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The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences:
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

Help people with autism and developmental disabilities engage more successfully with the world with the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is an evidence-based therapy used with both adults and children, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Learn to use the principles of human behavior to transform problem behaviors, build positive social skills, and improve lives. 

This program offers a course sequence verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), which meets the 6th edition task list requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam. Graduates of this program who wish to pursue certification must also complete a period of supervised practical experience as defined by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board® (BACB®). Walden does not offer the fieldwork component required for the BCBA exam. 

*The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program has been designed to offer acceptable graduate coursework in behavior analysis (Verified Course Sequence as approved by ABAI and accepted by Behavior Analyst Certification Board) and prepare students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam, which is administered by the BACB. Walden University does not offer the fieldwork experience required for eligibility to sit for the BCBA exam. Walden enrollment specialists can provide information relating to national certification exams; however, it remains the individual student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she intends to practice. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information on applying for certification from BACB®, visit www.bacb.com/bcba.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply foundational knowledge (e.g., philosophy, concepts and principles) to the science of behavior analysis.
  • Implement behaviorally based assessments for behavior change that promote positive social change. 
  • Apply professional and ethical behaviors according to the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts.
  • Define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis.
  • Evaluate results of behavior analytic research using single-subject experimental designs. .
  • Apply personnel supervision and management strategies.
  • Synthesize applied behavior analysis knowledge and research to apply in real-world situations such as in educational, social, organizational, and health settings.

Degree Requirements

  • 48 quarter credits 
  • Foundation course (3 credits)
  • Core courses (35 credits)
  • Research course (5 credits)
  • Capstone (5 credits)

Curriculum

Foundation Course (3 credits)

Core Courses (35 credits)

Research Course (5 credits)

  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Capstone Course (5 credits)

Course Sequence

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

Quarter Course Credits
Quarter 1 PSYC 6002A - Foundations of Graduate Study in Psychology 3 credits
PSYC 6717A - Foundation and Philosophy of Behavior Analysis 5 credits
Quarter 2 RSCH 6110A - Research Theory, Design, and Methods  5 credits
PSYC 6731A - Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis 5 credits
Quarter 3 PSYC 6733A - Ethical, Legal, Professional Issues in Behavior Analysis 5 credits
PSYC 6734A - Introduction to Behavioral Assessment and Intervention 5 credits
Quarter 4 PSYC 6735A - Research Methods for Behavioral Analysis 5 credits
PSYC 6736A - Advanced Behavioral Assessment and Intervention  5 credits
Quarter 5 PSYC 6739A- Organizational Behavior Management 5 credits
PSYC 6393A - Capstone in Applied Behavior Analysis 5 credits