OVERVIEW
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.
Online Format
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.
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.
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 53300 – Introduction to Educational Research
- EDPS 54700 – Foundations in ABA
- EDPS 54800 – Ethics of ABA
- EDPS 50800 – Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Special Education Programs
- EDPS 54900 – Verbal Behavior and Social Communication
- 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
CBA Modules
All students in the program are required to purchase a 24 month 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
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: Distance (Online)
- 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 the required materials, listed below. Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about these requirements.
- 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
Cost
Program Costs
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 |
Additional Information
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
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 online MSEd in Education in Applied Behavior Analysis can prepare you to help all students learn.
Frequently asked questions
33 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, needs to be completed by the student outside of the Purdue program requirements.
Interested in this program?
Complete the form below to learn more.
