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Applied Behavioral Analysis and Special Education Online Degree
Classes Begin: January 5, 2026Drexel University is Regionally Accredited
***The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis & Special Education program will not be accepting new students for the Academic Year 2025-2026. More information to follow.***
MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education
Today’s schools demand professionals trained in the science of human behavior and special education to help students with disabilities learn both academic and life skills. Drexel’s MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education program combines the skills needed to educate these students with the specialized field of applied behavior analysis, which includes established principles, practices, and tools applicable across a wide array of settings.
Graduates are prepared for positions such as:
- Special Education Teacher
- Behavior Analyst
- Behavior Support Specialist
- Autism Support Specialist
- Autism Support Teacher
- Intervention Specialist
Program Features
- Online coursework provides the flexibility to learn when it’s convenient for you
- Opportunities to apply learning in field placement sites near you
- Prepares you to obtain a Pennsylvania Special Education Certification and meet the coursework requirements for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) credential
 |
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified Drexel's 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. |
Archived Webinars
- How is it only January? Survival Strategies for the Classroom Teacher
- Online Open House: Applied Behavior Analysis Programs
- Online Open House: Special Education Programs
Related Programs
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.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
A field component is required in most courses.
| Required Courses | ||
| ABA 630 | Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change | 4.5 |
| ABA 632 | Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis | 4.5 |
| ABA 633 | Behavioral Interventions | 4.5 |
| ABA 635 | Ethical Considerations and Professional Conduct | 4.5 |
| ABA 636 | Applications of Fundamental Elements of Behavior Analysis | 4.5 |
| ABA 731 | Research Methods and Practice | 4.5 |
| EDEX 536 | Special Education Law and Process | 3.0 |
| EDEX 543 | Emotional and Behavioral Support of Individuals with Disabilities | 3.0 |
| EDEX 549 | Teaching Individuals with High Incident Disabilities | 3.0 |
| EDEX 550 | Teaching Individuals with Low Incident Disabilities | 3.0 |
| EDEX 552 | Integrating Technology for Learning & Achievement | 3.0 |
| EDEX 555 | Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3.0 |
| EDEX 578 | Special Education Practicum PK-12 | 3.0 |
| EDEX 588 | Implementing Academic Interventions in Inclusive Educational Environments | 3.0 |
| Concentration Options | ||
| Select from the options below: | 24.0 | |
| Initial Certification | ||
|
EDEX 514
|
Special Education Student Teaching Seminar | |
|
EDEX 542
|
Fundamentals of Special Education | |
|
EDEX 544
|
Inclusive Practices | |
|
EDEX 568
|
Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12 | |
|
EDUC 515
|
Adolescent Learners | |
|
EDUC 521
|
Typical and Atypical Development in Early Childhood Education | |
|
EDUC 565
|
Foundations in Instructing English Language Learners | |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder | ||
|
EDEX 556
|
Characteristics & Methods: Autism | |
|
EDEX 558
|
Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism | |
|
EDEX 560
|
Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders | |
|
EDEX 562
|
Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders | |
| Students must also complete the following: | ||
|
EDEX 575
|
Teaching STEAM in an Inclusive Environment PK-12 | |
| Special Education Law and Process | ||
|
EDEX 600
|
Family, School and Community Engagement in Special Education | |
|
EDEX 601
|
Special Education Advocacy | |
|
EDEX 602
|
Special Education Dispute Resolution and Skills Training | |
|
EDEX 710
|
School Law & Policy in Special Education | |
| Students must also complete the following: | ||
|
EDEX 575
|
Teaching STEAM in an Inclusive Environment PK-12 | |
| Students selecting Autism Spectrum Disorders or Collaboartive Law and Process Concentration must also complete capstone sequence | ||
|
ABA 780
|
Capstone in ABA I | |
|
ABA 781
|
Capstone in ABA II | |
| Total Credits | 75.0 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal essay addressing the following:
- Why you’re interested in this field
- Why you’re interested in attending the program at Drexel University
- Your career goals and how Drexel’s program will help you achieve them
- How this program relates to your previous education and/or work experience
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 0-1 is $0 per credit.
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans, you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2025-2026 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2025
September 22, 2025
December 6, 2025
December 8, 2025
December 13, 2025
Winter 2026
January 5, 2026
March 14, 2026
March 16, 2026
March 21, 2026
Spring 2026
March 30, 2026
June 6, 2026
June 8, 2026
June 13, 2026
Summer 2026
June 22, 2026
August 29, 2026
August 31, 2026
September 5, 2026
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