Students enrolled in Master of Science in Psychology-Behavior Analysis program will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:
- Demonstrate skills and knowledge in the use and interpretation of data obtained using single-subject research designs.
- Demonstrate skills and knowledge related to the assumptions and practice of behavioral assessment.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to behavior analysis, learning, application of principles of behavior, and knowledge of ethics and professional behavior.
This fully synchronous online program is designed to prepare students to work in applied settings as a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and further graduate study.
Applications and application deadline
The number of students admitted to the program is limited. Completed applications must be submitted by April 15. Students are only admitted fall semester.
Degree seeking applicants
- Fully admitted to Graduate Studies.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 at an accredited institution.
- Three letters of recommendation from professionals who can speak to the applicant’s skills and ability to be successful in an applied behavioral science program.
- A formal goal statement describing how their professional goals fit within the content and focus of the program.
Selection of applicants will be based on the applicant’s GPA and consistency of the goal statement and program content and letters of recommendation indicating high potential for graduate work in behavior analysis.
Program options
After completing the 24 credit hours of the 30-hour core requirement in Behavior Analysis, students may elect one of two program options: (a) Behavior Analysis and Therapy (6 credit hours), or (b) Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder (12 credit hours).
All students must satisfactorily complete the 30-hour curriculum, optional courses, and two practicum courses (supervised experience) to be eligible for the Master of Science in Behavior Analysis degree. Additional post graduate supervised experience may be needed, depending on the student’s situation.
Transfer credit
No more than 12 graduate hours taken as a non-degree student (i.e., one not officially admitted to the psychology graduate program) may be applied to the M.S. in Psychology - Behavior Analysis. The chair of the school must approve these graduate hours. All courses must also meet the time limits established by the Graduate Studies office. Upon acceptance into the program, the student will be assigned a program graduate adviser and will be able to apply for federal financial aid.
Students should be aware that most graduate courses have prerequisites. These prerequisites must be met before enrolling in the courses. In some situations, a prerequisite may be waived with the consent of the program coordinator.
Non-Degree Seeking Post Graduate Course Work
Applicants who hold a master’s degree in Psychology or Education with further education, are eligible to become a licensed and board certified behavior analyst. Non-degree seeking students must satisfactorily complete 24 credit hours of MS-Behavior Analysis core course work and 6 hours of practicum (supervised experience) to be eligible for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.
Eligibility to enroll in MS-Behavior Analysis courses
To be able to enroll in MS-Behavior Analysis courses as a non-degree seeking student, the applicant must:
- Be fully admitted to UCM by the Office of graduate Studies.
- Have a master’s degree in Psychology or Education from an accredited educational program.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in graduate Psychology or Education courses at an accredited institution.
- Three letters of recommendation from professionals who can speak to the applicant’s skills and ability to be successful in an applied behavioral science program.
- A formal goal statement describing how their professional goals fit within the content and focus of the program.
- Approved by the Program Coordinator.
