Behavior Analysis Master's (MA) Degree

At ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø's St. Louis (St. Charles) campus, the College of Education and Human Services offers an M.A. degree in Behavior Analysis. Behavior analysis is the science of systematically improving behaviors of shared importance to society. The behavior analysis master's program is guided by the science of human behavior including the principles of behaviorism, the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and professional practice. Upon completion of the M.A. in Behavior Analysis, graduates will have completed all necessary coursework and supervised fieldwork experience necessary to register for the BCBA exam.

Program Objectives

To achieve this mission, students earn 42 semester hours of graduate coursework in a prescribed sequence. Students enroll in fieldwork courses that support their experiential learning and are required to accrue 2000 hours of documented supervised fieldwork prior to graduation. They are required to produce a master’s thesis or equivalent to demonstrate mastery of the program’s learning outcomes (PLOs). PLOs have been selected from the BCBA/BCaBA 5th edition task list and the 6th edition Test Content Outline. These lists include the knowledge and skills that serve as the foundation for the BCBA examination and are benchmarks for master's level behavior analysis professionals.  

What makes ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø’s Behavior Analysis program different?

1. Distance learning that retains the in-person experience through synchronous class meetings, office hours with faculty, and interactive pedagogy.
2. Lab experiences to enhance practitioner skills both in applied and experimental settings.
3. A focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion both in education and compassionate clinical practice.
4. Community partnerships and fieldwork placement assistance to help students apply scholarly skills to serving real-world populations.
5. Opportunities for student publications, presentations, and leadership roles in local and international organizations.
6. Exam preparation embedded in course sequence from the first day of class lead to on the BACB exam for recent cohorts.
7. A curriculum that caters to traditional applications of behavior science and also prepares graduates to enter unique areas of practice and expand the field of behavior analysis into underserved areas.
8. Incorporation of open educational resources and open educational pedagogy.

Admissions Requirements

• Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Complete application procedures for admission to the university, pay required fees, and be approved by the dean.
• Successfully complete a written entrance assessment.
• Participate in an entrance interview with BCBA faculty.

Admitted Students Must

• Commit to a cohort model and complete all courses in the sequence offered.
• Complete 42 semester hours of graduate coursework required to earn a Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis.
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Complete the within five calendar years from the first day of the first term in which program commenced.
• Complete state licensing requirements, if applicable.
• Meet all the requirements of the master’s program.
• Submit graduation application by deadlines.

Note: Applicants who do not meet the 3.0 GPA or other admissions requirements may be considered for further evaluation by the College of Education and Human Services. GRE score submission may be considered in support of an application for admission.