Applied Behavior Analysis

Discover how people learn and explore theories of behavior change.
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 moderate to severe disabilities, including autism, 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 courses included in all of our applied behavior analysis degree options are verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International® (5th Edition Task list). The Behavior Analyst Certification Board® has multiple requirements to qualify for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®. Graduates of the Purdue ABA program will have met the coursework and degree requirements and are required to fulfill the supervised fieldwork hours independent of the program.
EduMed.org released its 2022 rankings, and our Master’s in ABA was named one of today’s best for online learning in applied behavior analysis. Specifically, our program was ranked #6 for Best Online ABA Master’s Programs for BCBA Certification
NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY!
(For residential students only in the masters program)
The US Department of Education Office for Special Education Programs has been awarded to the Colleges of Education and Health & Human Sciences to train graduate students to work collaboratively in treating K-6 students with high intensity needs.
IPE-SHINES (Inter-professional Education for Supporting High Intensity Needs of Exceptional Students; Grant # H325K210078) is an interdisciplinary preparation training grant designed to address a national need for highly-skilled SLPs and BCBAs to provide high-quality, evidenced based services for children with high intensity needs across a wide variety of settings. For more information, click here.
Upcoming Program Changes
The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and Applied Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) require changes to our programs on the dates listed below.
BACB/ABAI Changes | Date | Purdue’s Plan |
---|---|---|
Changing to BCBA Test Content Online | January 1, 2025 | We have always included this content in our program. Fall 2024 students will get access to BDS modules based on the 6th Test Content. |
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. |
Applied Behavior Analysis Program Options
Online Master of Science in Educational Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis
The 30-credit program offers students a fully online opportunity. Classes are taught in a synchronous, distance modality allowing students to network and build professional relationships while still building in the flexibility to complete coursework from the comfort of your own home. Coursework and interactions occur in an online learning environment with students meeting online on specific dates and at set times (according to EST Eastern Standard Time Zone).
Option 2: Residential Master of Science in Educational Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis (only for applicants accepted to the IPE-SHINES grant)
Instructions: Applicants interested in this program must first complete a graduate application for the Online Master of Science in Education program. See the program webpage link above for additional details on the IPE-SHINES grant and how to apply.
Only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents of the United States are eligible for IPE-SHINES funding, per the terms of this grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Only those applicants admitted through IPE-SHINES can be considered for residential program admission.
Residential Accelerated 4 plus 1 Master of Science in Educational Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis (for current Purdue undergraduate students)
This program provides an accelerated pathway for current Purdue undergraduate students to fulfill the degree and course requirements for becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Fourth-year undergraduate students admitted to the program will begin their ABA graduate course work while completing undergraduate course work. After completing their undergraduate degree, students matriculate into the graduate program in ABA and can complete the master’s degree with one additional year.
Undergraduates in the following programs are eligible to apply when they are classified as a junior:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Studies
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Psychological Sciences
- Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Online Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis
This online 7-course sequence, 21-credit program, is for those who already have a master’s degree in a related area. For more information about accepted majors, please email aba@purdue.edu.
What is applied behavior analysis?
Applied behavioral science is a broad field of study using behavioral research and knowledge to solve real-world problems. The study of applied behavioral science is based on principles of exploring and understanding complex human behavior. ABA can be used to teach new skills, enhance performance, or reduce challenging behaviors in people of all ages, with or without disabilities. The specific focus of ABA therapy is unique to each person or situation, but in general, the goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and promote learning. Applied behavior analysis can be used with any population including children, adults, families, and communities.
Our applied behavior analysis degree will focus on ethical principles and evidence-based best practices. This includes practicing how to assess behavior, develop personalized therapy plans and use data to track progress. Our program supports ABA across contexts such as schools, home, community, and clinics. The opportunities and rewards within the profession are plentiful.