Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
The Purdue University College of Education’s online master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a fast-paced way for individuals to broaden their professional skillset and gain confidence to be successful.
Discover how people learn and explore theories of behavior change.
This 33-credit program will focus on the principles and foundations of applied behavior analysis and how they can be used to teach new skills and improve human behavior. Students will earn a master’s in education degree and be prepared to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® exam. This is an online program with synchronous and asynchronous components.
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 interventions is unique to each person or situation, but in general, the goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and promote learning. ABA can be used with any population including children, adults, families, and communities.
Our degree program will focus on ethical principles and evidence-based best practices. This includes assessing behavior, developing personalized intervention plans, and using data to track progress.
Purdue quality. Flexible schedule.
Online students enjoy the same rigorous academic programs as on-campus students, but with a much more flexible class schedule. Classes are taught in 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).
Assignments, discussions, and other coursework are posted each week in the virtual classroom.
The 33-credit hour program also serves as an avenue for recruitment into the Special Education doctoral program for which credits (maximum 30) accrued from the Master’s can count towards the doctoral program of study.
Content of the program is an ABAI approved Verified Course Sequence for the 5th Edition Task List.
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Courses
Students spend an average of 15 hours a week on homework.
Program Overview
- Cohort model to foster professional learning communities
- Synchronous, distance class meetings to interact with professors and classmates
- Community developed with collaborative opportunities in the coursework
- Opportunity to participate in independent applied behavior analysis research
Core Courses (33 credit hours)
- EDPS 55200 – Basic Concepts and Principles
- EDPS 54700 – Foundations and Principles
- EDPS 61200 – Advanced ABA
- EDPS 59200 – Philosophy in ABA
- EDPS 53300 – Introduction to Educational Research (offered every semester)
- EDPS 54800 – Ethics of ABA
- EDPS 68800 – Single Case Research
- EDPS 62800 – Behavior Analyst as Supervisor
- EDPS 54900 – Verbal Behavior and Social Communication
- EDPS 50800 – Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
- EDPS 55300 – Application of ABA to Manage and Support Personnel
CBA Modules
All students in the program are required to purchase a one-year subscription to the CBA Learning Modules, offered by Behavior Development Solutions. Students will receive a discount on the price of the subscription due to this being a program requirement which brings the total to $498 for 24 months. Students will receive instructions for subscribing to the CBA modules via email from Behavior Development Solutions. It will be used in all courses and is required for taking the certification exam.
The CBA modules were specifically developed for learners to become fluent with the ABA terminology and prepare for the certification exam. Each learning module set consists of a 60 minute acquisition module and a timed fluency module. Specific CBA modules will be assigned in each of the 6 core courses. Within each module, students will complete the acquisition section followed by the fluency test. Though not required, students are encouraged to maintain their subscription until they sit for the BCBA exam. More information about the CBA modules >
Admissions
The program offers admits new students in fall semester only
Deadlines for completed application:
- April 1 – Priority admissions
- June 1– If capacity permits
Only completed applications will be considered for faculty review.
Admissions Requirements
- Official transcripts
- Personal Statement – This may include relevant details on community service, leadership roles, participation in diverse teams, and significant barriers that you overcame to attend graduate school.
- Academic Statement of Purpose – This an opportunity for you to share information that will help reviewers understand your academic interests and objectives, assess your academic background, preparation, and training, and determine if you are a good match for the program to which you are applying.
- Resume
- 3 Letters of Reference
- English proficiency for international students
- Application fee
Cost
The Master of Science in Educational Studies with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis is affordable and competitive in cost.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost Per Credit | $494.00 | $705.00 |
| Credit Hours | 33 | 33 |
| Total Costs | $16,302.00 | $23,265.00 |
The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
*Additional one-time fee: CBA Modules – $498
*Tuition and fees are charges on a per credit hour basis and are subject to annual increase. Annual increases may change the total program costs.
*Textbooks and course materials are not included.
*Note: Purdue faculty and staff fee remissions may not be applied to this program.
*International fee may be applicable
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 ABA@purdue.edu with any additional questions regarding the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® exam.
Faculty
Our faculty are nationally recognized and have the ability to work personally with students to individualize their plan of study to meet personal career interests and goals. These faculty will oversee the intensive coursework required.
Phillipe Sallade
Limited Term Lecturer
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find answers to the most popular questions for the online Master of Science in Education in Applied Behavior Analysis program asked by many of our new online students.
How many credits are needed for the master’s program?
33 credits are needed
How long are the courses?
8 weeks for summer courses, 8 or 16 weeks for fall and spring
How much time should I allow for doing homework and completing assignments?
Plan on devoting 15 hours a week on coursework, depending on the course requirements that week and your study habits.
How does this program help me become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst®?
To apply for the BCBA® Examination, students need to meet three requirements set forth by the BACB®. Purdue’s MsED in Educational Studies: ABA helps students meet two of those requirements: obtaining a graduate degree and completed behavior-analytic coursework. The third requirement, Supervised Fieldwork, needs to be completed by the student outside of the Purdue program requirements.
Questions?
Admissions:
edgrad@purdue.edu
Course Content Information:
ABA@purdue.edu
Career accounts:
ITaP (765) 494-4000