Residential
Applied Behavior Analysis
Accelerated Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Studies
OVERVIEW
Advance Your Career
If you are considering a career centered on application of behavior-analytic principles to teach new behaviors and decrease undesired behaviors, particularly in the areas of education or human service, then this program is for you. Be prepared to: work with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across settings; work with individuals with and without disabilities who engage in challenging behavior and/or who are in need of increasing skills; consult with teachers and school systems to create positive behavior support systems; train parents; and collaborate with medical professionals.
The Accelerated 4+1 Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Studies with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) allows current Purdue undergraduates to work on a master’s degree while completing an undergraduate degree. Undergraduate and graduate courses will be combined over two to three years, permitting completion of both the BS and MSEd degrees in five years for students engaged in full-time study. The ABA program will provide learners with advanced knowledge and skills in behavioral approaches to instruction and supports for students.
Who can apply for the 4+1 Accelerated Master’s in ABA?
Purdue Juniors and Seniors with the following majors:
- General Education: Educational Studies
- General Education: Curriculum and Instruction
- Special Education
- Elementary Education
- Speech Language and Hearing Sciences
- Psychological Sciences
- Human Development and Family Studies
What degree is conferred upon satisfactory completion of this program?
Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Studies with a concentration of Applied Behavior Analysis. This information will be listed on the transcript, and the diploma states the degree objective.
Program Information
- 39-credit masters program (33 content credits; 6 practicum credits)
- Begin taking courses during your Junior (60 credits) or Senior year
- Flexible plans of study to accommodate Junior or Senior year start dates
- Students applying must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25
Upcoming Program Changes (for Fall 2025 applicants and future applicants)
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) require changes to our programs on the dates listed below. Courses are aligned with the Test Content Outline 6th edition. These changes will not affect Current Students graduating in 2026.
Watch this 5-minute video for a summary of the upcoming program changes for Fall 2025 applicants and future applicants.
| BACB/ABAI Changes | Date | Purdue’s Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Sunsetting VCS Systems | December 31, 2025 | BACB will continue to accept program coordinator attestation forms as proof of course completion. Purdue will complete this for students. |
| Only Pathway 1 (Accredited) and Pathway 2 (Behavior-Analytic Coursework) are eligible for certification. | January 1, 2027 | We are a pathway 2 program and will provide attestation forms for students to qualify for the BCBA exam. When possible Purdue will join ABAI’s tiered model system. |
| New course requirements from the BACB: stand alone Theory and Philosophy | January 1, 2027 | A new course will be offered Fall 2025 to meet this requirement. If it was not in your original plan of study and you think you will sit for the exam after 2027 you may add this additional course. If you sit for the exam prior to 1/1/2027 you will not need it. |
| Pathway 1 is the only option for certification (BABC requirement). ABAI requires programs to include a stand-alone Theory and Philosophy course and an Experimental Behavior Analysis Course. In addition, programs must provide 90 hours of experiential learning, and a thesis or thesis equivalent option in their program (https://accreditation.abainternational.org/apply/accreditation-standards.aspx). | January 1, 2032 | Purdue will explore options to meet accreditation requirements. |
Courses
Courses
Students spend an average of 15 hours a week on homework.
- Cohort model to foster professional learning communities
- Opportunity to attend in face-to-face setting on campus
- Community developed with collaborative opportunities in the synchronous coursework. Asynchronous opportunities may be offered at the discretion of the instructor.
- Opportunity to participate in independent applied behavior analysis research
- EDPS 53300 – Introduction to Educational Research
- EDPS 54700 – Foundations in ABA
- EDPS 54800 – Ethics of ABA
- EDPS 54900 – Verbal Behavior and Social Communication
- EDPS 50800 – Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Special Education Programs
- EDPS 55100 – Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis (x2)
- EDPS 55200 – Basic Concepts in ABA
- EDPS 55300 – Application of Applied Behavior Analysis to Manage and Support Personnel
- EDPS 59200 – Philosophy in ABA
- EDPS 61200 – Advanced ABA
- EDPS 62800 – Behavior Analyst as Supervisor
- EDPS 68800 – Single Subject Research Design
Admissions
Apply for Admission in Your Junior Year!
Undergraduate and graduate courses will be combined over the next two years, permitting completion of both the BS and MSEd degrees in five years for students engaged in full-time study. Students applying must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25. Applications are due April 1.
A graduate application must be submitted and application fee paid (if applicable) by the application deadline. In addition, the materials listed under the Application Requirements section below must be submitted by the application deadline in order for an application to be considered complete and for the application to be reviewed for admission consideration. Please review the How to Apply section below before submitting an application.
Below are the materials required for this application. Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about the requirements below.
- An updated Purdue University official transcript
- 3 Recommendations
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- The completed Combined Degree Program Form (Form 27) with student signature and return to edgrad@purdue.edu
- International Applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Current Purdue undergraduate students admitted to the 4+1 program are admitted to a residential (on-campus) program. Students are not able to transfer to the online Master’s in ABA program once they have been admitted to and started the 4+1 program.
When submitting your application for this program, please select the following options:
- Campus and Program Tab:
- Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
- Select your proposed graduate major: Educational Studies
- First Choice Program Details Tab:
- Please select an Area of Interest: Accelerated Applied Behavior Analysis
- Please select a Degree Objective: Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
- Primary Course Delivery: Residential
Start Your Giant Leap with One Small Step
Licensure
Licensure Information
This program does not lead to an instructional or administration licensure in the state of Indiana or elsewhere. Program completion will prepare students to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® exam. Please email us with any additional questions regarding the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® exam.
program FACULTY
Learn From the Experts
Explore how Purdue’s faculty for the residential Accelerated MSEd in Applied Behavior Analysis can prepare you to help all students learn.
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