MA in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Gain skills to help you advocate for those with disabilities and improve the teaching strategies used to impact their success in the classroom.

Enhance Student Performance with a Master’s in Behavior Analysis

Learn to identify social significant behaviors and use behavior intervention to help students improve in the classroom. By pursuing a master’s degree in special education with a concentration in applied behavior, you’ll gain skills for collecting data on behaviors, implementing behavior change procedures and evaluating progress. This MA in Special Education curriculum aligns with the Council for Exceptional Children's Advanced Content Standards.

As a Master of Arts in Special Education, ABA  student, you will:

  • Define, measure and assess behavior using evidence-based best practices.
  • Explore different strategies for experimental design.
  • Explore evidence-based best practices for gathering and evaluating behavioral data.
  • Understand factors that influence behavior change.
  • Learn appropriate educational technology for addressing and identifying behavioral needs.

Next Session

Fall II (Oct 23, 2023)

Estimated Tuition

Ways to Learn

Online

WSCUC

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing.

What can you do with Special Education: Behavior Analysis

Results for [location name]

Enter your zip code.
Pease enter a valid zip code to proceed.
No data is available for this zip code. Showing data for Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA.

Loading

Top Organizations Hiring

    Prepare yourself for
    0
    job openings (in the last 12 months)

    Related Occupations

    Growth1 Median Salary2

    Data source: Lightcast™ 2022 www.lightcast.io

    The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

    1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032

    2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly

    3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

    Compared to a brick and mortar, the professors are more open and I was able to learn better from them. The online community is what kept me going. I think this is the first time in my life that I can say I am proud of myself. 
    Leonard W.
    MA in Special Education, Behavior Analysis
    *Brandman University is now UMass Global
    Amy J.
    I took the Autism classes [through Extended Education] and found the passion of special education, which I really never thought of as an option. I finished the Autism program and enrolled in the Master of Special Education.  I have learned to reflect on my teaching and determine if I am reaching all students and on how to better reach any struggling students.
    Amy J.
    MA, Special Education
    kelly howell brandman
    My first experience with Brandman* was when I was a special education teacher when my district paired up with them for an autism certificate.  I liked it because I was able to still work and do everything else I needed to do.
    Kelly H.
    MA, Educational Leadership and Administration
    *Brandman University is now UMass Global

    Admission Requirements

    Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

    • Completed application
    • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
    • Hold a current special education teaching credential or take EDUU 511 Collaboration For Inclusive Schooling
    • Resume showing at least part-time employment in a field which uses Applied Behavior Analysis (i.e., education, medicine, social work, occupational or speech therapy)
    • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
    Transcripts

    Only credits from regionally accredited institutions may be accepted in transfer. Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university may be considered a violation of academic integrity.

    HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MASTER'S IN BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>

    Master of Arts in Special Education Program Curriculum

    •  Prerequisite:    
       EDUU 511  Collaboration For Inclusive Schooling for current special education credential 3
       Core (18 credits)    
      EDUU 600 Research and Evaluation Methods

      3

      EDUU 630 Leadership and Policy in Special Education

      3

      EDUU 631 Program Development and Organization in Special Education

      3

      EDUU 632 Advanced Assessment and Program Evaluation in Special Education

      3

      EDUU 661 Collaboration in Special Education

      3

      EDUU 633 Special Education Capstone

      3

      Emphasis Area Elective Courses

      12-21

      When applying, students must select one emphasis area from the options below.

       

      Total Credits

      33-42

    • Students admitting into the Behavior Analysis emphasis area must be employed at least part-time in a field of employment which uses Applied Behavior Analysis. It is strongly recommended that candidates complete their Behavior Analysis emphasis area courses prior to taking the core courses. ABA courses are taken in sequential order at a maximum of one course per session. See an advisor for more information.

      EDUU 692 The Science and Philosophical Underpinnings of Applied Behavior Analysis

      3

      EDUU 693 The Foundational Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis

      3

      EDUU 694 Using and Analyzing Measurement, Data and Experimental Design in Applied Behavior Analysis

      3

      EDUU 695 Assessment to Guide and Evaluate Intervention in Applied Behavior Analysis

      3

      EDUU 696 Selecting and Implementing Interventions for Behavior Change in Applied Behavior Analysis

      3

      EDUU 697 Program Oversight, Collaboration and Management in Applied Behavior Analysis

      3

      EDUU 698 Ethical Behavior and the Compliance Code for Applied Behavior Analysis   
      Total Credits

      21

    Want More Information About Teaching?

    Explore career opportunities in education that fit your future.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Learn more about special education and strategies that can prepare you for the classroom.

    Special Education

    What are key characteristics of a special education teacher?

    There are many characteristics that are essential for teachers who work with special needs students. Some examples include:

    • They are active listeners
    • They have strong social perception skills
    • They understand how to support different learning styles
    • They’re adept at complex problem solving
    • They are service oriented

    Find out more about these qualities and explore if this helping profession is right for you.  

    What is the difference between special education and inclusive education?

    Historically, students with disabilities were segregated from general education peers in public schools, which was the typical scenario referred to by the term “special education.” Today, many schools are restructuring to move toward an “inclusive education” model, wherein general education and special needs students learn together in the same classroom. Get strategies for fostering inclusive learning

    What is an IEP?

    IEP stands for “Individualized Education Program.” Once a child has been evaluated and their eligibility for services is confirmed, the IEP serves as the roadmap for success based on the student’s unique needs. Parents work with a team of educators to craft it and document their child’s progress and development. 

    Take the next step toward your Master's in Special Education at UMass Global

    Further your education with a few questions

    Student Type
    Please enter your zip code to proceed.
    Please enter a valid zip code to proceed.
    Please select a degree type
    Please select your area of interest
    Please select a program type
    Please select a session
    Please enter your name
    Please enter your last name
    Please enter your email to proceed
    Please enter a valid email address
    Please enter your phone number to proceed.
    Please enter a valid phone number.

    About UMass Global

    Earn your bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or certificate at UMass Global, a regionally accredited university.

    We value your privacy

    By submitting this form, I agree that UMass Global may contact me about educational services by voice, pre-recorded message and/or text message using automated technology, at the phone number provided, including wireless numbers. I understand that my consent is not required to attend University of Massachusetts Global. Privacy Policy