Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Augustana University Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (M.S. ABA) Program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

• Application requires official transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA, a letter of recommendation, personal statement and evidence of employment. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for the next start term.
• Evidence of Employment in a behavior-related setting

Residency Requirements

• Students in this program must maintain employment in a behavior-related setting for a minimum of 25 hours per week to participate in supervised fieldwork experiences. Notify Program Director of the M.S. ABA Dr. Kathleen Cook if any employment situation changes.
• Admission is limited to residents of the U.S. and locations in Canada outside of Ontario. The M.S. ABA program’s residency requirements are aligned with the BACB’s residency requirements for certification (see the BCBA-2025 Handbook, p. 1).

Applications From New York

• Applications from residents or employees in the state of New York will not be accepted. New York has strict licensure requirements that include specific coursework approved by the New York State Education Department; the M.S. ABA program at Augustana University does not provide a pathway to licensure in New York.

The Augustana University Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (M.S. ABA) Program prepares graduates to successfully apply for certification as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) as they become exemplary practitioners in ethical, evidence-based practices in behavior analysis.

Outcomes

Meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s requirements to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) examination, which includes:

• Graduate degree
• Behavior-analytic coursework (BCBA Test Content Outline, 6th ed., standards)
• Practical fieldwork in applied behavior analysis (BCBA Test Content Outline, 6th ed., standards)

The graduate degree program in the Sharon Lust School of Education emulates the Circle of Courage philosophy focusing on belonging, mastery, generosity and independence. The program is designed to enhance an individual’s ability to create positive learning environments by building classrooms and schools that promote belonging, mastery, generosity and independence. Graduates of the program have experienced and been taught to use these values in applications of ABA with individuals with unique needs from diverse backgrounds.

The Augustana M.S. ABA Program provides an eligibility pathway to the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA):

Note About State Licensure

Many states in the U.S. currently have licensure rules for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), and more states are in the process of implementing rules.

• Behavior Analyst Certification Board list of states with licensure rules

Although graduates of the Augustana M.S. ABA Program will meet eligibility requirements for the BCBA examination, board certification will not lead to immediate licensure in many states. Augustana is committed to helping each student accrue fieldwork hours that meet their state licensure rules in addition to the BCBA field experience requirements. However, students in the AU M.S. ABA Program are ultimately responsible for being informed on and meeting their state licensure rules, as applicable, prior to practicing as a BCBA.

An M.S. ABA can lead to fulfilling employment as a Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) in many areas, including but not limited to schools, clinics, hospitals and early intervention settings.

The Augustana M.S. ABA Program has been designed for students who are working in behavioral settings, such as:

• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
• Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
• Special education teacher
• Anyone who wishes to further their education and specialization in applied behavior analysis

Graduates of the Augustana M.S. ABA Program will have met the three requirements to apply for the BCBA exam:

• Graduate degree
• Completion of behavior-analytic coursework 
• Completion of supervised fieldwork experience (through online supervision of the student in their work setting)

Because this program is offered online and the supervised fieldwork experiences are completed in the students’ work settings, the degree requirements can be attained while the master’s students maintain their lifestyles. 

Additionally, this program’s cohort model grants opportunities for collaboration with mentors and fellow students. The groups of up to 15 students offer varied perspectives and knowledge.

All applicants in this program must have earned a bachelor's degree. However, since the degree leads to specialization in ABA and eligibility to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) examination, the undergraduate degree may also be in an area other than education.

This program is taken over the course of an 18-month period. Courses should be taken in the order offered. The 10 credits of fieldwork experience courses run concurrently with coursework.

A minimum of 34 course credits are required for graduation:

• 24 credits of behavior-analytic academic coursework 
• 10 credits of fieldwork experience courses 

Coursework and supervision of fieldwork experiences are offered completely online.

No, degree completion in this program encompasses the BCBA requirements of behavior-analytic coursework and supervised fieldwork (see BCBA Eligibility Requirements Handbook, p. 6) including a Verified Course Sequence of. As such, transfer credits will not be accepted. 

The cost is determined by cohort. Students entering the program in a particular term will have the same rate of tuition throughout the program. 

For more information, visit the graduate tuition page.

Yes, financial aid is available to qualified students for core courses in this program.

Official transcripts showing proof of completed degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better, from the undergraduate institution mailed directly to the Augustana Office of Graduate Education. Electronic transcripts can be sent to graduate@nbzhiai.com.

• Name of one reference with contact information 
  • Good sources for a letter of recommendation would be a current employer or mentor who can speak about your work ethic and motivation, as well as a former professor who can address your potential for success in a graduate program.
• Name and contact information of one administrator, supervisor or human resource officer at your place of employment who is qualified to: 
  • Verify your employment in a behavior-related setting
  • Acknowledge that you would accrue field experience hours in the work setting with online supervision provided through this program. 
• A 400-500 word essay (specific instructions are included in the application)
• A non-refundable application fee of $60

Submit an application along with the following items:

• An indication of applicant’s completion of a program leading to licensure
• Contact information for one character reference and one employer representative
• A 400-500 word typed essay (specific instructions are included in the application)
• A non-refundable application fee of $60
• Request official transcripts from your undergraduate institution and any graduate courses be mailed directly to the Augustana Office of Graduate Education. Electronic transcripts can be sent to graduate@nbzhiai.com.

Cohorts are offered on a rotational basis. Completed applications are reviewed upon submission, with rolling admission. Students will be assigned to the next available cohort unless they stated a preference for a later start.

• Fall cohorts (limit of 15 students) — Deadline expected in early August
• Spring cohorts (limit of 15 students) — Deadline expected in early January

The fall cohort begins at the end of August. The spring cohort begins in February.

Augustana has a strong collection in place to support graduate students’ studies. As part of registration, all graduate students receive an Augustana ID (virtual) with a library barcode to ensure remote access to library resources. Research support will be provided by librarians via phone, chat, email and texting. Interlibrary loan services are available to supplement research needs. Library staff will assist with technology support inquiries and facilitate referrals to the ITS Help Desk and/or instructional technologist.

Degree requirements for this program is 34 credits, which include: 

• 24 credits of behavior-analytic coursework 
• 10 credits of supervised fieldwork experiences 

Graduates of this program will meet the three requirements to apply for the certification examination from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. However, certification does not necessarily lead to immediate licensure in many states.

Applying for Certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst

The Augustana M.S. ABA Program provides an eligibility pathway to the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA):

Note About State Licensure

Many states in the U.S. currently have licensure rules for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), and more states are in the process of implementing rules. View the Behavior Analyst Certification Board list of states with licensure rules.

Although graduates of the Augustana M.S. ABA Program will meet eligibility requirements for the BCBA examination, board certification will not necessarily lead to immediate licensure in many states. Augustana is committed to helping each student accrue fieldwork hours that meet their state licensure rules in addition to the BCBA field experience requirements. However, students in the AU M.S. ABA Program are ultimately responsible for being informed on and meeting their state licensure rules, as applicable, prior to practicing as a BCBA.

Learn more about ABA from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which establishes practice standards, administers examinations and provides ethics requirements and a disciplinary system for its certification programs.

Yes, a behavioral work setting is necessary for students to complete their fieldwork requirements within the 10 credits of fieldwork experience courses that run concurrently with coursework. The fieldwork courses follow a curriculum aligned with academic coursework and the BCBA Test Content Outline (6th ed.) standards. Task List. Students who are employed full time in a behavioral setting will have the opportunity to accrue the required number of fieldwork experience hours within the 18-month graduate program course sequence. 

Note that requirements for degree completion in the M.S. ABA include both coursework and fieldwork.