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ABA Degree Information
- Email Juane Heflin, or call 928-523-7640
Applied Behavior Analysis, Master of Education
The MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis incorporates the science of Behavior Analysis as it applies to meaningful, socially valid behavior change for individuals and organizations. The program prioritizes the design and implementation of high-quality interventions that facilitate individual achievement and promote quality of life for individuals with challenging behavior, their families, and the professionals who serve them. Content areas include basic and advanced principles of behavior, underlying theoretical and philosophical foundations of the science, behavior assessment, intervention development, and implementation of behavior change strategies, as well as ethical practice with individuals with a wide range of life experiences. Students will be guided through the process of learning from the analysis of existing research within a facilitated case-study model and then be expected to apply their understanding to real-life situations with guiding feedback. Pedagogy includes readings requiring active student responses, recorded lectures, interactive learning activities, and applied assignments. Students in this program will complete a single-case design research project to demonstrate competencies necessary for effective service provision after graduation. Students who complete this program and fulfill additional outside supervision requirements will be eligible to take the national exam to become BCBAs. Once certified, all graduates will be career-ready and uniquely qualified as behavior specialists in schools, agencies, and organizations. Graduates of the program can become direct care, consulting, and administrative professionals who competently support individuals with and without disabilities who are exhibiting challenging behavior (e.g., aggression, addictions, self-harm), as well as career professionals who promote organizational functioning and productivity. Once they are BCBAs, graduates can apply for licensure as a behavior analyst (LBA) in their states of residence. Students may complete the master's program in as few as five semesters by enrolling in two classes per semester. It is recommended that students do not exceed this course load, considering the rigorous nature of the program.
Requirements Accordion Open
To receive a master's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master's degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Individual degree programs may exceed the baseline University Policy for a master's degree. The program-specific requirements are provided on the Details tab below.
Read the full policy here.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis incorporates the science of Behavior Analysis as it applies to meaningful, socially valid behavior change for individuals and organizations. This new program prioritizes the design and implementation of high-quality interventions that facilitate individual achievement and promote quality of life for individuals with challenging behavior, their families, and the professionals who serve them. Content areas include basic and advanced principles of behavior, underlying theoretical and philosophical foundations of the science, behavior assessment, intervention development, and implementation of behavior change strategies, as well as ethical practice with diverse populations. Students will be guided through the process of learning from the analysis of existing research within a facilitated case-study model and then be expected to apply their understanding to real-life situations with immediate feedback. Pedagogy includes readings requiring active student responding, recorded lectures, interactive learning activities, and applied assignments. Students in this program will complete a single-case design research project. Students who complete this program and fulfill additional outside supervision requirements will be eligible to take the national exam to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Once certified, all graduates will be career-ready and uniquely qualified as behavior specialists in schools, agencies, and organizations. Graduates of the program can become direct care, consulting, and administrative professionals who competently support individuals with and without recognized disabilities who are exhibiting challenging behavior (e.g., aggression, addictions, self-harm), as well as career professionals who promote organizational functioning and productivity.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Compare the professional practice of applied behavior analysis to the historical, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of behaviorism and explain the impact of ongoing research.
- Describe and analyze human behavior at the individual, group, and organizational levels to promote meaningful and sustainable behavior change and improved outcomes.
- Select, design, and implement behavioral assessment procedures and utilize the results to inform behavioral interventions for reducing challenging behavior and increasing adaptive behavioral repertoires.
- Demonstrate competence in the measurement of behavior, graphic representation of the measures, and data analysis to make connections between research and socially valid practice.
- Apply the dimensions of behavior analysis (i.e., applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptually systematic, effective, and adept to generality) to reduce behaviors of concern, promote skill acquisition, foster self-determination, and improve quality of life for individuals with a variety of life experiences.
- Demonstrate data-based decision-making skills, including interpreting and evaluating single-case research to determine intervention effectiveness and make recommendations regarding continuation, modification, or discontinuation of interventions.
- Demonstrate competence in problem-solving by working collaboratively and compassionately with individual consumers, groups, agencies, and organizations to improve performance and quality of life
- Demonstrate competence in communicating with professional behavior analysts and non-behavior analytic communities, orally and in writing, using both technical terminology and common vernacular translations.
- Select, design, implement, and evaluate the effects of behavior analytic performance management and competency-based supervision systems, and utilize the results to inform supervision and consultation.
- Select, design, implement, and evaluate competency-based organization systems and demonstrate leadership by utilizing the results to inform consultation with organizations.
- Integrate ethical principles and responsible conduct in behavior assessment and intervention by describing cultural, legal, practical, professional, and compassionate implications for practice.
Details Accordion Closed
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Additional Admission Requirements
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- Responses to Specific Essay Questions*
*See the application for details.
Master's Requirements
This Master's degree requires 30 units.
Take the following 30 units:
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
- Elementary Education, MEd - Positive Behavior Support Emphasis
- Special Education, MEd - Positive Behavior Support Emphasis
- Positive Behavior Support, Graduate Certificate
Additional Information
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
The MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) incorporates the science of Behavior Analysis as it applies to meaningful, socially valid behavior change for individuals and organizations. Students who complete this program and fulfill additional outside supervision requirements will be eligible to take the national exam to become BCBAs. Graduates of the program can become direct care, consulting, and administrative professionals who competently support individuals with and without disabilities who are exhibiting challenging behavior (e.g., aggression, addictions, self-harm) and/or learning challenges, as well as career professionals who promote organizational functioning and productivity.
The BCBA credential is an internationally recognized professional credential. Becoming a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA, or similar license) is a state-established credential related to specific state regulations. Obtaining a BCBA credential is often the most efficient way of acquiring licensure in many states. In other states, BCBAs must also be licensed to practice, which may mean meeting requirements beyond becoming a BCBA. It is your responsibility to understand whether you must also become credentialed by the state to practice where you live. Since licensure requirements vary state-by-state, the BACB has created a webpage to help you in this process: https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/