MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, Online/Weekend Residency Option

Millions of Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder. This is creating a high demand for professionals who understand behavior and learning. With an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Drexel, you’ll build the skills to help others improve their lives by adopting positive behaviors.

The interactive format of this program blends face-to-face weekend residencies on Drexel University's campus in Philadelphia, PA with online classes. It is perfect for the working professional located in or near Philadelphia. Completion of the program will satisfy the course requirements needed to be eligible to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst Examination® (BCBA) exam.

What is a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the application of the science of learning and behavior. The methods of ABA help many kinds of learners, such as those on the Autism spectrum, decrease harmful behaviors in favor of more useful ones. This can take the form of increased language and communication skills, social interactions, healthy life choices, and attention span.

Drexel’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis focuses on providing evidence-based ABA principles, practices, and behavioral assessment tools in an Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)-verified curriculum. Through an in-depth exploration of how behavior works, you will also learn practical ways to apply these methods to solve social, behavioral and learning problems.

Some of the key areas you’ll study in Drexel's program include functional analysis and consultation. Using these ABA methods, you will better understand how to help care for and teach learners of varying skill levels and at different stages in their lifespan.

As such, the program is ideal for special education teachers, school psychologists, social workers, and case managers. Yet it also meets the needs of other professionals outside these fields who want to pursue an ABA-focused career.

Program Features and Benefits

• The blended online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis program features an ABAI-verified set of courses.
• You will have access to the latest research from the AJ Drexel Autism Institute, which boasts renowned staff who are widely-published and respected in the field.
• The MS in ABA highlights Drexel’s signature focus on collaboration and experience. Students enrolled in the Online/Weekend Residency program take courses online and also meet face-to-face two weekends per quarter on Drexel's campus in Philadelphia, PA. This format offers the convenience of taking courses online with the opportunity to meet professors and classmates in person and practice key skills.
• You’ll have the opportunity to be mentored by our faculty and partner with them on research projects.

Master's in ABA Concentrations

Tailor your Master's in ABA through one of these concentrations:

Advanced Topics in ABA
You'll gain expanded education in the field of behavior analysis that will prepare you for advanced roles in the field or doctoral studies. This concentration provides an in-depth analysis of topics such as verbal behavior, behavioral economics, and equivalence-based instruction.

Autism Spectrum Disorders
Take a deeper dive into the study of autism by completing a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders, which emphasizes communication, language skills and research-based approaches.

Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellness
You'll take courses focused on how to identify and address social, emotional, and behavioral barriers to learning as well as how to develop best practices for building collaborative partnerships with families, patients, and the larger educational community using evidence-based strategies.

ABAI Verified Online MS in ABA

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified Drexel's MS in ABA course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Additional requirements will need to be met before you can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

Related Programs

• Dual Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education
• MS in Applied Behavior Analysis - Online
• Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.