Applied Behavior Analysis, M.S.

Behavior analysis is a natural science emphasizing the study of behavior. As with other scientific disciplines, behavior analysis presumes behavior is deterministic, predictable, and modifiable. Behavior analysis as a discipline aims to describe, predict, and establish (modify) behavior through environmental contingencies. The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (M.S. in ABA) at John Carroll University (JCU) will prepare students interested in gaining the education, experience, and supervision needed to apply for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and as a Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA). Specifically, the M.S. in ABA Program at JCU will provide students with an excellent foundation in the science of behaviorism with the provision of the academic coursework and the facilitation of supervised fieldwork and experiential learning needed to qualify for the credentials. Graduates of the M.S. in ABA at JCU will be prepared to take the BCBA and COBA exams. 

Students must bear in mind that academic requirements are only part of the overall licensure requirements, which also include an application procedure, state examinations, and verified clinical work experience. These licensure requirements are met after the conferral of the M.S. in Applied Behavioral Analysis. With respect to the formal credentialing process of behavior analysts, it is required that behavior analysts obtain national credentialing through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB). At the master’s level, for example, practicing behavior analysts could obtain certification as a BCBA by completing a combination of behavior analytic coursework, supervised fieldwork, and a passing score on the BACB certified exam. Some states also require further credentialing for practicing behavior analysts (e.g., see https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/). Specifically, the state of Ohio requires additional credentialing as a Certified Ohio Behavioral Analyst (COBA) to practice behavior analysis. To obtain credentialing as a COBA in the state of Ohio, the most direct pathway is to hold the BCBA credential or licensure in another state.

Admissions Criteria:

• An undergraduate major in a recognized area, together with advanced undergraduate coursework (12-18 semester hours) in the social and behavioral sciences, education, business, or other related major is required.

• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale). 

• Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic work, professional work, vocational commitment, and suitability for the role of counselor are required. Ideally, these letters will come from former professors and/or employers who can comment on the suitability of the applicant for graduate study. 

• A letter of intent from the applicant outlining career objectives and goals. The letter should be 400-600 words in length. It will be evaluated for content and grammatical and mechanical correctness. 

• Resume which includes both work and volunteer experience. 

• Applicants may be required to participate in an on-campus or online interview process that may include an individual and/or group interview. 

• The letters of recommendation, letter of intention, and resume should be submitted to the Office of the Graduate School. No application will be evaluated until all of the materials listed above, along with a Graduate Application form and appropriate official transcripts, are submitted. 

• The M.S. in ABA program at JCU accepts applications on a rolling basis. For best consideration, applications should be received by May 1 for fall semester and February 1 for summer semester. Applicants applying for graduate assistant positions should submit all materials for admission by the February 1 deadline. 

• The application material will be evaluated by the admissions committee. 

• Possessing the minimum admission requirements, e.g., a 2.75 GPA, does not guarantee admission. 

Retention Criteria:

The unique interpersonal nature of the behavioral analysis profession requires that students in the M.S. in ABA program students should be evaluated for their fitness as providers of behavioral interventions. This comprehensive evaluation focuses on assessing the student’s academic achievement, the student’s demonstration of the personal dispositions needed in order to be an effective clinician, and the student’s adherence to the ethical standards of the profession defined by either the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics or the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts. If a student is found to be deficient, a concern conference will be held with the student in order to implement a remediation plan. If, after attempts at remediation, the student is still demonstrating inappropriate behaviors, or not achieving at an appropriate academic level, the student will be asked to leave the program. More detailed information about the department’s retention criteria can be found in its Graduate Student Handbook. Students should also review the Policies and Procedures section of this Bulletin.

Program Learning Goals:

1. Students will demonstrate master’s level theoretical knowledge and competencies in philosophical underpinnings, concepts and principles, ethics, behavior assessment, behavior-change procedures, and personnel supervision/management theoretical knowledge and competencies in Applied Behavior Analysis.

2. Students will demonstrate an empirical and critical thinking-based approach to applications of behavior analysis to problems of social and cultural importance.

3. Students will be proficient in master’s level specialized clinical Applied Behavior Analysis knowledge and skills in the areas of philosophical underpinnings, concepts and principles, measurement and experimental design, ethics, behavior assessment, behavior-change procedures, and personnel supervision/management theoretical knowledge and competencies. Further, graduates of the M.S. in ABA will be able to ethically employ the science of behavior to socially relevant behaviors prioritized by consumers.

4. Demonstrate the master’s-level foundational skills, underlying principles, and knowledge of measurement, data display, data interpretation, and experimental design in Applied Behavior Analysis.

5. Students in the masters in behavior analysis program engage in social action, embracing diversity, inclusive, and participatory practices that challenge the interconnected systems in which behavior exists and behavior change occurs.

6. Students in the masters in behavior analysis program engage in reflective scientific practice, informed by the science of behavior analysis, that cares for the whole person.

7. Students in the masters in behavior analysis program communicate effectively and engage collaboratively in inter- and multidisciplinary settings, with an emphasis on the application of their skills to a multiculturally sensitive and diverse population. Students in the program will be prepared to serve as leaders in the field locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Additionally, the M.S. in ABA program has additional learning goals based on the accreditation standards set by the Association for Applied Behavioral Analysis International (ABAI). ABAI M.S. standards require:

1. The students demonstrate knowledge and understanding founded upon bachelor’s-level studies.

2. Program extends and/or enhances knowledge typically associated with bachelor’s-level degree programs, and provides a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and/or applying ideas, often within a research context. 

3. The students apply their knowledge and understanding and problem solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study. 

4. The students communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.

5. The students study in a manner that may be largely self-directed or autonomous. 

Degree Requirements:

The M.S. in ABA  program is a 39 credit hour post-baccalaureate degree program designed such that full-time graduate students could complete the program in 2 years. It is possible that some students may need more than 2 years to complete the program.

Note: It may be possible for students to take some of their elective graduate level courses in other disciplines such as education, business, or counseling to complement their training and/or even attempt dual degrees and licensure. 

Required Courses:

Subtotal: 39

Concentration: Additional Fieldwork

Students may elect to complete additional fieldwork as they earn their M.S. in ABA. To that end, students enroll in 9 additional credits of supervised fieldwork before earning their degree.

Total: 48 credits