MA in Educational Psychology - ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is using the science of behavior to make meaningful impacts on people’s lives. The Baylor University Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Psychology with Concentration in ABA program emphasizes how to implement ABA-based interventions to teach people with disabilities new skills and reduce problem behavior. Students will be prepared to work with a wide range of individuals with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome and intellectual disability. In addition to clinical skills, students will gain experience conducting ABA research.
The MA in Educational Psychology with Concentration in ABA program
- prepares students to use evidence-based interventions to help children with developmental disabilities, such as autism.
- combines traditional classroom learning with hands-on experiences with children at Baylor CARE within the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities (BCDD).
- offers students internships with local ABA providers. Students get hands-on ABA experience in the community, while also receiving tuition discount.
- offers students the opportunity to get involved in applied research at Baylor CARE.
- prepares graduates to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.
- teaches students, through the thesis experience, initial skills in ABA research to prepare them for completing a PhD and pursuing a future research career.
Degree Information
The MA in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in ABA is a residential program and includes a master’s thesis. The program begins in June and students typically graduate in two years.
• Click to review the Recommended Course Sequence.
Why Choose Baylor's ABA Program?
- Excellent funding opportunities: Competitive applicants for the master’s program with a concentration in ABA often receive an offer of a tuition discount for a significant portion of the tuition at the time of admission. Competitive applicants also have excellent opportunities for paid internships.
- Students receive supervised field experience working with children with developmental disabilities at Baylor CARE and BCDD.
- MA program (including thesis) can be completed in two years.
Verified Course Sequence Pass Rates:
The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) publishes pass-rate information for all institutions with verified course sequence (VCS). Pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.
Degree Options:
The Baylor University Department of Educational Psychology offers two master’s degree programs for students interested in pursuing studies in ABA:
The MA in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in ABA is ideally suited for students who want to work as researchers or professors in the field of ABA. Graduates from this program typically pursue doctoral degrees in education, psychology, or related fields.
The MSEd in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in ABA is ideally suited for students who will work want to work as practitioners in the field of ABA. Graduates from this program typically work in clinics, schools, and community programs serving children with developmental disabilities.
Certification and Licensure
Students interested in a career in applied behavior analysis should be aware of the two primary credentials that are often needed: board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and licensed behavior analyst (LBA; sometimes called a licensed applied behavior analyst or LABA).
Contact Information:
For more information about the MSEd/MA Concentration in ABA, please contact:
Heather Tindle at Heather_Tindle@baylor.edu, and indicate your interest in the ABA master's or PhD program.
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
EDP 5302 Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
EDP 5354 Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis
EDP 5357 Single Subject Research Design
EDP 5358 Teaching Individuals with Autism & Developmental Disabilities
EDP 5301 Philosophy of Applied Behavior Analysis
EDP 5361 Challenging Behavior
EDP 5374 Managing Behavior Change Programs