Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis (Online)
What you can earn
Duration
Credits earned
Format
Time commitment
Upcoming deadline
Join a rewarding career that creates positive change
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a rapidly growing and dynamic field. In the subspecialty concentration of special education, behavior analysts are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Our program uses synchronous online classes to promote student and faculty collaboration, while providing the flexibility to attend class from students’ preferred learning environments.
Graduates of the program will have completed the coursework required to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, to apply for Washington State Educational Staff Associate certification as a School Behavior Analyst, and to apply for Washington State licensure as a Licensed Behavior Analyst.
Curriculum
Overview
Our synchronous online classes leverage advanced technology to support engaging lectures, meaningful discussions, and collaborative group work. With sequential courses, you'll progress through the curriculum in sync with your peers and complete the program in two years.
- Year 1: Three courses each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring) and one course summer quarter
- Year 2: Four courses each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring)
Classes are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays beginning at 5pm PST.
Need a slower pace? We can adjust the course sequence to take three years for completion:
- Year 1: Two courses each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring) and one course summer quarter
- Year 2: Two courses each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring)
- Year 3: Three courses each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring)
Technical requirements: To make the most of our program, ensure that you have a reliable internet connection, a computer or laptop, a video camera for effective communication, a high-quality headset for clear audio, and a quiet location that fosters focused learning.
Courses
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination (via Pathway 2). Applicants will need to meet additional BACB® eligibility requirements, including evidence of residency in an authorized country, before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
- EDSPE 533 Concepts and Principles of ABA I (3 credits)
- EDSPE 534 Concepts and Principles of ABA II (3 credits)
- EDSPE 535 History and Philosophy of ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 571 Measurement in ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 536 Assessment in ABA I (3 credits)
- EDSPE 537 Assessment in ABA II (3 credits)
- EDSPE 552 Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies in ABA (3 credits)
- EDSPE 531 Designing Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions (3 credits)
- EDSPE 511 Single Case Research Design (3 credits)
- EDSPE 529 Ethics and Professionalism in ABA (5 credits)
- EDSPE 553 Supervision in ABA (3 credits)
The following courses are required to complete your master's degree:
- EDSPE 538 Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3 credits)
- EDSPE 554 Behavior Analysts in Schools (3 credits)
- EDSPE 530 Readings in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
- EDSPE 500 Practicum (3-9 credits)
- EDSPE 601 Internship (9 credits)
Fieldwork
Fieldwork plays a crucial role in applying the strategies and skills learned during coursework. Students complete between 12-18 credits of practicum and internship coursework. While students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their own fieldwork site, our program and fieldwork directors provide support to incoming students in obtaining a fieldwork site the summer before beginning the program.
Supervised fieldwork is essential for eligibility to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam. To support students in obtaining the BACB-required supervision, we provide an optional full supervision package that provides 75 hours of remote group supervision and 75 hours of remote individual supervision from UW-affiliated BCBAs.
To learn more about BACB supervised fieldwork requirements, which includes completing 1500 hours total of fieldwork, visit the BACB website.
Completion
Capstone Project
During the final year of the program, students complete a Capstone Project employing single case research design. This hands-on experience centers on coaching and training others in behavior analytic strategies while assessing the effectiveness of their efforts. Through this process, students deepen their expertise and contribute to meaningful change in their communities.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board examination
After finishing this program, students will have met the coursework requirements to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam.
It is important to note that while the BCBA certification is valid in all 50 states, many states also require behavior analysts to be licensed. State laws related to licensure of behavior analysts vary and do not necessarily reflect the same requirements as the BCBA certification. Please research the requirements for the state you plan to apply for licensure in. For more information, visit BACB's page on state licensure.
IMPORTANT: Only individuals residing in the United States, Canada and UK may apply for BACB certification. Visit BACB's page on international development.
Admission requirements and process
Overview
We highly value candidates who have experience working with individuals with disabilities. A minimum of one year of applied behavior analysis experience is preferred. Whether you've worked as a behavior technician, paraeducator, or teacher in an ABA-focused program, your practical experience is valuable. Candidates with additional ABA experience are given preference.
While we do not impose specific requirements about the field of your bachelor's degree, we highly value any related experiences you may have. Your experiences, regardless of study field, contribute to your understanding and perspective, making you a well-rounded candidate.
Materials
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Your degree can be in-progress when applying but must be completed before the program starts.
- Unofficial transcript(s) with minimum 3.0 GPA
You must submit an unofficial transcript(s) with your application. The UW Graduate School requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0, or 3.0 for your most recent 90 graded quarter credits (60 semester credits), however this is just one part of the application.
Our programs review all applications holistically, so we encourage you to still apply. You do not need to take classes to increase your GPA. Instead, we would like for you to focus on a goal statement which discusses your interests and how the program will meet your professional or individual goals and strong letters of recommendation. You can also feel free to address why your GPA is lower than a cumulative 3.0.
- Two letters of recommendation
At least one letter should speak to your work experience in applied behavior analysis. During the online application process, you will be given instructions for adding your recommenders and getting their letters submitted electronically. All recommenders must submit their letters online.
- Resume/vita
A current academic and professional resume or vita is required. In addition to educational degrees and professional experience, you should include a listing of all relevant awards, publications, presentations or other achievements that will help us evaluate your application. We are looking for at least one year of experience with applied behavior analysis.
- Statement of Purpose
The admissions committee uses your statement of purpose, along with other evidence, to determine whether your goals are well-matched with our program. Your statement should answer the following questions:
- What in your past experience has influenced your interest in applied behavior analysis?
- What in your academic and work experience has prepared you for graduate school in ABA?
- Why is the program at the University of Washington a good match for your academic and career goals?
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to our ABA program. Please speak to the unique experiences and perspectives you would bring to our program.
Your statement should be 2 pages, double-spaced.
- Personal history statement (optional)
While optional, you can add to your application by submitting a personal history statement. This statement should address your intellectual growth and development, inclusive of and beyond your academic goals. Speak to topics like:
- Educational, cultural and economic opportunities and disadvantages you've experienced.
- Ways these experiences affected the development of your special interests, career plans and future goals.
- Any additional topics requested on a specific program's page.
Statements should be no longer than two pages long. And while there are no standard formatting requirements, we encourage double-spaced text with a legible font.
Submitting
- Gather all required documents
- Visit the Graduate School website
- Log into your account or create a new profile if you are a first-time applicant
- Complete all steps in application process and upload your documents
- Pay the nonrefundable $90 application fee
- You may request a fee waiver during the application process
- Submit your application
When completing your application, you will select the following options:
- Graduate type:
- Graduate if you want to earn your master’s degree
- Program:
- Education - Seattle (MEd - Special Education - Applied Behavior Analysis Online Education)
Next Steps
Transferring
If you have previously taken similar courses at another university, you may be eligible to transfer up to six credits toward your UW master's degree. The acceptance of transferred credits is subject to advisor approval in compliance with the Graduate School's policies.
Costs and funding
Estimated Costs
The ABA Online program is a self-sustaining, fee-based program. Course fees are charged on a per-credit basis and are the same for Washington residents and non-residents. Course fees for 2024-2025 are $589 per credit. Course fees do not include the cost of textbooks and materials.
Because the ABA Online program is fee-based, fiscal operations are managed through UW Professional & Continuing Education (UWPCE). The relationship between UWPCE and the program has no impact on your degree. The Master of Education degree is conferred by the University of Washington’s College of Education.
Funding & Scholarships
ABA Online Program General Scholarship
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) General Scholarship consists of awards up to $8,000. Students in the ABA Online program will be invited to apply for the scholarship after they are admitted to the program. The selection process is based on academic merit and financial need.
ABA Online Program Diversity Scholarship
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Diversity Scholarship consists of awards up to $8,000. Students in the ABA Online program will be invited to apply for the scholarship after they are admitted to the program. We value diversity and equity within our program and the ABA field, and the selection process is based on admission materials and a personal essay.
ABA Online Program Practicum Scholarship
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Practicum Scholarship consists of awards up to $6,000. Students in the ABA Online program will be invited to apply for the scholarship after they are admitted to the program. The scholarship pays $1000 per quarter towards the student's enrollment in EDSPE 500: Practicum and EDSPE 601: Internship.
Program core ethical principles
- Beneficence
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to engage in practices that maximize their clients' well-being and avoid those that cause harm. We understand that behavior analytic services are most likely to benefit our clients when they are provided in the context of a trusting and compassionate relationship. Where conflicts of interest arise between consumers of behavior analysis, we prioritize outcomes for the most vulnerable clients.
- Inclusion
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to provide individuals of all backgrounds and abilities access to and authentic participation in meaningful activities that promote relationships, a sense of community, and an improved quality of life.
- Professional excellence
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to be honest and transparent. We engage in ongoing professional development and analyze our own practices. Professional excellence requires respectful and effective collaboration with individuals from other disciplines while maintaining a commitment to data-based decision-making. Analyzing evidence from different methodologies is encouraged as a way of collaborating with others and improving practice.
- Self-determination
Behavior analysts respect clients’ rights and promote client dignity, privacy, and autonomy. We assist clients to set and achieve their own goals, develop their own agency, and make decisions about their own lives.
- Social justice
Behavior analysts have a responsibility to attend to injustice where they see it, avoid perpetuating inequitable systems, and advocate for equitable systems change. We are uniquely qualified to identify controlling and contextual variables that contribute to inequitable educational and service-delivery systems and develop solutions to supplant them.
ABA online program student data
The following data is from the 2022-23 annual reporting period
| Reporting category | Result |
|---|---|
| Number of students whose degrees were conferred by the program | 31 |
| Median years until graduation for students whose degrees were conferred by the program | 1.7 |
| Number of students enrolled in the program on January 1st of the reporting year | 58 |
| Number of students no longer enrolled for any reason other than conferral of degree | 0 |
| Number of completed applications received | 72 |
| Number of students admitted | 38 |
| Percentage of first-time candidates passing the BCBA certification examination (2023) | 83% |
