavior Analysis (SABA) , giving them the opportunity to build a network of colleagues and acquire skills and relationships that will support your career.
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.