OVERVIEW
Discover how people learn and explore theories of behavior change.
This 44-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 a residential 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.
Program Overview
Choose the Right Program for You
The Purdue College of Education offers three graduate Applied Behavior Analysis programs. If the residential Master of Science in Education (MSEd) isn’t what you’re looking for, please explore the additional ABA program options.
Each program remains the same at its core and contains the following:
- Cohort model to foster professional learning communities
- Community developed with collaborative opportunities in the coursework
- Opportunity to participate in independent applied behavior analysis research
- EDPS 55200 Basic Concepts and Principles
- EDPS 53300 Introduction to Educational Research (offered every semester)
- EDPS 54700 Foundations and Principles
- EDPS 54800 Ethics of ABA
- EDPS 61200 Advanced 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
- EDPS 59200 Philosophy of ABA
- EDPS 55900 Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Students will register for two practicum courses during their final year. Practicum courses are designed with flexibility and student support in mind. The ABA Practicum Coordinator will work with each student to locate and register a supervision site with Purdue University by the end of their first Spring semester. Students may also refer to our already registered supervision sites. These sites have been vetted by Purdue University as ethical and effective supervision sites.
- EDPS 55100 Practicum
- EDPS 55100 Practicum
See Fieldwork Supervision Requirements below for additional information and a list of practicum location partners.
Students will be required to register for two 1-credit Capstone courses. These courses provide students with the option to complete a clinical project, a systematic literature review, or an experimental project under the mentorship of a faculty member.
- EDPS 57201 Capstone in ABA
Practicum Overview
Fieldwork Supervision Requirements
As part of the practicum course students will need to select a supervision site and an affiliate agreement must be in place with Purdue University prior to the beginning of the practicum course.
As part of practicum, students will enter into a multiple supervisor contract between Purdue University and their supervision site. Students will earn supervision based on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® fieldwork supervision requirements. A fee may be assessed to support the supervision being provided by their supervisor at the affiliated site.
Our goal is to support both the students and their site supervisor in providing the most effective and ethical supervision practices. Students will attend group supervision meetings with their practicum supervisor and receive individual supervision from their onsite supervisor. This supervisor will observe the student implementing behavior analytic interventions and perform behavior analyst duties and provide feedback to the student directly during those observations and during one-on-one meetings.
Our practicum courses not only include the coordination of fieldwork but also exam preparation. Students will complete test preparation modules throughout the program to ensure students graduate ready to take the BACB® certification exam.
Apply Now – Two ABA Graduate Assistantships Available for 2026
Admissions
Admissions
The program reviews applications for one start term a year: fall.
Deadlines to submit a completed graduate application and all required materials:
- April 1 – Priority admissions
- June 1– If capacity permits
Only completed applications will be considered for faculty review.
Steps to Apply
Please see our webpage on Graduate Application Helpful Tips. If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please reach out to the Office of Graduate Studies.
Graduate Application Steps
- Create an application account and log in to start your graduate application.
- Select the following options for the online Applied Behavior Analysis MSEd program:
- 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: Applied Behavior Analysis
- Please select a degree objective: Master of Science in Education (MSED)
- Primary Course Delivery: Residential
- Campus and Program Tab:
- Some sections of the application that are NOT required include the following:
- In the Additional Information section, faculty selections are not required. Faculty advisors are assigned by the program.
- Test Scores
- Upload required materials, including:
- Resume
- Transcripts for every institution of higher education attended, including evidence of an awarded baccalaureate degree. For degrees still in progress – if admitted, the applicant will be required to submit a final transcript showing evidence of an awarded degree during the second session of enrollment.
- 3 Recommendations – Enter the contact information for your references to allow the system to generate a form for your references to complete that will be automatically uploaded with your application.
- Personal History Statement
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- International Applicants must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
- Once you are ready to submit your graduate application, please complete all sections and submit the application. The application must be fully submitted and the application fee paid in order for your application to be reviewed and considered for admission.
- Check the status of your submitted application by logging into the application portal.
- Once your application is complete, you will receive an email from the Office of Graduate Studies indicating that your application is complete and will be submitted for review.
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 MSEd in Applied Behavior Analysis can prepare you to help all students learn.
Frequently asked questions
44 credits are needed
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.
8 weeks for summer courses, 8 or 16 weeks for fall and spring
Plan on devoting 15 hours a week on coursework, depending on the course requirements that week and your study habits.
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, will begin during your master’s program, but you are not required to complete all supervision fieldwork during this program.
Interested in this program?
Complete the form below to learn more.
