Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

This is a 39-credit program that focuses on serving the needs of individuals demonstrating autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities.

Costs per credit: $745
General fee: $196 per semester

Courses in applied behavior analysis are offered in the GCU Department of Psychology and Counseling along with courses in the teaching of children within the autism spectrum offered by the GCU School of Education. Another relatively unique feature of the program is the yearlong internship which comprises the culminating courses.

Your Success is Our Business
Completion of this program satisfies the prerequisite knowledge and experience requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. This qualifies the graduate to take the certification examination to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®.

Career Outlook:
ABA practitioners know that certification is the key to job growth and security. There is a growing need for board-certified professionals in behavior analysis who can work or consult in schools, early intervention programs, day programs, residential settings and home-based programs. The career options are limitless.

Admission Requirements:

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Undergraduate major in psychology, special education, education, speech pathology, social work, or similar discipline
• Minimum undergraduate major grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Applicants with deficiencies may be required to register for appropriate undergraduate courses without graduate credit.
• Submission of Miller Analogy Test or Graduate Record Examination or Praxis II scores taken within the last five years.
• Completed self-managed application packet, including the following:
  • Completed application for admission.
  • A check or money order for $40 (non-refundable) made payable to Georgian Court University.
  • An essay statement of the applicant’s reasons for applying to the Applied Behavior Analysis program, including what factors influenced the your decision and how this program will help you reach your professional goals.
  • Sealed and signed envelopes containing official transcripts of each undergraduate and graduate institution the applicant has attended. If the official seal has been broken, the transcript is considered to be unofficial and cannot be accepted for use toward the application. Official transcripts electronically transmitted directly from the Registrar’s Office of each institution will be accepted in lieu of a paper copy.
  • Three letters of recommendation written by professors, supervisors or other persons engaged in the practice of Applied Behavior Analysis or other human services professions.

  Also required: Successful completion of an interview with the program staff. Interviews will only be scheduled for those applicants who meet the criteria indicated above.

All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise specified. Upon completion of the entire program, graduates will meet the requirements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board for qualification for the examination. After successful completion of the examination the graduate will become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)^®.

Vision:
The vision of the program is to provide students who have attained a bachelor’s degree with the knowledge and competencies to deliver effective behavioral programs to individuals who evidence pervasive developmental disabilities. Georgian Court University’s educational programs are based upon the Catholic liberal arts tradition and the core values of the Sisters of Mercy. The program offers a values-based education and graduates will ultimately serve others in ways that reflect the university’s commitment to service, compassion, respect, integrity, and justice.

As specified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (2005), graduates of the program will be able to:

• Conduct assessment activities related to the need for behavioral intervention;
• Design, implement and monitor programs leading to measurable behavioral change;
• Oversee the implementation of behavior analysis programs by others; and
• Apply to the certification board for the examination as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)^®.