Applied Behavior Analysis (MS)

Study the science of behavior so you can change lives. 

Prepare for a career in one of the fastest-growing and highest-need fields in education. The master of science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at Mary Baldwin provides you with a deep understanding of behavior change principles grounded in theory and effective practice. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach that focuses on understanding and modifying behavior. As behavior analysts, our graduates work directly with individuals to enhance their social, educational, health, and overall behavioral outcomes. 

Time to finish
2 years
Format
Online
Degree(s)
Master of Science

Why Study Applied Behavior Analysis at Mary Baldwin?

The master of science in ABA program provides you with a deep understanding of behavior change principles derived from renowned psychologists like B. F. Skinner and Edward Thorndike. Through the program, you’ll learn to systematically improve socially significant behaviors, identify variables crucial for behavior change through experimentation, teach appropriate behaviors, and reduce problem behaviors while replacing them with more desirable alternatives.

The MS in ABA program at Mary Baldwin University prepares you for a variety of professional roles where you can support individuals with behavioral needs. You may work with individuals with developmental conditions, children or adults facing behavior difficulties in school or home settings, institutions in need of behavioral intervention, or businesses seeking enhanced productivity through strategic organizational management planning.

Benefits of the MS program: 

  • Courses are offered online
  • Opportunities for on-the-job fieldwork 
  • Personalized advising

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified applicable Mary Baldwin University courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

The International Behavior Analyst Organization (IBAO)™ has approved the ABA course content in this program as meeting instructional requirements for the Required Educational Objectives, and as such, has designated Mary Baldwin University as an Approved Content Provider (ACP)™ for students seeking the credential of International Behavior Analyst (IBA)™. Applicants will have to meet other requirements to qualify.

All ABAI Verified Course Sequences are required to publish the pass rates of their students who take the BCaBA and BCBA examinations. View the BCBA and BCaBA Examination Pass Rates 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.

“At MBU, our professors get to know us and our interests. You get to work one-on-one with professors, and it was actually one of my teachers who was also working as an ABA clinician, who got me interested in this field. I took that and ran with it.”

Tatiana Bryant ’17, MED ’19 Earned her Master’s in ABA while working as a behavior support clinician at Compass Counseling Services in Staunton

Curriculum and Courses 

Our program provides the tools you need to take that next step and make an even bigger difference in your community. 

Sample Courses 

  • ABA 514 Behavior Assessment
  • ABA 544 Ethics in Behavior Analysis
  • ABA 545 Behavior Intervention Procedures
  • ABA 620 Inclusive & Affirming Clinical Practice

Earn your master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis online

We know how busy you are with responsibilities both at work and at home. That’s why we meet you where you are with our fully online and asynchronous program suited to your schedule. Experiential learning can typically be completed on the job to complement what you are learning in your virtual classroom with your faculty.

Unique student support

The McCree Center for Life Success assists current students and alumni in finding the best opportunities throughout their career development. We work closely with both faculty and employers to identify how your valued education best matches the needs of today’s evolving marketplace.

Cost & Financial Aid

A great education is worth it. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.

Are you a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT®)? We have a special offer for you. Receive a 10% discount if you are an RBT® entering the MS in ABA program, Post-Master’s Certificate in ABA, or Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in ABA.

Outstanding Outcomes

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) work in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, home-based settings, and healthcare facilities.  They might also find rewarding careers in organizational behavior management.

ABA Program Partners with PsychCore for Innovative Exam-Prep Materials

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It’s time to level up your career. Apply today!