Enhance Student Performance with a Master’s in Special Education and focus on Behavior Analysis

Learn to identify socially significant behaviors and use behavior intervention to help students improve in the classroom. By pursuing a Master of Arts in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), you’ll gain skills for collecting data on behaviors, implementing behavior change procedures, and evaluating progress. The curriculum of this Special Education master's degree aligns with the Council for Exceptional Children's Advanced Content Standards and meets the 5th task list coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination. To be admitted into this ABA emphasis, students must be employed at least part-time in a field of employment that uses Applied Behavior Analysis.

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.

At a Glance

Online
33 Credits
$730/Credit
Help me estimate my cost
Next Start Date
Summer II (Jun 23, 2025)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Ethics

Ethical Excellence

Grow professionally by embracing ethical practices and impactful research to support special needs communities.

Leadership

Aligned with Standards

Aligned to the highest national standards in leadership, including the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Education Leaders Standards.

Standards

ABAI Verified

Become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with our nationally recognized ABAI course sequence that meets the 5th task list coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BCBA examination.

Career Outlook for MA in Special Education (Applied Behavioral Analyst)

Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 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

Courses You Might Take

EDUU 692

The Science and Philosophical Underpinnings of Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits
EDUU 694

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

3 Credits
EDUU 695

Assessment to Guide and Evaluate Intervention in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits
EDUU 696

Selecting and Implementing Interventions for Behavior Change in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits
EDUU 697

Program Oversight, Collaboration and Management in Applied Behavior Analysis

3 Credits
EDUU 698

Ethical Behavior and the Compliance Code for Applied Behavior Analysts

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Woman shaking hands with man

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Our Faculty

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Take the next step toward your Master's in Special Education at 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)
  • 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

Graduate Level Exams

This Master’s degree program does not require applicants to take costly exams like the GRE/GMAT. Why? Because we value your professional and life experience. You should get credit for what you already know.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

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

Association for Behavior Analysis International

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional eligibility requirements and demonstrate they reside in an authorized country and province [Canada] before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

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Testimonials

Leonard testimonial image for Brandman

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.
Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, MA
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.
Special Education, MA
North Orange County ROP, Career Technical Education Teacher in the Education Pathway

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Historically, students with disabilities were taught separately from other students, hence the term "special education." That is no longer the case. Today, schools strive to deliver "inclusive education," where special education services are delivered in the general education environment. "All means all" is the philosophy where all students can learn together in the same classroom. Get strategies for fostering inclusive learning.

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