MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Mission
The mission of the UGA Applied Behavior Analysis Program is to improve society and the human condition through the advancement, dissemination, and ethical application of the science of behavior analysis. The program fulfills this mission through rigorous graduate training that prepares students to conduct behavioral assessment, design and evaluate evidence-based interventions, and support meaningful behavior change for individuals with diverse needs. The program also advances the field by engaging faculty, staff, and students in high-quality applied research that addresses socially significant problems. Through integrated training, research, and service, the program contributes to the well-being of individuals and communities locally, nationally, and globally.
This rigorous 2-years (5-semester) program provides students with didactic instruction and the opportunity to earn 100% of their applied experience hours in our on-campus settings.
Objectives
In addition to satisfying the requirements to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Exam and pursue careers in school, clinical, or consultative settings, serving individuals with developmental disabilities, students completing this program will demonstrate mastery of these objectives:
- Assessment of the environmental causes of individuals’ behavioral excess and deficits
- Development of interventions that are functionally related to clients’ behavioral challenges
- Use of single case design research methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of those interventions
In addition to the objectives above for our learners, the program overall strives to foster a culture designed to help all members:
- Contribute valuable scholarship to the international body of knowledge as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and presentations
- Directly benefit society through behavior analytic services in the form of direct behavior therapy, in-service staff training, parent training, and other forms of behavior analytic activities that produce improvements in quality of life for individuals outside of our program
Curriculum & Training Model
Our program trains you to be an evidence-based, client-centered, outcomes focused Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). The program relies on an on-campus coursework cohort model with rigorous practicum experiences completed in the Center for Autism and Behavior Education Research (CABER) clinical 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 M.S. 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
Outcome Data
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of graduates | 20 | 14 | 18 |
| Mean time to graduation | 5 semesters | 5 semesters | 5 semesters |
| Graduation rate | 90% | 92% | 94% |
| Total enrollment in Fall | 32 | 20 |
Note: Most recent exam passage data is available here . State licensure has just begun. We do not have data on state licensure of our graduates as of Summer 2026.
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 M.S. 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 M.S. 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.For international applicants, please consult the University’s English Language Proficiency Requirements .
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.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
A close working relationship with your advisor is key as you progress through your program of study. Please note that most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance.
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 M.S. 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.